Nutritional Immunology

The liver is one of the major organs responsible for removing toxins from the human body. Liver Cancer is common in Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. In Singapore, it is the fourth most common cancer among men. In its early stages, most patients may not experience any specific symptoms.

Warning signs:

• Loss of appetite and weight
• Weakness and fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal swelling or pain
• lump in the abdomen
• Yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of eyes (jaundice)

Who are at risk?

• Chronic carriers of Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus
• Those with liver cirrhosis
• Diabetics
• Family history of liver cancer
• Bile duct disease call primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Alcohol abuse can lead to liver cirrhosis and hence increases the risk of liver cancer

What can you do?

• Ultrasound scan every 6 months
• Blood test (alphafeto protein) every 6 months
• Get vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine to reduce risk of infection
• Prevent Hepatitis C by not engaging in unprotected sex, avoid body piercing and tattooing,  not abusing drugs or share intravenous drug needles
• Limit alcohol intake to less than one drink a day or avoid completely

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

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Colorectal Cancer
Breast Cancer
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Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 18th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Cancer, Health Tips, Immune System, Health Information, Healthy Lifestyle | No Comments »

Lung Cancer happens when the cells lining the airways grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of an abnormal mass. It is a cancer that can develop over months to years and patients may not see the warning signs until much later. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in males and third most common cancer in females in Singapore.

Warning signs:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Recurring chest infection
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• New onset of wheezing
• Fever without known reason

Who are at risk?

• Smokers
• Exposure to second hand smoke
• Exposure to asbestos and other chemicals such as arsenic, chromium, nickel, etc..

What can you do?

• Maintain a diet high in fruits and vegetables
• Avoid alcoholic drinks
• Exercise regularly

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Related Posts:

Cancer and You
Colorectal Cancer
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Liver Cancer
Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 17th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Cancer, Health Tips, Health Information, Healthy Lifestyle, Nutritional Immunology | No Comments »

Cervical Cancer is cancer of the neck of the womb which is called the cervix and is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs. The incidence of cervical cancer has reduced considerably in the last few years due to screening with PAP smears.

Warning signs:

• Vaginal bleeding following intercourse of in-between menstrual period or after menopause
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and has a foul smell
• Lower abdominal pain or pain during intercourse

Who are at risk?

• Early sexual activity
• Multiple sex partners
• Human Papilloma Virus (wart) infection
• Immunosuppressed women

What can you do?

• Healthy lifestyle to strengthen own immune system
• Have regular pap smear once sexually active (age 25 and above)
• Undergo HPV DNA test to determine if you are infected with any of the 13 types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer
• Using condoms during intercourse reduces the risk of contracting HPV
• Have fewer sex partners
• Avoid smoking
• Vaccination for girls before they become sexually active

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Related Posts:

Cancer and You
Colorectal Cancer
Breast Cancer
Lung Cancer
Liver Cancer
Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 17th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Cancer, Health Tips, Immune System, Health Information, Healthy Lifestyle | 1 Comment »

Breast Cancer is a leading cause of death among women internationally. Its incidence in Asia is rapidly rising with Singapore having one of the highest incidences. It is well established that early detection and early treatment lead to improved survival.

Warning signs:

• Lumps in the breast
• Bloody or unusual nipple discharge
• Recent history of nipple retraction
• Dimpling or puckering of skin overlying the breast
• Itchy rash of the nipple
• Breast pain

Who are at risk?

• Risk increases with age
• Family history of breast cancer
• Family history of ovarian cancer
• Early onset of menstruation and late menopause
• Those on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Those on birth control pills
• Alcohol abuse

What can you do?

• Breast self-examination (monthly)
• Screening mammograms (age 40 and above)
• Limit alcohol intake to less than one drink a day or avoid completely
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid ling-term hormone therapy
• A balanced diet with plenty phytochemicals, antioxidants and polysaccharides

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Related Posts:

Cancer and You
Colorectal Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Lung Cancer
Liver Cancer
Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 16th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Cancer, Health Tips, Health Information, Healthy Lifestyle, Nutritional Immunology | 5 Comments »

Colorectal Cancer is a collective term encompassing cancer of the colon and rectum. The first is cancer of the large intestine, which is the lower part of the digestive system. The second is cancer of the last 15cm of the colon. It is the top killer cancer in Singapore, affecting more than 1,000 cases each year. Worse of all, the number of people afflicted every year is on the rise.

Warning signs:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• A change in bowel habit
• Persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain
• Incomplete emptying of the bowel
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue

Who are at risk?

• Common amongst those age above 50
• Family history of colon cancer
• Previous history of colon polyps
• Persons with inflammatory bowel disease
• A Diet low in fibre and high in fat and calories
• Sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, obesity and smoking

What can you do?

