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Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Surgeons carry out first synthetic windpipe transplant

Scientists in London created an artificial windpipe which was then coated in stem cells from the patient.

Crucially, the technique does not need a donor, and there is no risk of the organ being rejected. The surgeons stress a windpipe can also be made within days.

The 36-year-old cancer patient is doing well a month after the operation.

Professor Paolo Macchiarini from Italy led the pioneering surgery, which took place at the Karolinska University Hospital.

In an interview with the BBC, he said he now hopes to use the technique to treat a nine-month-old child in Korea who was born with a malformed windpipe or trachea.

Professor Macchiarini already has 10 other windpipe transplants under his belt - most notably the world's first tissue-engineered tracheal transplant in 2008 on 30-year-old Spanish woman Claudia Costillo - but all required a donor.

Indistinguishable
The key to the latest technique is modelling a structure or scaffold that is an exact replica of the patient's own windpipe, removing the need for a donor organ.

To do this he enlisted the help of UK experts were given 3D scans of the 36-year-old African patient, Andemariam Teklesenbet Beyene. The geology student currently lives in Iceland where he is studying for a PhD.

Using these images, the scientists at University College London were able to craft a perfect copy of Mr Beyene's trachea and two main bronchi out of glass.

This was then flown to Sweden and soaked in a solution of stem cells taken from the patient's bone marrow.

After two days, the millions of holes in the porous windpipe had been seeded with the patient' own tissue.

Dr Alex Seifalian and his team used this fragile structure to create a replacement for the patient, whose own windpipe was ravaged by an inoperable tumour.

Despite aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the cancer had grown to the size of a golf ball and was blocking his breathing. Without a transplant he would have died.

During a 12-hour operation Professor Macchiarini removed all of the tumour and the diseased windpipe and replaced it with the tailor-made replica.

The bone marrow cells and lining cells taken from his nose, which were also implanted during the operation, are able to divide and grow, turning the inert windpipe scaffold into an organ indistinguishable from a normal healthy one.

And, importantly, Mr Beyene's body will accept it as its own, meaning he will not need to take the strong anti-rejection drugs that other transplant patients have to.

Professor Macchiarini said this was the real breakthrough.

"Thanks to nanotechnology, this new branch of regenerative medicine, we are now able to produce a custom-made windpipe within two days or one week.

"This is a synthetic windpipe. The beauty of this is you can have it immediately. There is no delay. This technique does not rely on a human donation."

He said many other organs could be repaired or replaced in the same way.

A month on from his operation, Mr Beyene is still looking weak, but well.

Sitting up in his hospital bed, he said: "I was very scared, very scared about the operation. But it was live or die."

He says he is looking forward to getting back to Iceland to finish his studies and then returning to his home in Eritrea where he will be reunited with his wife and young family, and meet his new three-month-old child.

He says he is eternally grateful to the medical team that has saved his life.

Should my hereditary disability stop me having a baby?

At the age of 26, Jono is happy with how he looks, but the genetic disorder that affected the way his facial bones developed in the womb has caused him years of anguish.

His condition means he has no cheekbones - so his eyes droop downwards - and he has problems with his hearing, so has a bone-anchored hearing aid.

It has resulted in years of bullying, several operations and numerous hospital visits. It also led his parents to give him up for adoption 36 hours after he was born.

But perhaps the most vital factor for Jono and his long-term girlfriend, 20-year-old Laura Richardson, is that it is also hereditary, so any child Jono fathers naturally has a 50% chance of having Treacher Collins.

Continue reading the main story
Find out more

So What If My Baby Is Born Like Me? will be broadcast on BBC Three at 2100 BST on Tuesday 19 April 2011
Or watch it later on iPlayer
'I hated my face in the mirror'
Jono says until he met Laura, he always assumed he would adopt.

"It worked really well for me, and giving a child a second chance, I think that's brilliant.

"But Laura thinks she will have those instincts of really wanting to carry a child, and she's worried that she might find it hard to look after someone else's child - or that the child will just want to find its natural parents.

"Plus she really wants our child to be 'our' child. And I really want to look after her when she is pregnant, for her to be on the sofa, or for me to run downstairs at 2am when she fancies a pickle."

Continue reading the main story

Start Quote

The big debate in my head is how can I knowingly put my own child through potential suffering”

He says ruling out children is not an option.

"I've always dreamed of being a daddy. I crave father and son moments - my adoptive mum was absolutely amazing but I never had a father figure in my life, and that's something I really, really want. I want to do the school run, take my child to dance, gymnastics or football - whatever they want."

But for the couple - and particularly Jono - the thought of having a child naturally opens a minefield of morals, emotions and self-questioning.

"Knowing that there's a good chance of passing your condition on to your child. It scares me and I question whether it's the right thing to do.

"The big debate in my head is how can I knowingly put my own child through potential suffering," he says.

To add to their predicament, Treacher Collins syndrome - which is thought to affect up to one in 10,000 people in the UK - varies in severity, but there is no way of predicting how severely a child will be affected.


Jono and Laura have been together for four years
While some sufferers have problems with hearing and facial features, others can be born unable to breathe.

"I've met a girl that needed a tracheotomy and 24-hour care, and another boy had to have his jaw extracted - which means putting a brace on every morning and and twisting it, which breaks the jaw - how can I knowingly put a child through that? I'd feel so guilty."

But Jono says if they decide to have a child naturally, "abortion is not an option" for him.

"I want to make the right decision. Right from the very start. So if I decide to have a child naturally, we go through the whole thing. Not just give up on it halfway through."

Because doctors have been able to locate Jono's abnormal gene, the final option that Jono and Laura are considering is IVF with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Continue reading the main story
What is Treacher Collins syndrome?

A genetic disorder also known as Treacher Collins-Franceschetti syndrome or mandibulofacial dysostosis
Facial bones do not develop as they should in the womb and babies are born with characteristic facial features
Sufferers often have problems with hearing, breathing and eating
Most children pass developmental milestones, such as starting to walk and talk, at the usual time and are of normal intelligence
Many need specialised hearing aids or speech therapy
About one in every 10,000 babies in the UK is born with Treacher Collins syndrome
Source: BBC Health

Treacher Collins syndrome
The procedure is controversial - both ethically and from a religious point of view - because it involves testing embryos for genetic disorders before implanting an unaffected one in the womb.

Some disabled groups also argue it harms their chances of equality and understanding. Ian Macrae, editor of the magazine and website Disability Now, says he would never condemn an individual for making their own choice, but he had significant concerns about screening embryos.

