Rich protein in foods

Protein

Protein is important to the body; it is found in most body parts such as the bones, muscles, skin and hair, tissues and organs. Enzymes in the body are made up of amino acids which are building blocks of protein. It also makes up haemoglobin which is the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood and is responsible for the red pigment of the blood. Protein is necessary in maintaining bodily processes.

Recommendations say that adults should consume a minimum of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. It should also constitute 10 to 35 percent of calories per day. Protein is especially needed during childhood due to demands in growth and development. If a person does not take in enough protein from the diet, a type of protein malnutrition may occur, known as kwashiorkor. Lack of protein can cause growth failure, loss of muscle mass, decreased immunity to diseases, heart disease, respiratory problems and even death.

Protein is made up of molecules called amino acids. There are different ways by which the body makes up amino acids: either from building it up on its own or by modifying other sources. Essential amino acids are amino acids needed by the body which can only be taken from food. Protein may come from vegetable or animal sources. Animal sources of protein are good sources of amino acids because vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds may lack one or more essential amino acids. This is why vegetarians must be careful of their protein intake because they don't take in high-protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs, poultry and other foods derived from animals.

High protein foods may either be healthy or not healthy. There are high protein foods which have healthy components with them such as healthy fats, or fiber. On the other hand, high protein foods which are not healthy may include components such as harmful fats or salt. Proteins may also be good or bad, since while proteins can keep the body healthy, it can also be responsible for numerous allergies which are due to a overreactive immune system. However, proteins may lead to beneficial health effects because certain studies have shown that high protein diets could lower the risk for certain diseases and premature death.

Research shows that high protein diets may have beneficial effects on heart health, as long as the protein comes from a healthy source. Another study also shows that those who ate low-carbohydrate diets that were high in vegetable sources of fat and protein had a 30 percent lower risk of heart disease compared with people who ate high carbohydrate and low-fat diets. High protein diets could also protect from Type 2 diabetes. However there are also some conflicting reports that say that type 1 diabetes can be caused by proteins found in cow's milk. High quality protein can also protect against cancers and osteoporosis. High quality proteins can also help control weight.

If you want to take in protein without taking in additional harmful components from red meat, here are some suggestions on where you can get high amounts of protein. There are vegetables that contain high quality protein along with essential vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients that may have beneficial effects on your health.

Peas

Peas contains about seven grams of protein per cup. You can try eating creamy pea soup or stewed peas along with other vegetables

Spinach

Spinach contains around six grams of protein per cup. It can be eaten through salads, soups, stir-fried or as smoothies.

Potatoes

You can consume baked potatoes which can contain more than three grams of protein. Potato salads are also healthy, especially if combined with eggs and other vegetables.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains two grams of protein per serving and other nutrients such as fiber. It can be mixed with other vegetables.

Brussels Sprouts

Each cup of brussel sprouts contain around four grams of protein and other nutrients such as potassium and Vitamin K. You can add other vegetables and spices along with brussel sprouts.

Corn

A cup of corn kernels can provide around four grams of protein. You can have it on the cob or mixed with other vegetables as salad or soup.

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Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation is a surgical method which involves the removal and replacement of a diseased lung with a healthy lung from a donor. The donor may have died recently or may be a living donor with only a part of his or her lung removed. The reason why lung transplants are not frequently done is because of the lack of available donors from time to time.

Lung transplants are used to treat advanced lung disease which has failed to respond to standard treatments. This method can also increase a patient with end-stage lung disease by about 1 to 2 years. Some conditions that can be treated with lung transplantation include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is caused by damage to the lungs, usually by smoking and other diseases. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition which can cause clogging up of the lungs and the digestive system with thick sticky mucus.

