Monday, February 28, 2011

Symptoms for Cancer

When I started to research cancer after I started to feel ill a few years ago I noticed a few distinct categories.

The cancer would always fall in four to five categories. They are Leukemia, Lymphomas, Sarcomas and Carcinomas. The fifth is Melanomas or just skin type cancer's. Some will say Adenocarcinoma is on the list instead of the skin cancers, so we will just leave it at these 6 categories.

If you are feeling really ill and weak a definite action to take is to rule out cancer especially if the symptoms last for a lengthy period of time. Symptoms to look for cancer would be weakness, paleness, fever and flu-like symptoms that wont go away. This could be a sign of cancer in your blood or bone marrow which is basically your immune system.

Symptoms for cancer in the bones could be the most obvious, bone pain. Common areas for cancer to start are the thigh bones or long bones. Also in the long bones of the arms which is the forearm area. If the bone pain is not noticeable in normal situations like watching TV or walking but is aggravated when picking something up or when walking up a flight of stairs where the legs have to bend and put stress on the thighs, that is definite sign to get yourself checked.

My thigh bone pain is what set me to investigate the possibilities of cancer in my body. I was hiking to a waterfall on my 40th birthday and the bone pain in my legs was getting worse. I had noticed it before but decided to ignore it. That was the tipping point, the pain was too much for hiking rather than just walking around the house and I decided to get myself to a doctor.

I ignored the pain for 2 years because it was slight and it had a gradual build up as I was too busy working to go to a health provider. That was my first mistake, I almost waited for too long to get myself checked. The cancer discovered was Lymphoma that had spread to my bones. The treatments and procedures I experienced to get well and are currently still doing will be shared in another article. The focus for this article will be for symptoms for cancer so you the reader will not avoid what your body is telling you.

Other symptoms to be aware of also are rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, constipation alternating with diarrhea, weight loss and weakness with pale complexion. These can be general symptoms for many disease but the difference with cancer is they usually get worse and do not resolve itself like the flu will.

As common sense dictates concerning lumps or masses in any part of the body they must be taken seriously. The masses that do not go away and that have a strange type of pain you have not experienced before must be an area of concern for you. I had a small bump on the side of my head above my ear in the hair that kept getting bigger and had pain involved when touched. After a checkup and biopsy it turned about to be a type of skin cancer and was promptly removed. I also ignored this for about two and half years until it got to about an inch in size.

Cancer is very common today with all the chemicals, heavy metals and dyes used in today's goods and food. Knowing this and knowing some symptoms for cancer it should be imperative to protect yourself and the things around you (cancer causing products). To prevent cancer do a self-diagnoses for symptoms and be aware of the chemicals you use and the foods you eat. You are the one who knows your self the best.

Do research on the internet of your symptoms. Don't be afraid to check with your health care provider even if you have to tell them what you have found on the internet concerning what your body is telling you.

I have a growing list of symptoms for cancer that is available for those who might need a quick list to look over.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Secondary Cancer Symptoms

There are two categories of cancer. The first one is referred to as primary where the malignant cells began appearing in a specific or particular area or organ. The second category refers to secondary cancer where the malignant cells originate from a previously affected area.

The symptoms that accompany secondary cancer are dependent on the place affected. The symptoms that come with it are the same with the symptoms of the disease as if it was diagnosed primary.

For example, the disease diagnosed to the patient is breast cancer. As the stages advance, there is a tendency for it to metastasize. The common places where the malignant cells can transfer to are the lungs and the brain. In the event that the cancer cells have spread to these surrounding parts, the patient can then experience the symptoms of the secondary cancer as if it was primary. Lung cancer can manifest by having shortness of breath and chest pains while brain cancer can be observed with headaches and numbness in certain body parts.

There are several changes that must be observed with secondary cancer. Many types of cancer come with little or almost no symptoms at all. Hence, it pays to be really observant when it comes to the body changes that might signal a cancer symptom. Observe about any pain, marks, lumps, enlargements and discharges that are seen in the body.

