Early-stage Breast Cancer Treatment Fact Sheet

27 August 2014, Singapore: For those who have relatives or loved one with breast cancer - it is good that you visit the following website. 

Click the hyperlink: http://www.womenshealth.gov

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Anti Cancer Diet

26 August 2014, Singapore: Early part of 2014 this year, a family member of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. The whole experience, forced me to support 'prevention' is better than cure!

I started to conduct my own secondary research on cancer and if their is any food or diet that can prevent cancer from developing in our body.

I found a website that talk about 'anti cancer diet' ... interesting! 

Click the hyper for details: http://www.acidalkalinediet.net/anti-cancer-diet.php

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14 Foods That Fight Inflammation

24 August 2014, Singapore: Share another article about inflammation.

--- 14 Foods That Fight Inflammation ---

Inflammation is part of the body's immune response; without it, we can't heal. But when it's out of control—as in rheumatoid arthritis—it can damage the body. Plus, it's thought to play a role in obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

Foods high in sugar and saturated fat can spur inflammation. "They cause overactivity in the immune system, which can lead to joint pain, fatigue, and damage to the blood vessels," says Scott Zashin, MD, clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Other foods may curb inflammation. Add these items to your plate today.

Fatty Fish

Oily fish, like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation. To get the benefits, however, you need to eat fish several times a week, and it should be cooked in healthy ways: In a 2009 study from the University of Hawaii, men who ate baked or boiled fish (as opposed to fried, dried, or salted) cut their risk of heart disease by 23 percent compared to those who ate the least.

Not a fan of fish? Consider fish-oil supplements. They can cut inflammation, although a 2013 study found that if a diet is too high in omega-6 fatty acids (found in processed foods and vegetable oil), fish-oil supplements may spur inflammation.

Whole Grains

Consuming most of your grains as whole grains, as opposed to refined, white bread, cereal, rice, and pasta can help keep harmful inflammation at bay. That's because whole grains have more fiber, which has been shown to reduce levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation in the blood, and they usually have less added sugar.

But a 2013 Harvard study found that not all products labeled "whole grain" are much healthier than their refined counterparts. To be sure you're getting the benefits, look for foods with a whole grain as the first ingredient, and no added sugars.

Dark Leafy Greens

Studies have suggested that vitamin E may play a key role in protecting the body from pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines—and one of the best sources of this vitamin is dark green veggies, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and collard greens. Dark greens and cruciferous vegetables also tend to have higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals—like calcium, iron, and disease-fighting phytochemicals—than those with lighter-colored leaves.

Nuts

Another source of inflammation-fighting healthy fats is nuts—particularly almonds, which are rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamin E, and walnuts, which have high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fat. All nuts, though, are packed with antioxidants, which can help your body fight off and repair the damage caused by inflammation. Nuts (along with fish, leafy greens, and whole grains) are a big part of the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in as little as six weeks.

Soy

Several studies have suggested that isoflavones, estrogen-like compounds found in soy products, may help lower CRP and inflammation levels in women—and a 2007 animal study published in the Journal of Inflammation found that isoflavones also helped reduce the negative effects of inflammation on bone and heart health in mice.

Avoid heavily-processed soy whenever possible, which may not include the same benefits and is usually paired with additives and preservatives. Instead, aim to get more soy milk, tofu, and edamame (boiled soybeans) into your regular diet.

Low-Fat Dairy

Milk products are sometimes considered a trigger food for inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, because some people have allergies or intolerances to casein, the protein found in dairy. But for people who can tolerate it, low-fat and nonfat milk are an important source of nutrients. Yogurt can also contain probiotics, which can reduce gut inflammation.

"Foods with calcium and vitamin D, such as yogurt and skim milk, are good for everyone," says Karen H. Costenbader, MD, associate professor of medicine and rheumatoid arthritis doctor at Harvard Medical School. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, she says, "it is important to get enough calcium and vitamin D for bone strength, and possibly reduction of cancer and other health risks."

Peppers

"Colorful vegetables are part of a healthier diet in general," says Dr. Costenbader. "As opposed to white potatoes or corn, colorful peppers, tomatoes, squash, and leafy vegetables have high quantities of antioxidant vitamins and lower levels of starch." Bell peppers are available in a variety of colors, while hot peppers (like chili and cayenne) are rich in capsaicin, a chemical that's used in topical creams that reduce pain and inflammation.

Peppers, however, are nightshade vegetables—which some doctors and patients believe can exasperate inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. "What helps one person may be harmful to another," says Dr. Zashin. "You just need to pay attention to your diet and your symptoms, and stick with what works for you."

Tomatoes

Tomatoes, another nightshade veggie, may also help reduce inflammation in some people. (Of course, Dr. Zashin's advice about what works for you, individually, applies here, as well.)

