Nutrition tips while undergoing Chemo/ radiation therapy

 Always Keep Food Tasty. Chemo can do a number on your taste buds, making certain foods and drinks taste metallic or unpleasant. Water and meat are the two most common items that become distasteful during chemo. If it becomes difficult to drink plain water, try drinking flavored mineral water or add sliced lemon to tap water. If certain meats become difficult to enjoy, try other sources of protein such as eggs, low-fat dairy, beans, and fish.

 Help to Fight Constipation. While some people experience diarrhea with chemo, others deal with constipation. Keeping hydrated is important to help prevent constipation. Including all types of fiber in your diet also can be helpful. If you aren’t accustomed to large amounts of fiber, make sure to increase your fiber slowly. Getting some exercise -- even just a 20-minute walk -- can be a powerful intestinal stimulant.

Try to Manage Weight Gain  Some cancer patients tend to gain weight during treatment, so try to eat  low-fat meals, snacks, and lots of vegetables.

Improve Your Appetite. Many people undergoing chemo find that their appetites suffer. Since carbohydrates are usually digested well, it is recommended to try snacks such as hot cereals, toast with peanut butter or other nut butter, or pita bread with hummus. Other foods to consider include yogurt and blended soups.

Diarrhea ?  If you are experiencing diarrhea, avoid greasy and fried foods, caffeine, sugary drinks and fruit juices, salad greens, raw produce, and sugar alcohols. Foods that are generally well-tolerated include oatmeal, most fruits without skin, sweet potatoes, and squash.

Note Down your Food and Symptom  in a Diary. Write down what you eat and drink, and record any symptoms you experience daily.  This will help you and your health care team identify what you are eating that may be causing nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. This way, medications and other dietary suggestions can be tried before problems escalate.  

 Mouth Sores?  Some types of chemotherapy can cause mouth sores. To help healing, avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and hot temperature foods. Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Rinsing your mouth with salt water after meals may also be helpful.

Stay Hydrated. Diarrhea and vomiting combined with low fluid intake can cause dehydration. Signs of dehydration may include a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, low urine output (urine is dark yellow when it is concentrated), and an inability to produce tears. Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid dehydration.

Control Nausea. Eating cool foods instead of warm foods, chewing on crystallized ginger, or sipping on peppermint or ginger tea can help discourage nausea.Try to avoid greasy or fried foods and those with strong odors.

Eat Smaller Meals. Eating smaller sized meals tends to be tolerated better during the chemo process than larger, less frequent meals. Eating smaller, more frequent meals will help with nausea as well.

Get Help from a Dietitian. It may be helpful to meet with a good dietitian, who can help you with the specific food and diet issues you are experiencing during cancer treatment, as it differs from individual to individual.

Magnetic Field Therapy, uses

 What is meant by magnetic field therapy?

Magnetic field therapy uses magnets to maintain health and treat illness.

The human body and the earth naturally produce electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields also can be technologically produced, such as radio and television waves. Practitioners of magnetic field therapy believe that interactions between the body, the earth, and other electromagnetic fields cause physical and emotional changes in humans. They also believe that the body's electromagnetic field must be in balance to maintain good health.

Practitioners apply magnetic field therapy to the outside of the body. The magnets may be:

Electrically charged, to deliver an electrical pulse to the treated area.

Used with acupuncture  needles, to treat energy pathways in the body.

Static (not electrically charged) and stationary on the treated area for periods of time, to deliver continuous treatment.

Uses of magnetic field therapy. 

People use magnet therapy for a wide range of health problems, including:

Joint problems- arthritis.    Migraine headaches

 All types of pain, even those after surgery, chronic etc.

Depression        Cancer

All muscles or injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, whether strains / sprains.

Who can have Magnetic therapy?

Young children and pregnant women should not use magnetic field therapy, because the safety of this therapy is not proved. People who have medical devices or implants with a magnetic field, such as a pacemaker, should not use magnet therapy, because it could interfere with the function of the implant.

Magnet therapy doesn't have negative side effects or complications when it is combined with conventional medical treatment.

Always use different therapies along with conventional therapies, as those are time tested & proved, as alternate therapies may work well along with them.

Advanced Prostate Cancer- cure?

What is meant by advanced prostrate cancer?

Prostate cancer is defined as 'advanced' when it spreads outside the prostate gland. It may spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, bones, or other parts of the body. It is also called metastatic prostate cancer.

Can it be cured?

Currently, no cure exists for advanced prostate cancer. Men can benefit, however, in several ways. Some  treatments slow the growth of the cancer. Others reduce symptoms caused by the disease. Till recently, no therapy was offered to prolong life. Now a chemotherapy drug Taxotere, when taken with the steroid prednisone, has been proven to extend survival by several months. Taxotere is approved only for men with cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy (called hormone refractory prostate cancer).