When primary cancer is diagnosed in a patient, it is always possible that secondary cancer symptoms can occur. This is especially true when the primary cancer has already advanced its stages. The cells will affect other organs and some may disregard occurrence of other symptoms only to find out in the end that the cancer has metastasized and it's too late to get treatments.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Primary Cancer Prevention

Cancer is one of the feared diseases of all time. It can take a person's life regardless of age, sex and race. As long as the malignant cells struck a part of the body, the cells can form a growth and later on affect the other parts. Primary cancer is the type where the cancer originated in a specific area (to be distinguished from secondary cancer).

What makes cancer even scarier is the fact that there are several treatments available but there are very few that work. There may be surgery, chemotherapy and all other treatment forms but there is no assurance that it will actually cure the cancer.

The good news is that cancer is something that can actually be prevented.

The most practical advice to prevent cancer is to always go for the all-natural options. This means that instead of consuming foods that are loaded with sugar, salt, fat and other preservatives, it is best to go for the organic stuff. Organic foods provide all the important nutrients and vitamins that foods naturally have. It is unlike the processed goods that though manufacturers claim that it is fortified with nutrients, they cannot deny the fact that it has already gone processing which already added preservatives. Fruits, vegetable, meat and poultry are best consumed when fresh and organic.

Steering clear of vices such as alcohol and smoking is another way to primary cancer prevention. The toxins contributed by cigarettes and alcohol offer great chances of having cancer. Alcohol, when taken in excessive amounts, will have the tendency to damage the liver. At the same time, cigarettes contain nicotine and tar that primarily affects the lungs but also affects other parts of the body.

Keeping everything balanced is the key to prevent cancer. This means having regular exercises, eating right and staying alcohol and tobacco free. Living a healthy lifestyle can do wonders against cancer.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Primary Cancer Defined

Cancer is like a common concept for many people. Generally speaking, it is the formation of malignant cells in a specific part of the body. This is what many people know and think of when they hear of this disease. However, the disease comes with other things that they need to understand.

The term cancer must be specified as it can cover a very general concept. Particularly, the idea that many people refer to is the primary cancer. This kind of cancer is defined as the type of where the malignant cells originally appeared. It can be an organ or a tissue in a specific part of the body. On the other hand, it is to be contrasted with secondary cancer. Also known as metastatic cancer, this is the cells of the disease that has spread to the organs surrounding it.

A good illustration of primary cancer is when malignant cells form in the breast area. This means that during the examination of the patient, the doctors found the cells or the tumor specifically in the breast area alone and nowhere else. From these facts, the doctors can conclude primary cancer. However, if the malignant cells that came from the breast cancer and started affecting the surrounding organs such as the lungs, then the cause would be primary cancer with secondary lung cancer.

There is importance in knowing and defining primary cancer. For a treatment to be effective to a patient, it is important to know where the cancer started. In the example, when the cancer is identified to have started in the breast, it could recommend surgery and actually remove the tumor. Hormone therapy can also be given. The rate of effectiveness of the treatment increases when the source or location of the cancer is known. The road to being cancer free is to know where it started.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

How to Decide on Your Treatment Options If You've Been Diagnosed With Cancer

If you are dealing with cancer it's important that you decide on your treatment options with thought and reason instead of fear. Our modern medical system is extremely powerful and has a huge influence on the type of treatment we are likely to receive. You need to learn about the disease, especially its causes and find out why our current ways of treating it aren't working.

Cancer has four causes and they are our wrong food choices, our sedentary lifestyle or our lack of exercise. Thirdly the chemicals we use and today we are surrounded by them and lastly emotional stress. When you deal with the cause of cancer and remove those causes the body will self-heal through a strengthened immune system and it will remove the cancer safely and permanently. It works for everyone. In dealing with the cause, the best way is to not treat the cancer but to treat the person with the cancer.

While our medical system is very good at diagnosing cancer and other difficult medical problems and also caring for patients who have suffered from trauma, but there is no question that alternatives or natural ways work better for just about everything else, especially for chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer.

It's without doubt; the most important part of any mainstream treatment for cancer is its ability to make money using those three treatments of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. What they are not very good at is curing somebody of the problem and if you listen to your oncologist you will hear him talk about "cancer response" or "cancer control" but never about "cancer cure" or "cancer healed. It's because their treatments often don't cure as they are only treating the symptoms and not the root cause of the disease.