Juicy red tomatoes, specifically, are rich in lycopene, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the lungs and throughout the body. Cooked tomatoes contain even more lycopene than raw ones, so tomato sauce works, too—and a 2012 Iranian study found that tomato juice consumption was also beneficial.

Beets

This vegetable's brilliant red color is a tip-off to its equally brilliant antioxidant properties: Beets (and beetroot juice) have been shown to reduce inflammation, as well as protect against cancer and heart disease, thanks to their hearty helping of fiber, vitamin C and plant pigments called betalains.

Ginger and Turmeric

These spices, common in Asian and Indian cooking, have been shown in various studies to have anti-inflammatory properties. "While the evidence in terms of RA inflammation is not very strong, they are vegetables—and part of a healthy, vegetable-rich diet," says Dr. Costenbader.

Turmeric, the ingredient that gives curry its yellow color, works in the body by helping to turn off a NF-kappa B, a protein that regulates the immune system and triggers the process of inflammation, researchers say. Its relative ginger, meanwhile, has been shown to reduce inflammation in the intestines when taken in supplement form.

Garlic and Onions

There's a good reason why these pungent vegetables are known for their immunity-boosting properties. In test-tube and animal studies, garlic has been shown to work similarly to NSAID pain medications (like ibuprofen), shutting off the pathways that lead to inflammation. Onions contain similar anti-inflammatory chemicals, including the phytonutrient quercetin and the compound allicin, which breaks down to produce free radical-fighting sulfenic acid.

Olive Oil

"Anything that fits into a heart-healthy diet is probably also good for inflammation—and that includes healthy, plant-based fats like olive oil," says Dr. Zashin, author of Natural Arthritis Treatment. In fact, a 2010 Spanish study found that the Mediterranean diet's myriad health benefits may be largely due to its liberal use of olive oil, especially the extra-virgin kind. The compound oleocanthal, which gives olive oil its taste, has been shown to have a similar effect as NSAID painkillers in the body.

Berries

All fruits can help fight inflammation, because they're low in fat and calories and high in antioxidants. But berries, especially, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties—possibly because of anthocyanins, the powerful chemicals that gives them their rich color.

Studies have shown, for example, that red raspberry extract helped prevent animals from developing arthritis; that blueberries can help protect against intestinal inflammation and ulcerative colitis; and that women who eat more strawberries have lower levels of CRP in their blood.

Tart Cherries

In a 2012 presentation, Oregon Health & Science University researchers suggested that tart cherries have the "highest anti-inflammatory content of any food." Studies have found that tart cherry juice can reduce the inflammation in lab rats' blood vessels by up to 50%; in humans, meanwhile, it's been shown to help athletes improve their performance and reduce their use of anti-inflammatory pain meds.

Experts recommend eating 1.5 cups of tart cherries, or drinking 1 cup of tart cherry juice, a day to see similar benefits. And yep, they've got to be tart—sweet cherries just don't seem to have the same effects.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com

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Fight Inflammation the Natural Way

24 August 2014, Singapore: Another short article about top 10 food that reduce or prevent inflammation. The article is taken from http://bodyecology.com

--- Fight Inflammation the Natural Way ---

Here are 10 excellent inflammation-fighting foods and ways to incorporate them into your lifestyle:

1. Fermented Foods and Liquids like Dong Quai, InnergyBiotic, and Coco-Biotic should be at the top of your list of inflammation-fighting foods. They are anti-inflammation super stars for many reasons. One example is that they build immunity and help control infections that are often an underlying cause of inflammation

2. Broccoli has tons of vitamin C and plenty of calcium. It also fights eye inflammation. Make sure you lightly steam your broccoli to digest it well.

3. Hemp oil (and all other oils with omega-3 fatty acids) reduce inflammation. Most Americans consume too many omega-6 fatty acids, so it's important to incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp oil also has gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) to further fight inflammation. Remember to look for unrefined organic oils.

4. Wild-caught salmon is another way to get beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. You can also try other fatty fish like cod and sardines.

5. Tart cherries can reduce inflammation ten times better than aspirin! Once your inner ecosystem is well underway you are in stage 2 of Body Ecology. Tart cherries help reduce your risk for heart disease. They are certainly more delicious than the popular over-the-counter pill you are likely familiar with.

6. Soaked walnuts make a delicious and inflammation-fighting snack when you are ready for stage 2 of Body Ecology because of vitamin E and more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Soak your walnuts and other nuts before you eat them to remove the enzyme inhibitor. This makes them easier to digest.

7. Onions and Garlic. Onions not only provide a sweet taste to your savory meals, but also they have lots of quercetin, a potent antioxidant that can help your body fight inflammation. Try onions with your grain dishes, or prepare with eggs and greens. Garlic has long been a folk remedy for colds and illness, and its anti-inflammatory properties are amazing! Garlic contains sulfur compounds that stimulate your immune system to fight disease.

