Bloating and diarrhoea are signs of a gut problem known as irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. But what is IBS and what are the recent findings about it? Let's read on.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder which affects the colon. This condition is marked by increased contractions of the colon or peristalsis by overreacting to mild stimuli such as milk and dairy products, stress and other symptoms. This further leads to symptoms such as alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome is different from inflammatory bowel disease.  Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of disorders which is marked by inflammation of the small and large intestines of the body. The inflammation causes symptoms such as severe and long-term pain in the abdomen, diarrhea which may be bloody, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint pain, fever, skin problems, rectal bleeding and other problems. These symptoms may be mild or severe and may also come and go away as remissions and exacerbations. The most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These two are different from each other according to the part of the digestive tract that they affect. While ulcerative colitis commonly affects the top layer of the large intestines, Crohn's disease affects all layers of the intestinal wall. Ulcerative colitis causes swelling and ulcer formation in the lining of the large intestines, causing intestinal contents to spill over and cause a true medical emergency. On the other hand, Crohn's disease brings about swelling and scarring of the intestinal wall to create a thickened tissue that narrows the passageways of food from. Strictures form as a result along with deep ulcers that form tunnels that connect the different parts of the intestine. Crohn's disease commonly affects the last part of the small intestine called the ileum and the first part of the large intestine. Tunnels may connect to nearby organs and cause bleeding or perforation.

The diagnosis of IBS is based on symptoms. Its symptoms range from abdominal pain to discomfort to cramping and changes in bowel habits. Bowel movements occur less or more than usual and stools appear less solid or harder than the usual. The abdominal pain and discomfort is often relieved by bowel movement. There may also be vomiting and bloating. These symptoms may occur after consuming a meal.

The causes of IBS are not exactly known however some theories include signal problems between the gut and the brain, motility problems in the GI tract, mental health problems, bacterial gastroenteritis, genetics and food sensitivity. People with IBS often exhibit symptoms after consuming foods such as spicy foods, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol and those rich in carbohydrates. These people do not exhibit signs and symptoms of food allergy. These symptoms may be due to poor absorption of sugars of bile acids. Bile acids help break down fat inside the body and help excrete waste materials from the body.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gut Microbiota

One of the topics in the recently concluded Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit in Miami, FL, USA speaks about the link between IBS and gut microbiota alterations. It is also related to specific types of diet. These findings may open avenues for new ways on how to manage this disease. People with IBS often complain more of bloating than any other symptom.

In the past, bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome was often thought to be a psychological condition that affects mostly young anxious female patients. Now, with new research findings, experts now think that IBS is caused more by microbial communities that live in the gut. There is a lot of evidence saying that IBS is caused by an imbalance of the gut microbiota, meaning that there is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut. The healthy gut microbiota is disturbed in IBS patients. This may be the reason why IBS arises after a single episode of gastroenteritis caused by bacterial infections such as Salmonella and Shigella. Antibiotics may also lead to the development of IBS. Knowing these, experts are now focused on discovering ways on how to treat and prevent IBS and its symptoms.

You can learn more about gut diseases by reading our other articles in this site.

Nowadays, a lot of teenagers are crazy over energy drinks. These teenagers think that energy drinks can make them accomplish more things and can bring them extra energy. Little do they know that energy drinks can pose harm to their health. Energy drinks can bring about several medical conditions such as cardiac illnesses, headaches, migraines, insomnia, diabetes, addictions, behavioural changes, anxiety, vomiting and allergies.

 Energy Drinks

 Energy drinks can be lethal and can cause cardiac arrest, especially those with underlying heart conditions. Even intake of a few energy drinks can cause this health risk. Before taking in energy drinks, you should know your heart health first. Energy can cause the heart to pump harder and have more forceful contractions so that it can cause excess stress to the heart. Energy drinks can also cause headaches and migraines which may be caused by withdrawal from caffeine found in energy drinks. The more you drink energy drinks, the more headaches appear.

 Energy drinks can also rob you of good sleep. It can keep people awake not just one time but days after you consume it. Lack of sleep can cause impaired daytime functioning which may cause road accidents and impaired cognition. The risk for Type 2 diabetes also increases because aside from the fact that energy drinks have high amounts of sugar, they are also known to wear out insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, further leading to type 2 diabetes. Also, some ingredients in energy drinks are known to interact with prescription drugs, especially those taken in for depression. Addiction can also result and can cause stress and disturbance in functioning whenever the energy drink is not taken.

