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Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Knowing the Father and the Son
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
13 Foods That Take Care Of Your Heart And Decrease The Risk Of Heart Attacks
Whether you are in your 30s or in your 60s, your heart is what keeps you going. That is why you must keep taking care of it always. Numerous people all around the world die as a result of a heart attack or a stroke. That’s why you need to pay more attention to your cardiovascular health more than you are giving it now.
The good news is that in about 80 percent of the cases, heart attacks and strokes can be prevented by following a healthy diet and making the right choice of lifestyle factors. Medical experts and nutritionists recommend eating specific types of food that can take care of the heart and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
1. Kale
Kale helps with cholesterol because it is rich in lutein and also provides a good amount of fiber. Researchers suggest that just one 100-grams serving of kale will provide you with over 18,000 micrograms of lutein. According to studies, lutein has been shown to help reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and prevents cholesterol from building up in the body. Therefore, this is one more reason to start getting more kale into your system.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is recognized by the American Heart Association for its cholesterol-reducing properties. Oatmeal contains fiber, which has been described as acting like a sponge, helping to soak up excess cholesterol and carry it out of the system before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and do damage to arteries. You should opt for organic oats, which will help you lower the amount of chemicals and GMOs you are ingesting when you eat your oatmeal. Also, opt for plaint instead of flavored oatmeal, to make sure you are getting just the oats and no added sugars of artificial colors and flavors.
3. Apples
Apples are extremely healthy fruits that you should eat each day. Apples are filled with polyphenols, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support the body in a number of ways. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants and the special fiber (pectin) apples contain help to clear out cholesterol from the body. If you are planning to increase your apple intake, choose organic apples. Conventionally grown apples contain polyphenols and fiber, but they are also overshadowed by a large number of pesticides and herbicides during the growing season.
4. Garlic
Garlic is probably one of the best cholesterol-lowering foods. What does the trick is a compound called allicin, which is believed to have a multitude of therapeutic effects. In recent years, research confirmed its powerful medicinal properties and discovered that garlic can even help improve cardiovascular health. In one study, taking garlic extract in doses of 600 to 1,500 milligrams daily for 24 weeks was as effective as a common prescription drug at reducing blood pressure. Make sure to eat garlic raw, or crush it and let it sit for a few minutes before eating. This will allow the formation of allicin, maximizing its potential health benefits.
5. Dark chocolate
If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, then this is really good news for you. Eating a couple of pieces a day can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, it prevents blood platelets from sticking to the walls of blood vessels. Dark chocolate contains procyanidins, which have been shown to help decrease cholesterol levels. However, make sure to purchase the purest dark chocolate you can find. The higher the percentage, the more actual chocolate it will contain, and the more procyanidins you will get. Also, avoid milk chocolate as it doesn’t contain the antioxidants found in dark chocolate, and has added milk and sugar.
6. Spinach
Like kale, spinach contains lutein, which gives it its cholesterol-reducing effect. This leafy green is also known for its high vitamin and mineral content, making it a great choice for a healthy diet and to aid in weight loss if necessary. If you are worried about your cholesterol, it is important to keep fit and lose extra weight to decrease the chance of a heart attack and other diseases linked to being overweight. Just 100 grams of spinach provides you with over 11,000 milligrams of lutein, 558 milligrams of potassium, as well as magnesium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
7. Avocados
Avocados are loaded with healthy fats that unclog arteries naturally. Most of the healthy fats in avocados are made up of oleic acid, which has a direct effect on cholesterol levels. This is what helps increase HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering total cholesterol numbers. Avocados also contain potassium, which is known to reduce blood pressure, as well as vitamin E, which may prevent cholesterol oxidation. Experts recommend replacing creams, butter, mayonnaise, and salad dressing in your food with just one food – the avocado. According to one study published in the U.S. National Institutes of Health, daily consumption of avocado can reduce bad cholesterol by 11 to 22 percent. Avocado also contains lots of protein, fiber, and vitamins that benefit the heart.
