Be Well Buzz » cancer http://www.bewellbuzz.com The Daily Buzz On Being Well Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:19:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Daily Ginger Reduces Risk of Colorectal Cancer http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/daily-ginger-reduces-risk-of-colorectal-cancer/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/daily-ginger-reduces-risk-of-colorectal-cancer/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:25:19 +0000 BeWellBuzz http://www.bewellbuzz.com/?p=7663 Ginger Root

A daily dose of ginger could reduce colon inflammation and ultimately help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, a new study suggests. Researchers found that study participants who took ginger supplements had a 28 percent decrease in one measure of colorectal inflammation, compared with those who took a placebo. Studies have shown that people with higher levels of rectal inflammation are more likely to develop lesions, which can develop into cancer. The researchers noted that the study was small - it had only 30 participants - and more research is needed into ginger's effect on cancer risk. Still, "the results look promising," said Patricia Thompson, a professor of cellular and molecular medicine at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, who was not involved in the study. The second-deadliest cancer Colorectal cancer, which can grow in both the colon and the rectum, kills more people annually in the U.S. than any other cancer except lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimated that 142,000 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010, and 51,000 died from the disease. Other research has examined ways to lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. For example, regularly taking aspirin can reduce your colorectal cancer risk, but it can also lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. And some studies suggest certain foods, such as cherries and black raspberries, lower colorectal cancer risk, but none have tested ginger in people, Thompson said. So far, the best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened, she said. In the new study, the researchers looked at how levels of a substance called PGE2 changed, along with other signs of inflammation in the colon, when people took daily doses of ginger extract. The researchers randomly assigned the 30 participants to take either two grams of ginger root supplements or a placebo once a day for 28 days. PGE2 is a hormone-like molecule your body releases when an area of the body becomes inflamed. The study participants were all healthy people, who had a "normal" risk of developing colorectal cancer, said study researcher Suzanna Zick, an assistant research professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. When Zick and her team compared rectal biopsies of the participants they took at the beginning and end of the study, they found that PGE2 levels decreased an average of 28 percent in those taking ginger, but were nearly unchanged in those taking the placebo. Side effects for the two treatments were mild and included headache, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating, gas and nausea, the researchers said. Many questions remain Zick said that another, larger trial is needed to corroborate her study's findings and to answer the host of questions the study raised. In particular, future research will need to figure out how ginger might reduce rectal PGE2 levels. If ginger acts to reduce inflammation the same way as a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors, then it may also share the drugs' downside of increasing a person's risk for cardiovascular disease, Zick said. We also don't know how much ginger a person would need to take to possibly reduce their cancer risk, Thompson said. In the study, the researchers chose two grams of ginger extract, which equates to about 20 grams of raw ginger root, because past trials showed that this dose is the highest a healthy person can tolerate - more ginger would increase gastrointestinal problems. Despite the unknowns, "the research is very exciting," said Thompson. "Given the effect seen in such a small study suggests that this effect is very big - more research will show just how big." The study was published Oct. 11 in the journal Cancer Prevention Research. Source: http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/rss/inthenews.xml]]> Ginger Root