 One study even cited that teens are more likely to take risks when they are high on caffeine which can further result to risky behaviour, injuries or trouble. Other effects of too much intake of energy drinks include nervousness, anxiety, emotional issues, vomiting, teeth erosion, peptic ulcer disease and allergies.

 The Danger for Teenagers

 There is a newer study which has found out that teenagers who consume energy drinks are at risk of having poor mental health and substance abuse. Thus the researchers of this study warn against the use of energy drinks among teenagers and suggest to parents to limit access of energy drinks to teenagers and children. They also call on manufacturers to reduce the amount of caffeine in energy drinks. This study was done by researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University and was published in the journal Preventive Medicine. The results showed that teenagers who are prone to depression, those who drink alcohol and those smoke marijuana are also known to consume more energy drinks than those of their age.

 The researchers noted that probably energy drinks are more popular among the young crowd because these people think that energy drinks can improve mood, increase alertness and enhance physical and mental energy. The study surveyed 8210 high school students, two-thirds of which reported using energy drinks for at least once during the past year. More than 20% of these students who consumed energy drinks consume them once or more per month. The study also showed that the younger the high school student is, the more likely he or she is to consume energy drinks than the older peers. The researchers pointed out that this popularity among the youth may be due to marketing efforts in the media to entice them. This may also be the reason why there is a steady increase in energy drinks sales, the sales forecasted to reach $20 billion in 2013 in the United States alone.

 To avoid the risks associated with energy drinks, you should look for healthier alternatives. Look for healthier drinks that contain energy boosters such as B vitamins, fiber, healthy herbs, and green tea. Exercise is also an energy booster, along with a healthy diet full of much needed nutrients. To know more about risks associated with energy drinks, feel free to read our other articles on this site.

Have you heard much about Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause liver damage to many people. This virus infects the person and causes damage to the liver cells to cause liver and multi-organ failure. Death can arise from liver failure. This is why we must prevent Hepatitis C viruses from infecting us.

 Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is transmissible from person to person. It can be transmitted from one person to another by contact with blood or other body fluids. There are no symptoms of the disease until there is significant liver damage. Otherwise, there may be non-specific signs and symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, muscle aches and pains, loss of appetite, fatigue and depressed. Most people who have been infected do not know that they have the disease. Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through shared needles of illegal drugs. It can also be transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids at work or through sex.

 There are many genotypes of hepatitis C however the most common types are genotypes 1 and 3. After infection, acute hepatitis C sets in and lasts for about 6 months. During this stage, about one in every four people will fight off the infection and will remain free of the virus. However in the majority of these people, the virus will remain in their bodies for many years to become chronic hepatitis C. If the person has certain risk factors such as alcohol use, he will soon develop scarring of the liver or cirrhosis for about 20 years or more after initial infection. One in five people who have cirrhosis will develop liver failure eventually, or liver cancer which may be life-threatening.

 Hepatitis C is not often accompanied by symptoms, so that testing is usually recommended for high-risk groups. High risk groups are those who are current or former drug users, commercial sex workers, people who have multiple partners or health care providers. Testing should be done as soon as possible because treatment should be started as soon as possible after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. Treatment of Hepatitis C is through the use of antiviral medications such as interferon and ribavirin. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C unlike other types of hepatitis.

 Hepatitis C is an easily preventable infection. To prevent Hepatitis C infection you should not share drug-injecting equipment with other people. Using a condom when you have multiple sexual partners is also another way of minimizing your risk for Hepatitis C infection.

 New Treatments

 If you are infected with Hepatitis C, you should be treated as soon as possible. However, early treatment for hepatitis C involves multiple daily pills and weekly injections for one year.  The cure rate for this treatment is only about 40 percent. The good news is, there are a lot of experimental drugs which are given for only a shorter duration of time and are less intensive. The UT Southwestern Medical Center is currently having clinical trials testing new hepatitis drugs. The new drugs are said to be more potent and effective according to its researchers.

 In 2011, two first new drugs against hepatitis C were approved, boceprevir and telaprevir, which are protease inhibitors that interfere with the virus’ ability to replicate. However the drawback of these drugs is that they should be taken as 8 to 12 pills in a day and are associated with side effects. Recently in December 2013, two more new drugs were approved; another protease inhibitor called simeprevir and the polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir, which keeps the virus from multiplying within the liver. These drugs are currently undergoing testing at UT Southwestern Medical Center through clinical trials. The new treatment involves taken only one pill a day and no injections within a time frame of 12 weeks. This new treatment is said to give Hepatitis C management a new face, considering that they can be conveniently taken at a lesser period of time. The researchers say that the success rate for these new drugs is close to 100 percent.