• Maintain a diet high in fruits, vegetables and grains
• Exercise regularly
•  Drink enough water
• Undergo stool blood test (Faecal Occult Blood Test)
• Undergo colonoscopy screening every 10 years (age 50 years and above)

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Related Posts:

Cancer and You
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Lung Cancer
Liver Cancer
Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 15th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Cancer, Health Tips, Health Information, Healthy Lifestyle | Comments Off

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells within the body. Left untreated, these cells will invade tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

Cancer is the number one killer in Singapore, responsible for one quarter of all deaths. It can affect anyone, young or old, male or female, people of any race or nationality.

Most people dread the mention of the word “cancer”. However, avoiding the subject may actually do more harm than good. If cancer is detected earlier and treated appropriately, it increases the chances of cure and long term survival.

Cancer often has no specific symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms do appear, however, they will likely vary, depending on the type of cancer, the stage or extent of the disease, size, location and the overall health of the person, among other factors.

By learning more about cancer, you might be able to help yourself and your family members. In Singapore, the top 5 cancers in men and women are… Colorectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Lung Cancer and Liver Cancer, which we’ll talk more about each of them in subsequent posts.

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Related Posts:

Colorectal Cancer
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Lung Cancer
Liver Cancer
Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 14th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Cancer, Health Tips, Health Information | 6 Comments »

12:13 mins

Source: SupremeMasterTV.com

Prostate cancer, which in recent years has grown to almost epidemic proportions, especially in developed countries. It is now the world’s fourth most common form of malignancy (cancerous tumor) among men, with some 400,000 new cases being diagnosed annually.

Recent scientific evidence suggests that diet plays a major role in the development, progression and deadliness of prostate cancer, with increased risk being linked to the consumption of meat, dairy products and fat. Now let’s hear what the experts have to say about reducing the risk and even reversing the development of prostate cancer through a plant-based diet.

Posted on May 21st, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Health Tips, Nature's Nutrition, Cancer, Immune System, Health Information, Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition, Nutritional Immunology | 2 Comments »

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. The last thing that people with arthritis may want to do is to exercise, but it may actually be good for them. May, which is the Arthritis Awareness Month, is a good time to learn how physical activity can be beneficial for Arthritis conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, exercise is one of the best ways to combat the onset of arthritis as well as to control pain and improve function, reported Medical News Today. Exercise helps strengthen the joints, while reducing pain and stiffness.It also helps with weight management, which is very important because obesity and inactivity can add extra pressure on the joints.

“People who have arthritis are often scared to exercise because they think they will hurt themselves, but the condition will only get worse if people don’t get moving,” said Ms Valerie Walkowiak, Medical Integration Coordinator at the Loyola Center for Fitness.

The best exercise routine will depend on what type of arthritis you have, Ms Walkowiak added. However, all of these workouts should include stretching, muscle-strengthening and low-impact aerobic exercise.

“For all arthritis sufferers, the most beneficial exercise will be stretching to increase range of motion around an infected joint,” said Ms Walkowiak.

Muscle strength training also is important for improving daily function. This includes lifting weights two to three times a week with days of rest in between to allow for muscle recovery. One should not experience pain when performing exercises. Low-impact aerobic exercises include walking, stationary bikes, yoga, tai chi and gardening.

Whatever exercise you choose, Ms Walkowiak has this advice: Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far. And get professional advice before starting a programme.

Posted on May 15th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Health Tips, Health Information, Healthy Lifestyle, Nutritional Immunology | 1 Comment »

Bee pollen is said to contain every substance needed to maintain life and is therefore called a complete food. Bee pollen contains large amounts of aspartic acid - an amino acid that has been known to stimulate the glands and create a feeling of physical rejuvenation; it has also been shown to strengthen the immune system. Most bee pollen contains 35% protein, about half in the form of free amino acids. These amino acids are essential to life and can be assimilated easily. They halt the hardening of arteries and strengthen the circulatory system. Other analyses of bee pollen reveal that it contains lecithin and large amounts of vitamins A, C, D, E and B-Complex.

Bee pollen consists of two basic sections - the water-soluble interior and the hard exterior, or the shell. Most bee pollen is sold with the shell; with the shell intact, the nutrients in the bee pollen cannot be used efficiently. The shell can also be harmful to the digestive system, even in the form of a powder. The only edible part of bee pollen is the water-soluble section.

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Posted on July 13th, 2010 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Nature's Nutrition, Health Tips, Health Information, Nutrition, Nutritional Immunology | 1 Comment »

Barley and Rice (Hordeum vulgare and Orzya sativa)

Since ancient times, rice and barley have been cultivated and even worshiped by man. Grown throughout the world, these well-established grains and even the leaves from both these plants are rich in vitamins B and E and high in protein, carbohydrates and minerals. Also, because of their anti-inflammatory effects, rice and barely are often recommended for individuals suffering from illness and disease.

The enzymes and vitamin B in barley and rice are the components responsible for their favorable effects on the digestive system. These plants have also been used to treat individuals with loss of appetite and women who suffer from nursing discomforts.

Related posts:

Nature’s Nutrition Series
The Power of Plants
E. Excel Nutritional Wholesome Food ~ Celebration

Posted on July 12th, 2010 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Nature's Nutrition, Health Tips, Health Information, Nutrition, Nutritional Immunology | No Comments »