The use of preservatives in natural bodycare products has been a source of controversy for a number of years. This article will focus on the most contentious of the preservative groups - parabens.
A paraben is part of a group of chemicals called esters (esters occur when an alcohol meets an acid) , used by cosmetic companies for many years and have been considered generally safe. Using parabens is a cost effective way to preserve cosmetics with a low risk of odor and a change to the texture of the product. It works as an anti-microbial agent, preventing bacteria and mold from getting into products. The most common forms are: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens can also be found in combinations such as Phenonip and Germaben. Manufacturers usually add 0.1% - 1% to their formulations.
However, there has been recent concerns surrounding the use of parabens in cosmetics. Most of this controversy stems from a study that showed higher estrogenic activity in women who had breast cancer. The assumption was that using products that had parabens (such as deodorants and lotions) on areas with thinner skin (underarms) lead to the cancer.
In subsequent studies (including one by the American Cancer Society), have shown this to not be true. According to their website "There is no good scientific evidence to support this claim. The American Cancer Society is not aware of any strong epidemiologic studies reporting a statistical link between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use."
For manufacturers who are concerned about the use of parabens, but want to use a product with proven effectiveness, I would recommend Phenoxyethanol - also known commercially as Optiphen. Phenoxyethanol can be added to formulations the same way you would add parabens. Optiphen also works as an anti-microbial agent and also does not release formaldehyde.
As consumers become more aware about ingredients in cosmetics, the marketplace is responding by seeking out better and more conscious products. For the manufacturer, it is a matter of answering customer demand. Hopefully, this is only the beginning of research into safer ways of making and preserving cosmetics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caren_Young
Monday, October 27, 2008
Practical Ways to Prevent Cancer
Cancer is one the leading causes of death all over the globe. It can be a real threat in one's health. You can prevent acquiring this disease by implementing practical tips on small lifestyle changes that can drastically keep you away from the risk of developing this dreaded disease.
Check on your family history
There are certain types of cancer that may be genetic. It is important that you know your family history of cancer so you can change your lifestyle accordingly to avoid getting the same disease. Knowing that you are at a higher risk of cancer can help you make informed choices about your health.
Stay away from cigarettes
The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. You can also be at risk of cancer if you are getting second hand smoke. It is important to stay away from cigarettes and cigarette smokers. If you have a habit of smoking, quit today!
Exercise daily
Obese people are more prone to cancer. You can shed off excess fat and body weight by exercising daily. Doing so can help you create a stronger defense against cancer.
Stay away from too much sun
Although morning sunshine contains vitamin D, being exposed to too much sunlight can put you at risk of skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can do you harm especially during the hours of 10 am to 2 pm.
Enjoy eating fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetable are very good for the body and contains antioxidants that can repair malfunctioning cells. Antioxidants have great cancer preventing properties.
Drinks lots and lots of water
Research shows that people who drink 8 glasses of water a day can reduce the risk of cancer of the bladder. It can also help lessen the risk of colon cancer and aides in the normal functioning of the body systems.
Easy on the alcohol
Excessive drinking can actually be a cancer risk factor to certain types of cancer. Limit the amount of alcohol you take. A glass of beer or wine actually has some health benefits, but don't overdo it.
Avoid smoked or cured foods
Watch the meat that you eat. They may contain animal fat that may put you at more risk of cancer. Stay away from salted fish, pickled vegetables and smoked or cured foods.
Stay away from hazardous chemicals
You should know what chemicals you are exposed to at home and in the workplace. There are a number of chemicals that are carcinogens and can put you at risk. Some of the chemicals are vinyl chloride, coal products, gasoline, arsenic, diesel exhaust and nickel chromates, among others.
Visit your doctor for regular check-ups
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tan_Joel_Wyn
Check on your family history
There are certain types of cancer that may be genetic. It is important that you know your family history of cancer so you can change your lifestyle accordingly to avoid getting the same disease. Knowing that you are at a higher risk of cancer can help you make informed choices about your health.
Stay away from cigarettes
The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. You can also be at risk of cancer if you are getting second hand smoke. It is important to stay away from cigarettes and cigarette smokers. If you have a habit of smoking, quit today!