 You may learn more about hepatitis C by reading our other articles on this site.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a medical illness which affects the brain and the nerves. This problem can cause disturbances in balance, coordination, movement and vision. In order for us to understand this, we may picture the anatomy of the brain and the nerves. Each nerve in the body is covered by a layer of protein which is called myelin. Myelin helps protect the nerve and helps in the sending of electric signals in the body from the brain. In multiple sclerosis, there is damage to the myelin sheath so that the signals from the brain and the spinal cord are disrupted. This then further brings about symptoms such as unilateral loss of vision, difficulty with balance and coordination, and feeling very tired during the day.

There are three common types of multiple sclerosis. Relapsing multiple sclerosis is characterized by periods of mild symptoms which may disappear after some time. These periods with no symptoms are termed as remissions and may last for days, weeks or even months. These relapses will then be followed up by a sudden flare-up of symptoms such as relapse. The relapse can occur after a few weeks or a few months. After around 10 years, around half of these people with relapsing multiple sclerosis will soon develop secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis leads to gradual worsening of symptoms with fewer or even no periods of remission.

On the other hand, primary progressive multiple sclerosis is the least common form of multiple sclerosis. In this form of multiple sclerosis, there is worsening of symptoms until there are no longer periods of remission.

Multiple sclerosis is said to be an autoimmune condition. An autoimmune condition results from a disturbance in the immune system of the body because the body attacks its own tissues. In the case of multiple sclerosis, the body's own immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers the nerves. This can cause damage, thickening and hardening of the various parts of the brain and the spinal column so that the signals passing through the spinal cord to the brain are disturbed. The reason for this autoimmune process is still unknown. Multiple sclerosis usually first develops between the ages of 15 and 45 years old, and is twice as common in women as in men. It is also common among whites. Recent research has led to the discoveries of various modalities that can improve the quality of life of people living with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is not dangerous by itself however once severe it can lead to complications such as pneumonia. Currently, there is no definite treatment for multiple sclerosis but there are a number of treatments that can help the patient manage his or her symptoms. Disease-modifying drugs can be used to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. These drugs can slow down the progression of symptoms and reduce relapses. However, most of these drugs may not be suitable for all patients with multiple sclerosis. Other treatments for multiple sclerosis include physiotherapy and steroid injections, which can relieve symptoms and elevate quality of life. There are no known treatments which can really slow down the progression of primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis, Obesity and Contraceptives

Two new studies that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 66th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, April 26 to May 3, 2014 has found out that the so-called “obesity hormone” leptin and hormones used for birth control can lead to multiple sclerosis. The study found out that women who used oral contraceptives were 35% more likely to have multiple sclerosis than those who do not use oral contraceptives. More studies should be done to resolve these issues.

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

Pancreatic cancers can cause death and debilitation. This is why it is necessary that we know more about its causes, its risk factors and how it can be prevented. In this article we are going to talk about pancreatic cancers and the latest news involving tem.

Pancreatic Cancer

The discussion about pancreatic cancer is never complete without considering its relevant anatomy and physiology. The pancreasis is an organ found behind the stomach and located at the back portion of the abdomen. This organ contains both exocrine and endocrine glands that secrete hormones, enzymes and other substances which are important in digestion. It is the pancreas that secretes enzymes that digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The islets of Langerhans are located in the pancreas and secrete insulin and glucagon to the bloodstream. These two hormones regulate glucose metabolism in the body. If these hormones are not working properly, they may result to the condition known as diabetes.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells of the pancreas are replaced by cancerous cells. These cancerous cells get out of control and they multiply and divide excessively to form clumps or masses of cells. These abnormal cells further divide and may also spread to other parts of the body. If these cells exhibit limited growth, the cancer is said to be benign. If these cells migrate to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic systems, the cancer is said to be malignant. Malignant pancreatic cancer becomes metastatic and is thus hard to treat.

Thousands of people are now diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is usually diagnosed late in this development so that not more than 5% survive after diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is further classified as to whether it affects the exocrine or the endocrine part of the body. These two types of pancreatic cancer differ according to their causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatments and prognoses.