A daily dose of ginger could reduce colon inflammation and ultimately help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, a new study suggests. Researchers found that study participants who took ginger supplements had a 28 percent decrease in one measure of colorectal inflammation, compared with those who took a placebo. Studies have shown that people with higher levels of rectal inflammation are more likely to develop lesions, which can develop into cancer. The researchers noted that the study was small - it had only 30 participants - and more research is needed into ginger's effect on cancer risk. Still, "the results look promising," said Patricia Thompson, a professor of cellular and molecular medicine at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, who was not involved in the study. The second-deadliest cancer Colorectal cancer, which can grow in both the colon and the rectum, kills more people annually in the U.S. than any other cancer except lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimated that 142,000 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010, and 51,000 died from the disease. Other research has examined ways to lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. For example, regularly taking aspirin can reduce your colorectal cancer risk, but it can also lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. And some studies suggest certain foods, such as cherries and black raspberries, lower colorectal cancer risk, but none have tested ginger in people, Thompson said. So far, the best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened, she said. In the new study, the researchers looked at how levels of a substance called PGE2 changed, along with other signs of inflammation in the colon, when people took daily doses of ginger extract. The researchers randomly assigned the 30 participants to take either two grams of ginger root supplements or a placebo once a day for 28 days. PGE2 is a hormone-like molecule your body releases when an area of the body becomes inflamed. The study participants were all healthy people, who had a "normal" risk of developing colorectal cancer, said study researcher Suzanna Zick, an assistant research professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. When Zick and her team compared rectal biopsies of the participants they took at the beginning and end of the study, they found that PGE2 levels decreased an average of 28 percent in those taking ginger, but were nearly unchanged in those taking the placebo. Side effects for the two treatments were mild and included headache, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating, gas and nausea, the researchers said. Many questions remain Zick said that another, larger trial is needed to corroborate her study's findings and to answer the host of questions the study raised. In particular, future research will need to figure out how ginger might reduce rectal PGE2 levels. If ginger acts to reduce inflammation the same way as a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors, then it may also share the drugs' downside of increasing a person's risk for cardiovascular disease, Zick said. We also don't know how much ginger a person would need to take to possibly reduce their cancer risk, Thompson said. In the study, the researchers chose two grams of ginger extract, which equates to about 20 grams of raw ginger root, because past trials showed that this dose is the highest a healthy person can tolerate - more ginger would increase gastrointestinal problems. Despite the unknowns, "the research is very exciting," said Thompson. "Given the effect seen in such a small study suggests that this effect is very big - more research will show just how big." The study was published Oct. 11 in the journal Cancer Prevention Research. Source: http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/rss/inthenews.xml]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/daily-ginger-reduces-risk-of-colorectal-cancer/feed/ 1 Melatonin http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/melatonin/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/melatonin/#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:42:23 +0000 BeWellBuzz http://www.bewellbuzz.com/?p=6901 Circadian-Clock

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland. It is the hormone responsible for the regulation of our internal body clock which is also referred to as the "circadian rhythm". The production of melatonin is influenced by the amount of light in the external environment. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin while brightness produces the opposite effect. Aside from the regulation of our biological clock, melatonin also aids in the regulation of other body hormones. In females, it regulates the timing of the releases of reproductive hormones which helps set the pattern of the menstrual cycle. The most popular benefit of melatonin is its usefulness in the treatment of primary sleep disorders. The National Institutes of Health reports it as likely to be effective in treating sleep problems among children with autism and mental retardation. But over the years, scientists are uncovering more interesting benefits of this hormone. For example, almost two decades ago it was reported as a protector against glucocorticoid damage, and also as an enhancer of immune function. The following are just few of the benefits being uncovered among others below:
  •  Neuroprotection - Melatonin as a powerful antioxidant protects the molecules that are critical components of the nerves - lipids and proteins from damaging. It has the capacity to scavenge some of the most dangerous free radicals in the body including hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. Unlike other antioxidants, melatonin easily diffuses into all cells, and even crosses the blood-brain barrier to protect the delicate brain. While it provides a strong protection against oxidative stress, melatonin declines as age advances leaving the elderly population more at risk to the development of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Melatonin levels are particularly low in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Nearly half of affected individuals suffer from sleep disturbances and "sundowning" - increased confusion, agitation, and other symptoms in the afternoon and evening. Not surprisingly, melatonin supplementation benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease by improving sleep and reducing late-day aggravation of symptoms. Melatonin has also been found to decrease cognitive deterioration in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, possibly by protecting brain cells from the toxic protein, beta-amyloid (Cardinali, Furio and Reyes, 2005)

  •  Cancer Fighting - Studies have demonstrated the cancer-fighting ability of melatonin against a wide array of cancers notably breast and liver cancers, non-small-cell lung cancer and brain metastases from solid tumor.

Prostate cancer among the aging male population is recorded to be one of the most common malignancies and research have shown some promises as treatment with melatonin significantly reduced the number of prostate cancer cells. In a meta-analysis of 10 randomized, controlled trials to determine the effects of melatonin (alone or as an adjuvant treatment) on patients with various types of cancer, results showed that supplementation with melatonin reduced the relative risk of death at one year. In addition, there had been no reports of adverse effects. In other words, supplementation with melatonin in cancer treatment increases the likelihood of cancer survival.