There are three main types of lung transplants: the single lung transplant, the double lung transplant and the heart-lung transplant. The single lung transplant is done when a single damaged lung is removed and is replaced by a healthy lung from a donor. A single lung transplant can treat patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

A double lung transplant, on the other hand, is done when both lungs are removed and replaced with two donated lungs. This type of transplant is used to treat cystic fibrosis and COPD. The third type of transplant, known as a heart-lung transplant, removes a set of heart and lungs and replaces it with donated heart and lungs. This type of transplant is recommended for people with severe pulmonary hypertension.

Before a transplant, doctors will need to evaluate the patient very well and carry it out only if there is a good chance that it will be successful. There are certain contraindications to lung transplantation. Absolute contraindications include active smoking or substance abuse, organ failure other than the lungs, cancers and malignancies including lung cancers and some types of skin cancers, HIV disease or infections, impaired mobility and poor potential for rehabilitation, severe connective tissue disease with extensive extrathoracic manifestations, severe and intreated psychiatric disorders, and untreated coronary artery disease. Relative contraindications to the procedure include older age greater than 60 (if the procedure is heart-lung transplantation), age greater than 70 (if the procedure is for bilateral lung transplantations), age greater than 75 (for single lung transplantations), bilateral pulmonary sepsis (for single lung transplantations), dependence on ventilators, dependence on high doses of steroids, active hepatitis B or C and with liver damage, infections with resistant organisms, malnutrition, obesity, prior thoracic surgery or pleurodesis, recent history of malignancies, severe osteoporosis, presence of esophageal dysfunction, and others.

Before lung transplantation, the doctor may run a series of tests to determine your suitability for the procedure. The procedure usually takes around four to 12 hours to complete and depends on the complexity of the operation. It usually takes three months or more to recover from the procedure. At present, the number of lung transplantations has increased by 20%; this may be due to proper information dissemination among patients and recent successful lung transplant techniques. Lung transplantation is said to be the last remaining option for treating lung diseases, and it can also improve quality of life and lead to longevity.

Lung Transplantation and End Stage Lung Disease

In the recent edition of the Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, researchers have studied how patients live after lung transplants. The results showed that deaths during the 90 days after the procedure have dramatically decreased over the past 25 years  from 19.4% to 10%. As for complications, about 3% have an acute transplant rejection reaction, while almost 30% experience symptoms of chronic rejection. Aside from these complications arising from airway complications, transplant failure, and other serious medical conditions, lung transplantation is said to be a safe and effective procedure. The researchers want to disseminate this information so that more research on lung transplantations should be done.

To know more about transplantations and other procedures of modern science, feel free to read our other articles on this site.

Heart failure is one of the top killers in the world today. Thus it is a must that we know something about this dangerous medical condition, so as to prevent its spread among populations. Heart failure is a medical condition which is serious and life-threatening. It is caused by the inability of the heart to pump blood to circulate all around the body while maintaining the right pressure. Heart failure is usually caused by weakness of the heart muscle or its stiffening due to other medical conditions. When the heart is affected, it fails but it does not stop from working. The function of the heart may be enhanced with the use of medications.

 Heart Failure

 Heart failure causes symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and ankle swelling. There are other medical conditions which can cause these symptoms. There are several types of heart failure: left ventricular dysfunction, preserved ejection fraction and valvular disease. Heart failure that is due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction causes failure in the part of the heart that pumps blood around the body due to weakness or other conditions. The other type of heart failure is due to preserved ejection fraction due to stiffness and difficulty in blood filling. The last type of heart failure is due to diseases that affect the heart valves. It is important to determine the type of heart failure so that treatment can be given immediately based on the cause.

 After medical examination, the doctor may run various tests to confirm the diagnosis of heart failure. These tests include blood tests, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram or other tests.

 There are numerous causes of heart failure. There are many medical problems that can cause the heart to fail, among which are high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, abnormalities in heart rhythm and valvular heart disease. High blood pressure can cause your heart to work hard against the high pressure of the blood vessels, causing its failure. Coronary artery disease is a condition wherein the heart's arteries are clogged up by fatty deposits or atherosclerosis. Cardiomyopathy, also known as heart muscle weakness, causes heart failure probably due to genetic factors, alcohol abuse, medication intake or infections. Valvular heart disease is a condition wherein there are damages to the heart valves.