Exercise daily
Obese people are more prone to cancer. You can shed off excess fat and body weight by exercising daily. Doing so can help you create a stronger defense against cancer.
Stay away from too much sun
Although morning sunshine contains vitamin D, being exposed to too much sunlight can put you at risk of skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can do you harm especially during the hours of 10 am to 2 pm.
Enjoy eating fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetable are very good for the body and contains antioxidants that can repair malfunctioning cells. Antioxidants have great cancer preventing properties.
Drinks lots and lots of water
Research shows that people who drink 8 glasses of water a day can reduce the risk of cancer of the bladder. It can also help lessen the risk of colon cancer and aides in the normal functioning of the body systems.
Easy on the alcohol
Excessive drinking can actually be a cancer risk factor to certain types of cancer. Limit the amount of alcohol you take. A glass of beer or wine actually has some health benefits, but don't overdo it.
Avoid smoked or cured foods
Watch the meat that you eat. They may contain animal fat that may put you at more risk of cancer. Stay away from salted fish, pickled vegetables and smoked or cured foods.
Stay away from hazardous chemicals
You should know what chemicals you are exposed to at home and in the workplace. There are a number of chemicals that are carcinogens and can put you at risk. Some of the chemicals are vinyl chloride, coal products, gasoline, arsenic, diesel exhaust and nickel chromates, among others.
Visit your doctor for regular check-ups
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tan_Joel_Wyn
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Immune System, Inflammation, and Cancer
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM EXPLAINED
The immune system is wonderful system of cells and signaling cytokines that fight infections and keep us healthy. We come in contact with billions of microorganisms every day. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. To protect us, we have an immune system. The immune system is a fascinating collection of infection fighting white blood cells and their partners the complement system and cytokines.
The complement system contains small proteins which circulate throughout the blood system. Their job is to recognize foreign substances (antigens), bind to them, and then activate the rest of the system. They stick to the bad cells and mark them so that the other immune cells can recognize the infectious cells. Another role of the complement system is to kill bacteria.
The next group is phagocytes. These cells can eat bacteria a process called phagocytosis. The phagocytes include granulocytes, macrophages which are converted monocytes, and dendritic cells. This system of cells is the first line of defense against infections.
Lymphocytes make up the next set. There are different types of lymphocytes and each has a specific function. T-helper cells are the main regulators of the immune system. When they come in contact with an antigen presenting cell such as a macrophage that has just eaten a bacteria, the helper cell is activated and it then helps turn on the rest of the immune system. Another type of T-cell is a killer T-cell. These cells circulate in the body looking for infections or infected normal cells, or even cancer cells. Their job is quite simple, when they find a bad cell, they kill it. B-lymphocytes help the immune system kill bacteria by producing immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins act as tags that mark bacteria for removal by the phagocytes. These are produced every time you get and infection or an immunization. When the same bug invades your body, the B-lymphocytes remember and then produce more immunoglobulins via the plasma cells to help kill the infection.
Finally, there are substances called cytokines. These substances are used for a variety of purposes. They help the cells signal to each other, they can act as growth factors, they recruit immune cells, they activate immune cells, they turn off immune cells, and some even act as hormones. The cytokines are very important to keep the system running and they need to be in a balance. There are cytokines to turn on the system and to turn off the system. When there is an imbalance, the end result is either an immune deficiency or an overactive immune system. The overactive immune system is what is involved in chronic inflammation and this is a bad thing because of the diseases chronic inflammation causes. In fact, chronic inflammation has been implicated in heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer.
INFLAMMATION AND CANCER
We have known about inflammation and cancer since 1863 when Rudolph Virchow discovered white blood cells in tumor tissues. Today, the connection between chronic inflammation and cancer is commonly accepted. Some common examples of cancers resulting from chronic inflammation include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease leading to bowel cancers. Barrett's esophagus results in cancer of the esophagus. Celiac disease can lead to small bowel lymphomas. Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to lymphoma of the thyroid.
Inflammation stimulates tumor development at all stages; initiation, progression, and metastasis. Tumor initiation is the process when a normal cell becomes malignant. Tumor progression is the process by which the cancer cell grows, and metastasis is the process by which the cancer cell spreads to distant sites either through the lymphatics to the lymph nodes or through the blood to distant organs.