However, there are other developments that change our understanding of this powerful hormone. For several years, melatonin has been at the forefront in treating jet lags. However, recent study shows that melatonin actually doesn't really work to counter jet lag symptoms. Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, the study's author and a psychiatrist at Columbia University in New York says "This study showed that the different doses of melatonin were no better than placebo at preventing jet lag symptoms," A word of caution - Melatonin is generally safe for adults taken in oral form. But it should be taken with extra caution for individuals with hypertension, depression, seizure disorders and diabetes. It may not be safe for all children as it may interfere with the other hormones which could affect growth in the adolescent years. The benefits of the melatonin hold promises in the treatment of debilitating and deadly diseases. Note however that science is still on the look-out for conclusive results about the potential therapeutic benefits of this hormone. Sources: Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/melatsum.htm Life Extension Magazine. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/jun2007_nu_melatonin_01.htm Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/940.html University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melatonin-000315.htm The Jet Lag Story. "Latest Research says using Melatonin for jet lag doesn't counter jet lag." http://www.nojetlag.com/melatonin.html]]> Circadian-Clock

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland. It is the hormone responsible for the regulation of our internal body clock which is also referred to as the "circadian rhythm". The production of melatonin is influenced by the amount of light in the external environment. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin while brightness produces the opposite effect. Aside from the regulation of our biological clock, melatonin also aids in the regulation of other body hormones. In females, it regulates the timing of the releases of reproductive hormones which helps set the pattern of the menstrual cycle. The most popular benefit of melatonin is its usefulness in the treatment of primary sleep disorders. The National Institutes of Health reports it as likely to be effective in treating sleep problems among children with autism and mental retardation. But over the years, scientists are uncovering more interesting benefits of this hormone. For example, almost two decades ago it was reported as a protector against glucocorticoid damage, and also as an enhancer of immune function. The following are just few of the benefits being uncovered among others below:
  •  Neuroprotection - Melatonin as a powerful antioxidant protects the molecules that are critical components of the nerves - lipids and proteins from damaging. It has the capacity to scavenge some of the most dangerous free radicals in the body including hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. Unlike other antioxidants, melatonin easily diffuses into all cells, and even crosses the blood-brain barrier to protect the delicate brain. While it provides a strong protection against oxidative stress, melatonin declines as age advances leaving the elderly population more at risk to the development of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Melatonin levels are particularly low in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Nearly half of affected individuals suffer from sleep disturbances and "sundowning" - increased confusion, agitation, and other symptoms in the afternoon and evening. Not surprisingly, melatonin supplementation benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease by improving sleep and reducing late-day aggravation of symptoms. Melatonin has also been found to decrease cognitive deterioration in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, possibly by protecting brain cells from the toxic protein, beta-amyloid (Cardinali, Furio and Reyes, 2005)

  •  Cancer Fighting - Studies have demonstrated the cancer-fighting ability of melatonin against a wide array of cancers notably breast and liver cancers, non-small-cell lung cancer and brain metastases from solid tumor.

Prostate cancer among the aging male population is recorded to be one of the most common malignancies and research have shown some promises as treatment with melatonin significantly reduced the number of prostate cancer cells. In a meta-analysis of 10 randomized, controlled trials to determine the effects of melatonin (alone or as an adjuvant treatment) on patients with various types of cancer, results showed that supplementation with melatonin reduced the relative risk of death at one year. In addition, there had been no reports of adverse effects. In other words, supplementation with melatonin in cancer treatment increases the likelihood of cancer survival.

However, there are other developments that change our understanding of this powerful hormone. For several years, melatonin has been at the forefront in treating jet lags. However, recent study shows that melatonin actually doesn't really work to counter jet lag symptoms. Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, the study's author and a psychiatrist at Columbia University in New York says "This study showed that the different doses of melatonin were no better than placebo at preventing jet lag symptoms," A word of caution - Melatonin is generally safe for adults taken in oral form. But it should be taken with extra caution for individuals with hypertension, depression, seizure disorders and diabetes. It may not be safe for all children as it may interfere with the other hormones which could affect growth in the adolescent years. The benefits of the melatonin hold promises in the treatment of debilitating and deadly diseases. Note however that science is still on the look-out for conclusive results about the potential therapeutic benefits of this hormone. Sources: Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/melatsum.htm Life Extension Magazine. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/jun2007_nu_melatonin_01.htm Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/940.html University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melatonin-000315.htm The Jet Lag Story. "Latest Research says using Melatonin for jet lag doesn't counter jet lag." http://www.nojetlag.com/melatonin.html]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/melatonin/feed/ 1 10 Reasons to Eat Beets http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/10-reasons-eat-beets/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/10-reasons-eat-beets/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:45:24 +0000 BeWellBuzz http://www.bewellbuzz.com/?p=6836 beets