Heart failure may be due to other causes such as anemia, hyperthyroidism, or high pressure in the lungs or pulmonary hypertension. There is no exact treatment for heart failure; however there are things that can slow down its progression including lifestyle changes, devices, surgery, and medicines that can improve heart function or prevent excess water buildup. If the cause is known, there may be possible cures for the condition. If there is damage to the heart valves, heart valve replacement may be necessary to treat heart failure.

 If the treatment is effective for heart failure, there may be a lot of benefits such as a stronger heart, improvement of symptoms, reduction of the risk for flare-up, good quality of life and longevity. If you are at risk for heart failure, you should take steps to prevent it such as stopping smoking, avoiding high blood pressure, keeping cholesterol at normal levels, maintaining healthy weight, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and limiting your alcohol consumption.

 Misplaced Proteins in Heart Failure

 Several studies have shown that colchicine for gout can lower the risk for heart attacks. Conversely, taxol can raise the risk for heart failure. This is because these drugs act on microtubules, a network of fibers which are found inside heart cells that provide internal structural support. Previous research have found out that there is a link between heart failure and increased density of microtubules, however the exact cause for this is not clear. A new study published in the February 11 issue of the journal Circulation reveals that colchicine, which decreases the density of microtubules, protects normal heart muscle function and increases survival in mice with heart failure, while taxol, which increases microtubule density, accelerates heart muscle damage during heart failure. This study, done by researchers from the University Of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine found that increasing microtubule density causes a specialized protein called junctophilin-2 (JP2) to be brought to the wrong destination, thus causing heart failure.

 You can read more about heart failure if you browse our other articles on this site.

Endometriosis is a medical condition that is common among women. It is a disease of the endometrium which is the lining of the uterus or womb. Endometriosis develops when the tissue lining of the endometrium grows in other parts of the body aside from the uterus. These parts of the body may include the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the tissues surrounding the uterus, the outer surface of the uterus or the tissue lining of the pelvic cavity. The tissue of the endometrium can also grow in the cervix, vagina, vulva, bladder, bowel and rectum. Rarely, endometrial tissue may extend to the brain, the lungs and the skin.

 Endometriosis

Endometriosis can bring about symptoms such as lower abdominal or pelvic pain, low back pain during menstrual periods, menstrual cramps, pain during or after sex, painful bowel movements, spotting or bleeding in between menstrual periods, intestinal pain, painful urination, infertility, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, nausea or bloating.

 Women with endometriosis may have other health problems such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, lupus, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, infections, heart conditions, ovarian cancers, breast cancers, endocrine cancers, brain tumors, kidney cancers, thyroid cancers, colon cancers, melanomas and lymphomas. Endometriosis causes pain and other health problems even though they are benign. This is because they change with the woman's menstrual cycle. Every month, the lining of the endometrium builds up with tissue and blood vessels. If the woman does not become pregnant, the lining sheds off during menstruation.

 Endometriosis may respond to hormones that are which are produced during the menstrual cycle. Endometriosis expands through the addition of blood and extra tissue. This further causes inflammation, scarring and blockage of fallopian tubes and other hollow organs. These further develop into cysts, adhesions or scars that cause pain in the pelvic area and infertility. Endometriosis usually affects women who are within the age range of 30s to 40s. They may stop for a time during pregnancy and menopause.

 The exact cause of endometriosis is not known but there are some theories which say that it may be carried in the genes and inherited through families. Endometrial tissue may be found in the uterus and moved to the other parts of the body through the blood or the lymphatic system. Immune system disorders and certain cancers may also predispose one to have endometriosis. The hormone estrogen promotes the growth of endometriosis so that high estrogen states are known to promote it. Abdominal scarring can also cause endometriosis. Dioxin, a toxic chemical from pesticides and burning wastes can also predispose one to have endometriosis.