The role inflammation plays in tumor cell initiation is clear but the mechanism is not worked out yet. It is thought to be a two part process. The inflammatory cells are responsible for secreting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These normally are used to kill bacteria or virus-infected normal cells. In a chronic state, these ROS and RNS can damage the DNA of normal cells causing mutations. A mutation in an oncogene can be the initial process that eventually leads to a cancer. The second step is the inflammatory cells secrete cytokines that increase cell growth, so not only are the cells stimulated to grow but they are doing so in an environment full of ROS and RNS setting up a perfect situation to produce mutated oncogenes.
The manner in which chronic inflammation encourages tumor cell progression is not well described. It is thought that the inflammatory cytokines produce many effects especially growth promotion and degradation of the tissues surrounding the tumor (stromal matrix) which helps tumor cells spread and migrate.
Finally, the milieu of cytokines also encourages metastasis. Some of them serve as growth factors for blood vessel formation. This is called angiogenesis and it is necessary for tumor cells to metastasize. Additionally, as the blood vessels are being formed around the tumor cell, additional cytokines have protease activity which break down the stromal matrix and allow the cancer cells to migrate in to the blood vessel and then metastasize.
When the immune system is in good working order, we remain in the best of health protected from infections and also cancers. A healthy immune is our best defense, but what foods are best for your immune system? Here is a list, and as always, it is best to get these nutrients directly from foods rather than a pill.
NINE OF THE BEST IMMUNE BOOSTING NUTRIENTS
1. Vitamin C: Increases the production of white blood cells, antibodies, and the production of interferon. Only 200 mg/day is necessary. Mega doses end up in the toilet. It is best to get your vitamin C from citrus fruits, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and sweet and white potatoes.
2. Vitamin E: Improves natural killer cell and B cell function. It can be found in seeds, oils and grains.
3. Carotenoids: Vitamin A and beta-carotene increase infection fighting cells and are powerful anti-oxidants. They have also been found to have anti-cancer activity and can be found in green leafy vegetables, intensely colored vegetables, fish, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
4. Bioflavenoids: Are anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. They improve cell walls and are essential to absorb vitamin C. Bioflavenoids can be found along side vitamin C in citrus fruits.
5. Zinc: Improves production of white blood cells especially T cells. Zinc has been shown in clinical studies to duration of common cold. You can find zinc in peanuts, peas, lentils, and lima beans.
6. Garlic: Boosts white blood cells, natural killer cells, and production of antibodies. It also has direct anti-bacterial effects. Try to add garlic whenever possible to your diet.
7. Selenium: Increases natural killer cells and cancer fighting cells. There is some promising evidence of its cancer prevention abilities.
8. Omega-3 fatty acids: Is a very beneficial fat. It is anti-inflammatory, associated with good heart health, boosts immune system especially the phagocytes, and has anti-cancer effects.
9. Mushrooms: Known for centuries to have immune boosting qualities in the Orient. Maitake, Reishi, and Shiitake strengthen the immune system and fight diseases like cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Avery_M.D.
The immune system is wonderful system of cells and signaling cytokines that fight infections and keep us healthy. We come in contact with billions of microorganisms every day. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. To protect us, we have an immune system. The immune system is a fascinating collection of infection fighting white blood cells and their partners the complement system and cytokines.
The complement system contains small proteins which circulate throughout the blood system. Their job is to recognize foreign substances (antigens), bind to them, and then activate the rest of the system. They stick to the bad cells and mark them so that the other immune cells can recognize the infectious cells. Another role of the complement system is to kill bacteria.
The next group is phagocytes. These cells can eat bacteria a process called phagocytosis. The phagocytes include granulocytes, macrophages which are converted monocytes, and dendritic cells. This system of cells is the first line of defense against infections.