8. Pineapple is a tart fruit that you can begin to eat in Stage 2 of the Body Ecology diet. It has bromelain, an antioxidant that boosts your immunity naturally.

9. Spinach has plenty of carotenoids, one kind of inflammation-reducing antioxidant and it also contains vitamin E.  Make sure to steam your spinach for ultimate digestion.

10. Spices: Ginger & Turmeric

• Turmeric is a spice used extensively in other cultures, and for good reason. It contains curcumin, a substance that actively reduces inflammation. Try sprinkling turmeric onto cooked squash or quinoa for a different flavor.
• Ginger works in a way similar to turmeric to lower inflammation and in some studies has been shown to reduce pain associated with arthritis.

While processed foods may seem like the easier choice at first, they deplete your health over the long haul.

Developing a healthy eating plan can sometimes seem difficult but like anything that is new, it becomes second nature over time. And the payoff is well worth it: with a proper diet, you can take a proactive stance against inflammation and disease by incorporating these superfoods into your life.

With diet and lifestyle choices that support your health, you'll fight disease, illness and the signs of aging!

Source: http://bodyecology.com

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Foods That Fight Inflammation — And Why You Need Them

24 August 2014, Singapore: It has been a while, I did not post articles in this blog. Since 2011, I was focusing on my HR blog. Lately, because of health issues happening to my family member. I would like to re-start this blog which I dedicated to sharing knowledge about health. I found this article from http://health.clevelandclinic.org

Foods That Fight Inflammation — And Why You Need Them

Using herbs, spices and other foods to help reduce inflammation in the body might not seem like a big deal. But it’s actually one of the best ways to protect your health, says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, Director of Wellness Coaching at Cleveland Clinic.

Chronic inflammation — a normal bodily process gone awry — can contribute to conditions ranging from heart disease and diabetes to cancer. The scariest part? You may not even realize you have this condition.

Flying under the radar

It’s impossible to ignore the acute inflammation that accompanies an injury — pain and swelling are the hallmarks.

In contrast, chronic inflammation happens deep down in your body and often doesn’t cause any symptoms. So it can fly under the radar. But that doesn’t stop it from wreaking havoc on your health.

The good news is that the day-to-day choices you make — what you pop in your mouth, especially — affect your inflammation levels.

Your body’s three-alarm fire

Inflammation isn’t inherently bad. In fact, we couldn’t survive without it. Normal inflammation is the body’s response to any injury or infection. It’s part of your body’s natural healing process.

Say you scrape your knee and develop a skin infection. Your immune system sends waves of specialized cells to attack the bacteria and damaged tissue, like an army of soldiers fighting off an invading force. When the good guys have gained the upper hand, they recede, and your body begins to heal.

That’s the key part: The inflammation shuts off. It helps your body heal but doesn’t damage it unless something has gone awry. The problems arise when it fails to shut off and becomes chronic — that’s when it does harm.

Fanning the flames

Chronic inflammation isn’t restricted to one area of your body. It burns slowly and steadily, releasing molecules of inflammation such as cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Over time, this causes a chemical chain reaction in the body that leads to serious problems. Arteries can become inflamed, setting the stage for heart attacks and strokes. Insulin resistance (a diabetes precursor), full-blown diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even depression can develop.

An everyday injury or infection can spark the initial flame, but it takes more than that to keep it burning. High blood pressure can contribute to inflammation, as can being obese. Smoking and stress also encourage the destructive domino effect. And then there’s your diet.

Some foods are fire starters

Almost everything we eat either encourages or discourages inflammation. The Mediterranean diet works wonders for controlling inflammation. There are lots of reasons to avoid saturated fats, refined carbs and sugars, and trans fats (the type so prevalent in processed foods). But it turns out that these foods can also help create those molecules of inflammation.

Think of them as fire starters. In one study, the more sweets, red meat, processed meat, “white” foods and french fries people ate, the higher their levels of CRP and other indicators of inflammation.

Some foods are fire fighters

Luckily, there are fire fighters galore too. Plant foods are rich in antioxidants and other phytonutrients. These healthy compounds have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Vegetables, fruit, herbs and spices are loaded with compounds that reduce inflammation, as are whole grains, olive oil, nuts, seeds and legumes.

And the omega-3s — the healthy fats found in fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna — also help cool the flames. Focusing on these foods will also help keep your weight healthy, which is critical for keeping inflammation in check.

Studies bear out the benefits

One large study showed that people who eat a lot of veggies and fruit but avoid meat and white flour have lower levels of inflammation. Upping your fiber alone — which will happen naturally on the Mediterranean diet — has been shown to lower levels of CRP by up to 40 percent.

So eating a Mediterranean diet might be the change that prevents you from developing inflammation that can lead to a host of medical conditions.

You may not be able to cut out every last fire-starter in your life. But you can gain the upper hand by making smart choices about what’s on your plate.

Click the hyperlink to read from the source: http://health.clevelandclinic.org

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