While most people are interested in being healthy and wanting to get well, they are not very proactive about it by carrying out the changes that are essential. Life-style factors such as smoking, poor diet, exposure to radiation and poisons, lack of exercise, and negative thinking are factors that cause or promote cancer. Most patients who are successful in healing cancer make significant changes in their life-style. In fact, healing requires life-style changes. If we attack the tumour without improving the underlying system, the body is only going to make more tumours.

If we had a good health care system in place today for the treatment of cancer I would leave it to the experts but unfortunately we don't. We are often told we are winning the war against this disease but as reported in a prominent newspaper in the USA recently the improvement in cancer deaths has only been 5 percent over the last 50 years.

Our three treatments for cancer now days is to cut it out with surgery, burn it out using radiation and trying to remove it with chemotherapy which is a poison. All these treatments are toxic to the human body and all of them will weaken the immune system. Since cancer is a disease of a weakened immune system which had allowed cells to mutate or grow, does it make sense to weaken this system further?

In deciding your treatment options it is far more important to deal with the reasons why the cancer first grew and remove those reasons naturally. For someone who wants a genuine cure for cancer there is no other way.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Cyberknife Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Did you know that your throat can develop a cancer or tumor? It is rare to find a person who has a tumor in his or her throat. However, such incidence is possible. The cancer of the throat is called nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It occurs in the uppermost part of the pharynx or throat. This is where the nasal passages and hearing tubes are connected to the respiratory tract.

The nasopharyngeal carcinoma or throat cancer is much different from the other cancers that affect the head and neck. It has different causes, treatment and occurrence. It is usually caused by virus. It may also be due to dietary problems. This is why most people who suffer from it are found in Africa and East Asia, where poverty is prevalent. However, the disease may also be due to the person's genetics.

It is commonly classified as a malignant cancer. There are three types of carcinoma namely keratinizing type, non-keratinizing type and undifferentiated type. The first one is well-differentiated while the second one is moderately differentiated. The third one is, of course, not differentiated. The third type is the most common and is usually found to be associated with a certain virus.

A surgery is the most common solution done by doctors to cancer patients before. Biopsy is usually done for local control. Another common option for nasopharyngeal carcinoma cure is the chemotherapy. The doctor should be mindful of the efficacy of the chemotherapy drugs. Radiotherapy may also be considered. It would control the primary tumor but it cannot prevent the metastases. In the 2000s, a new treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was introduced.

Out of all the introduced treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the Cyberknife treatment is the most convenient for the cancer patients. A throat cancer patient does not need to undergo surgeries just to cure their disease. The Cyberknife treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma would not cause pain and bleeding. There is no scalpel involved and there is no anesthesia needed. It is a 100% non-surgical treatment. Most patients who undergone the Cyberknife treatment were able to go back to work or to their daily routine the following day.

The Cyberknife treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a frameless system. It was started to be developed in the 80s. Its two main elements are the small linear particle accelerator that produces the radiation and the robotic arm which allows the flow of energy to the body. It uses radiotherapy but it can treat the tumor more accurately. It is not available all over the world. There are only less than 200 centers in the world that offer the Cyberknife treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2009. However, further improvement is being done.

If you want to undergo a Cyberknife treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the first Cyberknife facility in the world is in Colorado. The facilities in Colorado were marketed by the Accuray Incorporated. If you live far from Colorado, you can visit ColoradoCyberknife.com to read more information or to contact a cancer expert.

The Early Cancer Signs

Health should always be your priority and one of the main antagonist to health is cancer. You may seem healthy at first but by the time, cancer has begun it dirty work, you will fall ill for the rest of your life. This is why cancer is such a threat to our lives and the only way to defeat it is by early detection. You can always hear about fighting cancer through early detection over the television and here are some of the ways to do it.

Check your weight. If you find yourself losing weight a lot more than you gain, then it is time that you have to observe what you eat and how you lose weight. If for some reason, you are doing everything you can to maintain your weight and still lose them. You might want to talk to your doctor.

Check your skin for changes or a wart and mole if it changes. If you discover your mole or wart has suddenly changed shape and size, it should worry you. Sudden changes in your skin should prompt you to visit your doctor.