Lymphocytes make up the next set. There are different types of lymphocytes and each has a specific function. T-helper cells are the main regulators of the immune system. When they come in contact with an antigen presenting cell such as a macrophage that has just eaten a bacteria, the helper cell is activated and it then helps turn on the rest of the immune system. Another type of T-cell is a killer T-cell. These cells circulate in the body looking for infections or infected normal cells, or even cancer cells. Their job is quite simple, when they find a bad cell, they kill it. B-lymphocytes help the immune system kill bacteria by producing immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins act as tags that mark bacteria for removal by the phagocytes. These are produced every time you get and infection or an immunization. When the same bug invades your body, the B-lymphocytes remember and then produce more immunoglobulins via the plasma cells to help kill the infection.
Finally, there are substances called cytokines. These substances are used for a variety of purposes. They help the cells signal to each other, they can act as growth factors, they recruit immune cells, they activate immune cells, they turn off immune cells, and some even act as hormones. The cytokines are very important to keep the system running and they need to be in a balance. There are cytokines to turn on the system and to turn off the system. When there is an imbalance, the end result is either an immune deficiency or an overactive immune system. The overactive immune system is what is involved in chronic inflammation and this is a bad thing because of the diseases chronic inflammation causes. In fact, chronic inflammation has been implicated in heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer.
INFLAMMATION AND CANCER
We have known about inflammation and cancer since 1863 when Rudolph Virchow discovered white blood cells in tumor tissues. Today, the connection between chronic inflammation and cancer is commonly accepted. Some common examples of cancers resulting from chronic inflammation include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease leading to bowel cancers. Barrett's esophagus results in cancer of the esophagus. Celiac disease can lead to small bowel lymphomas. Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to lymphoma of the thyroid.
Inflammation stimulates tumor development at all stages; initiation, progression, and metastasis. Tumor initiation is the process when a normal cell becomes malignant. Tumor progression is the process by which the cancer cell grows, and metastasis is the process by which the cancer cell spreads to distant sites either through the lymphatics to the lymph nodes or through the blood to distant organs.
The role inflammation plays in tumor cell initiation is clear but the mechanism is not worked out yet. It is thought to be a two part process. The inflammatory cells are responsible for secreting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These normally are used to kill bacteria or virus-infected normal cells. In a chronic state, these ROS and RNS can damage the DNA of normal cells causing mutations. A mutation in an oncogene can be the initial process that eventually leads to a cancer. The second step is the inflammatory cells secrete cytokines that increase cell growth, so not only are the cells stimulated to grow but they are doing so in an environment full of ROS and RNS setting up a perfect situation to produce mutated oncogenes.
The manner in which chronic inflammation encourages tumor cell progression is not well described. It is thought that the inflammatory cytokines produce many effects especially growth promotion and degradation of the tissues surrounding the tumor (stromal matrix) which helps tumor cells spread and migrate.
Finally, the milieu of cytokines also encourages metastasis. Some of them serve as growth factors for blood vessel formation. This is called angiogenesis and it is necessary for tumor cells to metastasize. Additionally, as the blood vessels are being formed around the tumor cell, additional cytokines have protease activity which break down the stromal matrix and allow the cancer cells to migrate in to the blood vessel and then metastasize.
When the immune system is in good working order, we remain in the best of health protected from infections and also cancers. A healthy immune is our best defense, but what foods are best for your immune system? Here is a list, and as always, it is best to get these nutrients directly from foods rather than a pill.
NINE OF THE BEST IMMUNE BOOSTING NUTRIENTS
1. Vitamin C: Increases the production of white blood cells, antibodies, and the production of interferon. Only 200 mg/day is necessary. Mega doses end up in the toilet. It is best to get your vitamin C from citrus fruits, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and sweet and white potatoes.
2. Vitamin E: Improves natural killer cell and B cell function. It can be found in seeds, oils and grains.
3. Carotenoids: Vitamin A and beta-carotene increase infection fighting cells and are powerful anti-oxidants. They have also been found to have anti-cancer activity and can be found in green leafy vegetables, intensely colored vegetables, fish, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
4. Bioflavenoids: Are anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. They improve cell walls and are essential to absorb vitamin C. Bioflavenoids can be found along side vitamin C in citrus fruits.
5. Zinc: Improves production of white blood cells especially T cells. Zinc has been shown in clinical studies to duration of common cold. You can find zinc in peanuts, peas, lentils, and lima beans.
