What Do You Want to Know About Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer symptoms do not usually present themselves until the cancer is advanced. This is why lung cancer often goes undetected in the early stages. Lung cancer symptoms include:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Recurring chest infections
• Voice hoarseness

What Is Lung Cancer?

Cancer occurs when cells in the body undergo a mutation that causes them to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. Lung cancer forms when cancer cells invade and destroy healthy cells in the lung tissues and air passages. It can take several years to develop. It may begin as pre-cancerous changes in the lungs that neither cause symptoms nor show up on an X-ray.

Eventually cancer cells accumulate to form a tumor. As the tumor grows, it impedes the ability of the lungs to function properly. Cancerous cells can break away from the original tumor, travel through the bloodstream, and form tumors in other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer. They are small cell and non-small cell. The names refer to how the cells appear to pathologists under a microscope. Each type and stage of lung cancer warrants unique treatment options.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), small cell lung cancer accounts for 15 percent of all lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer starts in neuroendocrine cells. These are the air tubes that lead to the lungs (the bronchi) and the cells in lung tissue. It grows very quickly. It produces large tumors that can travel through the blood and spread quickly throughout the body. Small cell lung cancer mainly affects heavy or lifetime smokers.

There are two main types of small cell lung cancer. They are small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer) and combined cell carcinoma. Oat cell cancer is the most common type of small cell lung cancer. The cells resemble oats when examined under a microscope.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

According to the National Institutes of Health, non-small cell lung cancer makes up about 85 percent of all lung cancer cases in the United States. The cancer cells are larger, and the cancer is slower growing than small cell lung cancer. NSCLC consists of three subtypes:

Squamous cell carcinoma (or epidermoid carcinoma) accounts for 25 to 30 percent of all lung cancer. It begins in the cells that line the air passages. If not treated it may spread to the lymph nodes, bones, adrenal glands, liver, and brain. It’s the most common type of lung cancer in men and is heavily linked to smoking.

Adenocarcinoma makes up about 40 percent of all lung cancer. It forms in the mucus-producing (outer) part of the lungs. It develops slowly and is the most common type of lung cancer in women and nonsmokers.

Large-cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma includes all non-small cell lung cancer that can’t be classified as squamous or adenocarcinoma (about 10 to 15 percent). It sometimes forms near the surface, in the outer edges of the lungs, and grows rapidly.

Long-Term Outlook

According to the American Lung Association, the lung cancer five-year survival rate is lower than many other leading cancers. Over half of people with lung cancer die within a year of their diagnosis.

These statistics often don’t reveal how many of those are still in treatment at the five-year mark as opposed to those who have reached remission (no sign of cancer). Your personal prognosis will be based on a great many factors. These include:

• Type and stage of cancer
• Age at onset
• Overall health
• Lifestyle

The success of your treatments

Your overall emotional health can also impact your prognosis. Build a strong support system for yourself and gather as much information about your condition as you can.

Green Tea Cancer Treatment

This cancer treatment is rated only as being effective on newly diagnosed cancer patients who do not have a fast-growing cancer and their cancer has not spread significantly!! If you are an advanced cancer patient who has had a lot of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery or you have a potentially fast-growing cancer, do not use this treatment as your primary cancer treatment.

How It Works

Green Tea Polyphenols (GTP), particularly EGCG or EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) not only inhibit an enzyme required for cancer cell growth, but also kills cancer cells with no ill effect on healthy cells.

Green Tea

Dry green tea leaves are about 40% polyphenols by weight, and the most potent of these is EGCG. A team of scientists at Purdue University determined: “In the presence of EGCg, the cancer cells literally failed to grow or enlarge after division then presumably because they did not reach the minimum size needed to divide they underwent programmed cell death, or apoptosis.” EGCG, an antioxidant, is considered many times more potent than the Vitamin E or Vitamin C antioxidant properties. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which itself is known to kill cancer cells.

Green Tea is also a key element of cancer prevention. “Researchers have known for years that the incidence of prostate cancer is considerably lower in Asian countries. One possible explanation advanced by scientists is the high consumption of plant foods among Asian populations. Another is the growing number of laboratory studies indicating that green tea — the most popular tea in China, Japan and other Asian countries — has anti-tumor effects. Black tea is more popular in Western countries. Worldwide, about 80 percent of the tea consumed is black tea. Both teas come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis). Black tea is fermented; green tea is not. Next to water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. Green tea contains more polyphenols — chemicals that act as powerful antioxidants and nontoxic, cancer preventive agents — than black tea. It has been speculated that the low lung cancer rate in Japan — despite the high rate of smoking — is due to green tea consumption.”