In addition, Provenge, a "vaccine" for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, does appear to extend survival -- by months for most patients, by years for some. Provenge isn't your everyday vaccine. It's an immune therapy created by harvesting immune cells from a patient, genetically engineering them to fight prostate cancer, and then infusing them back into the patient. It's approved only for treatment of patients with few or no symptoms who have prostate cancer that has spread outside the prostate and no longer responds to hormone therapy.

The side effects of the treatment.

Most doctors use hormone therapy to control the spread of advanced prostate cancer, common side effects  caused by hormone therapy include reduced sex drive, impotence, infertility, and osteoporosis (weakened bones). Erectile dysfunction and infertility occur in most men who undergo hormone therapy. The risk and extent of bone loss depends largely on how long a man receives hormone therapy. Mostly, doctors recommend ways to combat these side effects.

When people do not respond to hormone therapy, doctors may try a chemotherapy drug called Taxotere. Possible side effects of Taxotere include nausea, hair loss, and bone marrow suppression (the decline or halt of blood cell formation). Patients may also develop fluid retention and pain, tingling, or numbness in the fingers or toes.

Though new, thus far Provenge has been remarkably safe. However, clinical trials suggested the treatment might be linked to a slightly increased risk of  stroke. Almost all patients suffer some mild to moderate side effects such as chills, fatigue, fever, back pain,  joint ache, nausea and headache.

It's important for everyone with advanced prostate cancer to discuss their concerns with their doctor before beginning treatment.

Difficultly urinating if the cancer has enlarged lymph nodes, causing them to block the flow of urine.

Weakness from anemia if the prostate cancer is disrupting the production of red blood cells in bone marrow.

Pain, especially when the cancer has spread to the bones.

Fractures if bones are severely weakened.

Men who notice early symptoms such as difficulty urinating may have more treatment options than those who notice symptoms only after cancer has spread to the bones.

What can be done to counter bone loss?

Drugs called biphosphonates (Actonel, Zometa, and others) can help make bones stronger and prevent fractures. Doctors sometimes perform surgery to support affected bones. Plus, radiation therapy directed at the bone can reduce pain caused by bone metastases.

For many Prostrate cancer patients, imaging scans aren't necessary

 Many men with low-risk prostrate cancer are having unnecessary and expensive imaging tests, while thousands of men with high-risk disease who should get the tests are not.

When men are diagnosed with prostate cancer are classified as low-, intermediate-, or high-risk depending on their life expectancy, overall health status, and tumor characteristics. Current guidelines state that only high-risk men should undergo CT,  MRI and bone scans to determine if their cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

Although those tests may expose men to unnecessary radiation and use resources unnecessarily, the bigger concern is that 39% of men with high-risk disease who should have undergone imaging did not.

So, kindly think twice if such tests are necessary, ask the doctors why it should be done, before exposing yourself to unwanted radiation.

Unrefined salt works well for Asthma

Unrefined salt contains more than 80 minerals, while refined salt has no minerals in it. Unrefined salt should be the salt of choice for all of us.

The combination of salt, water, and iodine is the best mucolytic (mucus break-up) protocol known to mankind. At the first sign of wheezing,  dissolving a quarter teaspoon of unrefined salt in eight ounces of water and drinking it down.

Also, supplementing with iodine can further help break up mucus plugs and clear the airways. Generally, doses of iodine vary between 6-50 mg/day. More may be necessary in times of an asthma attack.

Simple Steps to Lower Cholesterol

healthy food
healthy breakfast
nuts are healthy
whole pulses are good
not healthy foods


Simple Steps to Lower Cholesterol
Has your doctor said you have high cholesterol (called hypercholesterolemia)? Then you know you need to change your diet and lifestyle to lower cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. Even if your doctor prescribed a cholesterol drug to bring levels down, you'll still need to change your diet and become more active for cardiovascular health. These simple tips can help you keep cholesterol levels in check.


Portion Control: Give Yourself a Hand
Most Americans eat super-sized meals, with portions that are twice the size recommended for good health. That can contribute to weight gain and high cholesterol. Here's an easy way to practice portion control for a meal: Use your hand. One serving of meat or fish is about what fits in the palm of your hand. One serving of fresh fruit is about the size of your fist. And a serving of cooked vegetables, rice, or pasta should fit in your cupped hand.


Portion Control: Give Yourself a Hand
Most Americans eat super-sized meals, with portions that are twice the size recommended for good health. That can contribute to weight gain and high cholesterol. Here's an easy way to practice portion control for a meal: Use your hand. One serving of meat or fish is about what fits in the palm of your hand. One serving of fresh fruit is about the size of your fist. And a serving of cooked vegetables, rice, or pasta should fit in your cupped hand.