8. Green tea
Today, green tea is consistently praised for its antioxidant content and anti-cancer benefits. But, green tea is also good for your cholesterol levels. It is the flavonoids in green tea that are responsible for most of the benefits it displays, and a specific flavonoid known as catechins is what helps with cholesterol. One of the most popular catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which prevents the absorption of cholesterol during digestion. To improve your blood lipid levels and help decrease arterial blockage, enjoy a cup or two of green tea every day, Green tea also stimulates the work of your metabolism, which can help you lose weight, further supporting your cardiovascular health.
9. Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and contain a special compound called pterostilbene which has been shown to help the body metabolize cholesterol, reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as triglycerides. They also contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which protect against the oxidative stress and inflammation that lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, make sure to purchase organic blueberries to make sure you’re getting the benefits of all of their antioxidants without ingesting herbicides and pesticides.
10. Tomatoes
According to studies, consuming tomatoes regularly will help you reduce your risk of clogged arteries by half. This is because tomatoes are loaded with plant-based carotenoids, and most notably lycopene; which decreases the amount of cholesterol in the blood and prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Just 100 grams of tomatoes contain about 3,000 micrograms of lycopene. Cooking your tomatoes helps to unlock even more lycopene, but that should not stop you from consuming fresh tomatoes as well. Also, purchasing organically grown tomatoes is highly recommended.
11. Flax seeds
Flax seeds are a great addition to your diet since they will help you get more fiber as well as omega 3 fatty acids, which will help you bring down your cholesterol levels. Flaxseeds will help you feel fuller during and after your meal, and they provide additional benefits in the form of stress reduction, a healthier liver, and much more. Moreover, flax seeds may help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. According to one study performed on people with high blood pressure, consuming 30 grams of flax seeds every day for half a year reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 10 mmHg and reduced diastolic blood pressure by 7 mmHg.
12. Beans
Beans are one of the best cholesterol-reducing foods, thanks to their fiber content. They are beneficial for diabetic patients because they help keep blood sugar levels stable, but they can also be used by those looking to reduce their cholesterol in an attempt to prevent a heart attack or stroke. They also help to reduce blood pressure. Because of the combination of protein and fiber, beans will also help you feel full long after your meal. Just 100 grams of black beans contain 16 grams of fiber, which is about 64 percent of your daily needs. It also contains 42 percent of your magnesium and 27 percent of the iron you need each day.
13. Salmon
Salmon is loaded with protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and healthy fats, which help your body in a number of ways. Many medical experts and nutritionists recommend consuming salmon at least two times per week or daily supplementation with fish oil to get omega 3 levels up. Besides helping to reduce cholesterol, omega 3 fatty acids are also helpful for proper brain function and have been associated with providing plenty of healthy heart benefits. Make sure to chose wild-caught salmon over farm raised. You will receive the same amount of omega 3 fatty acids per serving, but you will be avoiding the toxic chemicals put into farmed fish food pellets. Just 100 grams of salmon contains about 2,6 grams of omega 3 fatty acids, which provides enough omega 3s for the day.
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It’s Time to Repent!
Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” Matthew 11:20-21a
What an act of mercy and love on the part of Jesus! He rebukes those in the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida because He loves them and He sees that they continue to hold on to their sinful lives even though He has brought them the Gospel and performed many mighty deeds. They remain obstinate, trapped, confused, unwilling to repent, and unwilling to change their ways. In this context, Jesus offers a wonderful form of mercy. He chastises them! After the passage above He goes on to say, “I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.”
There is a wonderful distinction here that should help us hear what God may be saying to us at times, as well as help us know how to deal with those around us who habitually sin and cause hurt in our lives or the lives of others. The distinction has to do with Jesus’ motivation for chastising the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Why did He do that? And what was the motivation behind His actions?
Jesus chastises them out of love and out of a desire that they change. They did not immediately repent of their sin when He offered an invitation and powerful witness of His miracles, so He needed to take things to a new level. And this new level was a strong and clear rebuke out of love.
This action of Jesus could at first be perceived as an emotional outburst of anger. But that’s the key distinction. Jesus did not rebuke them strongly because He was mad and lost control. Rather, He rebuked them because they needed that rebuke to change.
The same truth can be applied to our lives. At times we change our lives and overcome sin as a result of the gentle invitation of Jesus to grace. But, at other times, when sin is deep, we need a holy rebuke. In this case we should hear these words of Jesus as if they were directed at us. This may be the specific act of mercy we need in our lives.
