Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Multiple Myeloma

Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Multiple Myeloma
Causes & Risk Factors

Our bodies are made up of different kinds of cells. Blood cells are an important type of cell that is further bifurcated into three parts, namely white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each type of blood cell plays an essential role in the human body. Red blood cells remove carbon dioxide from the body and carry oxygen to the tissues. Platelets prevent bleeding by forming blood clots. While blood cells are an essential part of the immune system and help fight infection and protect the body from foreign substances. There are several types of white blood cells. B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that become plasma cells upon identifying antigens in the body.

Plasma cells and multiple myeloma
Plasma cells produce antibodies that fight antigens, otherwise known as harmful foreign substances. These cells are normally present in the bone marrow in a limited number, but they can turn into a tumor upon abnormal cell multiplication. The tumor can turn cancerous and may cause multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. While scientists do not know the exact cause of multiple myeloma, they have conducted studies on how certain DNA changes can cause the plasma cells to turn cancerous and form a tumor.

Multiple myeloma can lead to a loss of red blood cells, causing anemia. It can also decrease the number of platelets in the blood, which causes increased bleeding and bruising. Multiple myeloma even causes a shortage of white blood cells that leads to problems in fighting infections.

Medical researchers and doctors who have been studying multiple myeloma are looking for a cure and methods to prevent this disease. Preventing it becomes less challenging when one knows the risk factors and early signs of cancer. Identifying the risk factors and taking the right measures to eliminate the risk can be an effective way to prevent multiple myeloma.

Risk factors
Obesity and family history are some common risk factors seen in most cases of multiple myeloma. People with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) can also be at an increased risk of developing the disease. Exposure to radiation is another factor that can increase the risk of multiple myeloma.

As people get older, they may face an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma as most reported cases of this disease have been among people over the age of 65.

Along with age, gender and race also play a role in increasing one’s risk of developing cancer as men are slightly more prone to this disease than women. Additionally, this disease is more common among African Americans than Caucasians.

Preventive measures

Preventing the progression of MGUS: As MGUS increases an individual’s risk of developing multiple myeloma, one can implement measures to prevent the progression of MGUS to lower the risk of multiple myeloma.

Early screening and diagnosis: An early diagnosis of multiple myeloma can help doctors provide the right treatment, like immunotherapy, to prevent the disease from spreading to other organs.

Targeted therapy: SDF-1stromal cell-derived factor-1 is a strategy that can be used by doctors to prevent the disruptive colonization of the bone marrow by multiple myeloma. But it is important to get an early diagnosis to implement this preventive measure.

Paying attention to signs and symptoms: While the causes of multiple myeloma are not known, there are several signs and symptoms that can be identified for early diagnosis. Below are some common early signs and symptoms that should not be missed.

  • Problems in the bones like bone pain, especially pain in the back, hips, and skull, along with bone weakness, and broken or fractured bones due to minor stress or injury.
  • Problems that arise due to low blood counts like anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, where the blood platelet counts are low, causing excess bleeding even in case of minor cuts or bruises.
  • Increased blood levels of calcium, which leads to extreme thirst, excess urination, dehydration, kidney problems, loss of appetite, weakness, and confusion.
  • Signs related to the nervous system like sudden back pain, numbness in legs, muscle weakness, especially weakness in the leg muscles.

Dietary changes: Diet can help prevent or cause a lot of diseases, including cancer. There are several foods that are linked with a lowered risk of multiple myeloma, like cooked tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, and fresh fish.

On the other hand, there are foods that increase one’s risk of developing multiple myeloma. These foods include processed and packaged food, ice creams, cream soups, artificially flavored juices, and artificially sweetened fruits.

So, paying attention to one’s diet is important to combat the risk of developing multiple myeloma. It is also important to list down all the foods one should and should not eat and follow it on a regular basis. People with a high risk of cancer should stop eating red meats and start following a diet that consists of whole foods and fresh fruits. Cutting down on alcohol consumption and smoking can help prevent the development of multiple myeloma.

Latest.