The Beet is usually not included in the list of favorite foods by most people. But if you seek better health then you need to make one exception, beet. The health benefits of beets help improve the energy levels as it is an excellent source of iron. Beets help in making the immune system strong and safeguard against cancerous growths. Once you are aware about all the health benefits of beets, then I am very sure that you will not mind having this red vegetable. Plus, you can have beet raw in the form of salad, no cooking required.

The health benefits of beets are:

  1. One of the most amazing health benefits of beets is that it has no trans-fats and no saturated fats. Hard to believe, but true! It is extremely low in calories as well. Hence, it fills your stomach and its slight sweet taste satiates your sweet tooth also. This food helps in reducing the sugar craving and benefits your health in many ways.
  2. Easy to eat: Beets can be purchased from the market and stored for days in the refrigerator. Simply, slice couple of beets and store them in the refrigerator. Every time you feel hungry or feel the need to munch something, have the beets you saved earlier. No cooking required and cold beets taste good as well.
  3. Beets are rich in carbohydrates and it is great way to quickly energize your body. Other processed foods are also high in carbohydrates but they are a poor source of energy. Beets are more or less like an energy food or fuel for the body.
  4. Beet is a great source of minerals as they are rich in sodium, calcium, phosphorous, iron as well as magnesium. Beets also have dietary fiber in it. It also contains noticeable amounts of niacin, Vitamin C as well as Vitamin A.
  5. Beets have folic acid in it. Folic acid is important for the proper growth of new cells. Folic acid is required for the health of pregnant women and someone who requires physical healing. Many people take supplements that have folic acid in it, however, taking the health benefits of beets everyday will fulfill your folic acid need that too in a natural way. Yes, at times taking supplements is essential for health, however, if you can have something natural and avoid that supplement will be good for your health.
  6. Research has indicated that the health benefits of beets are helpful in preventing several kinds of cancer, mainly colon cancer.
  7. Research has also indicated that having beets everyday helps in protecting the body from many heart problems.
  8. Beets are available in all the seasons. So whenever you want to have them you can get it from the grocery store. You do not have to wait for one full season for fresh produce before you can take the health benefits of beets.
  9. You can have beets in the raw form as well as boiled, steamed or sautéed forms. You can also have the juice of fresh beets. However the juice of beet has a very strong taste and may not be like by all, but beet juice is an excellent health tonic. You can mix beet juice with carrot juice and apple juice to reduce the strong taste.
  10. Beets are natural blood cleanser and colon cleanser.
Source: http://herbscancure.com/blog/]]> beets

The Beet is usually not included in the list of favorite foods by most people. But if you seek better health then you need to make one exception, beet. The health benefits of beets help improve the energy levels as it is an excellent source of iron. Beets help in making the immune system strong and safeguard against cancerous growths. Once you are aware about all the health benefits of beets, then I am very sure that you will not mind having this red vegetable. Plus, you can have beet raw in the form of salad, no cooking required.

The health benefits of beets are:

  1. One of the most amazing health benefits of beets is that it has no trans-fats and no saturated fats. Hard to believe, but true! It is extremely low in calories as well. Hence, it fills your stomach and its slight sweet taste satiates your sweet tooth also. This food helps in reducing the sugar craving and benefits your health in many ways.
  2. Easy to eat: Beets can be purchased from the market and stored for days in the refrigerator. Simply, slice couple of beets and store them in the refrigerator. Every time you feel hungry or feel the need to munch something, have the beets you saved earlier. No cooking required and cold beets taste good as well.
  3. Beets are rich in carbohydrates and it is great way to quickly energize your body. Other processed foods are also high in carbohydrates but they are a poor source of energy. Beets are more or less like an energy food or fuel for the body.
  4. Beet is a great source of minerals as they are rich in sodium, calcium, phosphorous, iron as well as magnesium. Beets also have dietary fiber in it. It also contains noticeable amounts of niacin, Vitamin C as well as Vitamin A.
  5. Beets have folic acid in it. Folic acid is important for the proper growth of new cells. Folic acid is required for the health of pregnant women and someone who requires physical healing. Many people take supplements that have folic acid in it, however, taking the health benefits of beets everyday will fulfill your folic acid need that too in a natural way. Yes, at times taking supplements is essential for health, however, if you can have something natural and avoid that supplement will be good for your health.
  6. Research has indicated that the health benefits of beets are helpful in preventing several kinds of cancer, mainly colon cancer.
  7. Research has also indicated that having beets everyday helps in protecting the body from many heart problems.
  8. Beets are available in all the seasons. So whenever you want to have them you can get it from the grocery store. You do not have to wait for one full season for fresh produce before you can take the health benefits of beets.
  9. You can have beets in the raw form as well as boiled, steamed or sautéed forms. You can also have the juice of fresh beets. However the juice of beet has a very strong taste and may not be like by all, but beet juice is an excellent health tonic. You can mix beet juice with carrot juice and apple juice to reduce the strong taste.
  10. Beets are natural blood cleanser and colon cleanser.
Source: http://herbscancure.com/blog/]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/10-reasons-eat-beets/feed/ 12 Cancer Survivors Fatigue Relief With The Aid Of Acupressure http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/cancer-survivors-fatigue-relief-with-the-acupressure/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/cancer-survivors-fatigue-relief-with-the-acupressure/#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:55:30 +0000 BeWellBuzz As thousands of breast cancer survivors battle persistent fatigue, a Michigan State University nursing researcher is studying whether acupressure - a technique where physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow or various devices - can help alleviate symptoms. Gwen Wyatt will study 300 breast cancer survivors to examine the effects of two acupressure treatments on persistent cancer-related fatigue, a state of being tired or weary that affects up to 82 percent of survivors within the first five years of diagnosis. "There are more than two million breast cancer survivors today, and persistent cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms," said Wyatt, a professor with the College of Nursing. "It is associated with decreased quality of life, poor sleep quality and depression[9]." With acupressure - derived from acupuncture, a component of traditional Chinese medicine - pressure is applied to acupuncture points on the body to treat disease. Wyatt said pilot research has shown self-administered acupressure can significantly decrease fatigue by as much as 70 percent in cancer[10] survivors, as well as improve sleep quality. As part of the study, the breast cancer survivors (all at least 12 months after completion of cancer treatments and suffering from persistent fatigue) will be randomly divided into three groups receiving relaxation acupressure, stimulating acupressure or routine standard care for six weeks. In addition to measuring the impacts of the treatments on cancer-related fatigue, Wyatt and her team will examine the effects on sleep quality. "There are few treatment options for persistent cancer-related fatigue, and these costly treatments often require a trained practitioner or have unacceptable side effects," Wyatt said. "On the other hand, self-administered acupressure is nontoxic, inexpensive and requires minimal instruction. It appears to be a promising treatment for persistent fatigue." The study, part of a subcontract via the University of Michigan, is being funded by the National Cancer Institute. Wyatt is working with Suzanna Zick and Richard Harris from U-M's departments of Anesthesiology and Family Medicine on the overall project. Wyatt has researched multiple complementary and alternative medicines for women recovering from breast cancer in hopes of creating a viable treatment intervention. Recent research published by Wyatt in the journal Nursing Research found 57 percent of women are using such therapies, and the sicker a woman is the more likely she is to use multiple therapies. "Improving quality of life is a research priority at the College of Nursing," she said. "If a patient has to live with breast cancer, then the health care community needs to ensure that patient has the highest quality of life possible during treatment and aftercare." Source: Michigan State University Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Please rate this article: (Hover over the stars then click to rate) Patient / Public: or Health Professional:   Bookmark and Share Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions[11]. Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy[12] for more information. If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name. All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam) Contact Our News Editors For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form[13]. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]References^ Breast Cancer (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ email to a friend (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ printer friendly (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ opinions (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ What Is Breast Cancer? (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ What is Tiredness or Fatigue? How Can I Beat Tiredness? (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ What is Depression? What Causes Depression? (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ What is Cancer? (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ terms and conditions (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ privacy policy (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ feedback form (www.medicalnewstoday.com)]]> As thousands of breast cancer survivors battle persistent fatigue, a Michigan State University nursing researcher is studying whether acupressure - a technique where physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow or various devices - can help alleviate symptoms. Gwen Wyatt will study 300 breast cancer survivors to examine the effects of two acupressure treatments on persistent cancer-related fatigue, a state of being tired or weary that affects up to 82 percent of survivors within the first five years of diagnosis. "There are more than two million breast cancer survivors today, and persistent cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms," said Wyatt, a professor with the College of Nursing. "It is associated with decreased quality of life, poor sleep quality and depression[9]." With acupressure - derived from acupuncture, a component of traditional Chinese medicine - pressure is applied to acupuncture points on the body to treat disease. Wyatt said pilot research has shown self-administered acupressure can significantly decrease fatigue by as much as 70 percent in cancer[10] survivors, as well as improve sleep quality. As part of the study, the breast cancer survivors (all at least 12 months after completion of cancer treatments and suffering from persistent fatigue) will be randomly divided into three groups receiving relaxation acupressure, stimulating acupressure or routine standard care for six weeks. In addition to measuring the impacts of the treatments on cancer-related fatigue, Wyatt and her team will examine the effects on sleep quality. "There are few treatment options for persistent cancer-related fatigue, and these costly treatments often require a trained practitioner or have unacceptable side effects," Wyatt said. "On the other hand, self-administered acupressure is nontoxic, inexpensive and requires minimal instruction. It appears to be a promising treatment for persistent fatigue." The study, part of a subcontract via the University of Michigan, is being funded by the National Cancer Institute. Wyatt is working with Suzanna Zick and Richard Harris from U-M's departments of Anesthesiology and Family Medicine on the overall project. Wyatt has researched multiple complementary and alternative medicines for women recovering from breast cancer in hopes of creating a viable treatment intervention. Recent research published by Wyatt in the journal Nursing Research found 57 percent of women are using such therapies, and the sicker a woman is the more likely she is to use multiple therapies. "Improving quality of life is a research priority at the College of Nursing," she said. "If a patient has to live with breast cancer, then the health care community needs to ensure that patient has the highest quality of life possible during treatment and aftercare." Source: Michigan State University Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Please rate this article: (Hover over the stars then click to rate) Patient / Public: or Health Professional:   Bookmark and Share Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions[11]. Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy[12] for more information. If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name. All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam) Contact Our News Editors For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form[13]. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]References^ Breast Cancer (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ email to a friend (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ printer friendly (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ opinions (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ What Is Breast Cancer? (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ What is Tiredness or Fatigue? How Can I Beat Tiredness? (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ What is Depression? What Causes Depression? (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ What is Cancer? (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ terms and conditions (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ privacy policy (www.medicalnewstoday.com)^ feedback form (www.medicalnewstoday.com)]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/cancer-survivors-fatigue-relief-with-the-acupressure/feed/ 0 Boost broccoli’s cancer-fighting power with sprouts http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/boost-broccolis-cancer-fighting-power-with-sprout/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/boost-broccolis-cancer-fighting-power-with-sprout/#comments Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:30:46 +0000 BeWellBuzz A new University of Illinois study provides convincing evidence that the way you prepare and consume your broccoli matters, and also suggests that teaming broccoli with broccoli sprouts may make the vegetable's anti-cancer effect almost twice as powerful.

