Archive for February, 2010

Get to Know what is cancer

All over the world, cancer is known to be as one of the most deadly disease ever to have affected the human race. Most of the medical researchers all over the world, consider cancer to be a “metabolic disease”. Metabolic diseases are those diseases, which are known to affect the metabolism rate of the human body. As already said, we know that cancer has been concluded as to be a “metabolic disease” and that conclusion has been drawn from the fact that, cancer as a disease affects the human cells in the body.

Cells are microscopic living units in the body, which together form all living organs in the body. At any given time or state, the human body is made up of a billion cells, which together constitute the human organs. Cancer as a disease is considered to be a very deadly disease, just because of the fact that the disease affects the human cells. In cancer, abnormal and unusual cells crop up in the human body and they grow and spread in the human body at an alarming and fast rate. The abnormal cells grow and star spreading at a very fast rate. Usually, the normal cells divide and grow up to a certain level and then they die after a little time, unlike the unusual cells which do not follow the normal rate of growth and division. The cancer cells keep on dividing and continue growing on unlike the usual cells. The cancer cells unlike the usual cells do not die and start getting clumped together, which in turn forms a tumor.

It is said that cancer actually is a stage in the body when the cells turn, “trophoblastic”. Trophoblastic is a situation in the human body, when the cells in the human body tend to multiply at a faster rate than the normal. This stage can be explained for example, when a human body gets an external or internal injury, then the cells of the human body start the healing process, by starting to multiply.  In case, the cells are in a trophoblastic stage, then although the cells start healing, but they don’t stop multiplying, thereby causing a lump. This in medical term is also called as a tumor. This lump goes numb even if the body controls the growth of the trophoblastic cells and proves to be highly injurious if the cells keep spreading. The removal of such tumor would rather lead to the uncontrolled growth of those trophoblastic cells, because of more effected sited due to the operation, and thus result in increasing the cancer.

The known medical treatments for cancer are radiation therapy and chemotherapy. But neither radiation therapy is effective due to the reason it creates more wounded parts and thus increases the cancer cells, nor chemotherapy is effective because it adversely effects the immune system of the body and the body holds no-more ability of natural healing.

Prostate Cancer

Introduction:-

Prostate is a glandular organ present only in males.  It surrounds the neck of bladder & the first part of urethra and condributes a secretion to the semen. The gland is conical in shape and measures 3 cm in vertical diameter and 4 cm in transverse diameter.It has got five lobes anterior,posterior,two lateral and a median lobe.Since  the first part of the urethra pass through it any lesion in the prostate will produce difficulty in passing urine.

Diseases of the prostate gland:-

1) Prostatitis:-

This is the inflamation of the prostate gland due to bacterial infection.

2) Benign enlargement of the prostate:-

This is a non cancerous tumour of  the prostate seen after the age of 50.  3,Cancer of the prostate:-This is the 4th most common cause of death from malignant diseases in males.

Cancer of the prostate.

Cancer of the prostate is directly linked with the male sex hormones(androgens).If the levels of sex hormone increases the growth rate of cancer also increases.It is found that after the removel of testes there is marked reduction in the size of tumour.

Site of tumour:-

Prostate cancer is seen mainly in the posterior lobe.Non cancerous enlargement is seen in other lobes.

Changes in the gland in cancer:-

The gland becomes hard with irregular surface with loss of normal lobulation .Histologically prostate cancer is an adeno carcinoma(cancer of the epithelial cells in the gland)

Growth :-

Growth rate is very fast in prostate cancer .The tumour compresses the urethra and produce difficulty in urination.

Spread of tumour:-

Metastasis in cancer of prostate is very early.

1) Local spread:-

From the posterior lobe the cancer cells go to the lateral lobes and seminal vesicles.Tumour cells also move to the neck and base of the urinary bladder.

2) Lymphatic spread:-

Through the lymph vessels cancer cells reach the internal and external illiac group of lymph nodes.From there cells move to retroperitonial(Behind the peritonium) and mediastinal lymph nodes(in the chest)

3) Spread through the blood:-

Spread of cancer cells takeplace through the periprostatic venous plexus and reaches the vertebral veins while coughing and sneezing and finally enders the vertebral bodies of the lumbar vertebrae.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer:–

Signs and symptoms depend upon the stage of the cancer. The following symptoms may be seen.