Source: http://www.cancertutor.com/greentea/

Preparation Method of Cleansing Turmeric and Ginger tea

When considering magical healing masters appear no beyond turmeric. It’s not simply a sunny, bright spice to curry up recipes, it’s also widely used in Ayurveda as well as Unani medicine. Turmeric originates from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, that is a member of the ginger family and also it’s certainly one of nature’s most powerful healers and a true guru.

Cleansing turmeric and ginger tea with its alkalizing as well as detoxifying qualities which give effective anti-inflammatory action in your body. Turmeric is a good ingredient to help heal and prevent dry skin, slow aging, minimize wrinkles and also improve skin’s elasticity.

Turmeric may benefit your digestive system by stimulating your gall bladder making bile, speeding the breakdown of dietary fats. Curcumin in turmeric interfere with the growth of several types of cancer cells, including those of the prostate, breast, skin and colon.

Ginger is a common spice frequently used in Asian cuisine. A very fibrous root, you can use ginger both fresh and dried in savory and sweet dishes, as well as for an herbal tea.

Now we will use this two powerful spices, turmeric and Ginger to prepare cleansing turmeric and ginger tea.

Ingredients of cleansing turmeric and ginger tea

•      250 ml (9 fl oz/1 cup) almond or rice milk
•      2 teaspoons ground turmeric
•      1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
•        6 drops stevia liquid

Method

• Add the almond milk in small saucepan and heat gently until it reaches room temperature.
• Add the turmeric and ginger to a mug.
• Pour a small amount of warm milk into the mug and stir to create a liquid paste, ensuring there are no lumps.
• Add the remaining milk and sweeten with stevia.

10 Foods to Help Prevent Cancer

1. Add garlic to everything you eat.

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that may stimulate the immune system’s natural defenses against cancer, and may have the potential to reduce tumor growth. Studies suggest that garlic can reduce the incidence of stomach cancer.

2. Eat your fill of broccoli

Broccoli is a cancer-preventing superfood, one you should eat frequently. But take note: A Spanish study found that microwaving broccoli destroys 97 percent of the vegetable’s cancer-protective flavonoids. So steam it, eat it raw as a snack, or add it to soups and salads.

3. Make a batch of fresh lemonade or limeade.

A daily dose of citrus fruits may cut the risk of mouth, throat, and stomach cancers by half, Australian researchers found.

4. Mix half a cup of blueberries into your morning cereal.

Blueberries rank number one in terms of their antioxidant power. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are unstable compounds that can damage cells and lead to diseases including cancer.

5. Learn to eat artichokes tonight.

Artichokes are a great source of silymarin, an antioxidant that may help prevent skin cancer. To eat these delicious veggies, peel off the tough outer leaves on the bottom, slice the bottom, and cut off the spiky top. Then boil or steam until tender, about 30-45 minutes. Drain. Dip each leaf in a vinaigrette or garlic mayonnaise, then gently tear the fibrous covering off with your front teeth, working your way inward to the tender heart. Once there, gently scoop the bristles from the middle of the heart, dip in a little butter or lemon juice, and enjoy!

6. Throw some salmon on the grill tonight.

Australian researchers studying Canadians (go figure) found those who ate four or more servings of fish per week were nearly one-third less likely to develop the blood cancers leukemia, myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Other studies show a link between eating fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, and tuna, as well as shrimp and scallops) with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer in women. Ah, those amazing omega-3s at it again!

7. Cut a kiwifruit in half, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon.

Now eat! Kiwi is a little hand grenade of cancer-fighting antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and copper. You can also rub a couple of cut kiwifruit on a low-fat cut of meat as a tenderizer.

8. Sprinkle scallions over your salad.

A diet high in onions may reduce the risk of prostate cancer 50 percent. But the effects are strongest when they’re eaten raw or lightly cooked. So try scallions, Vidalia onions, shallots, or chives for a milder taste.

9. Serve sauerkraut.

A Finnish study found that the fermentation process involved in making sauerkraut produces several other cancer-fighting compounds, including ITCs, indoles, and sulforaphane. To reduce the sodium content, rinse canned or jarred sauerkraut before eating.

