Chronic myeloid leukemia or CML is a type of blood cancer caused due to genetic mutation of blood-forming cells called myeloid present in the bone marrow. Oncologists estimate that 15% of leukemia is of type CML. While there are treatments that can inhibit the disease, avoiding the following foods can help one better manage CML. Uncooked food Since leukemia is a type of blood cancer, it can cause various blood cell deficiencies like leukopenia and neutropenia. Unwashed, uncooked, or undercooked vegetables and fruits have dirt, pesticides, and other contaminants. Ingestion of the same can weaken the immune system. Blood deficiencies can make it difficult for the body to fight infections, making disease management difficult. Similarly, it is imperative to wash and cook raw meat properly to kill bacteria or any other pathogen that can be harmful to the body. Deli meat Deli meats such as sausages, ham, corned beef, beef jerky, bacon, and other frozen meats contain preservatives that increase shelf life. Oncologists suggest that these preservatives can be used by cancerous cells as fuel, which can accelerate their growth in the blood. This can be counterproductive even if the patient is undergoing treatment to suppress the growth of chronic myeloid leukemia. It is also recommended to avoid consuming raw eggs (runny yolk) and foods containing the same such as homemade mayonnaise and raw cookie dough. Processed foods Like deli meats, packaged foods such as chips, frozen pizza, ice creams, canned tuna, crackers, and even granola bars contain food additives like preservatives and taste enhancers. These lock their flavor for longer and increase their shelf life. However, these ingredients are harmful to a CML patient who is already suffering from blood deficiencies. Hence, it is highly recommended to eat freshly cooked food. Gluten Gluten is a type of protein found in whole grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

Managing type 2 diabetes with medication Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body produces insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes and there are about 27 million people in the country that suffer from this disease. In this condition, the body’s cells are unable to respond to the insulin produced. While this is a lifelong disease, it is possible to manage this condition with the help of the right diet, exercise, and prescriptions by your doctor. Ensure that you are aware of the symptoms and take immediate help if they last for too long. Symptoms to be aware of: Frequent urination Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet Non-healing wounds Yeast infections Blurry vision What causes type 2 diabetes? Not just one, but usually a combination of things causes this condition. Genes Your DNA determines how your body will make insulin, and hence some people would genetically be at the risk of developing this condition. Obesity Being overweight can cause insulin resistance, and hence it is important for everyone to keep a check on their diet and exercise. Glucose production The liver makes and sends out glucose when there is not enough in the body. But for some people, this secretion is unstoppable resulting in excess glucose in the body. Metabolic syndrome People who have conditions like high blood glucose, extra fat around the waist, high blood pressure, triglycerides, and high cholesterol are more likely to be affected with type 2 diabetes. Some medications that you can research more about are: SymlinPen Its common name being Pramlintide, it is used with mealtime insulin, along with a proper diet and exercise program that helps control high blood sugar level in people who are suffering from type 1 and 2 diabetes. Patients who are already using insulin take this medication to control their blood sugar.

Immunization is the key to protection from critical diseases. Vaccinations during childhood and adulthood have brought down the high mortality rates caused by life-threatening illnesses. Meningococcal infection was one such dreaded disease that claimed the lives of many people. Thanks to meningitis vaccine shots, meningococcal disease is now preventable. Although rare, meningococcal disease can cause grave conditions in teens and young adults. Once a person contracts this infection, it spreads rapidly, infecting the lining of the brain and spinal cord. In worst cases, the meningococcal infection spreads to the entire brain and spinal cord within a few hours. To get protection from meningococcal disease, it is vital that one takes meningitis vaccine shots. Vaccination is the best way to guard oneself against contracting this dangerous and rapidly spreading infection. All you need to know about the meningitis vaccine Meningococcal infection is not contagious like flu or cold, but the disease can spread through infected respiratory and throat secretions. An infected person can spread this infection by coughing or sneezing around others or by kissing them. Currently, three vaccines shots for meningitis are available in the country. None of these vaccines contain live bacterial cultures. These vaccines essentially contain antigens that trigger the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the meningococcal disease. When the infection enters the body, the antibodies present in the immune system attack and kill the infectious bacteria. The three vaccines available for meningococcal disease are: Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB) The first two options in the list offer protection against four types of meningococcal infections. These infections make up 70% of the meningococcal infection cases in the country. Meanwhile, the MenB vaccine prevents meningococcal disease caused by the Meningococcal B strain of bacteria. The MCV4 vaccine is administered to people aged 55 and younger.