6. Garlic: Boosts white blood cells, natural killer cells, and production of antibodies. It also has direct anti-bacterial effects. Try to add garlic whenever possible to your diet.
7. Selenium: Increases natural killer cells and cancer fighting cells. There is some promising evidence of its cancer prevention abilities.
8. Omega-3 fatty acids: Is a very beneficial fat. It is anti-inflammatory, associated with good heart health, boosts immune system especially the phagocytes, and has anti-cancer effects.
9. Mushrooms: Known for centuries to have immune boosting qualities in the Orient. Maitake, Reishi, and Shiitake strengthen the immune system and fight diseases like cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Avery_M.D.
Are Chemical Fertilizers Causing Ovarian Cancer?
Talk about chemical fertilizers shouldn't just be limited to our gardens. Time and time again, new studies reveal the damaging effects of chemical fertilizers on human life. A study conducted at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Brisbane, Australia compared over 800 women with ovarian cancer and found surprising results.
What researchers found is that women who ate two or more eggs per week had double the risk of ovarian cancer. The culprit? The abundance of chemical fertilizers routinely used by chicken farmers. (This shouldn't come as a surprise if you know anything about the effects of chemical fertilizers.)
Dr. David Purdie, a researcher at the institute, believes that chickens exposed to fertilizers or pesticides while they forage for food may pick up the poisons in these agricultural products and transfer them to their eggs. Easily passed from the mother hen, chemical fertilizers or pesticides make their way into the egg. We then eat the eggs, unaware of the hazardous chemicals that we are consuming. Although many of the substances thought to cause ovarian cancer have been since banned, these chemicals have a tendency to stay in the environment for a very long time.
Interestingly, the study also suggests that these women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer were actually first exposed to these chemicals by eating contaminated eggs twenty or thirty years ago. What happens is that these harmful chemicals accumulate in the body and are never disposed of. Years later, their harmful effects surface in the form of cancer, specifically of the ovarian kind.
Thankfully, the risk of cancer from eating eggs is probably less now than it was decades ago because chicken farmers have since recognized that a lot of fertilizers used to grow chicken feed are, in fact, dangerous. It also helps that many farmers are now using all-natural fertilizers which guarantee healthy, organic eggs for consumers.
So what can you do to avoid this risk? Eat eggs marked organic. We have more options at the grocery store than we had decades ago. Be selective of the eggs you buy in your local grocery store. Check the labels first. Don't settle for something that may cause you cancer twenty or thirty years from now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_A._Williams
What researchers found is that women who ate two or more eggs per week had double the risk of ovarian cancer. The culprit? The abundance of chemical fertilizers routinely used by chicken farmers. (This shouldn't come as a surprise if you know anything about the effects of chemical fertilizers.)
Dr. David Purdie, a researcher at the institute, believes that chickens exposed to fertilizers or pesticides while they forage for food may pick up the poisons in these agricultural products and transfer them to their eggs. Easily passed from the mother hen, chemical fertilizers or pesticides make their way into the egg. We then eat the eggs, unaware of the hazardous chemicals that we are consuming. Although many of the substances thought to cause ovarian cancer have been since banned, these chemicals have a tendency to stay in the environment for a very long time.
Interestingly, the study also suggests that these women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer were actually first exposed to these chemicals by eating contaminated eggs twenty or thirty years ago. What happens is that these harmful chemicals accumulate in the body and are never disposed of. Years later, their harmful effects surface in the form of cancer, specifically of the ovarian kind.
Thankfully, the risk of cancer from eating eggs is probably less now than it was decades ago because chicken farmers have since recognized that a lot of fertilizers used to grow chicken feed are, in fact, dangerous. It also helps that many farmers are now using all-natural fertilizers which guarantee healthy, organic eggs for consumers.
So what can you do to avoid this risk? Eat eggs marked organic. We have more options at the grocery store than we had decades ago. Be selective of the eggs you buy in your local grocery store. Check the labels first. Don't settle for something that may cause you cancer twenty or thirty years from now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_A._Williams
Friday, October 17, 2008
Coping With the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
For some forms of cancer, such as leukemia or ovarian cancer, chemotherapy is the main form of treatment available. In other cases, such as mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer caused by asbestos) or colon cancer, chemotherapy is an adjuvant therapy, meaning that it is administered after the main treatment. When possible, the main treatment is usually surgery to remove the cancerous growth, followed by chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancerous cells.