It also gives us great insight as to how we deal with others. Parents, for example, can learn much from this. Children will regularly go astray in various ways and will need correction. It certainly is proper to start with gentle invitations and conversations aimed at helping them make the right choices. However, at times this will not work and more drastic measures need to take place. What are those “more drastic measures?” Out-of-control anger and vengeful yelling is not the answer. Rather, a holy wrath that comes from mercy and love may be the key. This may come in the form of a strong chastisement or punishment. Or, it may come in the form of laying down the truth and clearly presenting the consequences of certain actions. Just remember that even this is love and is an imitation of Jesus’ actions. This is what we commonly refer to as “tough love.”
Reflect, today, on whether or not you need a rebuke from Jesus. If you do, let this Gospel of love sink in. Reflect also upon your responsibility in correcting the faults of others. Don’t be afraid to exercise an act of divine love that comes in the form of a clear chastisement. It may just be the key to helping those you love to love God all the more.
Lord, help me to repent daily of my sin. Help me to be an instrument of the repentance of others. May I always receive Your words in love and offer them in the form of love that is most effective. Jesus, I trust in You.
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10 Easy And Natural Home Remedies For Anxiety
A general term for an emotion that is characterized by feelings of apprehension, tension, fear and worried thoughts, Anxiety is sometimes accompanied by physical changes in the body such as sweating, increased blood pressure, trembling, faster heartbeats, and lightheadedness. [1] People who are subjected to anxiety disorders, more often than not, have recurrent concerns that greatly affect the way they act and feel. There are plenty of conventional methods to makeanxiety go away. The first method is of course, if possible, to remove the reason of the stress! If anxiety becomes serious and blows out of proportion, people usually resort to medical intervention such as psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, psychological counseling, and medication – either in combination or independently.
10 Easy And Natural Home Remedies For Anxiety
There are some simple ways to deal with anxiety, and they can be usually done or found right inside your home. Why not give these a whirl before resorting to anything drastic? There is a good chance that they will mellow you out, especially if you remember to have fun with them:
1. Have a Cup of Tea – Chamomile tea has been a popular method of lowering down levels of anxiety since the 1980s. A clinical study has demonstrated that a cup of chamomile tea has an anxiolytic effect to the nerves. [2] Green tea is equally as popular as chamomile tea in normalizing blood pressure and heart rate. Known to be one of the drinks of choice of Japanese Buddhists to meditate for extended long periods of time, green tea has been found by scientists to be an effective calming agent. [3]
2. Include Exercise Into Your Life’s Routine – Are you getting regular exercise? Be honest. Researchers at Princeton University had recently discovered that exercise produces new neurons and shuts them down when not needed. [4] When anxiety is present, plenty and plenty of brain cells are firing at the same time, causing the brain to feel overwhelmed. These new neurons help release the neurotransmitter GABA, which in turn slows down brain activity, preventing other brain cells from firing along. As a result, the brain during exercise is, more or less, in a peaceful state.
3. Meditate / do “Yogic Breathing” When Feeling Anxious – The ingredients of meditation are proper breathing and a quiet environment. The most highly recommended kind of breathing is doing it yoga style. Yogic breathing nourishes your blood with oxygen, thereby keeping your cells healthy and happy. [5] Yogic breathing is considered useful against stress, food cravings, insomnia, and unhealthy emotions like anger. To do this, inhale via your nose, taking it slow then exhaling through your mouth. You can include this in your morning ritual, or you can do the yogic breathing several times a day, when you are feeling anxious.
4. Water It Up – If you are dehydrated, your mind and body do not function very well under normal conditions. There is double trouble when you are faced with anxiety. Keepa bottle of water in your handbag always. No matter how busy the day is, remember to pause and hydrate yourself. Well hydrated body leads to a well hydrated mind. As a result, you will do better in keeping anxiety level at bay.
5. Grab Something to Eat – Starved people have increased tendency to have little threshold for stress. Hunger is one of the reasons why people cannot think straight and get irritable at the slightest hint of provocation. So before your blood sugar drops too low, grab something to eat. Healthy snacks like a bar of dark chocolate, a cup of walnuts, or a protein bar have a capacity to dilute hunger and sustain it for a longer period [6] rather than the usual bread, cookies, or chips.