Serve Up the Heart-Healthy Food
Load your plate with fruits and vegetables -- five to nine servings a day -- to help lower LDL "bad" cholesterol. Antioxidants in these foods may provide the benefit. Or it may be that when we eat more fruits and veggies, we eat less fatty foods. Either way, you'll also help lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight. Foods enriched with plant sterols, such as some margarine spreads, yogurts, and other foods, can also help lower LDL cholesterol.


For Heart Health, Look to the Sea
A heart-healthy diet has fish on the menu twice a week. Why? Fish is low in saturated fat and high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help lower levels of trigylcerides, a type of fat in the blood. They may also help lower cholesterol, slowing the growth of plaque in arteries. Go for fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, trout, and sardines. Just don't drop the filets in the deep fryer – you'll negate the health benefits.


Start Your Day With Whole Grains
A bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal has benefits that last all day. The fiber and complex carbohydrates in whole grains help you feel fuller for longer, so you'll be less tempted to overeat at lunch. They also help reduce LDL "bad" cholesterol and can be an important part of your weight loss strategy. Other examples of whole grains include wild rice, popcorn, brown rice, barley, and whole-wheat flour.


Go Nuts for Cardiovascular Health
Need a snack? A handful of nuts is a tasty treat that helps in lowering cholesterol. Nuts are high in monounsaturated fat, which lowers LDL "bad" cholesterol while leaving HDL "good" cholesterol intact. Several studies show that people who eat about an ounce of nuts a day have lower risk of heart disease. Nuts are high in fat and calories, so only eat a handful. And make sure they're not covered in sugar or chocolate.


Unsaturated Fats Protect the Heart
We all need a little fat in our diet – about 25% to 35% of our daily calories. But the type of fat matters. Unsaturated fats -- like those found in canola, olive, and safflower oils -- help lower LDL "bad" cholesterol levels and may help raise HDL "good" cholesterol. Saturated fats -- like those found in butter and palm oil -- and trans fats raise LDL cholesterol. Even good fats have calories, so eat in moderation.


More Beans, Fewer Potatoes
You need carbohydrates for energy, but some do your body more good than others. Whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, whole-wheat pasta, and beans have more fiber and raise sugar levels less. These help lower cholesterol and keep you feeling full longer. Other carbs, like those found in white bread, white potatoes, white rice, and pastries, boost blood sugar levels more quickly, leading you to feel hungry sooner, and may increase risk for overeating.


Move It!
Even 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week (20 minutes three times a week for vigorous exercise, such as jogging) can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol – although more exercise is even better. It also helps you maintain an ideal weight, reducing your chance of developing clogged arteries. You don't have to exercise for 30 minutes straight – you can break it up into 10-minute increments.


Walk It Off
If you're not used to exercising – or hate the thought of going to a gym – just go for a walk. It's easy, healthy, and all you need is a good pair of shoes. Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise such as walking lowers risk of stroke and heart disease, helps you lose weight, and keeps bones strong. If you're just starting out, try a 10-minute walk and gradually build up from there.


Work Out Without Going to the Gym
If exercise sounds like a dirty word to you, here's some good news: You can boost your heart health by incorporating physical activity into your day. Any kind of cardiovascular activity counts – gardening, dancing, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Even housework can qualify as exercise – as long as you're doing serious cleaning that gets your heart rate up and not just light dusting.


Take Charge of Your Health
If you have high cholesterol, you and your doctor may be using a number of strategies to lower cholesterol levels. You may be working on your diet, losing weight, exercising more, and maybe taking cholesterol drugs. There are other actions you can take, too, to make sure you stay on the right track.


What to Do When Eating Out
If you're eating healthy food at home to keep cholesterol in check, don't blow it when you eat out. Restaurant food can be loaded with saturated fat, calories, and sodium. Even healthy choices may come in super-size portions. Try these tips to stay on track:
Choose broiled, baked, steamed, and grilled foods – not fried.
Get sauces on the side.
Practice portion control by asking for half your meal to be boxed up before it’s brought out.
 

Look for Hidden Traps
A close look at nutrition labels is essential for a low-cholesterol, heart-healthy diet. Try these tips:
Check serving sizes. The nutrition info may look good, but does the package contain two servings instead of one?
If it says "whole grain," read the ingredients. Whole wheat or whole grain should be the first one.
A food with "0 grams cholesterol" could still raise your LDL cholesterol. Saturated fat is the other culprit to watch for.

Don't Stress Out
Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, adding to your risk of atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque from cholesterol builds up in arteries. And research shows that for some people, stress might directly increase cholesterol levels. Reduce your stress levels with relaxation exercises, meditation, or biofeedback. Focus on your breathing and take deep, refreshing breaths. It's a simple stress-buster you can do anywhere.

When Losing Means Winning
Losing weight is one of the best things you can do to fight cardiovascular disease. Being obese increases the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. These all affect the lining of your arteries, making them more prone to collect plaque from cholesterol. Losing weight -- especially belly fat, which is linked to hardening of the arteries -- helps raise HDL "good" cholesterol and reduce LDL "bad" cholesterol.