Check your energy level. If you find yourself struggling with your energy throughout the entire day, you might want to check your diet and your lifestyle. If there is nothing wrong with how you eat and how you carry yourself throughout the day, even in your sleep, then there are chances that you have developed cancer.

Check how you tolerate pain. If you find yourself dealing with pain most of the time for a long period, you might want to check if you have migraine or dysmenorrhea. For other parts that are painful, check it out with your doctor to rule out other diseases.

Check sores and other wounds. If you find yourself dealing with wounds and sores that do not heal within 48 hours or does not stop bleeding then you might find yourself having to deal with coagulation problem. See your doctor to rule out this problem.

Check your urine, stool, and other discharges. If it is accompanied by blood and other discharges, have your doctor run some tests and see if you have bleeding problem or venereal diseases.

Everything boils down to how you live your life. You should take good care of yourself. Watch what you eat and live your life without vices. There are other ways to prevent cancer and all of them involves living healthy.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Herbs and Plants - Used In the Treatment Of Cancer

The following is a list to supplement a previous article published in Ezine by the same author, entitled 'ABC Herbs and Plants Used in the Treatment of Cancer'.

These represent some of the many herbs that have been used in traditional medicine over centuries and remain in use even by modern herbalists of our day.

Other herbs have been successfully employed in production of modern medical drugs. The wholesome properties as nature offered us in the raw plant materials, are far superior to the 'active ingredients' isolated from the plant sources and used in drug manufacture.

Many hundreds of herbs are still being researched for effective use in the treatment of different types of cancer and require further scientific approval before general acceptance by the medical profession. Nevertheless increasing numbers of independent doctors dedicated to their professional healing ethic are motivated by the unsatisfactory methods in common medical practice today and are willing to trial 'alternative' methods.

Echinacea angustifolia Echinacea is Dr Vogel's particular recommendation for its beneficial action on the whole body when under stress of cancer or other serious disease. This medicine is followed by many who wish to follow non-invasive methods of treatment.

Ganoderma lucidum Reishi Mushroom has strong anti inflammatory action. It has been used for centuries in eastern medicine in the treatment of cancer. Modern tests show that the powder from the gills or spores of these mushrooms can give as much relief from inflammation as hydrocortisone and aspirin with none of their side effects, whether administered orally or topically. It is regarded as the most valuable cancer remedy in Chinese medicine. It has equal use as a cancer preventive when incorporated into the regular diet.

Glycyrrhiza glabra Licorice Root, Sweetwood is rated highly by herbalists in treating many diseases including cancerous conditions.

Grifola frondosa Maitake Mushroom or Dancing Mushroom is very large in form and the most potent immunio-stimulant amongst all mushrooms. An adaptogen used for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, HIV infection. Effective in treatment of lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancers, prostate cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. In Chinese medicine it also is used for leukaemia and in treatment of fibroid tumours. Its wonderful properties are valued in research for treatment of HIV and Aids.

Lappa major syn Arctium lappa Burdock Root is favoured as a food when young shorts and roots are used in stir fries and the extract is used as a mild cancer inhibitor.

Larrea divaricata Chaparral is a North American cure for cancer which has very high success rate. Leaves and stems are used to make a tea and this is taken - 3 x per day.

Lentinula edodes Shiitake Mushroom has marked anti-tumour activity and prevents cancer recurrence of metastasis after surgery. Shiitake contains lentinan and is taken as tonic and immune booster. Shiitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries, fresh as well as being dried.

Lycopersicon esculentum Tomatoes contain nitrosamine blockers. Nitrosamine can negatively encourage cancer. It is understandable that tomatoes are highly valued in our diet both as antioxidants and to inhibit cancer. Some genetically engineered new varieties such as the purple tomato are under trial for special benefits. We await results.

Mandragora officinarium Mandrake - the European herb provides a traditional remedy when used with caution. Not to be confused with the American mandrake, Podophyllum peltatum.

Panax ginseng Oriental Ginseng and P. quinquefolium American Ginseng, Xi Yang Shen
One of the most revered traditional remedies to balance the cells of body and brain and particularly successful in treatment of cancerous conditions.