6. Eat Healthily and Properly – Start your day with a hearty breakfast. By hearty, it means a combination of complex carbohydrates such as oats, wheat bread and filling protein like eggs. Then as the day goes, try eating lunch and dinner with the right food group at the right time. As much as possible, a larger portion of your meals is dedicated to vegetables, include a slice of fruit in every meal, and stay away from red meat White meat such as chicken and fish, and seafoods are healthier and friendlier to the mind and body.
7. Take a Warm Bath – A long, warm bath is sometimes the best ritual to end the day, and it never fails to induce a relaxing feeling. This is because heat loosens tensions in the muscles and a study suggests that a warmth sensation may change the neuronic circuits [7] that control cognitive function and mood, leading to a happier, more relaxed self.
8. Write Your Anxiety Away – Try the strategy of writing down the anxiety-causing thought, in conventional pen-and-paper method or perhaps in a blog online. The beauty of journaling is you can single out the source of your stress and “release it”. Either you are ranting about a bad hair day at school, or how your boss commands you to do overtime work, at the end of it your journal you have released the stressful thoughts from your system.
9. Go Somewhere Quiet – You do not have to go far. Within the vicinity of your home, find the quietest spot there is and spend time with yourself- alone, without any distractions such as phone, music, etc. Call it your relaxation spot, it can be your study today, and the kitchen tomorrow. If you live in a cramped, tiny place and everything is shared, lie down in a bed, closing down all curtains and turning off the lights. In the dark, lie there for some time spacing out from the worries and anxieties. You might find that some extra sleep will help also.
10. Give Yourself A Break – Had a fight with your partner? A bad day at the office? Common, everyone has at least one not-so-nice day a week and maybe today is that day. Before going home, chance upon a store and wander in the beverage section, perhaps you will find something of interest there. Give yourself a break and enjoy a glass of red wine or a small bottle of your favorite beer at home. Alcohol, when taken in small amounts, has a very nice tranquilizing effect that tells your brain to shut up and just take it easy.
11. (Bonus) Massage – I can’t think of many things more relaxing than to lay down, soft music on, and have expert hands soothing away my troubles. Book yourself a massage. Go on, you’ve earned it. And if you can’t book one, or persuade a loved one to do it, try massaging yourself. It might sound strange if you have never done it, but bear in mind that in ancient arts such as Taoism, self-massage was an important practice for physical and spiritual health.
12. (Another Bonus) – Go to the ocean. If you can do it, go to the beach and walk along the shore. Even if you can’t persuade anyone to go with you, beach walk will do you good: The sound of the ocean has an amazing calming effect. The fresh air and the gentle exercise of walking is sure to invigorate. And there’s just something cool about walking along the beach, feeling the sand sink beneath your feet… you are at the confluence of the four elements, the place where water touches earth, sky and sun. Try it and see if you get a healing effect.
13. (Why stop when you are on a roll…) – Put on your favorite chill-out tunes. Stuck for ideas? Here’s one of my all-time favorites, this will mellow you out, in fact you will fall in love with it. Better than 5 years of therapy in 9 minutes. Just trust me on this one, and let it play: Union Jack – Water Drums
14. (Even more Bonus) – Investigate herbs for anxiety It just so happens that we have another entire page about anxiety from the herbalist’s point of view, with much information – Top 10 Herbs For Anxiety
References:
[1] Perina, Kaja, ed. “What Is Anxiety?” Psych Basics. Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, n.d. Web. 14 July 2013.http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/anxiety
[2] Smucker, Celeste. “Chamomile helps with anxiety, sleeplessness and depression.” Natural News. Natural News Network, 21 Dec. 2011. Web. 14 July 2013. http://www.naturalnews.com/034454_chamomile_anxiety_depression.html
[3] Higashiyama, Akiko, et al. “Effects of l-theanine on attention and reaction time response.” Journal of Functional Foods 3.3 (2013): 171-78. Abstract. Science Direct. Web. 14 July 2013.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464611000351
[4] Reynolds, Gretchen. “How Exercise Can Calm Anxiety.” The New York Times. N.p., 3 July 2013. Web. 14 July 2013.http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/howexercise-can-calm-anxiety/
[5] Weil, Andrew. “The 4-7-8 Breath: Health Benefits & Demonstration.” Videos. Andrew Weil, M.D. Weil Lifestyle, LLC, n.d. Web. 14 July 2013. https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/the-4-7-8-breath-health-benefits-demonstration/
[6] Shaw, Jerry. “Does Anxiety Get Better or Worse With Food?” Demand Media, Inc., 26 Nov. 2010. Web. 14 July 2013.http://www.livestrong.com/article/318586-does-anxiety-get-better-or-worse-with-food/