The most common types of pancreatic cancers are the ones that affect exocrine functions. They are mostly benign and appear as cystadenomas. Adenocarcinomas are the malignant forms of pancreatic cancers and they account for about 95% of exocrine pancreatic cancers. The malignant forms usually start off in the gland cells of the ducts of the pancreas, however they may also arise from pancreatic enzyme cells, earning the name acinar cell carcinoma. Other exocrine types of pancreatic cancers are adenosquamous carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and giant cell carcinomas. The classifications are based on histology during biopsy. On the other hand, the endocrine cancers of the pancreas are mostly neuroendocrine or islet cell tumors because they mostly affect islet cells. They are also termed as insulinomas when they affect cells that produce insulin, glucagonomas when they affect cells that produce glucagon, gastrinomas when they affect cells that produce gastrin, somatostatinomas when they affect cells that produce somatostatin and VIPomas when they affect cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide or VIP.

There are several causes of pancreatic cancers. One is DNA damage or mutations. The other factor is genes that run in the family. Cancers such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, melanoma, pancreatitis, and non-polyposis colorectal cancer in the family can predispose to pancreatic cancers. Carcinogens and free radicals can also predispose to pancreatic cancers. Other factors include age, cirrhosis or scarring of the liver, helicobacter pylori infection (infection of the stomach with the ulcer-causing bacteria H. pylori), diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and gingivitis or periodontal disease. Smoking, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption and high fat diets are also risk factors.

New Discoveries for Pancreatic Cancers

Recently, a study done by researchers has studied the bark of the Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) for anticancer effects. The reulkts were published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research. They have found out that the extract blocks those pathways and inhibits the scarring that thwarts anti-cancer drugs. Fibrosis is the key process in pancreatic cancer and the extract blocks fibrosis-related pathways. In previous studies, the bark extract has showed promising results in treating prostate cancers. This study has spearheaded more trials that test the capsule form of the bark against cancers such as prostate and pancreatic cancers.

You may learn more about cancers by browsing our other articles on this site.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a silent killer. What seems to be an innocent snoring sound may actually be a signal that the person is prone to develop dangerous illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke and heart attack. This is because snoring may actually mean that you have sleep apnea, a condition wherein there is reduction of ventilation and breathing pauses during sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder wherein the person stops breathing for seconds during sleep. This pause on breathing is caused by relaxation of the throat muscles because they collapse, close and block the airways. Despite a person's effort to breath, there is still a physical obstruction to airflow, thus making him wake up in the middle of the night from sleep. Snoring may be observed by the partner of the patient, parents, siblings or other people living with him. The obstruction of the airways in sleep apnea is due to relaxed airways, bulky or malformed pharyngeal muscles, supine position during sleep, age over 40 years old and increased fat in the neck area due to obesity.

Sleep apnea has various signs and symptoms. One is excessive daytime sleepiness, fidgety sleep, snoring which may be loud, apneic episodes during sleep, or gasping during sleep. There may also be morning headaches, poor concentration, impaired cognition, mood problems, insomnia, depression and irritability. Hypertension may result, as well as weight gain, increased urination and increased frequency of urination during the night. In male patients, there may be decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. There may also be elevated blood pressures, weight gain and other problems. Heartburn may also be felt by some patients.

There are a number of factors which may contribute to the development of sleep apnea. Several of these factors include old age, decreased muscle tone (which may be due to the intake of alcohol, use of drugs, neurological problems or other disorders), excess soft tissue around the airways which may be caused by too much fat around the neck, and deformities in the jaw or throat. Sleep apnea is mostly caused by relaxation of the muscles of the respiratory system during sleep, which may lead further into airway constriction and narrowing and later on closure of the airways. This then produces a sound called snoring. Once there is complete obstruction, there is cessation of breathing for a few seconds. This soon wakes up the person from sleeping and they gasp for air and return to this vicious cycle while sleeping. Hypopnea or shallow breathing may result when there is only partial airway obstruction.

People who are at risk of acquiring sleep apnea are those children who have larger tonsils or adenoids, those with diabetes, those with high blood pressure, obese people, those who frequently suffer from nasal congestion, those with a set back inner jaw, those with fat necks, those who smoke, those who drink alcohol regularly, those with a family history of obstructive sleep apnea, those with Down syndrome and those who underwent certain surgeries such as pharyngeal flap surgery.