1) No symptoms:-

Tumour is small and only in the posterior lobe.  This is diagnosed accidentely.

2) Slight difficulty in urination:-

Here the tumour is enlarged and urethra is slightly compressed.Shortly there will be frequent urge for urination with difficult urination.

3) When the tumour spread to all nearby areas including neck of bladder and urethra there will be painful urination with bleeding.Urine comes drop by drop.

4) Retention of urine:-

When the urethra is completely compressed there will be retention of urine.This can lead to hydronephrosis, renal failure ect.In this condition patient may get convulsions due to renal failure and finally coma.

5) Signs of metastasis:-

Some patients come with the signs and symptoms of metastasis.

a) Lumbo sacral pain due to spread of cancer cells to lumbar and sacral vertebrae.

b) Fracture of spine due to cancerous growth in the spine.

c) Swelling, pain and fluid collection in the abdomen due to lesion in the abdomen.

d) Respiratory complaints due to cancer of mediastinal lymphnodes and lungs.

e) General weakness due to spread of cancer to different parts of the body.

f) Anaemia due to involment of bone marrow and increased destruction of RBCs.

Clinical examination :-

Includes per rectal examination to feel the prostate gland,palpation of abdomen to feel the swelling in kidneys and any tumours.Patient is examined from head to foot to find out any lesions.

Investigations:-

1) Complete blood investigations;-

RBC,WBC,Platlets,ESR,bleeding time ,clotting time ect.

2) Urine analysis:-

Microscopic examination to detect pus cells,occult blood,casts,Crystals ect.

3) Renal function tests:-

Blood urea level,serum creatinine level,electrolyte level ect.

4) Serum acid phosphatase:-

Increased in cancer of prostate.

5) x-ray of the spine:-

To detect any tumour or fracture.

6) Ultra sonography;-

Gives idea about prostate,bladder,kidney ect.

7) C T scan:-

More detailed information about organs and tumour.

8) MRI of the spine:-

Gives detailed information about spine ,disc and nearby soft tissues.

9) Lymphangiography:-

Gives idea about lymphatic spread of cancer.

10) Biopsy to confirm cancer:-

Biopsy is taken from the tumour and is send for histopathological examination under the microscope.This will detect the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment:-

1) If there is retention of urine catheterisation is needed.
2) Dialysis if kidney failure.
3) If there is coma monitoring of all vital functions along with parentral nutrition and electolyte supply.
4) Specific treatment is prostatectomy(removal of prostate)

Partial prostatectomy :-

Here only the affected lobe is removed.

Radical prostatectomy :-

Total removal of prostate along with nearby lymphnodes.

5, Hormone therapy :-

Stilbestrol is given to reduce tumour growth.Since this treatement increases the chance for cardiovascular disease phosphorylated diethyle stilbesterol is used nowadays.

6) Chemotherapy:-Drugs like cyclophosphamide, cisoplatim ect are given.

7) Radiotherapy is also done for some cases.

8) Homoeopathy:-

Homoeopathic drugs like carcinocin, conium, sabal, crotalus, thuja, iodum, selinium, staphysagria, sulphur ect can be given according to symptoms.Constitutional homoeopathic medicine will give great relief and can increase the life span.

9) Yoga and meditation is also healpful.

When to Say That Detox Diet Guide on Cleansing Your Body Is Safe

A detox diet may sound very reassuring for it is a fact that toxics are bad for the health of a person. These diets however encourage you to eat foods that are natural which involves lots of veggies and water. Well, you can also add all the stuff that is good for your body.  You could even hear news about celebrities having detox diets as well as those people who are subjected to alcohol or drug rehabs and are detoxifying themselves. So, you would really ask if detox diets are safe.

The answer is dependent on who is going to utilize such type of diet. Detox diets like many fad diets can later on display side effects that are harmful especially for teenagers.

To avoid misconception, you need to understand the lingo. Toxins are poisons or chemicals that have harmful side effects on your body. It could come from water or food, chemicals used for growing or preparing food, and from the air that you breathe. These toxins are processed in kidneys and liver eliminating it in the forms of urine, feces, and sweat.