Follow Your Doctor's Advice
Managing your cholesterol is a lifelong process. See your doctor regularly to keep tabs on your health. Follow your doctor's recommendations on diet, exercise, and medication. Working together, you and your doctor can lower your cholesterol levels and keep your heart going strong

7 pains one shouldn't ignore

Whoever coined the term "necessary evil" might have been thinking of pain. No one wants it, yet it's the body's way of getting your attention when something is wrong. You're probably sufficiently in tune with your body to know when the pain is just a bother, perhaps the result of moving furniture a day or two before or eating that third enchilada. It's when pain might signal something more serious that the internal dialogue begins:

"OK, this isn't something to fool around with."
"But I can't miss my meeting."
"And how many meetings will you miss if you land in the hospital?"
"I'll give it one more day." Etc.

No. 1: Worst Headache of Your Life

Get medical attention immediately. "If you have a cold, it could be a sinus headache," says Dr. But you could have a brain hemorrhage or brain tumor. With any pain, unless you're sure of what caused it, get it checked out, 

that when someone says they have the worst headache of their life, "what we learned in medical training was that was a classic sign of a brain aneurysm. Go immediately to the ER."

No. 2: Pain or Discomfort in the Chest, Throat, Jaw, Shoulder, Arm, or Abdomen

Chest pain could be pneumonia or a heart attack. But be aware that heart conditions typically appear as discomfort, not pain. Don't wait for pain, says cardiologist . Heart patients talk about pressure. They'll clench their fist and put it over their chest or say it's like an elephant sitting on their chest.

The discomfort associated with heart disease could also be in the upper chest, throat, jaw, left shoulder or arm, or abdomen and might be accompanied by nausea. "I'm not too much worried about the 18-year-old, but if a person has unexplained, persistent discomfort and knows they're high risk, they shouldn't wait .Too often people delay because they misinterpret it as [heartburn] or GI distress. Call 911 or get to an emergency room or physician's office. If it turns out to be something else, that's great.

He tells  that intermittent discomfort should be taken seriously as well. There might be a pattern, such as discomfort related to excitement, emotional upset, or exertion. For example, if you experience it when you're gardening, but it goes away when you sit down, that's angina. It's usually worse in cold or hot weather."

A woman's discomfort signs can be more subtle. Heart disease can masquerade as GI symptoms, such as bloating, GI distress, or discomfort in the abdomen. It's also associated with feeling tired. Risk for heart disease increases dramatically after menopause. It kills more women than men even though men are at higher risk at any age. Women and their physicians need to be on their toes.

No. 3: Pain in Lower Back or Between Shoulder Blades

Most often it's arthritis. Other possibilities include a heart attack or abdominal problems. One danger is aortic dissection, which can appear as either a nagging or sudden pain. People who are at risk have conditions that can change the integrity of the vessel wall. These would include high blood pressure, a history of circulation problems, smoking, and diabetes.

No. 4: Severe Abdominal Pain

Still have your appendix? Don't flirt with the possibility of a rupture. Gallbladder and pancreas problems, stomach ulcers, and intestinal blockages are some other possible causes of abdominal pain that need attention.

No 5: Calf Pain

One of the lesser known dangers is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can occur in the leg's deep veins. It affects 2 million Americans a year, and it can be life-threatening. The danger is that a piece of the clot could break loose and cause pulmonary embolism [a clot in the lungs], which could be fatal. Cancer, obesity, immobility due to prolonged bed rest or long-distance travel, pregnancy, and advanced age are among the risk factors.

Sometimes there's just swelling without pain. If you have swelling and pain in your calf muscles, see a doctor immediately.

No. 6: Burning Feet or Legs

Nearly a quarter of the 23 million Americans who have diabetes are undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association. In some people who don't know they have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy could be one of the first signs. It's a burning or pins-and-needles sensation in the feet or legs that can indicate nerve damage.

No 7: Vague, Combined, or Medically Unexplained Pains

Various painful, physical symptoms are common in depression. Patients will have vague complaints of headaches, abdominal pain, or limb pain, sometimes in combination.

Because the pain might be chronic and not terribly debilitating, depressed people, their families, and health care professionals might dismiss the symptoms. Furthermore, the more depressed you are, the more difficulty you have describing your feelings. All of this can lead the clinician astray.

Other symptoms must be present before a diagnosis of depression can be made. Get help when you've lost interest in activities, you're unable to work or think effectively, and you can't get along with people. And don't suffer silently when you're hurting.

There's more to depression than deterioration of the quality of life. It has to be treated aggressively before it causes structural changes in the brain.

crochet cap with buttons

To make this cap, i saw a design, but had to change it according to my gauge, the way I finished it, is also my own, than what was given. So, in a way, it is my own design !