[7] Lowry, CA, SL Lightman, and DJ Nutt. “That warm fuzzy feeling: brain serotonergic neurons and the regulation of emotion.” Journal of Psychopharmacology 23.4 (2009): 392-400. Abstract. PubMed. Web. 14 July 2013.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19074539
Monday, July 13, 2020
11 Cancer-Causing Foods You Should Never Put In Your Mouth Again
1. Food That Uses Containers With BPA
BPA stands for bisphenol A. It is an industrial chemical used to make plastics and can linings. Storing food in BPA-lined containers can cause the chemical to seep into the beverage or food and find its way into our system. Although the exact mechanism of how BPA causes cancer has not been established, numerous studies have shown that in certain amounts, BPA can promote the growth of breast cancer cells. [2] Other studies have linked BPA with sperm production problems, breast changes, and prostate gland abnormalities. [3] Another source of BPA in our homes are microwaveable food products and containers. Some of the plastic food containers we have at home are microwave safe but over time the heat can cause the plastic to breakdown, allowing BPA to leach into the food. [4]
2. Smoked And Cured Processed Meats
Red meat by itself is classified according to the American Cancer Society as a probable carcinogen when consumed. [5] Although this remains to be a controversial topic, there is evidence to suggest that a diet high in red meat and processed meat increases the chances of a person developing cancer. This might be attributed to the nitrites which are often added to cured meats as part of their processing. Nitrites are used to cure meats like bacon, corned beef, hot dogs, hams, pastrami, sausages and even fish.
3. Farmed Salmon
Salmon, when caught in the wild, is healthy and rich in heart-friendly fats likeomega 3. However, farmed salmon is a different story. Farmed salmon has higher levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls or PCB and dioxins because of the “fish meal” diet it is typically fed. Fish meal contains ground up fish that has often been found to be contaminated with PCBs. This happens because the fish used in the meal gets exposed to toxic levels of the chemical found in the water. This is especially true to those fish meals sourced from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. [6]
PCBs are carcinogenic and toxic to the body. Unfortunately, the guidelines and regulations are not stringent enough to protect the consumers from the harmful effects. In fact, in 2004, the US Environmental Protection Agency released a statement that the only safe way to eat farmed salmon is to eat only 8oz of it once every four months. [7] In the mean time, it is safer to just buy organic wild salmon from trusted companies. [8]
4. Foods High In Trans Fat
Trans fat is considered by doctors as the worst fat you can consume. Trans fat increases bad cholesterol levels in the body while decreasing the levels of good cholesterol. In addition to that, trans fat has also been linked to intestinal tumor growths in animal models. This prompted the FDA to order the food industry to phase out the use of hydrogenated oils, the main source of trans fat in the market, within 3 years. [9]
5. Grilled Meats
Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)are carcinogens formed when meat – including beef, pork, and poultry – is exposed to high-temperature cooking methods. HCAs and PAHs are capable of damaging DNA and can alter the growth rate of cells, which in turn can trigger cancer in the body. [10]
6. Microwave Popcorn
In the past, a chemical called Diacetyl was discovered to be harmful to the lungs when inhaled. This very same chemical was used to flavor popcorn back in the day. Fast forward to the present time, Diacetyl has now been replaced with 2,3-pentanedione. However, animal data shows that this too is a danger when inhaled. Another danger in microwave popcorn is PFOS or perfluorooctane sulfonate. [11] This prevents the oil from seeping into the bag and making a mess. Due to its possible cancer-causing properties, the FDA banned the use of PFOS for food packaging. [12]
7. Non-Organic Fruits And Vegetables
Food not grown organically is exposed to dangerous pesticides. This includesPyrethroid pesticides. Pyrethroid pesticides have been found to speed up the onset puberty in boys. Early puberty increases the risk of conditions like testicular cancer, stunted growth, and behavioral problems. [13]
8. High Sugar Beverages
Too much sugar is obviously bad, but it might not be just because of diabetes. In a study published by the American Association for Cancer Research, researchers have found that sugar-sweetened beverages, when consumed by postmenopausal women, increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer. [14]We should also keep in mind that high sugar intake can lead to diabetes and diabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
9. Hot Beverages
Coffee and tea by themselves do not pose any harm to our health, but when they are consumed at very high temperatures they can damage the lining of our esophagus. Given enough time this happens, you would be placing yourself at risk for esophageal cancer. How hot is too hot? Not as hot as you might think: The International Agency for Research on Cancer puts it around 65 degrees Celsius or above. [15]