"It re-enforces the stereotypical notion that disability per se is a bad thing that should be excluded and that disabled lives are intrinsically less valuable.

"Also, if you make the comparison with ethnicity, which I know is not always helpful, and you want to start doing this to people of colour, then there would be, quite rightly, an outcry. For me, disabled people are part of the rich mix of a diverse society."

We want to be working towards a society that can accommodate the range of needs that people have, rather than getting rid of the people, he says.

Macrae himself has a congenital cataracts condition that could have been passed to his children but he says he would not have agreed to screening, had screening been available.

For Jono, it is the moral issue that is particularly poignant.

"When I first heard of IVF PGD I had this kind of moral dilemma going on in my head, that if my parents had chosen to do it, I wouldn't be here today.

Continue reading the main story
The wider issues

There are two main issues. The first is whether it's right to destroy an embryo or foetus with a condition that isn't life threatening to have another child, or whether it is permissible to destroy human life in order to have children.

Since we allow 100,000 abortions every year in the UK I don't think we place a very high value on human life, so I don't think we can have strong objections, and there shouldn't be laws to prevent people from doing so.

The second issue is what kind of society do we want to live in?

By making these sorts of choices are we discriminating about people and expressing negative attitudes because we are saying this condition isn't worthy of life?

Julian Savulescu, professor of practical ethics at the University of Oxford

"Then there are all these other amazing people in the world with genetic disorders, I think the world is a better place because they are in it. I'd feel in some way like I'm insulting or disrespecting them, and that's what I'm struggling with."

He also feels guilty that Laura would bear the brunt of the procedure.

"She'd have to inject the hormones, have the eggs taken out - it puts her under so much pressure and that frustrates the life out of me because this is my condition."

Although Jono thinks having a child through IVF PGD is probably best option for their child, he says he is still goes through an "emotional rollercoaster" when he thinks about actually having to make a decision.

"I could argue with myself all day - there's an answer and an argument for everything."

Dr Christine Patch, a genetic counsellor at Guy's and St Thomas' hospital, says it is important for couples like Jono and Laura to understand the facts, talk through choices and make the decision that is right for them - taking into account their culture and personal beliefs.

"It's very hard for people with the condition themselves - they are the ones that know much better than anyone else how it is to live with it.


Jono thinks there is an argument for and against every option
"Many will be conflicted, they may quite rightly see themselves as being able to fulfil a normal valuable role in society, so thinking about not having a child the same as them is difficult for them emotionally and psychologically."

Jono agrees that understanding his options has been a huge step forward and will allow him to move on.

"Starting a family should be a romantic and exciting time - and hopefully by the time we are ready to have children, we'll be able to make our dream a reality."

Non-invasive embryo gene screen

The current method involves taking cells from the embryo itself, which experts fear may be harmful.

Now UK researchers say it is possible to run the same checks on cells surrounding the fertilised egg that are normally thrown away.

The test could tell a woman if her baby was likely to have a condition like Down's syndrome.

It would not only be less invasive, but cheaper too.

Lead researcher Elpida Fragouli, from Oxford University, said: "In the ovary, the eggs are surrounded by a cloud of tiny cells, known as cumulus cells.

Continue reading the main story

Start Quote

It would be much cheaper, much less invasive and something that may have a good clinical application”

Stuart Lavery
Fertility expert
"Cumulus cells are routinely stripped off eggs during IVF treatments and are usually discarded, so it should be straightforward to obtain them for analysis."

Dr Fragouli's team examined cumulus cells from 26 women undergoing genetic screening prior to IVF treatment.

They found abnormalities in the cumulus cells that appeared to tally with genetic errors in the eggs they had surrounded.

Dr Fragouli added: "We are still in the process of establishing the usefulness of these genes as non-invasive markers of egg chromosome status and quality.

"However, it is interesting that several of these genes are involved in vital cellular functions of the cumulus cells and egg they enclose, such as cell signalling and regulation, hormonal response and cell death, and so they may shed light on the genetic origins of chromosome abnormality."

UK fertility expert Stuart Lavery said: "It would be much cheaper, much less invasive and something that may have a good clinical application.

"Potentially what it may allow us to do is to have the ability of picking the best embryo from the best egg which means that we can hopefully move towards single embryo transfer."

Putting only one fertilised egg into the womb avoids multiple births, which are known to increase the health risks of both mother and child.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer, regrettably, is responsible for the death of many, both men and women; in fact, it is the first leading cause of cancer deaths among humanity. It goes without saying that treatment is very aggressive, but not always successful. This success is dependent on two main factors: the type of tissue disease (histopathology) and the stage of the cancer. Determining the answers to these two factors is paramount to forming any sort of treatment plan, which is done with the collaboration of an oncology team and the patient. Together, this whole team will have to take into account the medical history of the patient, the patient’s general health, and the characteristics of the cancerous tumor. This latter consideration will further be divided into patients who are at low risk and patients who are at high risk for cancer recurrence.

Types of Lung Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

NSCLC is the most common, accounting for nearly 80% of lung cancer cases. Among the NSCLC’s are 4 different types: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, bronchioalveolar carcinoma, and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma. While these names sound very confusing, they describe exactly where or what the cancer is. For example, adenocarcinoma is found in the glands of the lungs that produce mucus; squamous cell carcinoma forms on the lining of the bronchial tubes.
SCLC, which makes up about 20% of all lung cancers, is almost always caused by smoking. The cells are small and multiply quickly and can form large tumors capable of spreading throughout the entire body.
Types of Treatment Plans
There are different options of treatment for lung cancer patients. As mentioned above, it depends on the progression of the disease and the type of cancer. Often times, surgery is accompanied by a type of radiation or chemotherapy.



