3 ways to manage lymphoma

3 ways to manage lymphoma

The lymphatic system is part of the body’s germ-fighting network, comprising lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. When cancer begins in the lymphatic system, it is called lymphoma. Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin are the two main types of lymphoma, the latter being the most common. Both types are often treatable, especially if detected in the initial stages. Here are some treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and other ways that help manage lymphoma: Treatments Treatment options for all types of lymphoma usually include a combination of therapies. One of the most common therapies is an oral therapy, such as IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib). IMBRUVICA® is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and other types of cancers. The active substance in IMBRUVICA®, ibrutinib, inhibits the enzyme Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is linked to lymphoma. IMBRUVICA® is typically taken once a day and can work alone or together with other treatments. Common side effects include diarrhea, tiredness, rash, bruising, muscle pain, and bone pain. Other treatment options for lymphoma include chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Foods to eat and avoid Although no specific food or meal plan can cure lymphoma, eating and avoiding certain foods can help ease symptoms and reduce the side effects of treatments.
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4 tips for breast cancer management

4 tips for breast cancer management

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control. They grow to form a mass of cancerous cells called a tumor. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Estimates suggest at least 13% women in the country face an increased risk of breast cancer. This is why it is important to be aware of its management. Such tips are listed below along with treatment options and food choices: Treatment options Before discussing management tips, it is important to know some treatment options for breast cancer. AFINITOR® (everolimus) is one such option. It is an mTOR inhibitor. mTOR is a type of protein that provides energy to cells to grow. AFINITOR® stops cancer cells from getting energy since it is an mTOR inhibitor. It is used to treat postmenopausal women that have HER2-negative and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Another treatment option is CAR-T cell therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a process that helps T-cells specifically recognize and attack malignant or cancerous cells. It is a less toxic treatment method than conventional options like chemotherapy. Eating healthy Consuming healthy foods is an effective cancer management technique. The nutrients and minerals in our food improve the efficacy of medications.
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4 foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis

4 foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis

When the immune system misidentifies and targets good gut bacteria, the cells that line the colon, and food, it can lead to ulcerative colitis. The condition drives the white blood cells to attack the colon lining and trigger symptoms like irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the large intestine. While ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, adding certain foods to one’s meals and following some treatment options may help manage the condition. Foods for ulcerative colitis Nut butters A good source of proteins and healthy fats, nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter may help manage any flare-up that may result from ulcerative colitis. Peeled and cooked veggies Peeled and cooked vegetables are soft and contain less insoluble fiber, making them less irritating to the gut. A few foods to consider are carrots, spinach, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes. The vegetables are abundant in nutrients like vitamins A and K, which can help reduce the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a type of ulcerative colitis. Yogurt Fermented foods like yogurt are rich in probiotics that contain healthy bacteria. Such bacteria aid the digestive system and reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups. But one must steer clear of flavored yogurt as its sugar content may worsen symptoms.
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4 ways to donate to cancer patients

4 ways to donate to cancer patients

A cancer patient goes through extensive treatment procedures. These procedures can lower their energy levels and affect their mental health. They become physically weak too. Such patients need a lot of emotional support. Supporting them in the form of donations is one way to help cancer patients. One can also help by raising awareness about the condition in the locality. Here are four ways through which you can donate to cancer patients. Fundraise This is a great way to not just donate your money but also inspire others to do so. There are several charities and NGOs that run a fundraising campaign whenever required. More importantly, there are several websites that can facilitate the process of fundraising. In fact, you can even start your own small fundraiser campaign locally. You can then donate the proceeds to a cancer awareness society, cancer hospitals, NGOs, or charities. Blood donations Many cancer patients rely on blood transfusions for their treatment and recovery. This is one of the most effective ways of helping out. Find a donor bank in your locality and register yourself. If you are a healthy, 16-year-old that weighs a minimum of 110 pounds, and have proper identification, you are eligible to donate.
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6 best times to drink water for maximum benefits

6 best times to drink water for maximum benefits

A significant percentage of our body is made up of water, so there’s no denying that it is essential to our overall health. While most people understand that they must drink approximately eight glasses every day, they don’t know that there are certain times when the habit can be more helpful. So, understand when to drink water for maximum benefits instead of chugging multiple glasses whenever you feel like it. Immediately after waking up Drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning. Supplying H2O to your body on an empty stomach has numerous benefits. It helps cleanse the bowels, flush toxins, boost energy levels, improve skin health, and even strengthen the immune system, among other things. Before and during meals A glass of water before a meal enhances the feeling of fullness and curbs the tendency to overeat. On the other hand, drinking water during a meal helps with digestion, especially if you’re eating high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, and oatmeal. That said, don’t drink too much, as it may dilute the natural juices that aid digestion. Before and after exercise For moderate-intensity daily workouts, drink a glass or two of water about 30 minutes before starting.
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5 foods to avoid for better eye health