Petasites officinalis syn P. vulgaris Butterbur is perhaps the most important first consideration of herbalists prescribing for cancer in western communities. The famous Swiss Dr. Vogel claims it has remarkable results, even when merely used in conjunction with an improved and natural lifestyle.

Pfaffia paniculata Pfaffia, Suma, Brazilian Ginseng, Amazon Ginseng from the rainforests of the Matto Grosso region of Brazil is known by many common names. The root is used in medicine for treating cancer amongst other diseases. Its action enhances physical immunity and chronic infections. It is proven to inhibit certain cancerous cells and is used as a reliable traditional remedy.

Scutellaria barbata Scullcap is a plant used in China as in western herbalism when S. lateriflora or Virginia Skullcap is used.

Solanum family has many species that offer healing properties as well as needing caution in their use as medicines. Of these, it is Dogbane - Woody Nightshade and Milkweed extracts that have active-compounds useful in treatment of Cancer.

Symphytum officinale Comfrey provides a soothing herb for those suffering cancer of the gastro-intestinal tract.

Tamus communis Black Bryony is highly toxic although used with care by experienced traditional herbalists.

Taraxacum officinale Dandelion leaves are added to salads and the roots grated or taken as a coffee alternative. It is a cottage remedy for liver problems.

Taxus brevifolia Pacific Yew Tree is the source of the new modern medicinal drug 'taxol'
that seemed to offer great promise as a potential cure for cancer.

Trifolium pratense Red Clover is particularly useful in treatment of irregularities of the blood and gaining recognition as a positive benefit in various cancer treatments.

Triticum aestivum Wheatgrass Juice - a little each day of the juice of common young wheat is claimed as a home cure as proven by Anne Wigmore.

Tylophora indica, T. Asthmatica from India and also Australia is a twining plant has an alkaloid shown to shrink cancer in rats. These species are regularly used in traditional medicine in India. In Australian laboratories two alkaloids have been isolated that would indicate its proven benefits in the treatment of cancer.

Vinca major Periwinkle is well known in the successful treatment of leukaemia and some claim in other forms of cancer also.

Viola odorata Violets of several species are used in cancer cures including the famous Hoxsey remedy. Leaves are made into a tisane and used for external bathing and also as internal tonic. It is an ancient remedy for relieving pain as well as to cure tumours.

Viscum album - Mistletoe is an old traditional European cancer medicine to help balance cell metabolism. It is surrounded with legend and implication that gives almost magical healing when the dose is accurately prescribed. It is commonly given in homoeopathic form.

Zeodary, Curcuma zedoaria and Tumeric, Curcuma longa - anti-mutagens and anti-oxidants - anti cancer agents. These are regularly enjoyed in foods and claimed in India to prevent cancer and reduce tumours.
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It is not possible to give details beyond this basic outline of some of the herbs and plants that promise success in the treatment of cancer. Nor have we been able to detail how herbs are best employed in self help when cautions must be strictly observed. We suggest you consult a professional herbalist if you need more practical information.

However there is much we can do to help ourselves. We can become familiar with the vast amount of information available on the Web. We can focus upon a study of the causes and known carcinogens and avoid these factors as much as possible.

We can use our common sense in adding natural plant substances to a diet is based upon a predominance of fresh, natural produce and incorporate the culinary herbs that are specific tonics and preventives.

We can also persevere in attempting to align our physical and psychological attitudes in a positive fashion and will be bound to enjoy positive results.

It is a good idea to keep abreast of the most recent 'new' findings of science and modern medicine as research continues all over the world. For instance, a plant receiving much recent attention is a milkweed plant that is yet to be officially identified, found in Central America. There the villagers have used the plant for centuries, not only as a traditional heart stimulant but as a remedy for cancers, warts and similar growths - they call it "cancerillo"!

Traditional Chinese medicine offers no single word to identify what they consider are the many complex conditions and manifestations of the disease that western medicine includes under the one name 'cancer'. In the ancient system of medicine in China, cancer is seen as a complex disease and treated accordingly. Although this philosophy has been shared by western naturopathy for generations it is only now being seriously considered by modern medicine.