10. Contaminated Nuts
Aflatoxin is a chemical produced by certain types of molds that grow on nuts and grains. Aflatoxin is strongly associated with the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. This does not mean you should give up eatingnuts and grains. Instead, buy them from reputable sellers and store properly in a cool and dry place. [16]
11. Artificially Sweetened Food
In a study published in the Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, it was found that even consuming the regulated amount of aspartame caused animal test subjects to experience increased in appetite and weight. The same can be said forsaccharin, another artificial sweetener, in which the same study pointed out, that its consumption caused weight gain instead of the expected weight loss. [17]Being overweight puts you at a higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
References:
[1] Preventable Cancer. http://www.aicr.org/can-prevent/need-to-know/preventable-cancers.html
[2] Study Shows How BPA May Affect Inflammatory Breast Cancer Study is the first to identify how chemicals might encourage deadly cancer’s growth (2017). http://www.newswise.com/articles/study-shows-how-bpa-may-affect-inflammatory-breast-cancer
[3] Bisphenol A (BPA). http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/be-aware/harmful-substances-and-environmental-risks/bpa/?region=on
[4] Bisphenol A (BPA). https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa/index.cfm
[5] Known and Probable Human Carcinogens. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/general-info/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens.html
[6] Caution: Farmed Salmon May Cause Cancer. http://discovermagazine.com/2005/jan/farmed-salmon-may-cause-cancer
[7] PCBs in farmed salmon: contaminated fish meal. http://www.ewg.org/research/pcbs-farmed-salmon/contaminated-fish-meal
[8] Is it OK to eat farmed salmon now? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/sep/29/is-it-ok-to-eat-farmed-salmon-now
[9] Fatty Diet Activates Oldest Branch of Immune System, Causing Intestinal Tumors (2016).https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2016/september/fatty-diet-activates-oldest-br
[10] Chemicals in Meat Cooked at High Temperatures and Cancer Risk. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cooked-meats-fact-sheet
[11] A Microwave Popcorn Danger. http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-community/environmental-health/article/microwave-popcorn-danger
[12] FDA Bans Three Toxic Chemicals From Food Wrapping – Too Little, Too Late. http://www.ewg.org/release/fda-bans-three-toxic-chemicals-food-wrapping-too-little-too-late
[13] Pyrethroid pesticide exposure appears to speed puberty in boys (2017).https://www.endocrinology.org/news/item/10751/Pyrethroid-pesticide-exposure-appears-to-speed-puberty-in-boys
[14] Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and the Risk of Type I and Type II Endometrial Cancer among Postmenopausal Women (2013). http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/22/12/2384
[15] Can coffee cause cancer? Only if it’s very hot, says WHO agency. http://www.afr.com/news/world/can-coffee-cause-cancer-only-if-its-very-hot-says-who-agency-20160616-gpkbs2
[16] What are aflatoxins? http://www.foodsafetywatch.org/factsheets/aflatoxins/
[17] Saccharin and aspartame, compared with sucrose, induce greater weight gain in adult Wistar rats, at similar total caloric intake levels (2013). http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666312004138
10 Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer Men Shouldn’t Ignore
Cancer is a disease that can affect almost every major organ in the body – from our skin to our liver. However, prostate cancer affects more men than any other cancer type apart from skin cancer. Based on data between 2010 and 2012, the NIH estimates that an astonishing 14 percent of the male population will be diagnosed with some form of prostate cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 220,800 cases were reported in the USA in 2015, with deaths at 27,540. By 2012, there were almost 3 million men living with prostate cancer in the US. It’s important not to live in fear, but the statistics should concern you enough to be more vigilant regarding your health and the health of your loved ones. Remember, the biggest fight against cancer starts with prevention. [1]
Getting To Know The Prostate
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system that is found just underneath the bladder. Roughly the size of a walnut, this gland produces fluid that supports the sperm used for sexual reproduction. The prostate grows naturally throughout the lifetime in two major “growth spurts”. The first obviously happens during puberty and the other during a man’s thirties. The weight of the gland grows from about 20 grams during adulthood to double its weight by the time a man reaches his 70s. [2] However, the sudden growth of the prostate can put pressure on its surrounding organs and tissues and cause pain and problems with urination and bowel movement. Learn about these warning signs and symptoms of prostate cancer below.