 Risk factors of endometriosis include lack of children, menstrual periods that last for more than one week, shorter than normal menstrual cycles, a family history of endometriosis, obstruction in the reproductive system, and pelvic damage from infections. You can reduce your chances of having endometriosis by exercising regularly, eating low amounts of dietary fat, avoiding too much alcohol and avoiding too much caffeine in drinks.

 Endometriosis is usually diagnosed by medical history, physical exam and the performance of tests. Pelvic exams may be done by the doctor to feel for cysts and scars in the uterus. Ultrasound may be done to see ovarian cysts which may be due to endometriosis. Magnetic resonance imaging may also be done to examine your pelvis. Laparoscopy may also be done to view the presence of endometriosis tissues and perform minor surgery. Growths may also be seen through this method. 

 New Insights in Endometriosis Development

 Recent research throws insights on the development of endometriosis. Northwestern researchers suggest that endometriosis may be due to epigenetic modification, a process that enhances or disrupts how DNA is read, is an integral component of the disease and its progression. Other researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital have also identified a novel role for a family of key gene regulators in the uterus. The findings were recently published in PLoS Genetics. Now scientists are quite sure that endometriosis may be due to genetic factors.

 You can read more about endometriosis by browsing our other articles on this site.

Type 1 diabetes is a medical condition which the sufferer may have no control of. It can affect a person without him or her choosing it. It cannot be prevented and can only be managed with medications, a healthy diet and regular exercise. Diabetes affects about 10 percent of the world's population.

 Type 1 Diabetes

 Diabetes is a medical condition wherein the body cannot produce enough insulin to lower blood glucose levels in the body. In normal people, insulin levels match the blood glucose levels of the body. Elevated blood glucose levels in the body can cause damaging effects to the bodily organs. It is said that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition because it is caused by an attack of the body against its own cells. The body's immune system fight off the cells of the pancreas and destroy them so that these cells become damaged. In turn, these cells, called beta cells of the pancreas, cannot produce insulin very well, resulting to little or no insulin levels.

 Type 1 diabetes usually occurs initially during childhood during the age range of 7 to 12 years old. However it may also affect people of all ages, from babies to elderly people. Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include thirst, increased urinary frequency, weight loss, unexplained fatigue, and mood changes. Other less commonly known signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unexplained hunger, skin infections, poor memory and concentration, poor daytime performance, thrush and others.

The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes relies on blood tests such as fasting blood sugar levels, random glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance tests. The treatment for Type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections, proper diet and regular physical activity.

 Type 1 diabetes can be inherited. People who have blood relatives with Type 1 diabetes are at an increased risk of acquiring this condition. However, it may also occur even if a person has not family history. There is no exact cure for type 1 diabetes, however more research is currently ongoing for new effective treatments. Patients with Type 1 diabetes may need frequent insulin injections to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

Diabetes and Gut Microbiota

 A recent study has shown that children with Type 1 diabetes have different interactions in their gut microbiota. Researchers think that these differences may already be present before antibodies and detected in the blood. In these patients, microbial DNA, the so-called microbiome, may be involved in the development of autoimmune processes. These findings were published in the specialist journal Diabetes.

 In this study, researchers from Helmholtz Zentrum München scientists compared the composition and interaction of the gut microbiota in children who went on to develop diabetes-specific autoantibodies in their blood with data from children who were auto antibody negative. This was a part of the BABYDIET study which deduces that the number and types of bacteria in the gut were similar between normal children and children with Type 1 diabetes. However, the researchers found out that the bacterial interaction networks were different in between the two groups even during the first years of life. Children who have type 1 diabetes have the typical diabetes auto  antibodies.

 The microbiome is formed from colonies of bacteria and it contains genetic information that can influence the host. The microbiome is associated with a lot of diseases, one of which is diabetes. The study shows that the body's immune system function can be affected by both the microbiome and the way it interacts with functional communities. Gut bacteria are influenced by many things such as hygiene, diet and birth delivery. Thus we can say that having type 1 diabetes is not an accidental happening but is a result of various factors that threaten the body's immune system.