Surgical Resection. This type of surgery is typically done only on patients in whom the cancer has not progressed outside the lung tissue. There are different techniques that may be chosen by the physician.
Thoracotomy. This surgery is performed through the chest wall.
Median Sternotomy. This surgery is performed by cutting through the breast bone.
Anterior Limited Thoracotomy. Performed on the frontal chest through a small incision, this type is less invasive than the standard thoracotomy and can result in less blood loss both during and after surgery, less post-operative drainage, and less pain after surgery.
Anterioraxillary Thoracotomy. Performed on the frontal chest near the underarm.
Posterolateral Thoracotomy. Performed on the back side of the trunk.
Wedge Section Surgery. This type of surgery is used to remove a tumor, or cancerous section of the lung, and some of the normal tissue surrounding it.
Lobectomy. A lobectomy removes a whole lobe of the lung.
Pneumonectomy. A surgery that removes one whole lung.
Cryosurgery. Uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, a.k.a. cancerous tissue.
Electrocautery. Similar to cryosurgery, it uses a probe or needle that is heated by an electric current, aimed to destroy abnormal tissue.
Radiation Therapy. This type of cancer treatment uses high energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells and/or keep them from growing.
External Radiation Therapy. Uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer.
Internal Radiation Therapy. Uses a radioactive substance concealed in a needle, wire, or catheter, and is placed directly on or near the cancer.
Chemotherapy. Uses drugs to stop the growth and spread of cancer; it either kills the cells or stops them from dividing. It can be administered by a vein or muscle injection, or it can be taken by mouth; either way, it enters the bloodstream and the hope is that it will reach the cancerous cells. Regional chemotherapy targets one specific area.
Targeted Therapy. Uses drugs or other powerful substances that target and attack specific cancer cells. It does this without harming normal cells. Some types of this therapy produce specific antibodies, and others inhibit the growth of certain signals that the tumors need in order to grow.
Decide with the Doctor
Unfortunately, there are times when the potential benefits of treatment don’t weigh out over the side effects. This is usually the case when the cancer has progressed to the last stage before it was diagnosed. In such an instance, the doctor would talk to you about providing medication and other supplements to make the pain more bearable.

Prostate cancer therapy

The prostate is a walnut shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is found just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer is very common in older men and it occurs when cancer cells form in the prostate tissues. There are various therapies available for prostate cancer. The choice of which prostate cancer therapy is used to treat this disease depends on various factors involving the stage the prostate cancer has reached when diagnosed.

There are 3 stages of prostate cancer which are:

First stage: The cancer is confined to just the prostate gland.
Second stage: The cancer has advanced locally, meaning the cancer has spread to surrounding local organs.
Third Stage: The cancer has metastasized. This is an advanced stage where the cancer has spread to other organs in the body, as far away as the lungs or liver. This is the most difficult stage to treat.
The doctors need to first access the stage the prostate cancer is in before determining on the right prostate cancer therapy that will be the most effective. If the prostate cancer is in the early stages and the patient is an elderly man with other medical conditions, the doctor may choose to just closely monitor the patient’s condition without doing anything until a change is detected. This is called watchful waiting.



A patient who has prostate cancer and is otherwise in good health will be given the option of surgery. There are various types of surgeries that can be done:

Pelvic lymphadenectomy. This involves surgically removing the lymph nodes in the pelvis so a pathologist can determine if there are cancer cells present in the nodes.
Radical prostatectomy. Done only if no cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes. This involves removing the prostate, seminal vesicles and surrounding tissue. There are 2 types of radical prostatectomy that are done. A retropubic prostatectomy is the first type. This involves removing the prostate and nearby lymph nodes through the abdominal wall via incision. The second type is called a perineal prostatectomy. In this case, the prostate and nearby lymph nodes are removed through an incision made in the perineum. The perineum is the located between the scrotum and the anus.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). A surgical procedure where the tissue from the prostate is removed using a resectoscope to relieve symptoms being caused by a tumor before other prostate cancer therapies may be done. The resectoscope is a thin lighted tube that has a cutting tool on it which is inserted through the urethra to remove the tissue.
Radiation is also another form of prostate cancer therapy. There are two types of radiation and the particular type used for each individual will depend on the stage of the cancer being treated. One involves using radiation externally and the other involves using it internally. Radiation therapy is done to kill the cancer cells or keep them from growing. With external radiation, the radiologist uses a machine outside the body to radiate the cancer. With internal radiation, the radiologist uses radioactive seeds, needles, wires or catheters which are placed inside the body near the cancer. It should be noted that men who are treated with radiation therapy will be at a higher risk for developing bladder and rectal cancers. Radiation can also cause impotency and urinary problems.

Hormone therapy is also a form of prostate cancer therapy that can be used to treat some cancers. This type of therapy involves using drugs to stop the action of hormones so that the cancer cells will stop growing. For example, antiandrogens can block the hormones called male hormones called androgens that promote male characteristics. Certain ones can prevent the testicles from producing testosterone. Others can block the adrenal glands from producing androgens. A surgical procedure called an Orchiectomy can be done to remove the testicles to decrease male hormone production as well. Estrogens may also be given to prevent the production of testosterone.

Another prostate cancer therapy that is often used is called Cryosurgery. This involves the use of an instrument that freezes and destroys prostate cancer cells inside the body. Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with most other treatments since chemotherapy can stop the growth of cancer cells. However, the use of chemotherapy depends on the type and stage of the prostate cancer.

HCG diet recipes

The HCG diet is a very strict dieting strategy that severely limits caloric intake. This is actually an understatement because the diet allows only 500 calories per day. This restriction, along with daily injections of a synthetically produced hormone, HCG, gives the diet its uniqueness. The original idea was that it would help men and women lose fat (and, therefore, weight) and keep it off after returning to a more normal dietary pattern.

How Does the Diet Work?
HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a hormone naturally produced in large amounts by the placenta during pregnancy. The hormone essentially controls the woman’s metabolic functions during this time. It allows for the fetus to receive the nutrients it needs even if the mother is restricting or not eating enough. The baby can live off the mother’s fat stores, and so the idea developed to turn this hormone into a diet. If injected with the hormone, a person’s fat stores will basically be depleted. An injection is given every day, except for the last three, for the duration of the diet, which only lasts for about a month. When the injected hormones take effect, the dieter can more easily be satisfied with 500 calories per day because fat stores are released to provide the energy needed. The foods consumed, to maximize hunger with so little quantities, should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates, fats, and void of junk foods.

HCG Recipes
The problem with going on this diet is that your normal, everyday cookbooks temporarily become useless. However, there are recipes that can be adapted, and some that have been produced specifically for this diet. All of the following recipes are suitable because they are low in calories and fat.



Fruit Salad
Try this sweet mixture of fresh fruits for breakfast!

1 cup sliced bananas
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup cubed, fresh pineapple
1 cup blueberries
Mix all together and enjoy!

Lettuce wraps
The fiber in the lettuce and vegetables, and the protein in the meat give a lasting feeling of fullness.

1 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey. Mix with
Fajita seasoning, low fat & sugar free
Vegetable mixture (bell peppers and onion)
Brown the ground beef or turkey. Sauté vegetables in a medium-sized pan coated in cooking spray. Wrap both the meat and vegetables in lettuce leaves.

Shish Kabobs
This is not a cut and dry recipe; there are many variations with which to experiment!