Even when chemotherapy is only being used as an adjacent treatment, it can still have serious side effects. This article will describe the most common symptoms suffered by chemo patients, and give advice on how to counteract them.
One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is nausea. Doctors can prescribe drugs to help patients cope with this. These drugs will either be anti-nausea, meaning that they help to combat the feeling of queasiness, or antiemetic, meaning that they help prevent vomiting. One of the more common anti-nausea drugs is Compasine. Zofran is a widely-prescribed antiemetic. THC, the active component of marijuana, has also shown to be effective in treating nausea. If you live in an area where medical marijuana is available, this might be a good option to look into. If not, the prescription drug Marinol, which is essentially synthetic THC, may help.
There are also remedies besides drugs that can help with nausea. Some people report that tea made with chamomile or caraway seed helped them feel better. Other patients rely on drinks such as ginger ale or sports drinks to calm their stomachs. Mild broths are usually easy to keep down and can be soothing. Alternative medications such as acupuncture or aromatherapy also help some people.
Many chemotherapy patients experience memory problems and a "foggy" feeling. This is commonly known as "chemo-brain," and it can be a real nuisance. Some patients find that mild physical and mental exercise helps - take walks when you're up to it, and work on puzzles or riddles to stay sharp. Taking careful notes on everything you need to remember can help you cope with memory issues.
One of the most widely-known side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. This may seem trivial, but many cancer patients, particularly women, are concerned about their appearance while undergoing treatment. Keeping your spirits up is important to the healing process, and this can be difficult to do when you look (and often get treated) like a sick person. Some patients wear wigs to hide hair loss, while others prefer hats or scarves. The company Chemo Savvy offers a variety of hair products, hats and tips for maintaining a good appearance throughout chemo.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine
Even when chemotherapy is only being used as an adjacent treatment, it can still have serious side effects. This article will describe the most common symptoms suffered by chemo patients, and give advice on how to counteract them.
One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is nausea. Doctors can prescribe drugs to help patients cope with this. These drugs will either be anti-nausea, meaning that they help to combat the feeling of queasiness, or antiemetic, meaning that they help prevent vomiting. One of the more common anti-nausea drugs is Compasine. Zofran is a widely-prescribed antiemetic. THC, the active component of marijuana, has also shown to be effective in treating nausea. If you live in an area where medical marijuana is available, this might be a good option to look into. If not, the prescription drug Marinol, which is essentially synthetic THC, may help.
There are also remedies besides drugs that can help with nausea. Some people report that tea made with chamomile or caraway seed helped them feel better. Other patients rely on drinks such as ginger ale or sports drinks to calm their stomachs. Mild broths are usually easy to keep down and can be soothing. Alternative medications such as acupuncture or aromatherapy also help some people.
Many chemotherapy patients experience memory problems and a "foggy" feeling. This is commonly known as "chemo-brain," and it can be a real nuisance. Some patients find that mild physical and mental exercise helps - take walks when you're up to it, and work on puzzles or riddles to stay sharp. Taking careful notes on everything you need to remember can help you cope with memory issues.
One of the most widely-known side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. This may seem trivial, but many cancer patients, particularly women, are concerned about their appearance while undergoing treatment. Keeping your spirits up is important to the healing process, and this can be difficult to do when you look (and often get treated) like a sick person. Some patients wear wigs to hide hair loss, while others prefer hats or scarves. The company Chemo Savvy offers a variety of hair products, hats and tips for maintaining a good appearance throughout chemo.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine
Barrett's Esophagus - The Body's Early Warning Defense System For Esophageal Cancer
Barrett's esophagus, also called Barrett esophagus, results from repetitive reflux or backing up of stomach acid and contents into the esophagus. With the passage of time, this constant assault causes injury and can cause pre-malignant changes to occur to the esophageal tissues.