Things to Know Before Opting for a Breast Enlargement Surgery

Things to Know Before Opting for a Breast Enlargement Surgery

Generally, women tend to ask questions quite often regarding the different ways in which they can increase the size of their breasts. Well, breast sizes differ from one woman to another. The size of the breasts grows over time, and the growth begins during puberty. In case the breast size has not grown over time due to hormonal abnormalities and one wants to enhance the size of their breasts, breast enlargement surgery is the best option. One can check out breast enlargement photos to get a proper idea. If one has already made up their mind, there are certain things that they need to know before opting for a breast enlargement surgery. Why go for breast enlargement? Breasts are an asset to the feminine look. It is often found that women want to enlarge their breast size, but they should be careful of fake medications in the market that may have harmful effects and may lead to dangerous issues. One of the ways to go for breast enlargement is to opt for a breast augmentation surgery. Take a look at some photos of breast enlargement for a better idea. What is breast augmentation surgery? Breast augmentation surgery is known to enhance the size of the breasts and give them an attractive shape. This cosmetic surgery is conducted by placing saline breast implants. One can even check out some breast enlargement photos before undergoing this surgery to see for themselves. These photos will give one a perfect picture of how they want to do it for themselves. A woman who is undergoing this surgery can give specifications or complete details regarding the size or shape that they want, and the surgeon will perform the breast enlargement by placing the implant accordingly. This surgery is opted by women for different purposes, some of which are enlisted below:
Top Skin Tightening Creams for a Youthful Look

Top Skin Tightening Creams for a Youthful Look

Almost everyone loves their skin in their 20s and 30s. Your skin is firm, bouncy and even if you’ve stayed out all night, a dab of cream and a little makeup can make you look fresh again. However, nothing stays forever, and as you age, it becomes harder to keep your skin looking fresh and young. By the time you reach your 50s, your skin produces only half the collagen it did in your youth. Fear not as you can shave off the years with skin tightening creams . These are creams that can help slow down the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and other such signs of aging. Here are some of the most popular creams that can tighten your skin . Bioelements Sleepwear This overnight cream is made up of a combination of time-released retinol, topical calcium, protein peptides, and cranberry seed oil, among other ingredients. While you sleep, this cream is hard at work replenishing antioxidants, strengthening the skin, revitalizing collagen, and improving moisture retention. When you wake up, you won’t just feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep, you’ll look fresh too. Artistry Luxury Crème Women who’ve used this cream have said that it made their skin feel softer and smoother in as little as two weeks. The cream uses Cell Effect Technology with a cardiolipin-driven complex to energize skin cells and repair visible signs of aging such as dark circles and wrinkles. It also moisturizes the skin and improves the skin’s moisture retention capabilities. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream This clinically proven skin tightening cream has been known to reduce wrinkles and make skin firmer in just 15 days. The cream uses a unique combination of Ginkgo Biloba, Mediterranean Algae, precious rose, Chlorella, and Mimosa absolutes to reduce the appearance of fine lines and moisturize the skin.
Top 10 Testosterone Boosting Supplements in the Country

Top 10 Testosterone Boosting Supplements in the Country

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. It is responsible for developing reproductive tissues and promotes characteristics like bone density, muscle mass, and growth of body hair. This hormone is also responsible for the overall wellbeing of the human male body. The hormone is naturally secreted by testicles of the male anatomy. Although it is a natural hormone, testosterone also plays an important role in medication; for example, in the treatment for low testosterone levels in older men, certain forms of breast cancer, and to enhance physical performance mainly in athletes. The testosterone levels decrease as men age. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead frailty and bone loss. Most men experience a decline in testosterone levels after 40. Testosterone boosters are supplements that can help men increase testosterone levels. The best testosterone boosters have certain ingredients responsible for naturally increasing the hormone levels. D-Aspartic Acid (D-AA) is an amino acid that can make and release the hormone in the brain, which results in testosterone production. Another important ingredient is ZMA, which is a combination of zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. Vitamin D, a herb called Ginseng, and fenugreek are few other ingredients that are found to be the best testosterone boosters. Here are some of the best testosterone supplements available in the market: DAA Max by Vital Labs This product has been the all-time favorite for many years. It has high D-AA content that substantially increases hormone production. The composition also includes Vitamin D, Calcium, and Zinc among others. Apart from testosterone boost, it helps reduce estrogen levels. Individuals who have used the product consistently recommend the product. Sergeant Steel by Assault Labs It is one of the most recommended and top testosterone supplements as it includes effective ingredients that provide treatment for low testosterone levels.
Effective Tips to Control Your Blood Sugar Level