Chunks of lean chicken or shrimp
Onion, tomato chunks or cherry tomatoes
Vegetables of choice
Put all on skewers. Season with herbs and lemon juice prior to grilling. Grill until cooked thoroughly.

Lively Citrus Basil Chicken
This dish is easy to throw together and is a perfect dinner for the rest of the family who isn’t even on the diet!

3 ½ oz 99% fat free chicken trimmed of visible fat
3 ½ oz chopped tomatoes
1 orange, peeled & cut into small pieces
Juice from ½ lemon
Basil (fresh or dried), as desired
Salt and pepper, as needed
Place a medium-sized skillet onto stove top; coat with cooking spray. Add chicken and lightly coat with salt and pepper; drizzle with lemon juice and extra water, if needed. Cook 3-4 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, chopped orange, and basil. Simmer on low, for desired amount of marinating time, turning halfway through. Serve chicken on lettuce leaves.

Foil Baked Fish
A simple and satisfying twist on fish.

3 ½ oz fish
Juice of ½ of a lemon
Salt, pepper, and dill to taste
Put fish in foil (large enough to wrap around and seal). Drizzle with lemon juice and zest some of the rind around the fish. Season with salt, pepper, and dill. Bake in oven at 350 degrees Centigrade until cooked through.

Italian Herbed Fish and Broccoli
This meal is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.

3 ½ oz white fish
3 ½ oz broccoli, chopped
1 tomato, peeled & cut into small pieces
Basil, thyme, oregano (fresh or dried), as desired
Salt and pepper, as desired
2 tablespoons water
Put all spices, salt and pepper into the bottom of a medium-sized skillet. Add fish and drizzle with the lemon. Add broccoli and tomato with a few tablespoons of water over low-medium heat until fish is cooked through. Pour juices over fish and serve with lemon wedges.

Sweet ‘n Sour Lemonade
Perfect for anytime of day!

1 quart water
1 lemon (juice only)
2 packets calorie free natural sweetener
Ice cubes
Lemon slices, for garnish
Place water in a pitcher. Add the lemon juice and sweetener; stir. Add desired amount of ice. Garnish with sliced lemons.

Warm Apple Dessert
Craving some apple pie? This is a perfect substitute!

1 medium apple, cut into wedges
Cinnamon, as desired
1 packet no calorie sweetener
Dust apples with cinnamon and sweetener and combine in a microwaveable bowl. Heat the microwave for 2 minutes, or until apples are warm and to desired tenderness.

Testicular cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that the number of men who are being diagnosed with testicular cancer each year is now about 8,500. Every year a little less than 400 men die from testicular cancer in the United States. Testicular cancer makes up for less than 1% of all cancers so it is not a very common form of cancer. The cancer starts in or around the testicles and causes a noticeable lump to form. The majority of men who develop this form of cancer are typically between ages 20 and 34. However it can be found in younger or older men as well. If a man ever notices a swelling or lump around their testicles they should go to their doctor immediately and have a thorough medical evaluation. If testicular cancer is caught early enough there is a 90% cure rate. When the cancer is allowed to progress the cure rate dropped dramatically. It should be noted that men can develop testicular cancer after another cancer that has spread to this area from other parts of the body.

One of the first symptoms of this type of cancer is a feeling of pressure or a lump in the scrotum. Along with the lump is a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. There may or may not be pain in the testicles and penis. If there is pain it may come and go. Fluid tends to collect in the scrotum as well and men will feel and notice that they have an ach in their abdomen area. The scrotum may also become swollen. Men can check for testicular cancer every month much the same as women do for breast cancer. The cause of testicular cancer is unknown. Men who have an un-descended testicle are more at risk for this type of cancer. Most medical professionals believe that genetics play a major factor in men who develop testicular cancer. If a man has a brother who has had this cancer it puts him in a higher risk group for it. It has been associated with mumps in men as well. Men who have a problem with fertility should be tested for this cancer as it may be the cause of their infertility.

Men often make the mistake of thinking that they have this type of cancer if one testicle is larger than the other. However this is not necessarily the case. The doctor must do an ultra sound on the scrotum and blood tests to determine the presence of cancer. If there is a lump in the scrotum or testicle it needs to have a biopsy done on it to determine if there are any malignant cells. The lump is removed and the affected testicle is removed as well cancerous cells are found. After the surgical removal of the lump and testicle a follow up treatment is done with radiation and chemotherapy.



If this type of cancer is left untreated it will become 100% fatal. However, if the cancer is caught early enough men can live a long and normal healthy life afterward. Men who have their testicle removed because of cancer do not suffer adverse effects on their sexual life. The doctor may detect testicular cancer during a routine physical exam as he will be able to feel the lump. If a lump is felt the doctor will order an ultrasound test. The final step in diagnosing this kind of cancer is a biopsy of the lump. Once diagnosed other tests have to be done to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Men should always go in for yearly medical check ups just as women are told to do.

PhD studentships in Medical Science – Clinical Pharmacology at Uppsala University Hospital

Uppsala University hereby declares the following position to be open for application:
PhD student position in Medical Science – Clinical Pharmacology
at the Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital.
The research project focus on preclinical models for the identification and characterization of potentially new cancer drugs, targeting colorectal cancer (CRC). Cell line models of CRC, genetically modified for signal pathways known to be aberrantly expressed in CRC will be screened for cytotoxic activity of molecules in giant chemical libraries. Screening hits will then be further characterized in more clinically relevant tumour models of tumour cell spheroids and tumour cells from patients, followed by mechanistic characterization based on eg analysis of gene expression patterns. Candidate drugs will then be inquired in to in vivo in tumour bearing animals, hopefully followed by clinical testing in collaboration with drug companies.
The applicant ought to have comprehensive medical knowledge at the preclinical and clinical level to be able to understand and perform the project and to, in relation to the project group in total, represent a clinical point of view. The applicant is also in require of documented experience of preclinical techniques basic to the project, notably tumour cell culture and measurement of cellular cytotoxicity. Since the project will include tumour samples from patients, the applicant has to be able to read and understand patient files and pathology reports to extract relevant clinical information.
Earlier experience in experimental research is a merit. Skills in oral and written english is necessary. The application ought to include a curriculum vitae, copies of exams, degrees and grades, a replica of your Master thesis (or a draft thereof), references, a short description of the applicant and his/her experience. Letter(s) of recommendation may be included.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Top 10 healthiest foods

A common misconception when it comes to healthy eating is that healthy food has a characteristically indescribable taste: HEALTHY. Well, dismiss that frame of mind right now and never let it return; that is an utterly false belief. Healthy is not synonymous with gross. Quite frankly, healthy foods come in all shapes, sizes, and tastes, and shouldn’t be subjected to this unfair assessment. It is possible to combine scrumptiously nutritious foods and end up with a tasty meal or perfect snack. Here are 10 of the healthiest foods (some of which may be surprising), and ways to incorporate them into your eating habits.