10. Toast some Brazil nuts and sprinkle over your salad.

They’re a rich form of selenium, a trace mineral that convinces cancer cells to commit suicide and helps cells repair their DNA. A Harvard study of more than 1,000 men with prostate cancer found those with the highest blood levels of selenium were 48 percent less likely to develop advanced disease over 13 years than men with the lowest levels. And a dramatic five-year study conducted at Cornell University and the University of Arizona showed that 200 micrograms of selenium daily — the amount in two unshelled Brazil nuts — resulted in 63 percent fewer prostate tumors, 58 percent fewer colorectal cancers, 46 percent fewer lung malignancies, and a 39 percent overall decrease in cancer deaths.

10 Best Foods for Your Heart

From breakfast to dinner (and snacks in between) you're entire day can be heart-healthy! A good-for-your-ticker diet doesn't have to be bland or boring, as we show you here with these heart-y foods that will leave you satisfied.

Oatmeal

Start your day with a steaming bowl of oats, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium. This fiber-rich superfood can lower levels of LDL (or bad) cholesterol and help keep arteries clear.

Opt for coarse or steel-cut oats over instant varieties—which contain more fiber—and top your bowl off with a banana for another 4 grams of fiber.

Salmon

Super-rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can effectively reduce blood pressure and keep clotting at bay. Aim for two servings per week, which may reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack by up to one-third.

"Salmon contains the carotenoid astaxanthin, which is a very powerful antioxidant," says cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, the author of Lower Your Blood Pressure in Eight Weeks. But be sure to choose wild salmon over farm-raised fish, which can be packed with insecticides, pesticides, and heavy metals.

Not a fan of salmon? Other oily fish like mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines will give your heart the same boost

Avocado

Add a bit of avocado to a sandwich or spinach salad to up the amount of heart-healthy fats in your diet. Packed with monounsaturated fat, avocados can help lower LDL levels while raising the amount of HDL cholesterol in your body.

"Avocados are awesome," says Dr. Sinatra. "They allow for the absorption of other carotenoids—especially beta-carotene and lycopene—which are essential for heart health."

Olive oil

Full of monounsaturated fats, olive oil lowers bad LDL cholesterol and reduces your risk of developing heart disease.

Results from the Seven Countries Study, which looked at cardiovascular disease incidences across the globe, showed that while men in Crete had a predisposition for high cholesterol levels, relatively few died of heart disease because their diet focused on heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. Look for extra-virgin or virgin varieties—they're the least processed—and use them instead of butter when cooking.

Nuts

Walnuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids and, along with almonds and macadamia nuts, are loaded with mono- and polyunsaturated fat. Plus, nuts increase fiber in the diet, says Dr. Sinatra. "And like olive oil, they are a great source of healthy fat."

Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries—whatever berry you like best—are full of anti-inflammatories, which reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

"Blackberries and blueberries are especially great," says Sinatra. "But all berries are great for your vascular health."

Legumes

Fill up on fiber with lentils, chickpeas, and black and kidney beans. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber.

Spinach

Spinach can help keep your ticker in top shape thanks to its stores of lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber.

But upping your servings of any veggies is sure to give your heart a boost.  The Physicians' Health Study examined more than 15,000 men without heart disease for a period of 12 years. Those who ate at least two-and-a-half servings of vegetables each day cut their risk of heart disease by about 25%, compared with those who didn't eat the veggies. Each additional serving reduced risk by another 17%.

Flaxseed

Full of fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a little sprinkling of flaxseed can go a long way for your heart. Top a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with a smidgen of ground flaxseed for the ultimate heart-healthy breakfast.

Soy

Soy may lower cholesterol, and since it is low in saturated fat, it's still a great source of lean protein in a heart-healthy diet.

Look for natural sources of soy, like edamame, tempeh, or organic silken tofu. And soy milk is a great addition to a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. But watch the amount of salt in your soy: some processed varieties like soy dogs can contain added sodium, which boosts blood pressure.

The Top Ten Fat Burning Foods List

Green Tea

Make green tea your drink of choice to quench that thirst, satisfy your minimum daily fluid intake while at the same time burning those calories. Green tea contains the anti-oxidant EGCG, which works to burn calories throughout the whole day.

Also keep in mind the added benefit of green tea replacing those drinks laden with sugars and the host of other health benefits such as the anti-cancer and cholesterol maintenance properties.