Living with a chronic condition isn’t easy; you’ll always have to be on guard against elements that trigger the condition and will have to lug your medications wherever you go. Asthma is one such chronic condition that, according to the CDC, affects approximately 25 million people in the country. Moreover, this condition is quite prevalent in children—1 child out of every 12 is diagnosed with asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory condition that affects the airways to the lungs and makes breathing difficult. This, in turn, makes performing any physical activity impossible. Mostly, people opt for medications to keep asthma under control and prevent an asthma attack. But there are others who rely on alternative treatment techniques to control asthma symptoms and keep the condition in check. Here are some effective home remedies to keep asthma under control. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. In fact, this method has been used in western countries as well to improve the symptoms of asthma. Acupuncture improves lung function and is believed to modulate the immune system as well. Also, there is an increase in studies on the effect of acupuncture in treating respiratory conditions. Although some have yielded inconclusive results, some have reported that acupuncture can control the symptoms of asthma. Yoga One of the major triggers of asthma is stress, and one of the best ways to deal with stress is to practice yoga. The breathing exercises used in yoga can help people with asthma control breathing as well as relieve stress. There are certain yoga poses that can improve asthma symptoms as they open your throat and chest and facilitate easy breathing. The Bound Angle Pose, Bridge Pose, Bow Pose, and Cat Pose are some of the effective yoga poses that can help you deal with asthma symptoms.

Hepatitis C is a kind of infection that’s caused by a hepatitis C virus that normally attacks the liver. This condition usually progresses slowly and shows a few symptoms or signs for decades. This is the reason most cases of this disease go undiagnosed for many years. In most cases, this condition is discovered when someone is undergoing a routine checkup or when they try to give blood and it’s screened for hepatitis C virus. However, most people live this virus for many years without knowing. In such a case, the disease is discovered when chronic liver disease symptoms like liver cancer and cirrhosis finally set in. Since most people are always checking hepatitis C FAQs to know about its symptoms, some of the common symptoms of acute and chronic hepatitis C have been mentioned below: Acute HCV infection HCV infection starts when one is exposed to the virus, and this phase is known as acute or short-term HCV. Acute HCV doesn’t have many symptoms, and its infection develops 2 to 26 weeks after an exposure to the virus. Most people who have this infection develop symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice and flu-like symptoms (muscles aches, fatigue, and nausea). The symptoms disappear in a few weeks, and the acute illness lasts typically for 2 to 12 weeks. Chronic HCV infection Short-term HCV can become chronic or long-term, and this occurs when the virus is detected six or more months after the first infection. Chronic HCV also affects people without causing apparent symptoms, whether the liver is being damaged or not. However, symptoms can worsen if the virus is causing significant liver damage although it takes many years or decades. Symptoms of chronic HCV include the following. Fatigue – This is one of the most common hepatitis C symptoms. You will feel extremely tired and lack energy; these feelings do not go away when you sleep, making it very difficult to handle the situation.

These days, the stomach diseases are increasing, and therefore, the doctors show a severe concern towards the overall nutrition of the people. Every age group has certain gut bacteria levels and must follow a routine check-up. Cleansing of the colon area is a must so that toxins from the body keep on regularly releasing without harming organs and intestine lining. However, a particular health condition came into highlight mostly in the age group of 30 to 50 years is diverticulitis. It is a kind of a stomach disease which occurs when small pockets are formed in the wall of the digestive system. They lead to the intestine inflammation. One of the reasons for this can be an infection due to the toxics of colon. What are diverticula and how is it formed? Diverticula are small sacs or pockets which take birth on their own when the colon muscles become weaker. They protrude outward in the large intestine lining in red color like boils or polyps. It is a painful condition during a flare-up. Sometimes, on diagnosing, immediate surgery is recommended by the specialists. What are the symptoms of diverticulitis? Most people are unaware of the initial symptoms and lead to the chronic stage and then realize the fact that they are affected by diverticulitis. Hence, there are some common symptoms which one must consider and get immediate help from the doctor whenever they experience them. Long-term constipation is the condition when one cannot pass stool regularly and sustains for a long term. It causes immense pain and fatigue. Long-term diarrhea is a common symptom of diverticulitis. If a person suffers from diarrhea and no antibiotic works, then it is a sure symptom of diverticulitis. Pain and tender feeling in the abdomen with bloating is a symptom of diverticula formation in the colon lining.