Potatoes: Contrary to popular belief, potatoes are more than just starchy vegetables that shouldn’t be touched. True, they are a carbohydrate heavy food, but not a refined source of carbohydrates, and they provide additional health benefits that shouldn’t be dismissed. Sweet potatoes in particular are filled with healthy nutrients. The orange color indicates they are chock full of beta carotene, which is essential for proper visual function, physiological processes, and its potential antioxidant quality. This 140 calorie vegetable also contains a hefty percentage of the RDA of vitamin C, calcium, iron, and fiber. Its low sodium content makes it an ideal choice, especially in during winter when they are at their peak. Try making them into baked sweet potato fries or a sweet potato casserole for the next family gathering.

Milk (1% Low-Fat or Skim): Milk is one of the most potent beverages and wisest choices in terms of nutrient density. Its abundance of calcium and protein makes it ideal for growing children and adults. The low-fat and skim milk options are virtually fat free and the cholesterol content is negligent. Milk can be eaten with cereal or oatmeal, mixed with a squirt of chocolate syrup, or used in baked goods.



Broccoli: Broccoli is a dark green cruciferous vegetable that provides doses of potassium, folate, fiber, and calcium. It also has considerable amounts of vitamins C, K, and A, which provide antioxidant benefits along with other physiological functions, such as aiding with blood coagulation processes with the vitamin K. Other than this, broccoli has trace amounts of just about every vitamin and mineral, making it a superb vegetable choice. Melt 1 or 2 ounces of cheese over steamed broccoli with a few cracker crumbs on top. This makes for a crunchy, satisfying side dish.

Leafy Greens: Leafy green vegetables, including spinach and kale, or simply full of vitamins and nutrients essential to bodily functions. They have manganese, folate, vitamins A and K, and fair amounts of iron and magnesium. You may be wondering what all of these vitamins and minerals are good for: well, as a collective group, just about everything! Eating spinach can help protect against osteoporosis and arthritis by reducing inflammation. Toss fresh spinach in a bed of mixed greens for a tasty and nutritious salad.

Blueberries: Have you ever heard the saying, “blueberries are good brain food”? Well, this may very well be true. They are said to help with short-term memory. Berries, especially blueberries, are rich in antioxidants, which help protect body cells and possibly prevent the development of cancer. A whole cup has about 80 calories. The fiber and vitamin C content aid in digestion and immune system protection, respectively. These baby blues are full of phytonutrients as well, making for the perfect fruit snack. Top a low-fat vanilla yogurt with a handful of blueberries for a delicious breakfast.

Salmon: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish are the most attractive component for its nutritional benefits because of its essential role in brain function and growth and development. Salmon is an exceptionally good source for this fatty acid that our bodies cannot make on its own. Grill salmon with a little seasoning and serve over a serving of rice pilaf for a satisfying meal.

Oats: Oats have a special fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol. Eating high fiber foods is said to reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, they are high in manganese. Having a bowl of oatmeal in the morning with a teaspoon of cinnamon sprinkled on top with keep you full until lunch, and provide you with a plentiful serving of daily fiber.

Garlic: Garlic is an herb known for its therapeutic effects. It is a good source of manganese, selenium, and vitamins B6 and C. Garlic consumption is said to reduce the risks for heart disease and atherosclerosis, and have other cardiovascular benefits. Garlic is a multifunctional herb because it can be added to just about any dish, usually in the early stages of cooking, so its flavor penetrates the entire item.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant with caner-preventing properties. Use chopped tomatoes in place of canned in any recipe for a fresh, juicy taste.

Nuts: Yes, nuts are rather high in calories and (unsaturated) fats, but they are rich in protein, fiber, and phytonutrients. Walnuts and almonds are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower LDL cholesterol. Grab a handful for a satisfying afternoon snack.

Paleolithic diet

There are so many diets out there today that people have tried. Many of us are constantly looking for the next new diet that can help us lose weight, feel better and look great. Some of the diets work and some of the diets do not. Many of the diets are completely for advertisement and make someone really rich but do nothing for us while others actually do hold a lot of value and benefit many people.

There is a diet that a lot of people may not have heard about but brings us back to the days before fast food was invented and many of the foods we eat today were even thought of. This is the Paleolithic diet. This diet dates back to the times of cave men. This is why it has also been referred to as the cave man diet, the stone-age diet and even the hunter-gatherer diet.

The reason this diet is referred to as the cave man diet is because research has been done to determine exactly how the first people on the planet were able to survive. We know that in the beginning of time there were no stoves or ovens, no microwaves or food processors so therefore we know that the diet that was originally consumed was either grown straight from the ground or killed by a hunter.



Foods that must be cooked in order to consume were not eaten by these people. Later on when fire was discovered the diets of the people began to change. Foods that were otherwise considered toxic or were inedible in raw form started becoming edible and digested by many. But this was not discovered until after the Paleolithic stage.

There are many foods that are all natural that you may think would be part of the Paleolithic diet but you may be surprised to learn that many of the common foods we eat today were not part of the original diet of our distant ancestors. For starters, foods such as the potato and all forms of bean were not consumed. This is because in raw form these plant foods can be considered toxic. Grains were also not part of the original diet, this is because they need to be cooked in order to eat and be made into other foods that we now enjoy such as breads and pasta. Dairy was also not part of the diet since it was not until much later when the people become aware of using another mammal’s milk for nutrition.

The Paleolithic diet consists of eating foods such as meat, chicken and fish. Also eggs, vegetables other than potatoes and sweet potatoes, fruits and nuts (excluding peanuts and cashews) were used as staples in their diet.

Now this diet is very controversial since many do not agree that this offers the best possible nutrition we can have. Yes, this diet does eliminate many of the artery clogging fats that we consume today, as well as un-natural forms of sugar and sodium. However many people argue that eating dairy products, potatoes, grains and beans are extremely good for our health. Many people who are supporters of this diet believe that cave men did not die of the same types of diseases that people die from today. Diseases like cancers, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and many others are all new and derive from the toxic foods we pollute our bodies with today.