 You can read more about diabetes in the articles found in this site.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a medical condition that affects some pregnant women. This medical condition usually happens during the second half of pregnancy or 20 weeks until the baby is delivered. If untreated, pre-eclampsia is dangerous and life threatening to both the mother and the baby.

Several symptoms associated with pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure or hypertension and the excretion of protein in the urine or proteinuria. Other symptoms of these disorders include swelling of the feet, face and ankles caused by fluid retention or edema, severe headache, vision problems and rib pain. These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

Pre-eclampsia and bring about serious complications both to the mother and the baby if not untreated. This medical condition affects about 5% of pregnancies and becomes severe in about 1-2% of pregnancies. Risk factors for developing pre-eclampsia include first pregnancies, a history of having the condition during previous pregnancies, a family history of the said condition, age more than 40 years old, twin or multiple pregnancies, and others. Women who may be suspected of having pre-eclampsia should consult their doctor as soon as possible and should be advised to take a daily dose of low-dose aspirin from the 12th week of pregnancy until the baby is delivered.

There are many causes of preeclampsia, though its exact etiology is still unclear. These possible causes include insufficient blood flow to the uterus, damage to the blood vessels, a problem with the immune system and poor diet. Treatment of preeclampsia is usually done in the hospital so that the patient will be monitored for severity of the condition. The treatment is to deliver the baby with careful monitoring. Normally, delivery will be around 37-38 weeks of pregnancy but it is earlier in more severe cases. Labor may have to be artificially induced or through caesarean section, in which an incision in the stomach is created to deliver the baby. Medicines may also be given to lower the blood pressure, which may cause further complications. Most cases of pre-eclampsia may cause no further problems after delivery. Symptoms may improve after delivery, though careful monitoring should be done even after delivery because of the risk for serious complications that can affect both the mother and the baby. If left untreated and unmonitored, deaths of mothers and babies may ensue. Death of babies may be due to complications of early delivery, such as severe breathing difficulties.

Complications of pre-eclampsia to the mother include fits or eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, stroke, organ problems and blood clotting disorder. Fits (eclampsia) is a type of convulsion or fit which pregnant women may experience. This is often characterized by involuntary twitching of the mother’s arms, legs, neck or jaw and can result in jerky movements. Loss of consciousness may ensue. There may be a small risk of permanent disability or brain damage if the fits are severe. One in 50 women will die from this disorder. Unborn babies may suffocate during seizures and may die.

HELLP syndrome, on the other hand, is a rare liver and blood clotting disorder that can affect pregnant women. It is characterized by hemolysis or breakdown of red blood cells of the blood, elevated liver enzymes due to possible liver damage and low platelet count. This is a dangerous complication, yet is treatable.

Stroke may also ensue due to high blood pressure that can disturb the blood supply to the brain. Cerebral hemorrhage may ensue or a blood clot or thrombosis. Stroke causes blockage to brain blood supply so that oxygen and nutrients cannot effectively pass to brain tissue, further causing brain damage and death. Other problems from pre-eclampsia are pulmonary edema, kidney failure,, liver failure, and blood clotting disorders. Babies born to pre-eclamptic women are usually smaller than usual and may be premature.

Biomarkers in Pre-eclampsia

A recent study has found out that identifying biomarkers could lead to the early detection of preeclampsia. This study was done by researchers from the Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR) and the MR Cancer Group at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Their findings, “Metabolomic Biomarkers in Serum and Urine in Women with Preeclampsia,” was published in PLOS ONE. The researchers have found out that the metabolism of women who experience preeclampsia is clearly different from women with normal pregnancies. They have also found out that preeclampsia may have a similar profile to cardiovascular disease, and the inflammatory processes are reflected in the blood and urine of affected women.

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Maybe you are aware that the government and other organizations are campaigning against smoking. But do you really know why you should stop smoking?