Sleep apnea should be treated as soon as possible because it can give rise to certain complications. People with sleep apnea are also at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Complications of obstructive sleep apnea include hypertension, automobile accidents, suffering of family members, erectile dysfunction, heart attacks, and stroke. This is why sleep apnea needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Sleep Apnea and Pneumonia

Recently, a study has found out that people who have sleep apnea are at a higher risk for acquiring pneumonia. The results of this study were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. In this study, researchers from Taiwan studied around 34 100 patients (6816 who had sleep apnea and 27 284 controls) for 11 years. They found that pneumonia was more likely to develop in the people with sleep apnea than in the control group (638 [9.36%] v. 2119 [7.77%]). The people with pneumonia were older and had more comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia and other diseases. The results showed that obstructive sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for pneumonia.

You can learn more about sleep apnea by reading our other articles on this site.

Calcium

Calcium is an important element in the body. It is usually found in some foods and are often added to others in the form of supplements and additives to food and medicines. Calcium has several important effects. It is a mineral required for the contraction and dilatation of blood vessels as well as for good functioning of muscles. It is also needed for the smooth transmission of nerve impulses, signalling among cells, and the secretion of hormones. The calcium in the blood is regulated by the body in such a way that it does not change during intake of food. The body is able to use calcium in such a way that when calcium in the blood is low, it is able to pull out some calcium from the bones to maintain constant concentrations of calcium in the blood, muscles and in the fluid inside cells.

Majority of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth while only 1% is involved with metabolism of the body. Calcium gives support to the structure of the bones and teeth. Bone undergoes continuous remodelling, resorption and deposition of calcium.  Initially, the body sees to it that there is balance between bone resorption and bone deposition; however as we age, the process is much slower. As we age, bone resorption happens more than bone formation, while in children, bone formation is dominant. In adulthood, these processes are equal in occurrence. This is why in elderly people, especially in post menopausal women, there is bone breakdown and less bone formation, a process which results to bone loss and osteoporosis.

Aside from calcium supplements, other sources of calcium are milk, yogurt and cheese. However, some people may be lactose intolerant and cannot withstand taking dairy products. Lactose intolerance is the inability of the body to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. This means that the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase is tasked with the breakdown of lactose in milk and dairy products. The exact cause of lactose intolerance is unknown, yet scientists say that this may be due to genetics. There are two types of lactase deficiency: primary and secondary. Primary lactase deficiency begins at around two years of age, the time when the body begins to produce less lactase. These children often do not manifest symptoms of lactase deficiency until they have reached adolescence or late adulthood. Secondary lactase deficiency, on the other hand, is caused by injuries to the small intestine that is due to severe diarrhea, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or chemotherapy. People who are at risk for lactose intolerance are those who are African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans. Other high risk people include infants who were born prematurely. The symptoms of lactose intolerance start after milk and dairy products are consumed. These symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhea and nausea.

If you are lactose intolerant, you shouldn't worry about not meeting your recommended calcium intake levels. Here are some replacements for milk that can contain calcium.

Dietary supplements

Of course, nothing beats calcium supplements. Forms of calcium supplements that you can safely take include calcium carbonate and calcium lactate. Calcium carbonate is readily available and is cheaper, while calcium citrate is well-absorbed and can be taken with or without food. Calcium citrate is also best for people who have achlorhydria, inflammatory bowel disease, or absorption disorders.

Medicines

You can also obtain calcium from over-the-counter drugs such as antacids. These medicines are available as chewable tablets or even liquids. This would be great to use if you have peptic ulcer disease or heartburn.

Tofu

This soy product is rich in calcium and has calcium amounts like that one cup of yogurt.

Salmon and sardines

Canned salmon contains small edible bones that contain high calcium levels. This food can also give you sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Sardines also contain small bones that contain high amounts of calcium.

Vegetables

Chinese cabbage is a green leafy vegetable that contains high amounts of calcium. Kale and white beans also contain the same stuff.

Feel free to read our other articles on this site.

Government efforts on promoting breastfeeding among moms should not be fruitless labour. This is because there are many studies which have elaborated the many benefits of breastfeeding not only on babies but also on mothers.

The Importance of Breastfeeding

Many experts recommend starting breastfeeding as early as possible so that more benefits can be enjoyed both by the mother and the baby. This is because breast milk is said to be the only natural food meant for your baby because it contains a lot of nutrients that can protect him or her from illnesses and infections. There are many health benefits that breast milk brings to the baby. Breast milk is also a cost-effective solution for feeding babies and it's readily available whenever the baby needs food. Breast milk is also made in the right temperature and creates a strong bond between the mother and the baby. It also gives the mother a certain sense of achievement.