#1: Painful Or Difficult Urination
Dysuria is a term that means painful or difficult urination. With this symptom, you may find it difficult to urinate even if your bladder feels full; or be able to urinate but with mild to severe pain in the pelvic or perineal area (but note that a burning sensation in the urinary tract is usually due to a urinary tract infection). Dysuria is a cause for concern because it can indicate that something may be pressing against your urinary tract (the tract that allows urine to flow out from the bladder) most likely an enlarged prostate, a symptom of prostate cancer. [3]
#2: Frequent Urination
Frequent urination can also be a sign of prostate cancer. When the enlarged prostate or tumor compresses the bladder, it reduces its capacity to hold urine – ergo, more frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate. This can also lead to a feeling that your bladder isn’t fully empty even after repeated urination. [3]
#3: Very Weak Urine Flow
Slow or reduced urine flow usually accompanies the previous symptoms mentioned above. When something is blocking the urinary tract or bladder, the urine flow is greatly reduced, often to a mere dripping or dribbling. This also makes it hard to direct the stream of urine, even with a lot of force being made by the abdominal muscles during urination.
#4: Hematuria
Blood in the urine or hematuria is a cause for worry for anyone – male or female. In the case of prostate cancer, blood in the urine can indicate that the tumor has damaged the urethra or bladder – causing bleeding.
Bear in mind that severe problems with urination are late symptoms of prostate cancer – usually occurs when the prostate gland has already reached a large enough size to disrupt the normal function of the urinary system.
#5: Blood In Semen And Painful Ejaculation
As with hematuria, there should be a concern if blood appears in semen. Vascularized tumors are prone to bleeding, which can be the reason why blood-tinged semen is considered a sign of prostate cancer. The tumor itself can be bleeding or damaging surrounding prostate tissue to cause bleeding and pain.
#6: Swelling Of The Legs And Feet
There are two ways wherein prostate cancer can affect the lymph nodes – the first by compressing them, affecting the flow of lymph fluid in and out of the nodes and the second by metastasis to the lymph system. When the ducts that lead to and from the lymph nodes near the pelvic area become blocked, it causes a build-up of fluid in the lower extremities. This can cause mild to severe edema in the ankles and feet, or even the entire leg. However, lower extremity lymphedema usually happens after surgery and therapy but there is still a risk of it occurring prior to the start of treatment, depending on the stage of the tumor. [4]
#7: Pain In The Hips, Back, Or Chest
When prostate cancer has reached the last state (stage four), it has usually spread or metastasized to other parts of the body. The most common place where prostate cancer metastasizes is bone. This is why pain in the hips (pelvic bone), back (spine), and chest (ribs) are indicative of widespread bone metastasis in cases of prostate cancer. In a study on prostate cancer in 2000, 90 percent of autopsies done on people who died of prostate cancer revealed bone metastasis.[5]
#8: Urinary And Stool Incontinence
When metastasis has spread to the bones in the spinal column, it can start to affect spinal tissue as well. Because the spinal cord is a part of the nervous system and contributes to the control of the muscles of the bladder and the rectum, metastasis can lead to problems with urinary and stool control, manifesting as incontinence. This can start with feeling the urge to urinate and defecate but never making it to the bathroom on time, eventually leading to full incontinence. [6]
#9: Erectile Dysfunction
While many people believe that erectile dysfunction only occurs after treatment for prostate cancer has started, science begs to differ. In a 2015 study on baseline erectile dysfunction and diagnoses of prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction was present in more than half (53 percent) of the total number of subjects, with severe ED occurring in roughly half of that number (24 percent). This demonstrates that baseline erectile dysfunction is a prevalent warning symptom of prostate cancer.[7]
#10: Weight Loss And Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue are common among all types of cancer. When any kind of tumor develops, the body basically “feeds” it which causes it to spread and grow. The nutrients sent to the cancer cells starve the healthy cells, leading to weight loss and easy fatiguability. This is actually one of the earliest signs of cancer, with affected people only noting weakness at the beginning stage of the disease to severe fatigue and weight loss as the staging of cancer progresses. [8]
Your Number One Tactic: Prostate Cancer Screening
Here’s the truth: most of these signs and symptoms only occur when prostate cancer has already progressed to later stages. More often than not, men with the early stages of prostate cancer are asymptomatic – meaning they don’t feel any different or don’t manifest any signs and symptoms of the disease. This is where screening comes in. You may not know it but you maybe be at risk for prostate cancer.