5 foods to avoid for better eye health

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active.
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Foods that you should avoid when suffering from arthritis

Foods that you should avoid when suffering from arthritis

Arthritis, a disease that affects your bones and joints, is characterized by inflammation and pain that can worsen with age. It is a very common condition. Although the effects of this condition can be reduced, it can never get completely cured. Foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables help prevent arthritis. However, some foods can cause inflammation and trigger the many symptoms of arthritis. There are many foods that you should avoid if you’re suffering from arthritis. Some of these include: AGEs Advanced Glycogen End (AGE) is a toxic substance that is formed when food is grilled, fried, or heated up in any form. This substance can cause damage to the proteins in your body. To fight this damage, your body releases cytokines, an inflammatory substance, which could trigger arthritis. Sugar High amounts of sugar in your food could also contribute to the development of AGEs. It is best to reduce the intake of candies, sodas, and other items that are rich in sugar. Dairy The protein found in dairy products is harmful to some people with arthritis, as it irritates the joints. If dairy products disturb your health, it is recommended you shift to vegan products which do not contain this protein.
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6 easy home remedies for nasal polyps

6 easy home remedies for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growth of the tissues that form in the nose or sinuses. If they are too large or there are many nasal polyps, it causes itching, runny nose, sneezing, and breathing difficulty. Nasal polyps are quite common and may be caused by allergies, inflammation, or infection. Surgery is a common treatment option; however, not everyone needs it. Here are some natural remedies to help ease nasal polyps symptoms and avoid surgery. Steam inhalation Inhaling steam can help unblock the nasal passages by thinning nasal mucus. It can also reduce swelling within the airways. An easy way of inhaling steam is to take a hot shower. Alternatively, you may heat a bowl of water and position the face over it while keeping a towel draped over the head to prevent steam from dispersing. Turmeric Turmeric is a yellow spice known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In people with nasal polyps, turmeric can decrease irritation and inflammation of the airways. There are many ways of using this spice. One can make turmeric tea by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of the spice in a cup of boiling water or add turmeric powder to curries, stir-fry recipes, and smoothies. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper contains an active compound called capsaicin, which makes the hot pepper taste hot.
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Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Since Crohn’s disease directly affects the digestive tract and causes irritation and discomfort in the alimentary canal, people suffering from this disease should take primary care of their regular diet. The amount of food consumed, the calorie intake, and many other factors should be taken into consideration when suffering from this condition. In certain cases, the symptoms could get worse if one fails to maintain a healthy diet. What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn’s disease is both rare and life-threatening. It is a chronic disease which requires long-term medical attention and is mostly incurable. It results in inflammation of the intestines and might be accompanied by scarring of the inner intestinal lining. It can occur in any part of the intestine; however, the colon of the large intestine and ileum of the small intestine are prone to get affected more easily. The condition often lasts for years but can be lifelong for some people. Crohn’s disease may also result in ulcers in the inner lining as well as fistulae, which is extremely painful. Laboratory testing, as well as abdominal imaging, helps detect the disease. Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Since Crohn’s disease is not easy to cure, people suffering from it are advised to take thorough care of their diet.
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Top foods to eat for Crohn’s disease

Top foods to eat for Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, lifelong disease that results in irritation and inflammation along the digestive tract. A Crohn’s flare-up could trigger or worsen symptoms including appetite loss, nausea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, among others. When one eats the correct kinds of foods, it can help in managing and relieving such flare-ups. Herein, we discuss the best foods one can have in such instances. Refined grains Refine grains such as pasta are easy to digest. They possess less fermentable fiber as compared to whole grains and, hence, they pass quickly through the digestive tract. They also are less likely to cause inflammation and tend to be easier on the gut. Some examples of refined grains are rice snacks, waffles, pancakes, plain crackers, pasta, white rice and bread, and fortified ready-to-eat cereals that contain added essential minerals and vitamins. Oatmeal Oatmeal made from rolled/quick oats is a kind of refined grain that contains slightly lesser fiber as compared to steel-cut oats. When one experiences a Crohn’s flare-up, it’s best to avoid foods that contain insoluble fiber, which could worsen diarrhea symptoms. Oatmeal has a soluble fiber known as beta-glucan that helps in easing diarrhea by adding bulk to the stool by slowing digestion, and absorbing water in the intestines and forming a gel.
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