The Dangerous Effects of Smoking

Why should you quit smoking? Smoking can cause cancers such as lung cancer and other illnesses. It causes thousands of deaths every year, mostly from smoking related cancers, cardiovascular illnesses, bronchitis, emphysema and other chronic lung illness. This is because cigarettes contain about 4000 chemical compounds and about 400 toxins that can cause harm to your health. When you smoke a cigarette, the heat breaks down tobacco to form these chemicals and toxins. Tobacco burns down to release toxic substances such as tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. Tar is a carcinogen or a substance that can induce cancer. Nicotine is an addictive substance and can increase the risk for hypertension, heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. Carbon monoxide is a substance which can reduce oxygen in the body. Cigarette smoke also contains gas and other particulate substances that can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The damage due to smoking is affected by the number of cigarettes actually smoked, whether the cigarette has a filter and how the tobacco has been prepared. Smoking is said to reduce life expectancy by seven or eight years. The number of deaths from smoking equals to the number of deaths caused by breast cancer, drug addiction, road accidents and AIDS. Smoking can cause cardiovascular disease which can later in lead to death. Smoking can also cause atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries which can later on cause fatty deposits in the arteries and can later on lead to heart attacks and stroke. These fatty deposits can also give rise to blood clots which can migrate to other parts of the body and van cause organ damage. Blood clots are four times more likely to form among smokers than among non-smokers.

Smoking can also cause thrombosis in the kidneys which may layer on lead to high blood pressure or kidney failure. If blockage occurs in the legs, this may lead to pain during exercise, gangrene and loss of limbs from amputation. Smokers are also prone to develop cancers such as throat cancer, lung cancer and mouth cancers. Other types of cancers in smokers are kidney cancer, cancer of the pancreas, cancer of the esophagus, cervical cancer and bladder cancer.

Smokers can also develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which can cause blockage of the airways and difficulty of breathing. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which can cause damage to the air sacs or the alveoli of the lung. Chronic bronchitis can result to inflammation and narrowing of the airways which can manifest as cough, and excessive production of mucus.

Smoking and Young Brains

The youths are at risk for developing certain bad habits acquired from peers, one of which is cigarette smoking. Recently, a small study from UCLA has found out that young adult smokers are prone to experience changes in their brain structures due to smoking, dependence and craving. The researchers have also found out that this happens even in people who have been smoking for only a short period of time. They deduced that these neurobiological findings may suggest why young people who smoke at an early age often get hooked to cigarettes even during adulthood. In this study the researchers found out that the insula, a part of the brain’s cerebral cortex that is involved in monitoring internal states and making decisions, is thinner among smokers. The increase in the number of pack years a person smoked is directly proportional to the thinness of the insula.

To read more about the harmful effects of cigarette smoking, feel free to explore our other articles on this site.

Prostate cancer is becoming common among older men, being a slow-growing type of tumor. Though most prostate cancers may not need further treatment and may not reduce life expectancy, still some of these cancers may become more aggressive and may spread to other parts of the body. The more advanced the cancer is, the less chances it can benefit from treatment.

Facts About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found in men and lies just beneath the urinary bladder. It is within the prostate that the urethra passes. The urethra is the tube where urine passes out of the body. The prostate functions for sperm cells so that they may be protected and be enriched.

Usually the prostate gets bigger as a man approaches the age of 50. Majority of men at the age of 70 may have an enlarged prostate. This prostate enlargement can cause certain urinary symptoms; the enlargement may either be benign or be cancerous. In prostate cancer, cells in the prostate become out of control and multiply excessively. This excessive growth of cells forms a lump or tissue growth known as a tumor. In some cases, these cancerous cells may spread to other parts of the body to become malignant cancer. Cancerous cells in malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or through the lymphatic system. These cancerous cells invade other cells of the body, damage them and move on to spread to other parts of the body.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unclear, however some people have certain predispositions to the disease because they have risk factors. Some of these risk factors include older age, family history, genetic factors, belonging to certain ethnic groups, diet high in fats and low in fruits and vegetables and exposure to the metal cadmium. Prostate cancer may give out symptoms such as weaker flow of urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder, urinary hesitancy, urinary dribbling, increased urinary frequency, urinary urgency and poor bladder emptying. However all of these symptoms are more common in older men and these symptoms may also indicate that prostate enlargement is probably benign. Occasionally, pain in the penis and passage of blood in the urine may also occur. If the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, other symptoms may develop such as hip, pelvic or lower back pain and tenderness. Prostate cancer spreads as secondary tumors in bones.