Want to lose weight - 10 foods that can help you do so.

Everyone knows that losing weight is one of the most common struggles faced by today's generation. Wrong food choices and a sedentary lifestyle are the leading reasons behind obesity these days.
When people become conscious about their weight gain, they take hard actions such as going on a crash diet. Then hunger pangs set in, people eat more and end up gaining more weight.
Weight loss follows a simple equation: burn more calories than what you consume. In order to lose weight faster you can reduce the calorie intake. But then how would you manage your hunger pangs?
The answer is 'appetite suppressing food' so that you never feel like eating too much. Fortunately, there are many healthy foods that can curb the appetite naturally. These foods are low in calories, so your diet plan doesn't get derailed.
An apple a day not only keeps the doctor away but also keeps hunger at bay. Apples are not only low in calories and fat, but are also great appetite suppressing foods because of the high fiber content.
The fiber helps you feel full longer because it expands in your stomach so it takes less food to satisfy your hunger and prevents you from overeating.
Apples also contain natural sugars which maintain a healthy blood sugar level. This prevents your body from developing the urge to ingest more carbs.
A 2003 study conducted in Brazil found that overweight women who ate the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day as part of a healthy diet lost significantly more weight than those who didn't eat apples.
The study also found a significantly greater decrease in the blood glucose level among those who ate apples or pears compared with those who didn't.


Oatmeal, another fiber-rich food, contains good carbohydrates that burn slowly and thus makes you feel less hungry.

The high fiber content also makes you feel fuller faster. Moreover, oatmeal is ideal for diabetics as it is low on the glycemic index.
You can have this power-packed breakfast food with some low fat milk or even better -- sprinkle some flaxseed on the top!

Pine nuts contain an appetite suppressing chemical called pinolenic acid, a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) that naturally curbs your hunger.
In a paper presented in the American Physiological Society session at Experimental Biology 2006, researchers report that pinolenic acid derived from Korean pine nuts stimulates two well-known appetite suppressing hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1). CCK and GLP1 are appetite suppressors, which send signals of satiation to the brain diminishing the desire to eat and food intake.
As part of the study, 18 women reported a 29 percent reduction in 'desire to eat' and a 36 percent reduction in the food intake.
Also, pine nuts have the highest amount of protein and this ensures a constant supply of energy to your body. So, have a healthy serving of pine nuts throughout the day to suppress your appetite as you try to lose weight.

Apart from being an excellent source of omega-3 fats, flaxseeds are also rich in fiber with 30 grams of flaxseeds providing 8 grams of fiber.
The more flax seed you eat with each meal, the longer it will take for your sugar level to rise. As a result, your hunger hormones are kept at bay.
The best part about flaxseeds is that you can sprinkle them on anything you want to eat, be it salads, smoothies, sandwiches or curries.

If you are craving for food and you know that your body has everything it needs, then drink water instead. Water, a zero calorie drink, is perhaps the best appetite suppressing agent when you are on your plans to lose weight.

Drinking water throughout the day and anytime you start to feel hungry deceives the brain into thinking the stomach is full.
A recent study on people following a low calorie diet found that people who drank 2 cups of water prior to their meals lost about 7 kg in 12 weeks as compared to 5 kg weight loss in people who did not.

Green tea is known for its antioxidant benefits. However, it can also stimulate the release of hormones that can control or limit food cravings.
Green tea works by promoting thermogenesis, which increases the metabolic rate, inhibiting fat digestion, and boosting your energy. It is also a natural fat burner and helps you burn up to 43 percent more fat.

Whey proteins not only help you in building muscles but also aid in weight loss. Research suggests that whey proteins have an impact on the hormones which induce the feeling of fullness.
In a study conducted by Australian researchers, 22 healthy, lean men consumed either whey protein, tuna, turkey or egg meal and then were presented with a buffet meal four hours later.
The researchers found a higher insulin response and lower glucose response in the whey protein group (who also ate fewer calories at the buffet meal) compared to those who ate the other protein meals.
Whey has many other benefits including boosting up the functioning of the immune system and regulating the blood pressure.

Every dietician would recommend at least two-servings of low-calorie soup if you are on a diet plan.
Soups suppress appetite because of their high water content, and aid in weight loss due to low-calorie content. Broths and vegetable soups are the best options!
A study conducted by the researchers of Pennsylvania State University found that men and women who consumed two servings of low-calorie soup daily lost a 50 percent more weight than those who consumed the exact same number of calories with snack foods.


Won't you find a salad made with cabbages, spinach and endives delicious? Eat a small salad before the main meal to avoid overeating.
The high fiber content would delay the entry of glucose into the bloodstream and you won't feel hungry very quickly.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Assocation reports that women who ate a simple 100-calorie salad before dinner consumed 12 percent less calories during the meal.

