4 Alternative Therapies for Patients with Breast Cancer

4 Alternative Therapies for Patients with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is known to affect about 1 in every 8 women in the country, which is approximately 12% of the entire female population. In fact, as of January 2019, there are more than 3.1 million women who have a history of breast cancer, and this includes women who are currently being treated and who have finished their treatment. Breast cancer can be cured completely only when it is diagnosed in its initial stages. Once cancer metastasizes to adjacent organs, the treatment methods aim to control the symptoms of the condition instead of trying to cure it completely. Breast cancer treatments involve radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which can wreak havoc on one’s body. People thus often opt for complementary natural therapies that promote overall health and help them stay proactive throughout their cancer treatment. Take a look at some of these alternative therapies that can help with the symptoms of breast cancer. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method and the studies from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) suggest that this treatment can help women with breast cancer. It involves the use of thin needles that are inserted into the body, and it is believed that this process can stimulate the brain and nervous system to help reduce the pain. In fact, there are some clinical studies that suggest that acupuncture can actively relieve the nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy treatments. It is essential to consult with the doctor before opting for acupuncture. Tai chi and qi gong Tai chi and qi gong originated in China and these are movement-based exercises that aim to move and balance the natural energies within the body. These exercises lay emphasis on breathing and meditation. Moreover, they are instrumental in reducing stress and pain and improving mental health and mobility.
Food and snack options to deal with IBS

Food and snack options to deal with IBS

When the normal functions of the large intestine (colon) are disturbed and one experiences crampy abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea, it is due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). When one has IBS, the pattern of bowel movements might change over time, that is, bowel movements may occur either more often (diarrhea) or less often (constipation) than usual, like having more than three bowel movements in a day or less than three in a week. Also, the feces may vary in size and consistency; it may be hard, pencil thin, or loose and watery. The exact cause of IBS is not yet known, but factors like bacterial infections, food allergies, and lifestyle patterns play an important role in the development of the condition. Here’s a list of food and snacks that can help one with IBS: Lactose-free dairy products : The natural sugar found in milk is known as lactose. People having IBS show signs of intolerance to lactose, so they should avoid milk and dairy products. The consumption of milk products can be replaced with foods that are lactose free like oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk, and normal cheese can be replaced with hard cheeses, and brie and camembert cheese. One should check for dairy products labeled as lactose-free products before consuming them. Vegetables : For a healthy and balanced diet, one should eat green vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli cause abnormal bowel movements and should be avoided. Instead, vegetables like green beans, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and squash should be included in the diet. One should also consume cooked vegetables rather than having them raw as it might disturb the bowel movements. Fruits : The fructose present in fruits can also trigger IBS, so one should avoid fruits that are high in fructose and consume fruits or snacks that help with IBS like bananas, blueberries, grapefruit, oranges, and strawberries, which have low fructose.
6 foods that can help fight prostate cancer

6 foods that can help fight prostate cancer

Prostate cancer occurs when cells grow uncontrollably in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland between the base of the penis and rectum. While no specific food can cure prostate cancer, consuming lots of nutritious foods is crucial to improve the condition. Besides, eating healthy helps an individual deal with the side effects of various cancer treatments. Here, we’ve listed six foods that can help fight prostate cancer and improve overall health. Broccoli Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables. Not only is it loaded with a variety of beneficial nutrients, but it also contains certain phytochemicals that may target and destroy cancer cells in the prostate. The vegetable contains compounds that can reduce an individual’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Tomatoes When it comes to foods to help fight prostate cancer, tomatoes are one of the best choices. That’s because they contain a powerful plant compound called lycopene; it’s an antioxidant that may reduce cell damage and slow down the production of cancer cells. Those who don’t eat tomatoes can source lycopene from fruits like watermelon, guava, and papaya. Fatty fish Fatty fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats have proven to reduce inflammation, and some studies also show that they can inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. It’s best to choose fatty fish found in cold water, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardine, and trout. People with prostate cancer must try to consume fish at least two to three times per week. Green tea Green tea is chock-full of antioxidants. It contains certain chemicals that can prevent prostate cancer and also reduce the risk of advanced-stage prostate cancer. So, it’s an excellent drink for people who’ve been diagnosed with early-stage cancer. Aim to drink at least one cup of green tea per day.
Reduce excessive sweating with these foods