Whole grain bread

The fibre content of whole grain bread is high along with the nutritional benefits of the seeds within. Wholegrain toast makes for a satisfying and low GI breakfast and wholegrain bread is excellent for sandwiches or as the side carbohydrate for a meal like soup.

Important to note is that brown bread does not mean wholegrain. Some brown bread can contain coloring to achieve its brown appearance.

Salmon

It is packed with good fats which are conducive to weight loss. It is super easy to prepare and a cost effective, satisfying meal with a plate of vegetables and brown rice for example. A steak of salmon can be covered in a bowl and cooked in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Try the condiment Chermoula if you can get your hands on it. Delicious!

Garlic and Onions

Yes, we know, garlic and onions are two foods not one. We will bunch them together because of their ease of use and common combination and addition to foods.

Minerals and oils inside garlic and onions help to break down fat and increase the metabolism.

Broccoli

If you can appreciate the green flavor of broccoli you have yourself a low calorie, zero fat vegetable that can accompany any meal. Broccoli boasts a great deal of fibre and a host of other health benefits in your daily diet. It is a great accompaniment in almost any meal and filling.

Berries

Berries are high in nutrients including antioxidants. When you buy them frozen their freshness is locked in and they can be kept for some time and used in a variety of ways. In summer thaw a few berries in your mouth. Just like ice cubes, only tastier. Add them to your oatmeal, cereal, low fat ice cream or yoghurt.

Lean Chicken

Versatile, tasty, filling and high in protein. Chicken can be used in a variety of dishes for lunch and dinner.

Yoghurt

It is high in protein, great as a part of breakfast, dessert and a tasty snack. Low fat yoghurt is a great way to get your daily dose of dairy and can be transformed into a delicious meal with the addition of fruits or cereal.

Brown Rice

Once you go brown you’ll never want to go back to white. It has substance and is covered in fibre. The nutty taste and texture of brown rice goes beautifully with your meats (such as lean chicken) and vegetables and is very filling.

Be sure to drink plenty of water when you have something as fibre rich in your diet as brown rice.

Oranges

Not just rich in Fibre, the high vitamin C content of oranges is conducive to fat burning. Vitamin C promotes the production of Carnitine in the body which oxidizes fatty acids (breaks them down/burns fat).

Preferably eat your oranges, fresh rather than in supplement form or juice. The fruit is highest in fiber and a filling and sweet, satisfying end to meals.

Top 10 Hemoglobin Rich Foods

Hemoglobin is an extremely essential protein for the human body, mainly as it carries the oxygen to different parts of the body. It is hence essential that we maintain its level in the body. And Iron is an important element that combines with the protein, allowing it the potential to carry oxygen. Hemoglobin also plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, hair and body. Iron supplements should be consumed if the hemoglobin levels are too low.

Signs of low hemoglobin include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood, fever and constipation. Low iron intake can also lead to anaemia.

Let us take a brief look at the hemoglobin food list.

Top Hemoglobin Rich Foods:

To make it very clear first hand. Hemoglobin is formed in the human body and when we say hemoglobin rich food, we are speaking of sources that provide all the elements necessary for hemoglobin formation.

1. Seafood:

Seafood is an excellent source of hemoglobin. Various varieties of seafood like tuna, clams, catfish, salmon, oysters and sardines are good sources of hemoglobin.

2. Meat:

Meat is the richest source of hemoglobin. Meat also contains vitamin B-12, which helps to maintain the normal iron level in the body. Red meat is the best source of hemoglobin.

3. Eggs:

Egg yolks are another very rich source of hemoglobin. Egg yolks are rich in iron and helps in the production of hemoglobin.

4. Dairy products:

Dairy product such as milk, buttermilk, paneer, curd and cheese are good sources of hemoglobin. Food items like egg and hamburger meat are also good sources of hemoglobin.

5. Legumes:

Legumes like chickpeas, dried beans, limas, pintos, kidney, navy or white beans contain good amount of iron. Pumpkins and squash seeds help to increase the hemoglobin level in the blood.

6. Vegetables:

Vegetables like beetroot and spinach, which is easily available in the market, helps in the formation of hemoglobin. This helps to boost the level of the blood count.

7. Fruits:

Fruits are another great source of iron. Fruits contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals along with iron, which is very useful to the human body. The fruits rich in iron are watermelons, raisins, grapefruits, tomatoes, apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries and avocados.

8. Spices:

Spices like thyme, cumin seed, oregano, basil, cinnamon and sage are rich sources of iron. Therefore, don’t forget to include these spices in your diet.