The body's ability to heal is a marvelous thing to witness, and we have all seen it firsthand when we have sustained cuts, bruises, wounds, and broken bones (during childhood at the very least) and have lived to tell the tale. When such injuries occur, our bodies produce new cells and form scar tissues to repair the damages.
But the marvelous adaptability of the human body does have its limits. In the case of Barrett esophagus, normal cells lining the esophagus called squamous epithelium (the type most prevalent in the body) that have fought the good fight finally give up and start to mutate to columnar epithelium, the cell type found in the stomach. Of those who suffer from chronic acid reflux, 9-15% will undergo this cellular surrender and adaptation. This esophageal cellular change, called metaplasia, enables the esophagus to withstand the constant barrage of stomach acid/contents.
Now this may sound like a good thing: after all, when this occurs the acid reflux sufferer may experience relief from symptoms that may seem like his/her acid reflux is improving. This is, however, a mistaken belief because the esophageal cells are mutating and advancing to a pre-cancerous condition. Does this mean that a person with Barrett's esophagus will get cancer? The answer is no, but there is a higher incidence, approximately 30-100 times higher, that a person with this condition will be predisposed to it.
Acid reflux has gotten a lot of press over the years, which is good. New medications have been developed to deal with it. Once thought to be just a nuisance, this condition has been taken more seriously and people are more educated about it.
Now people are becoming educated about Barrett esophagus, also a good thing. Knowledge is power, and the more all of us know about this condition, the sooner we can get medical intervention and the proper treatment to greatly diminish the odds that it will advance to esophageal cancer, which continues to rise and has a mortality rate exceeding 80% after five years. Early detection is key, and there is now hope that the mortality rate of esophageal cancer can be drastically reduced.
The best defense is a good offense not only holds true in football but also in medicine. Never was this truer than with esophageal cancer and its early warning defense system, Barrett's esophagus.
Barrett's Esophagus is not a death sentence. Knowledge is power, so learn more about it by going here: Acid Reflux Info Center.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ruff_King
The body's ability to heal is a marvelous thing to witness, and we have all seen it firsthand when we have sustained cuts, bruises, wounds, and broken bones (during childhood at the very least) and have lived to tell the tale. When such injuries occur, our bodies produce new cells and form scar tissues to repair the damages.
But the marvelous adaptability of the human body does have its limits. In the case of Barrett esophagus, normal cells lining the esophagus called squamous epithelium (the type most prevalent in the body) that have fought the good fight finally give up and start to mutate to columnar epithelium, the cell type found in the stomach. Of those who suffer from chronic acid reflux, 9-15% will undergo this cellular surrender and adaptation. This esophageal cellular change, called metaplasia, enables the esophagus to withstand the constant barrage of stomach acid/contents.
Now this may sound like a good thing: after all, when this occurs the acid reflux sufferer may experience relief from symptoms that may seem like his/her acid reflux is improving. This is, however, a mistaken belief because the esophageal cells are mutating and advancing to a pre-cancerous condition. Does this mean that a person with Barrett's esophagus will get cancer? The answer is no, but there is a higher incidence, approximately 30-100 times higher, that a person with this condition will be predisposed to it.
Acid reflux has gotten a lot of press over the years, which is good. New medications have been developed to deal with it. Once thought to be just a nuisance, this condition has been taken more seriously and people are more educated about it.
Now people are becoming educated about Barrett esophagus, also a good thing. Knowledge is power, and the more all of us know about this condition, the sooner we can get medical intervention and the proper treatment to greatly diminish the odds that it will advance to esophageal cancer, which continues to rise and has a mortality rate exceeding 80% after five years. Early detection is key, and there is now hope that the mortality rate of esophageal cancer can be drastically reduced.
The best defense is a good offense not only holds true in football but also in medicine. Never was this truer than with esophageal cancer and its early warning defense system, Barrett's esophagus.
Barrett's Esophagus is not a death sentence. Knowledge is power, so learn more about it by going here: Acid Reflux Info Center.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ruff_King
Barrett's Esophagus - The Body's Early Warning Defense System For Esophageal Cancer
Barrett's esophagus, also called Barrett esophagus, results from repetitive reflux or backing up of stomach acid and contents into the esophagus. With the passage of time, this constant assault causes injury and can cause pre-malignant changes to occur to the esophageal tissues.