Reduce excessive sweating with these foods

While sweating is completely natural and, in fact, healthy, excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis can be caused by underlying health conditions like diabetes, menopause, and tuberculosis. Following a nutrient-dense food regimen plays a crucial role in keeping one healthy, and in this case, it can help one manage hyperhidrosis. On that note, here is a list of must-have foods one should eat daily to keep their body cool and decrease sweating. Foods to eat Water-dense fruits and vegetables Staying hydrated is a great way to manage excessive sweating. One can add water-dense fruits and vegetables to their meals in addition to drinking water and beverages that are low in sugar. Regularly eating watermelon, apples, oranges, peaches, pineapples, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, strawberries, grapes, celery, eggplant, and red cabbage can reduce excessive sweating episodes. Calcium-rich foods like low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt Calcium is an essential mineral that regulates the body’s temperature. Getting enough calcium through meals is vital for those dealing with excessive sweating. A few calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark leafy greens. Those who have been told to decrease their fat intake due to health reasons can look for low-fat substitutes of yogurt, cheese, and milk. It is important to note that having low-fat foods can be beneficial for those with hyperhidrosis, as the body needs more energy to digest high-fat foods, leading to excessive sweating. Green tea Decaffeinated green tea is a great way to keep the body cool. This beverage is known to help calm the nerves, thereby reducing sweating. One can think of replacing their daily cup of Joe with tea. Magnesium-rich foods like almond, cashew, spinach, and soy Excessive sweating can cause a deficiency in magnesium, so it is important to include foods like spinach, almonds, soy, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and dark chocolate in one’s meals.
Common dog allergies and their treatments

Common dog allergies and their treatments

Common dog allergies and their treatments You will find that dogs suffer from different kinds of allergies, like food allergies, skin allergies and even allergies from environmental allergens. What is more challenging when it comes to dog allergy is that symptoms are of various types, and they often overlap. Herein, we discuss the various allergies that dogs suffer from and the appropriate natural treatment options. Types of dog allergies Dog allergies can be of various types, prime among them are Skin allergy It is a common type of dog allergy wherein the allergen is a flea bite or food substance. Insect bite allergy can be an exaggerated response to stings or bites of specific insects such as spiders, ticks, fleas, deer flies, blackflies, horseflies, ants, bees, mosquitoes, wasps, and bees. Flea saliva is unarguably the most common allergen that triggers flea allergy dermatitis. Inhalant allergy The main inhalant allergens include tree pollen, grass pollen, molds, house dust mites, mildew, and weed pollens. Symptoms may include bronchitis in dogs but it usually manifests as itchy skin, the condition is known as inhalant allergic dermatitis. While symptoms can be controlled, a permanent cure is not possible. You can conduct skin tests to identify the allergens and try to protect your pet from getting exposed. But since most allergens are environmental, the allergy is likely to come back. Bathing your dog with hypoallergenic shampoo may soothe the itchy and inflamed skin. Bathing will also rinse out allergens on its coat. Food allergy This can occur as a reaction to any protein or carb in their food, more often in response to dairy foods, wheat gluten, beef, chicken eggs, lamb, chicken, and soy. This type of allergy will not respond well to medical treatment or corticosteroids. You must identify the responsible allergen and eliminate it.
Symptoms and Treatment Options of Meniscus Tear

Symptoms and Treatment Options of Meniscus Tear

The joints in the human body play a very important role in holding the structure and posture of the entire body. When it comes to the joints of the body, the joints in the legs are the most crucial ones as they help us in standing on our own feet, for real. Over the years, due to wear and tear, the joints and the other various parts of the body do not function like they used to. Hence, the joints in the legs tend to cause a lot of pain and discomfort to the affected person. Excessive physical activity and injury to the joints can cause this often. Also, one of the biggest problems you might face is a meniscus tear. What is meniscus tear? The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that holds and binds all the bones forming a joint in the knee. So, for all the joints in the legs to connect, the meniscus is the only way. It is very important to prevent any injury or stress in this region. But even after considerable care, the meniscus tends to tear during physical activities like sports, intense exercising, and prolonged kneeling. This can be prevented by a brace for a meniscus tear. There is hardly anything that can be done to prevent meniscus tear, but knowing the exact causes might help in the meniscus tear treatment. Causes of a meniscus tear Playing sports like cricket, tennis, football and so on can lead to a meniscus tear. Sometimes, even while exercising, a person’s meniscus can get affected. Weight lifting, squatting and twisting leads to the tear sometimes. However, care and early treatment can help. In order to be sure of a meniscus tear, you will need to know the various symptoms of it. Symptoms of a meniscus tear Unbearable pain when moving the joint area of the leg The affected person will not be able to move the leg even slightly in case of a meniscus tear.
You Probably Didn’t Know That Melanoma Symptoms Can Appear Inside This Delicate Body Part