As with any diet there will be many supporters and many who disagree with the method. This is why it is important to do your own research about any diet you are thinking of t

High blood pressure diet plan

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer. It is known as such due to the fact that many people never know they have the disease until they have a severe complication of it. High blood pressure affects over 72 million adults in the United States on average. That means that on average every one in three people will have high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure also kills over 320,000 people on an annual basis. The sad thing about this disease is that it is fairly well controlled with diet, exercise and medication in most cases. The complications and deaths could be avoided in the majority of the cases above if the person had known of their condition and intervention had ensued.

So what exactly is high blood pressure and what readings are considered high? High blood pressure is the reading of the amount of pressure in the arteries of the circulatory system. The systolic reading or the top reading when you go into the doctors office is the highest amount of pressure that is put upon the arteries. The bottom number or diastolic reading is the minimum amount of pressure that is placed on the arteries. This is why the bottom or diastolic reading is much more important and is watched closer by health professionals. Normal readings are considered to be below 140/90 for most adults. Readings that are consistently above those numbers would go along with a diagnosis of hypertension or high blood pressure.

Diet plays a big part in the control of high blood pressure. The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute of Health has come up with a diet that is recommended for people with high blood pressure. This diet is called the DASH eating plan or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This dietary plan includes lowered sodium intake and lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean chicken and fish. It is low in fat as well. There are two plans available for sodium intake. One plans for 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. The other plan includes 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day which is the maximum amount of sodium that is recommended for anyone who has hypertension or high blood pressure.



The DASH dietary plan includes foods that are naturally high in calcium such as fat free milk, fat free or reduced fat yogurt, and reduced fat or fat free cheese. It also recommends foods that are naturally high in potassium, magnesium and fiber such as broccoli, carrots, green beans, green peas, kale, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. Fruits that are high in potassium that are recommended include apples, apricots, dates, and grapefruit to name a few. The diet states that eating foods that are naturally high in these nutrients help the body combat high blood pressure naturally.

The DASH dietary plan includes for a 1,600 calorie per day diet: 6 servings of grains, 3-4 servings of vegetables, 4 servings of fruits, 2-3 servings of low calorie fat free or reduced fat dairy, 3-6 servings of lean meat or poultry, and 1-2 servings of oils per day. They also recommend 3-4 servings of nuts and legumes per week.

This diet is very high in fresh vegetables and fruits and low fat products. Due to this, it may cause bloating, indigestion, or diarrhea to those who have been accustomed to eating a high fat diet in the past. The NIH recommends changing over to this diet on a gradual basis to keep down the gastrointestinal issues related to this.

The NIH does recommend that in addition to a change in diet that anyone who has high blood pressure start an exercise routine three times a week for 30 minutes a day to help either to lose weight or to improve their cardiovascular status to lower their blood pressure. This can be started doing activity for 5 minutes at a time and building up every few days until you have worked up to 30 minutes. They also recommend that anyone with high blood pressure be followed by a medical professional.

The National Institute of Health and United States Department of Health and Human Services has a large publication on the DASH dietary plan available to anyone who would like more information on this online.

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Anti-inflammatory diet

Inflammation is the normal response that the body’s immune system gives when subjected to trauma, stress, illness, or injury. It involves pain, swelling, heat, and redness of the affected organ or tissue, and sometimes even farther out than the infected area. When the immune response is not able to be turned off, it results in a serious condition of chronic inflammation. This has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, some cancers, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, insulin resistance, and age-related disorders. If you’re thinking about going on an anti-inflammatory diet, think of the bigger picture. Overall health should be considered more so than the desire to just lose weight. If the goal is to reduce inflammation, it is especially important to not just focus on diet as the things to eat and the things not to eat, but to focus on diet in the more general sense; as a healthy lifestyle factor. The anti-inflammation diet is more of a lifetime eating plan that will provide optimum nutrition and avoid unnecessary inflammation.

Tips on Food
Here are some important things to keep in mind while on a special diet to prevent or reduce inflammation:

Consume a wide variety of foods to get all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Eat as much fresh food as possible, while reducing the amount of processed and fast foods. Fruits and vegetables should be eaten in abundance. If you are maintaining your weight (and this is your goal), the number of calories you eat does not have to be reduced while on an anti-inflammatory diet. Include carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats at each meal. Daily, you should consume 40-50% of calories from carbohydrates, 30% from fat, and 20-30% from protein. Include at least 40 grams of fiber in your meals daily. Eat good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Spice up your dishes with flavors such as ginger, curry, and many others because they can have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Avoid pro-inflammatory foods: junk foods, high fat meats, sugar and sugary foods, fast foods, and processed meats all contribute to inflammation in some way. Try to stay away from deep fried foods. Sugary drinks, such as regular sodas and fruit juices with hardly any actual fruit juice should be eliminated completely. Not only are they empty calories, but they are full of unnecessary sugar that can trigger inflammation. Drink herbal teas, plenty of water, decaffeinated beverages, 100% fruit juices, and vegetable juices.



Carbohydrates

Choose carbohydrates that are not refined or processed, and have a low glycemic load.
Eat more whole grains like brown rice, wild rice, bulgar wheat, breads, pasta, oatmeal, and whole grain cereals.
Fat

Reduce intake of saturated and trans fats; increase intake of unsaturated fats (mono and poly). Saturated and trans fats are found in full fat dairy products, fatty meats, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. Unsaturated (healthy) fats are found in nuts, avocados, olive oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, and salmon.
Avoid products with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil because this is the synonymous with trans fat.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, and mackerel, and also in many nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
Protein

For protein, try to consume more fish and lean white and red meats, such as chicken, turkey, lamb, and very 93% lean red meats.
Include more vegetable protein like that which is found in legumes and soybeans.
Fiber

To get the recommended 40 grams, consume more fruits, vegetables, dairy products, dried fruit (in moderation), whole grains, and some cereals.
Supplements
If after switching to this type of diet you feel that you are not getting enough variety, and therefore not getting all the essential vitamins and minerals, start taking a supplement such as a multi-vitamin. There are also more specific supplements for every vitamin you could possibly need, and others such as fish oil. Many women do not get enough calcium, so a 500 mg supplement of this would be a good addition to any diet; this supplementation is not necessary for men. Talk with your doctor about any other supplements you might be interested in taking.

Other Lifestyle Factors
In addition to eating healthy, it cannot be stressed enough that exercise is needed the same way that eating the right foods is needed. Include at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily. This can be done all at one time or sporadically throughout the day. Strength training 2-3 times per week will also do your body some good.

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Fruit and vegetable diet

A diet consisting of only fruits and vegetables can be very effective if done safely. There are some issues with this type of diet as it will become very difficult to get enough protein each day. You could use dietary supplements to provide any of the lacking vitamins or minerals if necessary. Most people will not recommend a fruit and vegetable diet as it lacks quite a bit. What would be more beneficial would be a diet which has a fair amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods.