The body's ability to heal is a marvelous thing to witness, and we have all seen it firsthand when we have sustained cuts, bruises, wounds, and broken bones (during childhood at the very least) and have lived to tell the tale. When such injuries occur, our bodies produce new cells and form scar tissues to repair the damages.
But the marvelous adaptability of the human body does have its limits. In the case of Barrett esophagus, normal cells lining the esophagus called squamous epithelium (the type most prevalent in the body) that have fought the good fight finally give up and start to mutate to columnar epithelium, the cell type found in the stomach. Of those who suffer from chronic acid reflux, 9-15% will undergo this cellular surrender and adaptation. This esophageal cellular change, called metaplasia, enables the esophagus to withstand the constant barrage of stomach acid/contents.
Now this may sound like a good thing: after all, when this occurs the acid reflux sufferer may experience relief from symptoms that may seem like his/her acid reflux is improving. This is, however, a mistaken belief because the esophageal cells are mutating and advancing to a pre-cancerous condition. Does this mean that a person with Barrett's esophagus will get cancer? The answer is no, but there is a higher incidence, approximately 30-100 times higher, that a person with this condition will be predisposed to it.
Acid reflux has gotten a lot of press over the years, which is good. New medications have been developed to deal with it. Once thought to be just a nuisance, this condition has been taken more seriously and people are more educated about it.
Now people are becoming educated about Barrett esophagus, also a good thing. Knowledge is power, and the more all of us know about this condition, the sooner we can get medical intervention and the proper treatment to greatly diminish the odds that it will advance to esophageal cancer, which continues to rise and has a mortality rate exceeding 80% after five years. Early detection is key, and there is now hope that the mortality rate of esophageal cancer can be drastically reduced.
The best defense is a good offense not only holds true in football but also in medicine. Never was this truer than with esophageal cancer and its early warning defense system, Barrett's esophagus.
Barrett's Esophagus is not a death sentence. Knowledge is power, so learn more about it by going here: Acid Reflux Info Center.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ruff_King
The body's ability to heal is a marvelous thing to witness, and we have all seen it firsthand when we have sustained cuts, bruises, wounds, and broken bones (during childhood at the very least) and have lived to tell the tale. When such injuries occur, our bodies produce new cells and form scar tissues to repair the damages.
But the marvelous adaptability of the human body does have its limits. In the case of Barrett esophagus, normal cells lining the esophagus called squamous epithelium (the type most prevalent in the body) that have fought the good fight finally give up and start to mutate to columnar epithelium, the cell type found in the stomach. Of those who suffer from chronic acid reflux, 9-15% will undergo this cellular surrender and adaptation. This esophageal cellular change, called metaplasia, enables the esophagus to withstand the constant barrage of stomach acid/contents.
Now this may sound like a good thing: after all, when this occurs the acid reflux sufferer may experience relief from symptoms that may seem like his/her acid reflux is improving. This is, however, a mistaken belief because the esophageal cells are mutating and advancing to a pre-cancerous condition. Does this mean that a person with Barrett's esophagus will get cancer? The answer is no, but there is a higher incidence, approximately 30-100 times higher, that a person with this condition will be predisposed to it.
Acid reflux has gotten a lot of press over the years, which is good. New medications have been developed to deal with it. Once thought to be just a nuisance, this condition has been taken more seriously and people are more educated about it.
Now people are becoming educated about Barrett esophagus, also a good thing. Knowledge is power, and the more all of us know about this condition, the sooner we can get medical intervention and the proper treatment to greatly diminish the odds that it will advance to esophageal cancer, which continues to rise and has a mortality rate exceeding 80% after five years. Early detection is key, and there is now hope that the mortality rate of esophageal cancer can be drastically reduced.
The best defense is a good offense not only holds true in football but also in medicine. Never was this truer than with esophageal cancer and its early warning defense system, Barrett's esophagus.
Barrett's Esophagus is not a death sentence. Knowledge is power, so learn more about it by going here: Acid Reflux Info Center.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ruff_King
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