Effective Tips to Control Your Blood Sugar Level

Blood glucose levels are primarily controlled by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. After a meal, blood glucose rises due to the digestion of the food. This triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, which promotes glucose absorption until it reaches the normal level. But, in individuals with defective functioning of insulin, the blood glucose level remains higher for a longer period. Chronic uncontrolled blood sugar or hyperglycemia damages various body organs, nerves, and eyes. As a diabetic, it is extremely important to keep your blood sugar level always in check. Blood sugar range : In a healthy person, the normal blood sugar levels are below 100 mg/dL after fasting, but can spike to 140 mg/dL 2 hours post meal. However, in a diabetic, the fasting blood sugar itself can reach to up to above 200 mg/dL. How to keep the blood sugar under check? A proper diet and exercise plan is a must to manage a diabetic’s blood sugar level . Moreover, a diabetic must monitor the blood sugar level on a regular basis for effective management of sugar levels. A few common tips to keep the blood sugar under check are as follows: Diet : A well-planned diet is a must for the management of high blood sugar. Carbohydrates : The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a proper monitoring of carbohydrate intake in a meal to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Include healthy carbohydrates such as milk, fruits, legumes, grains, and yoghurt, which do not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Avoid highly processed or refined carbohydrates like candy, white rice, and white bread because they rapidly increase the blood sugar levels. A well-balanced diet must be designed after consulting a doctor to maintain the healthy blood sugar levels. Offset carbohydrates with fat and protein :
10 Home Remedies for Treating Hemorrhoids

10 Home Remedies for Treating Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or more commonly known as piles, are clusters of veins which lie just beneath the mucous membranes which line the lowest part of the rectum and the anus. This condition involves swelling and distension of those veins. Internal and external hemorrhoids are the two types of this condition. Internal ones occur in the lower rectum whereas the external ones develop under the skin around the anus. It is widely considered that external hemorrhoids are the ones which are the most painful and uncomfortable since the overlying skin erodes due to irritation. Moreover, if there is a blood clot on the inside of external hemorrhoid, then the pain can get much more severe. How can one recognize external hemorrhoids? Itchy or burning sensation around the anus A painful lump or swollen area near the anus Difficulty in sitting down Painful bowel movements Fecal incontinence There are different types of both homemade and surgical remedies available for curing external hemorrhoids. Some of the common ones have been explained in brief as follows: Witch hazel : Witch hazel is an astringent which causes tissues to shrink and reduce bruising. Along with this, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To use it, one has to add a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball and then dab it on the affected area to get relief from the symptoms. However, if there are signs of irritation, then one should go for a more indirect method. It is advised to not add alcohol to witch hazel in an attempt to dilute it as it can cause further irritation. Coconut oil : Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can help with hemorrhoid symptoms like reducing irritation and swelling. Moreover, it can also reduce provide relief from the itchiness experienced. Aloe vera :
Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease

Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease

Due to an extremely fast-paced lifestyle which encourages bad habits, more than 10% of the world’s population is facing severe kidney problems. In order to keep your kidneys safe and healthy, you need to keep a check on your diet at all times. There are the certain foods that can help your kidney to function well that you must be aware of. Let’s take a look at some those foods that help you to adopt healthy kidney diet plans. Olive oil Olive oil is an excellent source of fat, and as it is free from phosphorous, it becomes a wonderful option for those people who have kidney issues. Generally, patients diagnosed with kidney problems experience a rapid loss in weight. Including a high-calorie food element makes for healthy kidney diet plans and this helps you maintain a suitable body weight Most of the fats in olive oil are monounsaturated which bear anti-inflammatory properties. One ounce or 28 grams of olive oil will provide you with: Potassium: 0.3 mg Sodium: 0.6 mg Phosphorus: 0 mg Buckwheat Most of the whole grains that are available in the market tend to be very high on the phosphorous content. However, buckwheat is a wonderful and healthy alternative to these grains. It is a food item rich in nutrition that provides the body with the required amount of iron, fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins. It is also free from gluten which makes buckwheat a great choice for those who suffer from celiac disease. One cup or 84 grams of buckwheat will provide you with: Potassium: 74 mg Sodium: 3.5 mg Phosphorus: 59 mg Garlic Generally, patients with kidney problems are asked to lower their sodium intake which includes the use of added salt. Garlic is a great alternative to that. It gives your dish a wonderful added taste and flavor.