9. Grains:

Breads, pasta and cereals are primary sources of iron. Grains like pearled barley, wheat flour, rice, long-grain brown rice, forfeited cereals and breads are also good sources of iron. Whole grains are the best sources of fiber as well.

10. Dried fruits:

Dried fruits like dried apricots, prunes, dates and raisins are excellent sources of hemoglobin. The high iron content in the dried fruit helps forming the red pigment in the blood.

8 Surprising Health Facts about Spinach

Full of nutrients and delicious taste, spinach is a winter superfood. But what’s the best way to eat it? Read the following surprising facts about this leafy green:

1. It’s wiser to choose tender baby spinach leaves. The larger the leaves, the more mature they are  and more likely to be tough or stringy. Also, spinach leaves that are placed under direct light
in the stores have been found to contain more nutrients than those stored in darkness.

2. Cooking spinach actually increases its health benefits! Just half a cup of cooked spinach will give you thrice as much nutrition as one cup of raw spinach. That’s because the body cannot
completely break down the nutrients in raw spinach for its use.

3. As an exception to the advice above, research studies show that taking spinach in juice 

form is actually the healthiest way to consume it. Blend spinach with other vegetables or fruits to create a delicious glass of juice, or try a green smoothie.

4. There’s a compound in spinach called oxalic acid, which blocks the absorption of calcium 

and iron. An easy way to solve this problem is to pair spinach with a food high in vitamin C. Mandarin oranges and cantaloupes spring to mind here. Another way to reduce the power of oxalic acid is to boil the spinach leaves for at least two minutes.

5. Freezing spinach diminishes its health benefits. The way to get the best from the leaf is to buy 

it fresh and eat it the same day.

6. Do place spinach on your ‘organic shopping’ list, because the leaf tends to be sprayed 

heavily with pesticides that don’t come off with normal washing.

7. Everyone talks about the benefits of spinach in nourishing the eyes and building bones. What few know is that it's also very good for digestion. Spinach eases constipation and protects the 

mucus lining of the stomach, so that you stay free of ulcers. It also flushes out toxins from the colon.

8. Another lesser known benefit of spinach is its role in skin care. The bounty of vitamins and minerals in spinach can bring you quick relief from dry, itchy skin and lavish you with a radiant complexion. Regular consumption of fresh, organic spinach juice has been shown to improve skin health dramatically.

8 Ways to Relieve Knee Pain

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight.

Carrying extra pounds can exert additional pressure on your joints and contribute to knee pain. If you're overweight, losing as little as 5 percent of your body weight can help relieve the stress on your knees. Talk to your doctor about developing a healthy eating plan and exercise program to help you lose weight sensibly.

2. Find a Low-Impact Exercise You Enjoy.

Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Good choices for people with knee pain include walking and swimming. Be sure to warm up before and cool down after exercising. Avoid hilly terrain and high-impact activities like running and jumping, as these can worsen knee pain.

3. Give Physical Therapy a Try.

Physical and occupational therapy often are helpful for people with knee pain. A physical therapist can help design an exercise program that fits your individual ability level and teach you proper techniques to spare your joints. Occupational therapy can teach you how to reduce strain on your knees in your daily activities.

4. Get Enough Rest and Relaxation.

Sure, physical activity is important, but R and R can go a long way to promote good health - and reduce pain. Achieve a healthy balance in your life by learning stress-relief techniques like deep breathing and meditation.

5. Make Sure Your Getting Enough Sleep.

No question - arthritis pain can interfere with a good night's sleep. However, proper sleep is necessary for overall health, so if you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. Proper pain management can help break the cycle to help you slumber soundly.

6. Use Ice and/or Heat.

For many people with arthritis pain, ice can help relieve pain and swelling and heat can help ease stiffness. Ask your doctor about how to safely use an ice pack and/or a warm towel or heating pad. A hot shower in the morning or warm bath before bed at night also may be helpful.

7. Use an Oral Pain Reliever.

Oral pain medications are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. The first choice is usually an over-the-counter drug like acetaminophen. Ask your doctor about your options - several medications are available, including prescription drug options.

8. Apply a Topical Pain Reliever.

A number of over-the-counter and prescription creams, gels, sprays and patches are available to help relieve arthritis pain. These pain relievers contain ingredients like capsaicin, salicylates, menthol, or a combination of medicines. Ask your doctor if one of these products might be right for you.