A fruit and vegetable diet could be used for many reasons. Some may want to use it for weight loss but that is not a great choice. You can create a healthy diet and exercise frequently to see much better weight loss results. If you follow the diet accordingly then there will be a noticeable amount of weight that is lost but if this is your only reason for going on the diet then it could lead to diet problems after the diet. For weight loss reasons a fruit and vegetable diet is almost classifiable as a crash diet.

A very popular reason for creating a fruit and vegetable diet is to use it as a way to detoxify your body. The result of this detox will be an improved overall health. There will most likely be noticeable improvements to the health of your skin and hair. Many people will even notice a better complexion to their skin after a fruit and vegetable detox.



Best Fruits and Vegetables to Consume
You will need to know what fruits and vegetables offer the most health benefits. If you plan on just adding a lot of fruits and vegetables to your diet then you will want to add the most effective ones. If you plan on building a fruit and vegetable diet plan then you will want to incorporate the more effective fruits and vegetables in higher quantities. Take a look below at some of the better fruits and vegetables that you should consume on a daily basis.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are great for providing hydration to the body. Tomatoes consist of 90% water and will influence proper digestion. There are also many antioxidants found in tomatoes. You will find a decent amount of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotine in tomatoes. Tomatoes are generally lightweight, taste good, and can be used with a number of meals. It should not be very difficult to find areas in your diet to implement tomatoes. You may even be able to manage a few servings of tomatoes every single day in your diet due to the versatility of the vegetable.

Apples
There are many different types of apples available so there should be one type that you will absolutely love. Frequent consumption of apples can provide many great health benefits. Apples contain a large amount of pectin which will improve the functioning ability of your digestive system. The result of eating apples regularly can also be an increase in energy as your body requires less energy for digestion processes. Apples can even show some results in treating skin blemishes. Additionally, apples are rich in many different vitamins and minerals.

Negative Calorie Foods
Negative calorie foods, sometimes referred to as zero calorie foods, are foods which can be consumed without adding to your caloric intake. There may be a small amount of calories for these foods and beverages but this amount is usually burnt while consuming and digesting the food or drink. For instance, a glass of ice water would be categorized as a negative calorie drink as it increases your heart rate and burns energy in the body.

Many fruits and vegetables are characterized as negative calorie foods. If you are looking for healthy snacks then you may want to refer to a list of negative calorie foods. Make sure you avoid forming a whole diet plan solely around negative calorie foods as it could lead to serious deficiencies and health issues.

Final Thoughts
If you are dieting for weight loss then you should stay far away from a diet that only contains fruits and vegetables. This is only a viable diet if you are looking to clean out your body or eat light for a short period of time. You can consume only fruits and vegetables and still remain healthy. To receive all the necessary nutrients you may be required to use a dietary supplement though.

If you are contemplating a fruit and vegetable diet then you will need to consider the reason for going on the diet and see if there are any better diets that can accomplish the same results. There are many different diet plans available and even when detoxifying the body there may be a better option than the fruit and vegetable diet. However, you cannot go wrong with eating a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables.

If you are planning a fruit and vegetable diet then you will want to research the various fruits and vegetables which offer major health benefits. There are many fruits and vegetables which may not be popularly known (such as watercress) but have great benefits and would be a very useful addition to a fruit and vegetable diet. To close, if you are going to go on a diet which just contains fruits and vegetables then you should put a lot of thought into what foods and meals you will be consuming.

Autism diet recipes

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects nearly 1.5 million people in America. For some with autism, certain foods can have a negative effect, leading to additional behavioral issues; omitting these foods from the diet will consequently have a positive effect. Those with ASD that show signs of food intolerance or food allergies need to have a backup plan for proper nutrition.

Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet (GFCF)
Essentially, people with Autism have trouble fully digesting peptides found in proteins, and they get “stuck” in a digestive limbo. These unbroken down peptides become excessively absorbed and lead to biochemical disturbances. Certain proteins in foods, gluten and casein, cause these nasty side effects. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats; casein is a protein found in dairy products. Results from studies showing the effectiveness of eliminating gluten and casein containing foods have mixed reviews; however, if taken out gradually, it is a harmless gesture when nothing else seems to work.

Recipes
There are plenty of grain products that are acceptable to eat when on a GFCF diet, and also many substitute products that are gluten-free. These foods encompass a broad spectrum: rice, quinoa, tapioca, most vegetables and fruits, potatoes, corn, meat, eggs, nuts, and milk substitutes. Don’t worry about what this diet will do to the taste buds because this diet can still be delicious and fun! Here are a few recipes that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Banana Bread



1/4 cup rice milk
6 tablespoon safflower oil
6 tablespoon pure maple syrup
5 mashed ripe bananas
1 1/2 cups rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
2 tablespoon roasted grain beverage powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup walnuts or raisins
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a loaf pan or cake pan and dust with flour.
Put the rice milk, oil, maple syrup, and bananas in a blender and blend until smooth.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, beverage powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Add banana mixture and combine, using few strokes as possible. Do not over mix.
Fold in walnuts or raisins.

Scrape into pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Blueberry Muffins

1 ½ cups gluten-free flour
¾ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup almond, rice milk, OR water
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
Combine first 4 ingredients. Combine wet ingredients. Mix the wet and dry together. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups to the top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Macaroni & Cheese

2 tablespoons casein-free butter
2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup rice milk
Dash of onion powder to taste
1 Butternut squash
Gluten-free elbow macaroni noodles
Cut up butternut squash and cook by boiling in water.

While butternut squash is cooking begin basic white sauce by melting butter in saucepan over low heat. Blend in flour and salt, stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbly.

Remove from heat. Stir in the milk and onion powder; return to heat and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, until thickened.

Once butternut squash is cooked. Drain it and mash it. Then add the squash to the thick white sauce. The more squash you add the more yellow it gets. Just keep adding until you get the color you want.

Pour the yellow sauce over cooked brown rice elbow macaroni and there you’ll have
macaroni and cheese (WITHOUT THE CHEESE!)

Grilled Peanut Butter Sandwiches

2 slices GF/CF Bread
Peanut Butter, as desired
Butter Substitute
Make a peanut butter sandwich, melt a tablespoon of butter substitute in a frying pan, or spread it on the sandwich and cook until brown on both sides. Enjoy!