Most people who are supporting detox diets are saying that dehydration or emotional stress is the cause why toxins do not leave the body properly during wastes elimination. Instead, these toxins are just hanging around the digestive system, gastrointestinal systems, lymph, skin, and hair. Even detox diet’s proponents said that these toxins are the promoters of problems such as headaches, tiredness, acne, and nausea.

So you must understand that basic idea behind a detox diet is to give up temporarily the foods that are known to have toxins. It is a means of purifying and purging your body from all bad stuff. Detox diets may also vary however most of it is involved in several versions of displaying fast results. You need to give up foods within a few days, then after that, gradually reintroducing a particular food in your diet. Lots of detox diets also encourages you to go through colonic irrigation or enema to clean up your colon. The enema washes out your colon and rectum using water. But then others still recommend taking herbal supplements during the purification procedure.

There lots of available detox diets anywhere. Typically, it involves one or two days of complete liquid diet. For the succeeding four to five days, add brown rice, steamed vegetables, and fruit that are all organic to your diet is advised. After one week of eating these foods, you will then gradually introduce certain foods except for wheat, red meat, eggs, sugar, and junk food in your diet.

People who are having their detox diets are advised to chew up their foods thoroughly, drink only very little amount of water while eating, and relax before eating. It is much better if you add one glass of lemon juice in every meal.

There can be numerous claims made about the effects of detox diets on a person. It can prevent and cure diseases to give you extra energy so that you stay clear-headed and focused. Well, anyone who prefers low-fat but high fiber diets will probably feel much better and more healthy. But no matter what good things detox diets proponents said, still it is up to you to decide whether to try it or not for your own safety. It is because there is no scientific evidence that these diets get rid of body toxins faster or if the elimination of it can make you more healthy and energetic.

Balancing Ph-ion and Detox to Cleanse the Body

Grow, glow, and go. These are three food types which a person should eat every day in certain amounts in order to eat a healthy and nutritious diet. This is the subject matter in one of the many lessons in science in the elementary grade which increases the awareness of children to eating a healthy and balanced diet.

From the very start, man has been used to eating different food products, as well as beverages. And without actually knowing it, these food products and beverages contain harmful chemicals. Although the body has its own way of removing unwanted toxins in the body, sometimes a build up of these harmful chemicals or acids are inevitable. And this is because of the enormous amount of chemicals or acids found in the body.

Different fluids are found inside the human body. The cells inside the body are often affected by the ph level. The ph level is the measurement of acid-alkaline in the body. The body has its own way of managing the so-called ph level; and when it is unable to do such thing properly, the imbalance affects the whole body.

If you experience stress, tiredness, excess weight, fatigue, aches, pains, poor digestion, and other serious disorders, the ph level inside your body may be too acidic.

The three things that might contribute more to the body to become overly acidic are ingesting acids, creation of acids, and improper acid elimination.

Ingesting foods which are considered acidifying foods as dairy, processed sugar, meat, alcohol, coffee, etc. overloads the ability of your body to neutralize all the acids.

Acidifying toxins are created by microforms and pathogens inside the body. If the body is too acidic, yeasts, microforms, and bad bacteria proliferate. These live organisms create even more toxins, and add up to the already acidic environment.

Some acids are strong, while some are weak. Acid build up occurs when the body systems which eliminate the acids are not functioning properly, and is compromised. Many systems in the body buffer acids which includes mineral reserves, breath, and fat.

Acids are considered toxins, and these toxins need to be removed through detoxification. You have to aid your body in the detoxification process especially when it is not functioning well.

If you want to obtain a well-balanced ph, you must have a proper diet and nutrition. It is wise to follow a detox plan which can greatly help you the detox process. A diet consisting of foods high in alkaline, proper supplementation, and hydrating the body properly can aid the body in detox.

There are also alkalizing products available in stores which augment the ph balance.  A well-maintained and balanced ph level will prevent acid build up in the body. If you think that, you’re one the many people who has already formed an acid build up or are very acidic, start a detox program now.

A detox program will not only help your body in the detox process, but will also help in balancing the ph level inside the body.

Your body needs detoxification, and that can only be achieved through self discipline and determination. Changing certain things in your life will benefit you and your body more.

Remember, you must keep a balanced ph-ion. You will instantly know that you have an acid build up if you are too acidic, and that is the right time to consult your doctor for proper detoxification.