We saved the best one for the last. Out of all the foods mentioned in this list, we are sure you would incorporate this one readily without any fuss. But remember only very small portions of dark chocolate are good for you.
The bittersweet taste of pure dark chocolate helps in suppressing appetite. Some studies indicate that dark chocolate antioxidants can act as an appetite suppressant helping you lose weight and control blood sugar.
Cherish each bite and feel the taste of rich cocoa. Eat mindfully!
Will you now opt for crash diets? Extreme diets will only take away your energy! And for how long can you stay without your favorite foods? You should eat these appetite suppressing foods in order to get the best weight loss results!

Goodness of OLIVE Oil- for cancer, heart diseases, diabetes.

Goodness of OLIVE Oil- for cancer, heart diseases, diabetes.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away, almonds for healthy eyes, walnuts for brain”, these are some of the many old sayings we hear all the time. While all of these are true, a newer trend that’s catching is the use of OLIVE OIL. It is packed with essential nutrients & vitamins that provide the body with a multitude of health benefits. Its  components such as Vitamin E & phenols are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant & anticoagulant action. It also helps to detoxify the body.

 By stimulating the secretion of the pancreatic enzyme lipase, olive oil aids in the digestion of fats. Recent studies conducted in India indicate that regular intake of olive oil helps prevent coronary disorders & even diabetes.

Regular consumption of olive oil has been proven to prevent heart diseases by controlling LDL levels (bad cholesterol) & raising HDL ( good cholesterol).

Olive oil has also found a place in the management of cancer. Besides being rich in phytochemicals, olive oil is a rich source of oleic acid which combined with drug therapy, is believed to encourage the self-destruction of aggressive, treatment-resistant cancer cells, thus helping to combat the cancer.

The key is to start olive oil consumption by making subtle changes in one’s diet & fod habits. The recently introduced variant of olive oil is called, “ extra light olive”. This does not interfere with the herbs & spices used in Indian kitchens.

Fat Fighting Foods

Cucumber is the most famous negative calorie food. It can be had with lunch/dinner & one will end up burning more calorie than you consume.

Strawberries are naturally sweet & can be added to breakfast cereal. It will make sure that your body starts burning calories after you finish your first meal of the day.

Orange contains about 45 calories, but when one eats one ends up burning 55-60 calories. Best for later afternoon snack.

Carrots are not only good for your eyes, but also helps one lose weight. Munch it at any time.

Tomatoes when cooked do not help to burn as much calories as when eaten raw.

An apple contains 60-80 calories but when eaten the body works harder to digest this.

Watermelon , when eaten a lot of energy is consumed while eating & digesting it. But have it when you’ve sugar craving.

But these foods should not be the main meal but as snack foods.

Antioxidants and Your Immune System: Super Foods for Optimal Health

Antioxidants and Your Immune System: Super Foods for Optimal Health

One of the best ways to keep your immune system strong and prevent colds and flu might surprise you: Shop your supermarket’s produce aisle.

Experts say a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you ward off infections like colds and flu. That’s because these super foods contain immune-boosting antioxidants.

What are antioxidants? They are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals. Many experts believe this damage plays a part in a number of chronic diseases, including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), cancer, and arthritis. Free radicals can also interfere with your immune system. So fighting off damage with antioxidants helps keep your immune system strong, making you better able to ward off colds, flu, and other infections.

Antioxidants for Immunity: Where to Find Them

Adding more fruit and vegetables of any kind to your diet will improve your health. But some foods are higher in antioxidants than others. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You’ll find them in colorful fruits and vegetables – especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues. To get the biggest benefits of antioxidants, eat these foods raw or lightly steamed; don’t overcook or boil.

Beta-carotene and other carotenoids: Apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, green peppers, kale, mangoes, turnip and collard greens, nectarines, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Vitamin C: Berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mangoes, nectarines, orange, papaya, red, green or yellow peppers, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Vitamin E: Broccoli, carrots, chard, mustard and turnip greens, mangoes, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

Other super foods that are rich in antioxidants include:

    * Prunes

    * Apples

    * Raisins

    * All berries

    * Plums

    * Red grapes

    * Alfalfa sprouts

    * Onions

    * Eggplant

    * Beans

Vitamins aren’t the only antioxidants in food. Other antioxidants that may help boost immunity include

 Zinc: Found in oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood, whole grains, fortified cereals, and dairy products

Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts, tuna, beef, poultry and fortified breads, and other grain products

Antioxidant Super Foods: How Much Do You Need?

For optimal health and immune functioning, you should eat the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of the antioxidant vitamins and minerals. That’s the amount of a vitamin or nutrient that you need to stay healthy and avoid a deficiency.

Here are the RDAs for some antioxidants: 

Zinc: 11 milligrams for men, 8 milligrams for women. If you are a strict vegetarian, you may require as much as 50% more dietary zinc. That’s because your body absorbs less zinc when you have a diet rich in plant-based foods.