Initially, the diagnosis initially is through history and physical exam. The doctor may examine the prostate gland and note for enlargements, tenderness and masses. However, a normal prostate exam does not exclude the presence of prostate cancer. Blood tests may also be ordered to measure the levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA is an antigen which is produced by both normal and cancerous cells of the prostate gland. Higher levels of PSA in the blood may mean that a person may have prostate cancer. PSA levels may fall after prostate cancer treatment.

Biopsy of the prostate gland may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, During biopsy, a small portion of the prostate gland is removed and then examined under a microscope. Biopsy is usually done with a fine needle and an ultrasound scanner. After biopsy, staging of the tumor may be done according to the grade of the cancer cells, the stage of the cancer, and the blood PSA levels.

Prostate cancer may be treated by surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. The choice depends on the stage of the tumor.

BPA and Prostate Cancer

A recent study by researchers from the Cincinnati Cancer Center has shown that levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in men’s urine could be a marker of prostate cancer and that low levels of BPA exposure can cause cellular changes in both non-malignant and malignant prostate cells. This study utilized data from 60 urology patients. BPA is a substance found in plastic products and is also a known carcinogen. Thus researchers warn against the use of plastics that may contain BPA because this substance can lead to cancers.

To know more about prostate cancer, feel free to read our other articles on this site.

With modern technology comes diseases that are precipitated by sedentary lifestyle and junk food. One of these diseases is diabetes mellitus. Pregnant women are also at risk for a type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a medical condition which occurs when a pregnant women has high levels of glucose in her blood. This elevation in blood sugar levels is caused by the fact that the pregnant woman cannot produce enough insulin in her body because of glucose load which are 2 to 3 times than the normal.

 Gestational Diabetes

 The rise in blood glucose among pregnant women is due to the fact that pregnancy causes certain hormones in the placenta to be released in the blood. This leads to increase in blood glucose levels. Also, the growth demands of the fetus also increase the pregnant woman's demand for insulin.

Gestational diabetes is distinguished from type 1 and type 2 diabetes in that it is only temporary and usually disappears after pregnancy. However, there are a few studies which have shown that women with gestational diabetes have a certain risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the near future. Thus experts advise that women with gestational diabetes should be tested for diabetes every year after they have given birth.

Women with gestational diabetes need to be compliant with their insulin shots. This is because they need more than the usual amount of insulin for their needs. Insulin is naturally produced by the pancreas and is tasked with the movement of blood glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. If insulin is inadequate in the body, blood glucose levels may elevate and may cause harmful effects to mother and the baby.

Increased blood glucose levels in the maternal body can increase your chances if having caesarean section for delivering your baby. It can also increase your risk of having toxaemia of pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension or preeclampsia. It can also increase your risk of developing urinary tract infections while pregnant. The baby born to a woman with gestational hypertension also has certain risks. Babies who are born to women with gestational diabetes often are too large or are too fat at birth and pose serious problems during delivery and after their birth. During their delivery, these babies may have their shoulders dislocated during delivery because they cannot fit very well in the birth canal. These babies may also have seriously low blood sugar levels after birth. The baby has been used to a very high level of glucose in the placenta and has also produced its high levels of insulin against the high load of glucose. After birth, the baby is separated from the placenta and this supply of glucose suddenly stops, thus causing the blood glucose levels to fall low due to the action of insulin. Other problems include newborn jaundice, low levels of calcium in the blood and respiratory distress syndrome.