You Probably Didn’t Know That Melanoma Symptoms Can Appear Inside This Delicate Body Part

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that generally appears on the surface of your skin. But not always. Known as the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanomas are responsible for the deaths of more than 10,000 people per year in the United States alone. Caused mainly due to exposure to occasional yet intense UV rays, melanoma symptoms are more likely to appear in people who are genetically predisposed to getting this condition. When it comes to skin cancers like melanomas, the common idea that the masses go by is that it is a “skin” cancer, and therefore can only appear on patches of skin that are directly exposed to the sun. However, this is not true when it comes to melanoma symptoms! In general, when skin cells suffer unrepaired DNA damage that triggers genetic mutations, the affected skin cells become cancerous, start to multiply at an exponential pace, and result in the development of malignant cancers. Melanoma symptoms are generally seen in the form of moles. The cancer develops in the melanocytes that are located in the basal epidermal layer of the skin. Where You Might See Melanoma Symptoms According to cancer research, the most common area for men to develop melanoma symptoms is the back/trunk area. Meanwhile, women reported their legs to be the most common site to see melanoma symptoms. While diagnosing melanoma due to irregular moles on the trunk or legs is not an easy prospect, these melanoma symptoms can definitely be watched out for. But you probably didn’t know that melanoma symptoms can appear inside one of the most delicate parts of your body – your eyes . Not only can your eyes be the place where melanoma symptoms manifest, they can also be the original source site of the melanoma cancer. Melanoma symptoms may either appear in the iris area of your eyes (colored ring around the pupil) or even inside your eye.
Be on the Lookout for These Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Be on the Lookout for These Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancer is the cancer that starts in the prostate gland and is one of the most common cancers in American men. Here is a list of the prostate cancer symptoms that you should be on the lookout for. The prostate gland is the male sex gland that is responsible for producing the thick fluid that helps sperms propel out of the penis during sexual intercourse. It is almost the size of a walnut, and is located below the bladder, just in front of the rectum. You are diagnosed with prostate cancer when the cells in these glands become cancerous and start multiplying out of control. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects American men, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in them. According to the American Cancer Society estimates, around 221,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year. Prostate cancer is mainly diagnosed in older men, it is extremely rare for it to be diagnosed in men younger than 40 years of age. There are no known causes of prostate cancer, however, there are certain risk factors associated with it. These are your age, family history, ethnicity, diet, smoking, and obesity, exposure to toxins, vasectomy, and infections that are transmitted sexually. Even though the exact cause of this cancer is not known, you can still reduce the risk of developing it by managing the risk factors that are in your control. There are two diagnostic tests that are commonly used for prostate cancer, digital rectal exam and ‘prostate-specific antigen’ or PSA blood test. These are just the initial tests, the diagnosis is confirmed by performing a biopsy and examining the prostate cells. The treatment of prostate cancer does not follow the premise ‘one size fits all’. There are different treatment options available, and the one that is ideal for you depends upon your age, your overall health, size of your tumor, and the stage of the cancer.
Standard Methods Used for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Standard Methods Used for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when there is a blood clot in one of the deep veins in your body. Here is everything you need to know about the different methods used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. When you have a blood clot in one of the deep veins, you are suffering from deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Typically, DVT affects the deep vein in your leg, and may cause swelling and pain in the leg without any other symptoms. You are at a higher risk of developing DVT, if you smoke, are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and are over the age of 60. It is extremely important that you keep an eye out for the possible signs of DVT, if you have a high risk of developing it. Deep vein thrombosis is considered to be a serious medical condition because if the blood clots break loose from your vein, they can travel to your lungs and block the blood flow there, leading to a life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism. Therefore, it is crucial to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of DVT. DVT can show no symptoms in some of the cases, at least initially. However, when you do experience symptoms they will mostly be a pain in the leg that starts in your calf, and swelling in the leg that is affected. Some of the risk factors that are associated with deep vein thrombosis include prolonged bed rest, surgery, inheriting a blood-clotting disorder, pregnancy, smoking, heart failure, age, and cancer. In order to confirm the diagnosis of DVT, you may have to have tests such as duplex ultrasound, MRI and venography. Duplex ultrasound is a painless diagnostic test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of your blood vessels to check for clots.
All About Nasal Sprays and How They Help Relieve Dust Allergies