Selenium: 55 micrograms for men or women.

Beta-carotene: There is no RDA for beta-carotene. But the Institute of Medicine says that if you get 3 milligrams to 6 milligrams of beta-carotene daily, your body will have the levels that may lower risk of chronic diseases.

Vitamin C: 90 milligrams for men, 75 milligrams for women. Smokers should get extra vitamin C: 125 milligrams for men and 110 milligrams for women.

Vitamin E: 15 milligrams for men and women.

How Foods Boost Immunity

Can’t you get antioxidants from taking a vitamin or a supplement? Yes, but you may be missing out on other nutrients that could strengthen the immune system. Foods contain many different nutrients that work together to promote health. For example, researchers delving into the mysteries of fruits and vegetables and the complex antioxidants they contain have discovered benefits of:

Quercetin: a plant-based chemical (phytochemical) found in apples, onions, teas, red wines, and other foods. It fights inflammation and may help reduce allergies.

Luteolin: a flavonoid found in abundance in celery and green peppers. It also fights inflammation and one study showed it may help protect against inflammatory brain conditions like Alzheimer’s.

Catechins: a type of flavonoid found in tea. Catechins in tea may help reduce risk of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

If you can’t get enough antioxidants in your diet by eating fresh produce, some experts recommend taking a multivitamin that contains minerals, too. But be cautious about taking individual immune system supplements to boost immunity. With antioxidants, as with most anything, moderation is key. Vitamins A and E, for example, are stored in the body and eliminated slowly. Getting too much can be toxic.

Essential Screening Tests Every Woman Needs- cancers, vaccines, Osteoporosis, High BP, Cholesterol, Diabetes, HIV, glaucoma,

Cervical Cancer

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Why Screening Tests Are Important

Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Screenings find diseases like cancer or diabetes early, before you have symptoms, and when they’re easier to treat. Which test you should have depends on your age and your risk factors. Learn more about the screenings your doctor may recommend for you.

Breast Cancer

Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves your odds for survival. That's because the smaller the cancer is when it's found, the better the chance for a surgical cure. Smaller breast cancers are also less likely to have spread to lymph nodes and other organs such as the lungs and brain. If you're in your 20s or 30s and do not have known breast cancer risk factors, a clinical breast exam by a health professional should be part of your regular health exam once every three years.( 1st pic)

Screening With Mammography

Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for women at average risk beginning at 40. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms every two years from ages 50 to 74. These low-dose X-rays can detect a lump three years before you can feel it. But a normal mammogram does not completely rule out the possibility of breast cancer.

Cervical Cancer

The cervix is the part of the uterus that extends into the vaginal cavity. Persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor for cervical cancer (shown here, magnified). Routine screening can find it early, when it's highly curable. It can also find abnormal precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Screening for Cervical Cancer

Doctors use a Pap test to screen for cancer of the cervix. In the office, the doctor collects a sample of cells from your cervix. These are examined in the lab to find precancerous and cancer cells. The screening test should start at age 21. It's very effective in both preventing and finding cervical cancer early enough to cure it.

A Vaccine for Cervical Cancer

The FDA has approved a vaccine -- Gardasil -- for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26. It confers immunity against four strains of HPV, the virus that is a leading cause of cervical cancer. A second vaccine, Cervarix, received FDA approval in October 2009 for use in girls and women between the ages of 10 and 25. Cervarix targets two strains of HPV. Not all cervical cancers are due to HPV and other strains of HPV can still cause cancer that neither vaccine protects against. So while these vaccines may greatly reduce the number of cervical cancer cases, it’s still important to have routine Pap tests to screen for cancer of the cervix.(2nd pic)

Osteoporosis and Fractured Bones

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and fragile. It's caused by bone loss, which accelerates in women after menopause. The first symptom is often a painful bone fracture that can occur with only a minor fall, blow, or even just a twist of the body. It is possible to both prevent and treat osteoporosis, which threatens over half of U.S. adults aged 50 and over, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. ( 3rd picture shown)

Osteoporosis Screening Tests

A test called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) can measure bone mineral density and detect osteoporosis before fractures occur. It can also help predict the risk of future bone fractures. Bone density testing is recommended for all women 65 years of age and older. It's also recommended for middle-aged women younger than 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis.

Skin Cancer

The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma (shown here). It's a malignancy that affects the cells that produce pigment in the skin. Some people may have a genetic risk factor for melanoma. And the risk increases with overexposure to the sun and sunburn. Early treatment of skin cancer can be effective. And melanomas that are detected at a thinner stage can be treated more successfully than thick ones that have grown deeper into the skin. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are common non-melanoma skin cancers. ( 4th pic.)

Screening for Skin Cancer

The American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend regular skin self-exams to check for any changes in marks on your skin including shape, color, and size. A skin exam by a dermatologist or other health professional should be part of a routine cancer checkup.(5th pic.)