Not every woman is at risk for gestational diabetes. Thos who are at risk for acquiring it include those with a family history of type 2 diabetes, those who had a history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies, those who have babies with birth defects, those who are overweight or obese, those who are over the age of 30, those who have previous histories of stillbirth or spontaneous miscarriages, those who have previous histories of delivering large babies, and those with a history of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, urinary tract infections or polyhydramnios or too much amniotic fluid.

Women with gestational diabetes should watch their diet careful and should have regular physical activity during pregnancy. Blood glucose levels should be monitored all throughout pregnancy.

 Gestational Diabetes and Heart Disease

 A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has shown that pregnant women are at increased risk for early heart disease when they develop gestational diabetes. This study, done within a span of 20 years, have found out that a history of gestational diabetes may be a risk factor for early atherosclerosis in women when they reach middle age. The study utilized data from 898 women, 18 to 30 years old who were part of the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults), a longitudinal analysis of women without previous heart disease or diabetes before pregnancies.

You can learn more about gestational diabetes if you read our other articles on this site.

Our parents have taught us how to brush properly ever since we were children. This is to avoid tooth decay and cavities. But what is tooth decay? This article tells us more.

Dental Cavities

Our teeth has several important functions which most of us forget. First of all, our teeth are responsible for chewing food to make food easier to digest by enzymes from our gut. Our teeth also provides shape and form to our jaw and face. This is why we must not neglect our teeth. However, bad oral habits can bring their own share of problems and lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay creates dental cavities which are damaged areas of the tooth that appear as holes in the enamel or the hard surface of the tooth. Cavities are common in children and in young adults. There are three types of cavities: those with a smooth surface which often appear on the sides of the teeth, pit and fissure cavities which appear at the top of the tooth (the one involved in chewing), and root cavities which appear at the root of the teeth below the gums.

Cavities often have symptoms depending on its severity and the type of cavity. At first, one may not notice that the cavity is there. However, he or she may soon experience symptoms as the cavities go larger such as toothaches, sensitivity to heat or cold or sweets, pain on biting down, and black pots or visible holes in the teeth. You can avoid these symptoms by having dental exams every six months so that smaller dental cavities are filled.

Cavities develop because of decay of the tooth. Over time, the enamel or the hard surface of your tooth becomes damaged. The food that you eat may have leftover particles in your teeth and these particles are acted upon by bacteria. The mixture of bacteria and particles further develops into a sticky film called plaque which coats your teeth. This plaque produces acids that can damage your enamel. After the enamel, the dentin is eaten away. Dentin is the softer layer of the teeth and it is easily damaged. This is the time when your cavities should be filled.

If your cavities are not filled, tooth decay continues and may eat away the inside part or the pulp of your tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves. Tooth decay further causes nerve damage and causes pain, swelling and irritation. There may also be formation of pus as the body's immune system tries hard to rid the tooth of bacteria and decay.

This is why tooth cavities needed to be treated as soon as possible. Fillings and crowns may be procured. Fillings are often made of metal or porcelain while crowns are needed if a large portion of the tooth needs to be removed. If the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be done to remove the damaged part of the nerve in the root of the tooth and to replace it with a filling. If the tooth is beyond repair, the dentist may suggest tooth extraction. Fluoride treatments apply fluoride to the tooth. Fluoride is a mineral which can strengthen the tooth and make teeth more resistant to decay. It can reverse the early signs of tooth decay. You should take good care of your teeth to prevent cavities. You should use toothpaste with fluoride, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and limit intake of sweet and sticky food.

Dental Cavities Are Contagious

A new study has shown that dental caries can be passed on from mothers to babies. Mothers with cavities have the capacity to transmit cavity-causing bacteria to their babies when they are cleaning pacifiers by sticking them in their own mouth or by sharing spoons. This study done by researchers from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, mothers should not share their utensils with their children if they have cavities since tooth decay can affect child performance and later success in life.

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