Indeed breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed babies, and is recommended during the first six months of the baby's life. Breast milk provides essential nutrients that can help the baby grow and develop further. According to studies, babies who are breastfed have fewer chances of acquiring diarrhoea and vomiting. They also end up having less hospital visits. They have less ear infections and less respiratory infections. Breastfed babies have lesser constipation and have less chances of becoming obese and later on developing diabetes later in life. There is also a lesser chance of developing eczema. The longer the baby is maintained on breast milk, the longer the benefits and protection lasts. Feeding your baby with infant formulas cannot give you similar results and benefits.

Breastfeeding can also benefit the mother in several ways. Breastfeeding can lower the mother's risk for breast and ovarian cancers. It can keep the mother in great shape. It can also help the couple financially as breastfeeding saves money usually spent on infant formulas and sterilizing and feeding equipment. It further strengthens the bond between mother and baby. Breastfeeding also serves as a natural contraceptive method.

There are many misconceptions about breastfeeding which hinder its proper implementation. It's a common misconception that breastfeeding is unpopular. It's also a common misconception among women that breastfeeding causes the breast to sag. Actually, sagging of the breasts is caused by the aging process and by excess weight and not because of too much breastfeeding.

Another misconception is that breast milk is similar to infant formula. No matter how expensive your infant formula is, it cannot compete with breast milk with regards to composition and protection it gives. Breast milk contains enzymes, living cells, antibodies and hormones that protect the baby from infections and illnesses later in life.

Aside from these benefits it is said that breastfeeding can strengthen senses of the baby including taste early in life. It can also offer protection against gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes. Babies have good dental health and can speak and communicate better later on in life. Breastfed babies often have IQs which are above 8 points higher than those who are formula-fed. They are also at lower risk for breast cancer, high cholesterol, and asthma later on in life.

Breastfed Kids Are Smarter

A new study done by researchers from Brigham Young University was able to show that breastfeeding boosts cognitive performance in children and may also promote their readiness for school. This study was published in the March issue of The Journal of Pediatrics. The researchers gathered data from 7,500 mothers and their children from birth to five years of age in relation to their home environment; including how early and how often parents read to their kids.The study showed that children who were breastfed for 6 months or more performed best on reading assessments because they experienced the most optimal parenting practices. What a wonderful reason to breastfeed!

To know more about the benefits of breastfeeding, feel free to read our other articles on this site.

The Power of Oats

What could be better in the morning than having a fresh steaming bowl of delicious cooked oatmeal? Oatmeal is not just a delicious breakfast cereal; it is also a form of nutritious food which is readily available all throughout the year. Oats get their distinctive flavour from the roasting process that they succumb to after being harvested and cleaned. Oats are not stripped away of their bran and germ in this process, thus allowing them to retain their fiber and nutrients.

There are many health benefits brought about by oats. One is through lowering cholesterol levels. Oats is the perfect food for those with heart disease and diabetes. This is because oats, oat bran or oatmeal contain beta-glucan, a certain type of fiber with certain benefits on cholesterol levels. There are some studies which have found out that people with high cholesterol who consume about 3 grams of soluble oat fiber per day typically lowers total cholesterol by 8-23%. High cholesterol contributes much to the development of plaques on blood vessels. If these plaques become damage or grow large, they can block blood vessels and rupture to cause a heart attack. Thus eating oats lowers the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Aside from its cholesterol-lowering effects, oats also contain antioxidant compounds called avenanthramides that help eliminate free radicals from the body. This substance also helps protect LDL cholesterol against oxidation and can further protect against atherosclerosis. Avenanthramides also prevents the release of too much inflammatory mediators that are damaging to cells.

Eating oats could also prevent against heart failure. This is because this food can reduce the risk for heart attacks and hypertension which are the leading causes of heart failure. One study has found out that eating a bowl of whole grain cereal everyday can lower the risk for heart failure by 29%. Aside from this, there are benefits that can be derived by post-menopausal women. It is said that eating a serving of whole grain oats daily at least six times a week can treat post-menopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease. This can also slow down the progression of atherosclerosis and stenosis or narrowing of the blood vessels. The effect was independent of fiber's effects.