A dry cough can be very troublesome. Not only is it irritating, but it takes a toll on your throat too. It feels like a thousand razor-sharp knives are piercing through your throat each time you cough. It is best to get persistent dry cough treated as soon as possible to get rid of the nuisance. In some cases, a persistent dry cough may be a result of inhaling some foreign substance. It is essential to consult a doctor straight away and a chest X-ray should be done to stay on the safe side. Some common causes and risk factors include medications, whooping cough, asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus problems and oesophageal reflux of stomach contents. Here are a few causes as well as treatments for persistent dry cough. Cause – If it was not already obvious, cigarette smoking is the most common cause of persistent dry cough. Treatment – Avoid smoking if you are suffering from such a cough and visit a doctor for further check-ups. Smoking is extremely harmful to the body. The onset of a persistent dry cough may be an indicator of other health problems. You can try nicotine patches to quit smoking after consulting a doctor. Cause – Asthma is another common cause of persistent dry cough. It is a disease of the airways and results in several breathing difficulties. Some asthma sufferers have persistent dry cough as their only symptom. This is often called cough-variant asthma. This may be further aggravated by exposure to air pollutants, pollen, and perfume. Smoke and cold air can further cause problems so be aware! Treatment – Steroids and bronchodilators are given to patients to relieve them of their symptoms. While these are inhaled variants, short-term oral steroids may be given as well. Cause – The acid reflux of the stomach content into the esophagus is another cause of persistent dry cough.

Erection problems occur when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse with a partner. While this is not a life-threatening issue, one should still consult a medical expert if they are unable to achieve an erection for one-quarter of the time to find out the underlying cause for this problem. Erectile problems are also known as: Sexual dysfunction Impotence ED or erectile dysfunction Common causes of erection problems It is necessary to understand why this problem occurs to get the right treatment. According to various medical reports, the most common causes of erection problems are psychological, physical, or a combination of both. Some research studies state that older men suffer from erectile dysfunction due to various physical reasons. The blood vessels and nerves responsible for an erection may be affected by this disorder. On the other hand, some medical studies indicate that most of the times, psychological effects and lifestyle concerns cause erectile dysfunction in young men. Here is a list of the probable physical causes that lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Note that these causes may vary from one person to another. Diabetes Heart disease along with the narrowing of the blood vessels High cholesterol High blood pressure Metabolic syndrome and obesity Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Peyronie’s disease (anatomical or structural penis disorder) Hardening of the arteries Substance abuse Kidney or liver disease Alcoholism Treatment processes for the prostate issues Congenital genitalia issues Excessive tobacco use Hormonal disorders like testosterone deficiency and thyroid conditions Radiation therapy in the pelvic region Injuries to the spinal cord or pelvic area Surgical complications Almost 90 percent of the erection problems are the result of physical causes. Psychological causes lead to fewer cases. If there is no identifiable physiological issue or anatomical deformity, the following psychological factors could be the cause of erectile dysfunction:

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system and has a potential to cause permanent disability. The condition is serious, affecting the brain and the spinal cord. When the protective sheath – myelin, is attacked by the immune system, multiple sclerosis is triggered. The nerve fibers are damaged due to lack of myelin and this leads to damage to the nerve signals between the brain and other body parts which further affects the communication process. The illness can also lead to deterioration and permanent damage to the nerves with each passing day. Multiple sclerosis has serious effects on the body and this entirely depends on the extent of damage to the nerves. The symptoms may differ from the nerve that is attacked. Moreover, every individual will experience different types of signs and symptoms. Some of the commonly experienced symptoms include: Thinking problems – An individual begins to find it difficult in understanding things and suffers from memory loss. Abstraction and processing information becomes a huge task for the patient. Loss of vision – Due to this disease, one has to also go through the loss of vision, either in one eye or both. Even the smallest eye movement stimulates excruciating pain to the patient. Color-distortion can also be one of the symptoms. Sensory feelings – One experiences sudden tingling in certain body parts. Such unexpected movements may be painful just like piercing of needles into the skin. Fatigue – An individual may feel tired during the entire day and will not be fit to carry out basic tasks and activities. This may also be accompanied by slurring in the speech. Generally, people who suffer from multiple sclerosis go through relapse very quickly. The signs and symptoms will defer over the course of time. Even an increase in the body temperature can worsen the symptoms.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the colon as well as the rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer that affects men and women across the country equally. This type of cancer develops in the inner lining of the colorectal tube. The colorectal tube can be a breeding ground for polyps and small tumors that can turn malignant. Although most polyps and tumors are benign, studies have shown that usually, polyps developing inside the glandular tissue of the intestinal lining can turn precancerous. These precancerous polyps can lead to metastatic colorectal cancer if left untreated. The development of cancer is related to size as polyps less than a centimeter in size have roughly 1% chance of turning into adenomatous (malignant) polyps. The ones that are bigger than two centimeters are more prone to turn malignant. The growth of colorectal cancer can be controlled and treated if the tumor is localized. At the same time, metastatic colorectal cancer can spread to other parts of the body including lymph nodes, organs, tissues, and the bloodstream as it spreads through the walls of the bowel. Mentioned below are some risk factors that might cause colorectal cancer: Abdominal diseases An underlying condition can increase one’s risk of developing metastatic colon cancer. Abdominal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can result in the development of tumors and polyps in the intestine, causing colorectal cancer. Genes Unfortunately, cancer can be hereditary. Studies show that genetic sequences partly determine one’s susceptibility to colorectal cancer. It is observed people with medical conditions such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), Gardner’s syndrome, MYH-associated polyps, and Cowden’s disease, have a higher chance of suffering from colorectal cancer. Diet Although not a major cause, one’s diet does contribute to the early stages of colorectal cancer.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It causes swelling or inflammation along with varied symptoms. Different people are affected in different ways with this disease.While some may have fewer mild symptoms, others may have severe symptoms. People who develop lupus experience symptoms between their early teens and 30s. Since early signs of lupus are similar to other conditions, people do not quite realize that they may have lupus. However, having those symptoms may not necessarily mean you have lupus. Some early signs of lupus are as follows: Fatigue One of the major and common early signs of lupus is fatigue. About 90% of people experience this if they have lupus. Though, napping in the afternoon help people with fatigue but too much sleep during the day lead to sleeplessness during the night. If you want to keep up your energy levels, you would have to maintain a daily routine and remain active. This is difficult for people to do but it is worth the effort. If you are living with unbearable fatigue, talk to your physician so that the root cause of fatigue can be taken care of. Unexplained fever If you have lupus, you will experience a low-grade fever for no reason at all. Since the fever would be around 98.5˚F to 101˚F, you may not consider seeing a doctor. On and off, you would experience such kind of fever. A low-grade fever also means infection, inflammation or imminent flare-up. This is one of the early signs of lupus and if it happens frequently, you must consult a physician. Hair loss One of the early signs of lupus is hair thinning. Hair loss is caused due to inflammation of the scalp and skin. Lupus makes people shed hair by the bunch. Some people may face slow but consistent hair loss.

A leg muscle cramp refers to a severe and painful tightening or contraction of a muscle that strikes immediately. This lasts either for few minutes or just a few seconds. Some cramps can, however, last for several minutes. During night time, leg cramps are sudden spasms that occur in the calf muscles during the night time, and they may affect the foot or thigh as well. People often experience this problem when they are falling asleep, and some people become victims to muscle cramps when they wake up. Major causes of muscle cramps at night Identifying a clearcut cause for the pain is a difficult task. These issues are linked with nerve issues and muscle fatigue. As you age, the risk or the possibility of getting affected with nighttime leg cramps increases. Several pregnant women often have to deal with nighttime leg cramps. The common causes of this problem include exercise, injury, overuse of muscles, exposure to cold temperature, diabetic nerve damage, and kidney failure. If you are using some medications like specific diuretics, you always stand in with a chance of suffering from leg cramps in the might. A good number of people mistake restless legs syndrome (RLS) with leg cramps; this is a different condition. Other common conditions that make one vulnerable to leg cramps in the night include spinal stenosis, peripheral artery diseases, anemia, hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease, diabetes, cirrhosis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, diarrhea, and dehydration. Effective solutions to stop a muscle cramp You can find different types of methods to prevent a night muscle cramp. Every individual has to identify the best method that works for him/her. The simplest way is to massage and stretch the affected muscle. Another option is to take a bath using warm water for relaxing the muscle, and you can also place a heating pad to find relief.