The three most common methods for prostate cancer screening are:
1) digital rectal exams (DREs)
2) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) detection in the blood and
3) checking for the presence of the protein Engrailed-2 (EN2) in the urine.
The first method allows the manual palpation of an enlarged prostate, raising the alarm for the performance of other screening tests to fully assess the condition. The second is also able to detect an enlarged prostate through PSA levels in the blood, which is useful if the prostate cannot be palpated through a DRE. While the ability of these tests to actually detect prostate cancer is not 100 percent, they are very valuable in detecting abnormalities with the prostate and have positive effects on mortality rates beyond 7 years. [9][10]
The EN2 test is based on relatively new research and reported to be not yetavailable. A laboratory test currently identifies EN2 in urine, and a simple home test kit is envisioned which will be similar to a home pregnancy test strip. [11]
But remember this: Not all enlarged prostates are cancerous.
An enlarged prostate is not always a cause for concern. In fact, this condition is very common in older men – occurring in about 90 percent of men in their 70s and 80s. Hyperplasia or the enlargement of the prostate naturally occurs as a man ages. When this growth doesn’t stop, it can develop into BPH – which stands forbenign prostatic hyperplasia, which is not at all cancerous and is generally regarded as not requiring any form of treatment – unless there is great difficulty in urination. However, the urinary symptoms of BPH are similar to prostate cancer, which makes adequate screening even more important. [11]
Note: As with the rest of this website, this article is not medical advice nor a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. We do not advise self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you believe you have the symptoms mentioned or are concerned about your health, please schedule an appointment with your doctor/healthcare advisor.
References:
[1] National Institutes of Health. SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Prostate Cancer. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html
[2] Department of Health and Human Services (Victoria, Australia). Prostate gland and urinary problems.https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/prostate-gland-and-urinary-problems
[3] National Institutes of Health. Prostate Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/moreinformation/prostatecancerearlydetection/prostate-cancer-early-detection-symptoms-of-prostate-cancer
[4] Rasmusson, E., et. al. (2013). Low rate of lymphedema after extended pelvic lymphadenectomy followed by pelvic irradiation of node-positive prostate cancer. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3842657/
[5] Bubendorf, L., et. al. (2000). Metastatic patterns of prostate cancer: An autopsy study of 1,589 patients.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0046817700800350
[6] Alizadeh, M. & Alizadeh, S. (2014). Survey of Clinical and Pathological Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Prostate Cancer. http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/gjhs/article/view/38296/22260
[7] Ong, W., McLachlan, H. & Millar, J. (2015). Prevalence of Baseline Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in an Australian Cohort of Men with Localized Prostate Cancer. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25847707
[8] Langer, C., Hoffman, J. & Ottery, F. (2001). Clinical significance of weight loss in cancer patients: Rationale for the use of anabolic agents in the treatment of cancer-related cachexia.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900701800010
[9] Mistry, K. & Cable, G. (2003). Meta-analysis of prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examination as screening tests for prostate carcinoma. http://www.jabfm.org/content/16/2/95.short
[10] National Institutes of Health. Prostate Cancer Screening – for health professionals.http://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/hp/prostate-screening-pdq
[12] Roehrborn, C. (2005). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Overview. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1477638/
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