Beta glucan found in oats can also significantly enhance the immune system's response to bacterial infection. It helps neutrophils in their movement towards ithe site of infection. It also enhances the ability of the white blood cells to eliminate bacteria in the body. Aside from these effects, oats can also stabilize blood sugar levels and may prevent diabetes. In type 2 diabetes patients, oats can lower blood sugar levels than white rice or bread. This effect against diabetes are also due to magnesium which is present in oats and whole grains. Magnesium acts as a cofactor in more than 300 enzymes in the body, including the enzymes involved in glucose and insulin secretion.

The fiber in oats can help protect against breast cancer, especially among pre-menopausal women. Thos women who took the most fiber (>30 grams daily) have more than 50% risk reduction for breast cancers. Oats can also benefit children particularly those with asthma. Increased consumption of whole grain oats and fish can reduce asthma risk in children by about 50 percent. Oats also contain more powerful phytonutrients that men have never known due to lack of thorough research.

Oats and Heart Health

Recently, eleven scientists around the world have presented their latest findings on the powerful compounds found in oats in a scientific session titled, Physicochemical Properties and Biological Functionality of Oats, at the 247th Annual Conference of the American Chemical Society in Dallas, TX. These researchers discussed the various health benefits of oats and added that there is growing evidence that the phenolic compound avenanthramide may possess more antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and anti-cancer properties. Oats also contribute to heart health.

To know more on the benefits of oats and other forms of fiber, feel free to read our other articles on this site.

What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in men. The prostate is an exocrine gland in men that is a part of the male reproductive system. This organ rests under the bladder and in front of the rectum. Within the prostate are numerous tiny glands that produce fluid that forms a part of the semen. This fluid also provides nourishment and protection to the sperm. The prostate is also involved in urine control or continence because of its characteristic muscle fibers. The prostate muscles act to contract and release to control the flow of urine.

The prostate also produces a specific protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA). This antigen keeps semen in its fluid state. PSA levels are high when there is prostate cancer or other prostate problems.

Prostate Cancer

In prostate cancer, cancer cells begin to start in the gland cells. This often termed as adenocarcinoma. The cancer may be limited to the prostate gland or it may progress very slowly and spread to other parts of the body. In prostate cancer, the cells of the prostate gland undergo certain changes in shape and size. This change is termed as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, which means that there are dysplastic changes in the prostate glands and in its ducts, such as changes in the size and shape of the nucleus, cell crowding and irregular cell spacing. These changes may either be low grade or high grade; low grade is less serious while high-grade is more serious. High grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia determined through prostate biopsy is associated with an increased risk for having cancer cells in the prostate.

Prostate cancer has certain classifications. The most common classification system is the TNM staging (Tumor/Nodes/Metastases). This classification defines tumor size, the involvement of lymph nodes and the presence of metastasis. This classification serves to differentiate whether cancers are restricted to the prostate or those which have spread to other parts of the body. Class T1 and T2 are limited to the prostate while Class T3 and T4 have spread outside the prostate. Another scoring system used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer is the Gleason score, which is graded through biopsy results.

At an early stage, prostate cancer can present with no symptoms. However, symptoms may be evident as time passes by in the form of frequent urination, difficulty in urination, blood in the urine, painful urination, painful ejaculation and difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection. Far-advanced prostate cancer can present with bone pain especially in the ribs or spine or pelvis, pain in the femur, leg weakness, urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. The exact causes of prostate cancer are unkown, however there are certain risk factors for the disease such as older age, genetics, diet, the use of anti-inflammatory medications, obesity, sexually transmitted disease, and others.

Selenium, Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Risk

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It used to be that intake of selenium and Vitamin E supplements were known to prevent prostate cancer. However, a new study says otherwise. In this study by researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the researchers have found out that high-dose supplementation of selenium and Vitamin E cannot prevent but can even increase the risk for high-grade prostate cancer. However, they noted that this risk is dependent on a man's selenium status before taking supplementation. The results of this study were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The data used in this study were obtained data from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial, or SELECT, a rigorously executed, randomized and placebo-controlled trial conducted by the SWOG cancer research cooperative group. This study involved more than 35,000 men and sought to explain whether taking high dose Vitamin E of 400 IU per day or intake of selenium (200 mcg/day) could protect men from prostate cancer. The results showed that there was no protective effect. Men who already had high levels of selenium were prone to develop selenium toxicity after intake. Those who have low selenium status can increase their prostate cancer risk by taking vitamin E.

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