Laser Treatment for Hair Loss- A Low Cost Therapy?

Hair loss is considered to be a dreadful condition among all kinds of people. The main cause for hair loss varies from heredity to nutritional deficiency. Other factors that can increase hair loss are stress, drug abuse or alcohol abuse, diet and scalp disorders. At first thinning of hair is noticed in the crown, which is a normal process of ageing.

To improve one’s hair, a lot of people now rely on laser treatment. Laser treatment is used in many places to improve the appearance of hair. Most people suffering from hair loss are pleased by the results of laser treatment.

Although laser treatment for hair loss is available in many areas, the dermatologists are still in dilemma whether it is safe or not. Laser treatment for hair loss is generally performed in exclusive hair clinics. In these clinics they are having large laser devices, which require at least some sittings per month. Hence the use of laser treatment for hair loss is questionable.

Hair transplantation can be performed if the laser treatment for hair loss does not show results. In the male pattern baldness, hair transplantation can be performed. Hair loss due to accidents and operations can also be transplanted.

In order to reduce the cost of laser treatment for hair loss, a modern comb called laser comb is used to treat the hair loss condition. The main advantage of laser comb is that it saves money on laser treatments. Laser comb is the modified laser treatment for hair loss. This is the home version and low expense product when compared to Cosmetic Laser Devices. The laser treatment in hair clinics may cost hundreds of dollars for one sitting. But Laser comb is not expensive and approved by FDA as a cosmetic device for thickening hair appearance. Laser comb can be used as a laser treatment for hair loss in combination with a normal treatment regimen.

Although laser comb is approved by the FDA for the purpose of hair thickening, now the FDA is conducting numerous trials giving approval for hair growth stimulation. Laser light therapy is being used for anti inflammatory effects and wound healing on the skin.

Laser comb utilizes low level laser therapy (LLLT), which emits photo energy. Low-level laser treatment of hair loss is painless and non-toxic.

By using laser comb, you can achieve healthier, fuller, thicker hair. Normally men can’t take their eyes off you, but now women won’t!

Methods to Prevent Hair Loss

Most of the human population consider hair loss as a social embarrassment. Occurrence of hair loss in mid twenties of either sex will definitely affect one’s self-confidence. There are various therapies available to prevent hair loss. Most people are having this question in their mind- How to prevent hair loss?

To prevent hair loss, an individual should select an appropriate treatment that will help him or her. Natural products and conventional drugs are readily available to prevent hair loss. Products like Rogaine and Propecia are used to prevent hair loss.

Nowadays the product Rogaine is used to prevent hair loss, but earlier it has been extensively used to treat high blood pressure. Do not use Rogaine if your scalp has been subject to irritation, or sunburn. Moreover don’t use Rogaine on any other part of the body except your head. To see positive results you will need to continue treatment for at least 3 months.

Propecia was used to treat prostates in its early days. Pregnant women should not take Propecia, because it may cause neonatal anomalies. In fact Propecia should not be taken by women at all! Propecia should be used continuously for three months to prevent hair loss. But this may have a side effect of lack of sex drive and impotency.

Hair Renew is the only product used to prevent hair loss specifically for women. Hair Renew provides three effects viz., nourishes the hair follicles, cleanses the scalp of debris and cleanses the scalp of dirt. Hair Renew neutralizes the DHT found in the scalp to prevent hair loss. The main effect of the DHT, produced from the hormone testosterone, is hair loss and baldness. In order to prevent hair loss, the level of DHT needs to be reduced. During puberty DHT is found in higher level, which is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in human.

Other useful products to prevent hair loss are Follicare, Nisim, FNS (Follicle Nutrient System), Tricomin, Vitalizer, and Revivogen. Follicare is used to prevent hair loss especially in men. Follicare hair re-growth treatments can be achieved with Minoxidil or without Minoxidil. Nisim, Tricomin, and Revivogen are available in the forms of shampoo, sprays and conditioner to prevent hair loss. Tricomin supplies copper directly to the hair follicles to improve hair development. All these products are available separately for oily and dry hair. For best results you need to find out if your hair is dry or oily.

In order to prevent hair loss, select the appropriate drug that has a minimum of side effects. It is always better to consult your doctor before chosing a hair loss products on your own.