All About Nasal Sprays and How They Help Relieve Dust Allergies

Dust allergy is one of the most common types of allergy that many people experience, especially if they travel on polluted roads or are exposed to other dusty environments in factories or industrial areas for long periods of time. It can be very disturbing and can result in symptoms such as irritation, itching, sneezing, and coughing. This occurs because dirt accumulates in the nose and, sometimes, even in the respiratory tract, and sneezing will help get it out of the system. However, one must be sure to buy a nasal spray for relief from dust allergy as it is one of the best ways to cure the irritation, especially the sneezing, without causing any harm to the body. The sprays are easy to use and portable as well. Types of nasal sprays One should always buy nasal spray for dust allergy according to the type of allergy they have. There are several types available, some of them are as follows: Prescription Nasal Sprays Evidently, these nasal sprays are only to be taken when prescribed by the doctor and are often used when the condition gets extremely critical. These prescription medicines all have the chemical called corticosteroids as their active ingredient, which is why they are grouped together. These nasal sprays, which are often very effective, help the patient to get relief from sneezing or from a stuffy nose, or one that is itchy or runny. Of course, this has to be caused by allergies from dirt and dust. Decongestant Nasal Sprays It is essential to buy a nasal spray of this kind to prevent dust allergy because it can be quite effective for relief from headaches and sneezing. These sprays contain antihistamine chemical, which allows them to prevent congestion and blocking of the nose and sinus, as well as the dropping of mucus water from the nose after the cold, which is done with the help of a post nasal drip.
How to Get Rid of Under Eye Bags Naturally

How to Get Rid of Under Eye Bags Naturally

Eyes are one of the most vital organs in our body and without them, we will not be able to see the world or our loved ones. So, it makes complete sense to take care of your eyes and the skin around them for a healthy life and youthful look. Puffy eyes can make you look tired and old, and might negatively impact your confidence too. It is really hard to feel fresh and trendy when the bags under your eyes make them look tired and droopy. This shows that you are stressed. So, how does one get rid of bags under eyes? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Following are some of the best tips and tricks to help you remove your under eye bags successfully. Using potatoes If you are wondering how to get rid of bags under eyes, then this should be your first solution. Firstly, refrigerate a potato. Then you have to slice that raw potato into two equal halves, and then use those to circle your eyes. You can also place it on your eyes, to cover the puffed areas, for about 15 to 20 minutes. After following this for a few days, you will easily see quite some difference, as the bags will diminish in size. Using milk For extremely puffy eyes, you have to follow this procedure involving milk. This is done by dipping cotton pads in chilled milk, and then putting them on your eyelids, and then relaxing your eyes for 20-30 minutes. This procedure will help the eyes with water retention, and will also help to cool them off. Using oil If you are sorely confused about how to get rid of bags under eyes, then this is the perfect procedure to do it. You have to take chilled water in a bowl, and then add a few drops of Vitamin E oil.
5 Best Sleep Aids You May Consider Trying

5 Best Sleep Aids You May Consider Trying

Getting sound sleep is absolutely necessary for good health. It is considered that an average adult needs six hours of sleep to function properly and at full capacity, while children need eight hours of sleep for the same. At times, it is difficult to get sleep due to several reasons. You may be stressed out because of some assignment from your office. Sometimes there is too much noise or you just cannot sleep because of the ongoing thoughts. Being an insomniac, it is not healthy at all. What is the solution? There are several sleep-aid supplements available in the market today which can help you get the sleep you deserve and long for. While these sleep aids serve their purpose, make sure to not make a habit of them or overdose. They can be harmful to you if consumed on a regular basis. Think of them as a headstart to your journey to achieving the peace of mind you need. You can try a few of the following best sleep aids available in the market for that much desired and peaceful sleep at night. Melatonin Melatonin sleep aid is a great option, which is found naturally in the body. When used in the medicinal form, it is synthesized in a laboratory and is available in the pill form. Among several other available forms, some can be placed in the cheek or under the tongue. This is significant in its own way as it can be directly absorbed by the body. It is one of the best sleep aids and is used by insomniacs, people suffering from a jet lag, shift work disorders, or those who want to adjust the body’s internal clock. It is used for several other purposes and is multi-faceted in its own right. Valerian Valerian is a herb; it has been in use for hundreds of years and primarily treats nervousness and headaches.