So remember, we do not have to suffer surgery, chemotherapy and other medical procedures that cause us to suffer serious side effects in addition to the symptoms directly related to the disease. We have free will that allows us to seek for alternatives and we can do no better than to look to the natural plant medicines used in the various enduring cultures of the world.

These are best applied in conjunction with your doctor.
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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Bee Pro Polis

Honeybees are highly disciplined teams dedicated to helping each other survive. They make valuable products like honey, wax and something called propolis. Propolis is a Greek term meaning before the city or pro - polis. Honeybees have tunnels and walkways they go through to get inside their dwellings. These tunnels and walkways are made of a resin, something like hardened tree sap, and that material is called propolis.? Bees sweat wax, not sweat like we do. This wax is mixed with their saliva and the sap. At this point it becomes propolis.

Entrance and exit tunnels and walkways are built out of propolis. ?This propolis has antibiotic properties and is used by bees to trap germs, viruses, fungus, dirt and etc. so that they don't track diseases into their dwelling. People have theorized that if we could eat bee propolis then we could kill the germs and things, which try to kill us. Some people sip drops of liquefied bee propolis throughout the day when they have a sore throat or fever or other infectious illness. Bee propolis is also taken in capsule form to help prevent infection.?

Bee Pro Polis is also known to fight free radicals which makes it useful as a defender against the aging process and cancer.? Can also be used topically to help repair injury and heal wounds.?? Recently Bee Pro Polis has been researched for use in the dental field as it may protect against dental caries and oral disease due to its antimicrobial properties.

COMMON NAMES: Bee Propolis

PARTS USED: Bees manufacture from selected bark, leaves and flowers.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Primary Cancer 101

Primary cancer is one important concept about the disease. Many people have a misconception regarding this kind of cancer. They find no distinction between primary cancer and secondary cancer. The concept behind the former pertains as to where the cancer cells actually originated. Primary cancer is the organ or specific area where the cancerous cells first appeared.

The organ where the cancer is first seen can be identified. There are also cases when the primary place or organ cannot be identified. The determination as to where the cancer cells are first seen is important when it comes to choosing the treatment. If this is left undetermined and no treatment is given, the cancer will spread and affect other organs which will only cause more damage to the body of the patient.

Also, finding out the the location will also make the treatment more effective and suitable to the patient. For example, the cancer cells or tumors originated in the breast area, affecting the tissues as well as the lymph nodes surrounding. Its presence in the breast makes it primary breast cancer.

When it comes to breast cancer, certain options like surgery and hormone therapy can be administered to the patient. Since it is isolated only on a specific area, treatments can be specifically directed to it. The patient can undergo surgery for the removal of the lump and prevent further spread of the cells. She can also receive chemotherapy as secondary treatment in order to completely remove the cancer cells. Choosing the place where cancer originated makes it easier for the doctors to choose which treatment will work best for the patient.

What is important is to have the place of cancer pointed out in the earliest stage possible. Find the most effective treatment there is by finding the primary cancer.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

High Calorie Nutrition Part 5

This is article five of a short series of articles which thoroughly discuss high calorie foods and nutrition. The aim is to uncover the most nutritionally dense foods and the easiest ways of getting them into the body. The focus is maintenance of bodyweight during illness or medical treatment but the information can apply to anyone needing a nutritionally dense diet. Please note that we are not doctors or medically trained. The information in this article has been gained from personal experience as a carer and from discussions with doctors and nutritionists.

Supplements

We mention several supplements on our web site. A good quality protein or 'weight gain' powder can be added to milkshakes/smoothies or simply mixed with full fat milk. You could also use this 'fortified milk' on other foods like a breakfast cereal.

The thing to remember here is that supplements are just that - supplements. Ensure your overall diet is right and then add them to give you a boost. They are NOT a replacement for your regular food.

If you or the person you're looking after have extremely low appetite of problems with solid food then both Nestle and Abbot produce some fruit flavoured juice drinks which taste like fruit juice but are full of calories and protein. (They are called Resource and Ensure). Ask your doctor or health care provider.

The Bowels

Discussing bowels in depth is out of the scope of this article. However we would observe that if the bowel is emptying slowly (perhaps due to dehydration) then this is likely to have an impact on your appetite. The number one rule is to stay hydrated. If you're dehydrated the body will absorb moisture from every available source and this can lead to constipation. Keep your water intake up!