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Your risk for high blood pressure increases with age. It's also related to your weight and certain lifestyle habits. High blood pressure can lead to severe complications without any prior symptoms, including an aneurysm. But high blood pressure can be treated. When it is, you reduce your risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Finding out you have high blood pressure and then working with your doctor to manage it can pay huge health dividends. ( 6th pic.)

Screening for High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers. The first (systolic) is the pressure of your blood against your artery walls when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. Normal adult blood pressure is less than 120/80. Blood pressure that is 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure. A reading between those two is considered prehypertension. How often blood pressure should be checked depends on how high it is and what other risk factors you have.

Cholesterol Levels

A high level of LDL cholesterol is a major factor that increases the risk of developing heart disease and atherosclerosis -- hardening and narrowing of the arteries -- which is caused by plaque (seen here in orange) building up inside your arteries. It can progress without symptoms for many years. Over time it can lead to heart attack and stroke. Other atherosclerosis risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Lifestyle changes and medications can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. ( 7th pic.)

Determining Cholesterol Levels

Doctors screen for problems with cholesterol by using a fasting blood lipid panel. That's a blood test that tells you your levels of total cholesterol, LDL "bad" cholesterol, HDL "good" cholesterol, and triglyceride (blood fat). Management decisions are based on the results. For adults 20 years or older, you should have a new panel done at least every five years.

Type 2 Diabetes

One-third of the people in the U.S. with diabetes don't know they have it. The sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., diabetes can lead to a vast array of complications such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness from damage to the blood vessels of the retina (shown here), and nerve damage. But, especially when found early, diabetes can be controlled and complications avoided with diet, exercise, and weight loss. 

( 8th pic.)

Screening for Type 2 Diabetes

A test known as fasting plasma glucose is most often used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. Blood is drawn after you've fasted at least eight hours and used to determine your blood sugar level. A level of 100 to 125 indicates prediabetes. And 126 or higher indicates diabetes. If you're healthy and have a normal risk of diabetes, you should have the test every three years starting at age 45. If you have a higher risk, you may start testing earlier and more frequently.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It's in the blood and other body secretions of infected individuals, even when there are no symptoms. It spreads from one person to another when these secretions coming in contact with the vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes, or a break in the skin. There is still no cure or vaccine. But, theoretically, early treatment with anti-HIV medications may help the body's immune system fight the virus.

( 9th pic.)

HIV Screening Tests

HIV-infected individuals can remain symptom free for many years. The only way to know they are infected is with a series of blood tests. The first test is called ELISA or EIA. It looks for antibodies to HIV in the blood. It’s possible not to be infected and still show positive on the test. So a second test called a Western blot assay is done for confirmation. If you are infected, you could still have a negative test result. Repeat testing is recommended. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, ask your doctor about the tests.

Preventing the Spread of HIV

Most newly infected individuals test positive by two months after infection. But up to 5% are still negative after six months. Abstinence or using latex barriers such as a condom or a dental dam is necessary to avoid potential infection of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. If you have HIV and are pregnant, talk with your doctor about what needs to be done to reduce the risk of HIV infection in your unborn child.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer overall, and ranks third for women after lung and breast cancer. The majority of colon cancers develop from colon polyps that are growths on the inner surface of the colon. After cancer develops it can invade or spread to other parts of the body. The way to prevent colon cancer is to remove colon polyps before they turn cancerous. ( 10th pic.)

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

A colonoscopy is a common screening test for colorectal cancer. A doctor views the entire colon using a flexible tube and a camera. Polyps can be removed at the time of the test. A similar alternative is a flexible sigmoidoscopy that examines only the lower part of the colon. If you are at average risk, screening usually starts at age 50. ( 11th pic.)

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that can result in blindness due to damage to the optic nerve. Primary open angle glaucoma is the most common type. This glaucoma often produces no symptoms until it is too late and vision loss has begun. There is good evidence that treating elevated eye pressure in glaucoma can prevent blindness. ( 12th pic.)

Glaucoma Screening

How often you should have an eye exam that includes measuring the pressure inside the eye depends on your age and risk factors. African-Americans, people older than age 60, family history of glaucoma, personal history of eye injury, and steroid use are risk factors. For healthy individuals without increased risk, routine screening every two to four years is recommended for people under age 40. For those between 40 to 54 years, testing should be done every one to three years. From age 55 to 64, testing should be done every one to two years, and for those over 65, every six to 12 months.

Importance of Health Screening

Being proactive and discussing screening tests with your doctor makes good health sense. Some tests, such as a Pap test or breast exam should be a routine part of every woman's health care. Other tests become more or less important based on your risks. Proper screening won't always prevent a disease. But it can find a disease early enough to give you the best chance of overcoming it.