"Broccoli, prepared correctly, is an extremely potent cancer-fighting agent -- three to five servings a week are enough to have an effect. To get broccoli's benefits, though, the enzyme myrosinase has to be present; if it's not there, sulforaphane, broccoli's cancer-preventive and anti-inflammatory component, doesn't form," said Elizabeth Jeffery, a U of I professor of nutrition.

According to Jeffery, many people destroy myrosinase by overcooking their broccoli. And health-conscious consumers who use broccoli powder supplements in recipes to boost their nutrition are also missing out. These supplements often do not contain this necessary enzyme, she said.

"There is a way to boost that powder's effectiveness, though. Broccoli sprouts contain myrosinase in abundance. And broccoli powder often contains the precursor to sulforaphane without the enzyme that would boost its healthful benefits," said Jenna Cramer, co-author of the study.

The scientists hypothesized that myrosinase from the sprouts would enhance sulforaphane formation and absorption from the broccoli powder if the two were eaten together.

In a small pilot study, they recruited four healthy men who ate meals that contained broccoli sprouts alone, broccoli powder alone, or a combination of the two. The researchers then measured levels of sulforaphane metabolites in the mens' blood and urine after feeding.

"We were looking at biomarkers -- plasma and urine levels -- that are associated with cancer prevention," Cramer said.

Three hours after feeding, a definite synergistic effect was noted between the powder and the sprouts.

"There was almost a twofold increase in sulforaphane absorption when sprouts and powder were eaten together. It changed the way the subjects metabolized the powder. We saw plasma and urine metabolites much earlier and at much higher levels than when either was eaten alone," Jeffery said.

This indicates that myrosinase from the broccoli sprouts produced sulforaphane not only from the sprouts but also from the precursor present in the broccoli powder, she said.

Other foods that contain sulforaphane and can be teamed with broccoli to boost its benefits are mustard, radishes, arugula, and wasabi, Jeffery said.

"To increase the vegetable's benefits, you could sprinkle broccoli sprouts on your broccoli or make a mustard sauce to serve with broccoli," she added.

People who prefer to eat broccoli without sauce or sprouts should know that overcooking is the kiss of death for the important enzyme myrosinase, she said.

"Steaming broccoli for two to four minutes is the perfect way to protect both the enzyme and the vegetable's nutrients," she said.

The study was published in the January 2011 issue of Nutrition and Cancer. Caudill Seed Company funded the research and provided broccoli products.

Email or share this story:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences[1], via EurekAlert![2], a service of AAAS.

Journal Reference:

Jenna Cramer, Elizabeth Jeffery. Sulforaphane Absorption and Excretion Following Ingestion of a Semi-Purified Broccoli Powder Rich in Glucoraphanin and Broccoli Sprouts in Healthy Men. Nutrition and Cancer, 2011; : 1 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2011.523495[3]

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

References^ University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (aces.illinois.edu)^ EurekAlert! (www.eurekalert.org)^ 10.1080/01635581.2011.523495 (dx.doi.org)

]]> A new University of Illinois study provides convincing evidence that the way you prepare and consume your broccoli matters, and also suggests that teaming broccoli with broccoli sprouts may make the vegetable's anti-cancer effect almost twice as powerful.

"Broccoli, prepared correctly, is an extremely potent cancer-fighting agent -- three to five servings a week are enough to have an effect. To get broccoli's benefits, though, the enzyme myrosinase has to be present; if it's not there, sulforaphane, broccoli's cancer-preventive and anti-inflammatory component, doesn't form," said Elizabeth Jeffery, a U of I professor of nutrition.

According to Jeffery, many people destroy myrosinase by overcooking their broccoli. And health-conscious consumers who use broccoli powder supplements in recipes to boost their nutrition are also missing out. These supplements often do not contain this necessary enzyme, she said.

"There is a way to boost that powder's effectiveness, though. Broccoli sprouts contain myrosinase in abundance. And broccoli powder often contains the precursor to sulforaphane without the enzyme that would boost its healthful benefits," said Jenna Cramer, co-author of the study.

The scientists hypothesized that myrosinase from the sprouts would enhance sulforaphane formation and absorption from the broccoli powder if the two were eaten together.

In a small pilot study, they recruited four healthy men who ate meals that contained broccoli sprouts alone, broccoli powder alone, or a combination of the two. The researchers then measured levels of sulforaphane metabolites in the mens' blood and urine after feeding.

"We were looking at biomarkers -- plasma and urine levels -- that are associated with cancer prevention," Cramer said.

Three hours after feeding, a definite synergistic effect was noted between the powder and the sprouts.

"There was almost a twofold increase in sulforaphane absorption when sprouts and powder were eaten together. It changed the way the subjects metabolized the powder. We saw plasma and urine metabolites much earlier and at much higher levels than when either was eaten alone," Jeffery said.

This indicates that myrosinase from the broccoli sprouts produced sulforaphane not only from the sprouts but also from the precursor present in the broccoli powder, she said.