If you're adequately hydrated the next thing is to add some fruit to your diet (dried is fine). In all cases of prolonged constipation discuss the situation with your healthcare provider. There are a number of laxatives available to help keep things moving.

Appetite stimulants

Low appetite can quickly lead to a loss of interest in food, resulting in even less energy and hindering recovery from illness. There are drugs to increase appetite but we have had no exposure to them. If you have low appetite for a prolonged period and believe a stimulant could help then you must talk to your health care provider. If you are on certain medications there may be contra indications between your medication and certain appetite stimulants.

In our experience focussing on providing a variety of nicely presented suitable sized meals is the best overall approach!

In our final article we will provide our favourite list of high calorie foods and some sample high calorie meals.

See you then!

Copyright ? 2011 Richard Kennard

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Cancer Signs

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in humans. Some might not be able to notice it at first and would likely treat it as a simple illness but little do they know it has become one of the deadliest diseases known to man. It is of utmost importance that you know the signs and symptoms of cancer and what you can do if you discover such signs and symptoms.

Everyone who have cancer will lose some weight on some point in their lives but when you lose weight of about 10 pounds without any apparent reason under one month is a true sign of cancer. Most often it is a sign of liver and pancreatic cancer.

Another common sign of cancer is when you have a low grade fever for a span of time from the first you develop the fever up until the next sign of cancer. Fever makes it hard for the body to fight off infection and fever might be a sign of leukemia or lymphoma.

Sudden fatigue or extreme tiredness can become a sign of cancer. If you find it hard to get better from fatigue even with hours of rest, then it might be a sign of cancer. Some colon cancer and blood cancer can be the result of this sign and symptom.

Pain is another common sign of cancer. When you have chronic pain like headache that does not go away with simple treatment can become a sign and symptom of cancer. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer in the colon or in the ovary.

When you find a sore that does not seem to heal, you should try to check it out with your doctor. A long lasting sore in the mouth can be a sign of oral cancer from people who smoke or chew nicotine gums. Sores found in the vaginal area can become cancer or signs of infection. Have yourself checked by the doctor.

If you find yourself having unusual bleeding or discharges during urination, you might want to consult your doctor. If you have bloody discharges when you cough, it might be a sign of lung cancer and if you have blood in your stool, it can be colon cancer.

Learning the common signs and symptoms of cancer is crucial as cancer can be managed and even destroyed when they are discovered at the early stage. Be more sensitive to your body and if you discover the signs and symptoms above, talk to your doctor.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Lifestyles Choices That Will Help Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

Are you aware that there are at least 200 known types of cancers being found in today's society of people from all around the world!

I just finished reading a report from London and World Cancer Research Fund. It is entirely interesting to say the least because what they discuss here is what people have been told year after year about saving your good cells by eating the proper foods, not drinking alcohol and by exercising. They go on to say that by making these simple lifestyle changes, you could prevent some 40% of breast cancers and as well as tens of thousands of colon, stomach and prostate cancers.

Are you aware that there are at least 200 known types of cancers being found in today's society of people from all around the world! It has become the leading cause of death around the world!

If we only really knew exactly what to do to save our cells from the ravages of cancer. If you knew what to do would you do it? A question that baffles me personally. Why, because my daughter suffered the onslaught of breast cancer, and she is not out of the woods yet by any means, even though she is feeling much better after all of her treatments. She still has to take a form of antibody pills for the next few years....but what then...well, she has decided that her health is of the utmost importance for her existence. And, she is correct, just get really sick or have to undergo surgery, when your body is aching and you feel that your whole existence is curtailed due to this surgery or sickness.

Well, for now I can tell you what my daughter is doing to ensure that her cells love what she is eating and that her body, is getting lots of exercise...even some fun type exercise that is helping her endorphins in the body and helping her whether the storm of getting the terrible C word back again. Now she was never much of a drinker, but now she will refuse all alcohol, her attitude is who really needs it anyhow. A good cup of green tea, or black tea or white tea is all that she allows her body to crave, and feel satisfied with, you have to understand why she feels like this! She tells me it is a way of making her billions of cells feel good and hopefully they will grant her freedom from another Cancer disease diagnosis.

According to my readings from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) what is spoken about above is such a hard sell to most people. Maybe it is because they have never been sick previously and they do not realize if: "you don't have your health, you really don't have anything". Only people who have gone through these terrible diseases or if their loved ones have gone through them,, seem to realize that a lifestyle change is paramount to their survival. The messages are simple...but the body and mind is weak!

Perhaps the best way to ensure people get in the "know" is to make physical activity easier, get the Government involved, with just some simple ways...more bike lanes so people can bike to work, more walking paths so people can walk on their lunch hours, and after work with their family, introduce more smoke free laws, more areas where smoking is not tolerated! Just to give you an example, my husband quit smoking years ago, and now he cannot stand the putrid odor of people who smoke, he says it turns his stomach, now he understands why I always wanted him to quit smoking. Now my daughter never smoked, but her dad did for some time while she was younger....would that make the difference in why she succumbed to breast cancer? It is hard to know for sure, isn't it!

We all have been told that exercise will keep your weight down, and that is a very good thing, with a lower weight, you will not build up an estrogen problem...unless your body is just prone to making more of this hormone...but when you don't know, why take the chance. We also have to consider weight gain and diabetes, and heart disease. Exercise is also good for the brain as reports are coming out right now, so it may be a further thing to think about so you will not be diagnosed with Alzheimer's!

Now for a little on the foods we should be eating to make our cells happy...let's talk about the healing foods the cells like to knock out cancers, they are not hard to find and you really only need to eat ? a cup of each daily to make them work for you. Now some people argue you can't get enough of the proper foods in your body to make a difference! Then my response would be to get them from supplements, which are not bad for you either, especially effective if you are not overly fond of vegetables and certain good fruits!
However it is best to get all your nutrients from actual fresh foods free of pesticides and environmential pollutants.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables, they are rich in antioxidants, bioflavonoids, dietary fiber, folate beta carotene anbd Vitamin C.t Those foods mentioned above have the required plant chemicals that may slow, reverse or even stop processes that can lead to cancers. How, they protect your cells by either neutralizing or detoxifying carcinogens., (cancer causing agents). Remember there is environmental radiation all around us and these substances can help with that as well. These substances can also induce the formation of protecting enzymes thus reducing hormonal actions, that can stimulate tumor growth. Folate helps your DNA which repairs your cells, lower levels can make cells vulnerable to carcinogens.

You can start with these foods:

Apples, Berries (all kinds), broccoli, cabbage, (all types) dark green or yellow vegetables.

Daily Anti Cancer Diet as recommended by Doctors:

3 different colored vegetables, 2 different fruits daily, 1 should be a citrus fruit....get folate from green leafy vegetables, oranges, or orange juice, broccoli, avocado, asparagus, brusel sprouts.

Eat High fiber foods, beans, legumes and whole grain breads...check out the labels on your breads if they don't say "whole grains" don't purchase them! Whole wheat is just not the same as whole grain wheat.
Whole grains have been selected by doctors to help avoid colon cancer.

Today it is easy to purchase all kinds of whole grain delicious breads, some have seeds and nuts even legumes, but they can be tasty and very enjoyable to consume. There are many areas I could go in discussions about foods, which I will dwell on in future Articles. However this is a good start to get you going on a super healthy change of lifestyle!

I enjoy working on line and doing Marketing for both my website and Affiliate sites.

Affiliates sites are one of the best ways to both learn and to get going on what you feel you will like or love now or in the future this is what I have been doing for a short time now, I only wish I would have started sooner.

If you like to learn new things you surely will, doing online Internet work. It keeps the mind and hands going strong. I had quite a learning curve and am still learning every day. And, I must reiterate, will you change your mind on what you think you want to do, of course you will, many times, that's what makes it so fascinating.

I have had a home business in the Electrical field previously, however the Internet and Marketing on line is very new to me and it is something I really wanted to do, once we put our business as inactive. I prefer working at Home than going out in busy traffic, paying parking, gas and vehicle repairs, not to mention having employees who report to you.

You can go and visit my website to see what I am doing presently: http://www.cancersurvivorsecrets.com/

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Marilyn Broomer - EzineArticles Expert Author