Other foods that contain sulforaphane and can be teamed with broccoli to boost its benefits are mustard, radishes, arugula, and wasabi, Jeffery said.

"To increase the vegetable's benefits, you could sprinkle broccoli sprouts on your broccoli or make a mustard sauce to serve with broccoli," she added.

People who prefer to eat broccoli without sauce or sprouts should know that overcooking is the kiss of death for the important enzyme myrosinase, she said.

"Steaming broccoli for two to four minutes is the perfect way to protect both the enzyme and the vegetable's nutrients," she said.

The study was published in the January 2011 issue of Nutrition and Cancer. Caudill Seed Company funded the research and provided broccoli products.

Email or share this story:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences[1], via EurekAlert![2], a service of AAAS.

Journal Reference:

Jenna Cramer, Elizabeth Jeffery. Sulforaphane Absorption and Excretion Following Ingestion of a Semi-Purified Broccoli Powder Rich in Glucoraphanin and Broccoli Sprouts in Healthy Men. Nutrition and Cancer, 2011; : 1 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2011.523495[3]

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

References^ University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (aces.illinois.edu)^ EurekAlert! (www.eurekalert.org)^ 10.1080/01635581.2011.523495 (dx.doi.org)

]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/boost-broccolis-cancer-fighting-power-with-sprout/feed/ 0 Do You Need a Pap Test Every Year? http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/pap-test-year/ http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/pap-test-year/#comments Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:11:51 +0000 BeWellBuzz About 55 million Paps are done annually in the U.S. About 3.5 million, or 6%, are abnormal and require follow-up, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

About 12,200 cases of cervical cancer were reported in the U.S. in 2010; 4,210 women died of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

Significantly, about 50% of women who develop cervical cancer have never had a Pap test, says David Soper, M.D., director of the Division of Gynecology and General Obstetrics at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Women most at risk are those who wait more than three years between tests - or who never get them at all, clinicians say.

"About 90% of cases could be prevented if women get a Pap test and the interpretation is correct," he adds.

Still, 11% of U.S. women report that they don't have Pap screenings at all, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. That's because some don't know about the test or don't have easy access to medical care, Soper says.

Why the Guidelines Changed

For decades, women have had it drummed into their heads that yearly Pap tests are a must.

Yet many doctors say the research doesn't support the benefits of such frequent screening.

"[The benefits of] annual Pap smears were never scientifically proven," Leitao says. "They [were done annually] because women saw doctors every year."

An analysis of 1.2 million screening results from a national early-cancer detection program found no adverse consequences from extending the interval from one to three years, according to a 2003 study led by UCSF's Sawaya.

The reward of annual testing compared to testing every three years is diagnosing just three more cases of cervical cancer among 100,000, the study found.

"We're not preventing more cancer by doing Pap tests annually, so why do them" and possibly cause harm? Leitao says.

]]> About 55 million Paps are done annually in the U.S. About 3.5 million, or 6%, are abnormal and require follow-up, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

About 12,200 cases of cervical cancer were reported in the U.S. in 2010; 4,210 women died of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

Significantly, about 50% of women who develop cervical cancer have never had a Pap test, says David Soper, M.D., director of the Division of Gynecology and General Obstetrics at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Women most at risk are those who wait more than three years between tests - or who never get them at all, clinicians say.

"About 90% of cases could be prevented if women get a Pap test and the interpretation is correct," he adds.

Still, 11% of U.S. women report that they don't have Pap screenings at all, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. That's because some don't know about the test or don't have easy access to medical care, Soper says.

Why the Guidelines Changed

For decades, women have had it drummed into their heads that yearly Pap tests are a must.

Yet many doctors say the research doesn't support the benefits of such frequent screening.

"[The benefits of] annual Pap smears were never scientifically proven," Leitao says. "They [were done annually] because women saw doctors every year."

An analysis of 1.2 million screening results from a national early-cancer detection program found no adverse consequences from extending the interval from one to three years, according to a 2003 study led by UCSF's Sawaya.

The reward of annual testing compared to testing every three years is diagnosing just three more cases of cervical cancer among 100,000, the study found.

"We're not preventing more cancer by doing Pap tests annually, so why do them" and possibly cause harm? Leitao says.

]]> http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/pap-test-year/feed/ 0