Chicken Tenders

1 pound chicken breast strips (fresh or frozen)
1 egg
2 cups gluten-free bread crumbs
1 1/2 tsp season salt
Beat egg in medium sized bowl.
Mix bread crumbs with season salt in a second bowl or bag.
Dip chicken tenders in egg bowl, then toss in the bowl or bag with seasoned crumb mix.
Fry in skillet on medium-high heat, with ½ inch oil. Turn to cook on all sides, 4-5 minutes per side.

Multiple sclerosis diet

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent disease that affects the central nervous system, with millions of people worldwide suffering from it on a daily basis. With so many people suffering from it, you should not feel alone in any way, and there are many things you can do to improve your condition simply by eating the right foods. Before we go into what kinds of foods you should eat, let us go over how multiple sclerosis affects the body, to give you a better understanding of the disease.

The effects of multiple sclerosis on the body can range from moderate to severe, and can be very debilitating in some people. On the surface, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis become apparent through the random appearance of skin lesions. However, even more devastating are the internal effects, as inflammation occurs in the brain’s “white matter”, also in the optic nerves, and even in the spinal cord! This inflammation spurs consequential deterioration of the myelin sheath. It is this myelin sheath (which is produced by oligodendrocytes) that provides protection for axons. These axons have a very special function in your body, because they speed up and facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses in the spinal cord and brain. When your axons are left without protection a wide variety of symptoms arise, as the nerve impulses in your brain and spinal chord are hindered.

The goal of a multiple sclerosis diet is to allow people to manage these symptoms caused by the deterioration of the myelin sheath. The symptoms that can be eliminated through diet and exercise alone are many, and among the most notable are constipation, incontinence and fatigue. A good multiple sclerosis diet will also help you prevent other symptoms from becoming more severe.



The following dietary regimens are aimed to towards fixing the three main factors that are said to cause multiple sclerosis. These three causes are deficient or excessive amounts of a specific vitamin/nutrient in your diet, an allergic reaction to a part of your diet or the effects of certain components of your diet that are toxic to your system. If you practice the following dietary tips then you should notice a decrease in symptoms within the first week or two.

The first thing you need in your diet is plenty of protein and anti-inflammatory oils. A good source of anti-inflammatory oil is aloe. You can try taking an aloe supplement with your meal every day. Other things that are high in anti-inflammatory oils are: seeds, nuts, and cold-water fish orange, yellow, and dark green vegetables. You will also need plenty of whole grains such as oats, whole wheat bread, whole grain corn and brown rice. These whole grains will give a boost in fiber to your diet’s carbohydrates. In the beginning, however, it is a good idea to avoid common food allergens such as eggs, soy, wheat, dairy, citrus, tomatoes, corn, fish, chocolate and peanuts. I am not saying that you should never eat these foods again, because as mentioned whole wheat can be beneficial, but it is good to eliminate these foods, and then reintroduce them to your diet one at a time. This way you can observe any adverse reactions. Many people with multiple sclerosis are very sensitive to foods that have gluten in them. Generally you should eliminate alcohol, saturated fats refined foods, caffeine, and additives, such as artificial sweeteners (aspartame especially).

You will also want to includes supplements that contain Omega-3, Omega- 6, vitamin C and zinc. Take these supplements with the above dietary regimen and you should begin seeing results within a few days. I hope this article has helped someone with multiple sclerosis and do not forget to monitor your diet closely to observe any adverse reactions.

Heart healthy diet

A heart healthy diet is centered on the idea of keeping the good cholesterol high (HDL cholesterol) and the bad cholesterol low (LDL cholesterol); it also works to prevent heart disease. Some cholesterol is naturally made by the body, and this happens more often when you eat certain foods that contain saturated fats or trans fats. There are also foods that provide some cholesterol, mostly animal products: meats, poultry, eggs, shellfish, butter, milk, and cheese. Recommendations to eat the right amount of fats, cholesterol, and other foods are all guidelines of the heart healthy diet.

Nutrition Guidelines

Keep your intake of total fat between 25 and 35 percent. Of this, saturated fat intake should be less than 7 percent and trans fat less than 1 percent.
Limit intake of cholesterol from food to 300 milligrams. Those who have high LDL cholesterol or who are on cholesterol medication should set their limit at 200 milligrams.
Eat at least 25-30 grams of dietary fiber each day.
Limit sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams or less per day.
Drink alcohol in moderation. This means no more than 1 for women and no more than 2 for men.
What You Should Eat
The Heart Healthy Diet isn’t just about the foods you can’t eat, it is more about the foods you can and should eat!

Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits; they can be either fresh or frozen, or canned in the case of vegetables.
Eat high-fiber foods.
Eat whole grains by making substitutions for refined grain products. Here are some examples: whole-wheat flour, whole-grain bread, whole-grain pasta, oatmeal, and flax seed.
Choose low fat protein sources, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, egg whites, and egg substitutes.
Eat fat-free or 1 percent fat dairy products, including yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, and milk (milk is an excellent source of protein as well).
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Making Healthy Choices
If you know your stuff, it is easy to make healthy choices. You are always capable of enjoying flavorful foods, both at home and when dining out. After a little research and education, you will pick up on these habits in no time. For example, you might not have known that partially hydrogenated oils are the same as trans fats, so try to eliminate foods with this ingredient. This one is a no-brainer: try to avoid foods with added sugar. But most important of all is learning how to read food labels and putting your nutrition knowledge into practice.



Controlling portion sizes is another way to keep your heart healthy and your daily calories in a realistic budget.
Plan ahead on the weekends by making a menu for the whole week. At least make a dinner menu, but try to include lunch ideas as well. This way, you don’t get off track or have the opportunity to make excuses.
Allowing yourself an occasional treat will do you good too. If you deprive yourself forever of the foods you love, you will end up bingeing and probably having a major setback. It is best to treat yourself every once in awhile.
Exercise! It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Including at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity exercise is good for your heart and for your waistline. I would venture to say that it would make you feel healthier too.
The best part about all this is that the whole family (except those under 2 years of age) will benefit from the Heart Healthy Diet.
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Gastritis diet

Gastritis is a specific medical term for an inflammation of the stomach lining. There are many reasons why someone may suffer from gastritis and these include drinking too much alcohol, smoking cigarettes, taking drugs for pain relief, high levels of stress and taking medication for arthritis. Gastritis will come about due to the stomach lining being damaged and then the naturally produced stomach acid will set about harming your internal cells and thus causing inflammation. Gastritis has also been known to be caused by bacterial infections. This is especially true of a microorganism called Helicobacter pylori. Although gastritis can be treated with medication, it is typically solved through certain behavioural changes, especially in your diet.

The most common way to treat gastritis is to avoid overeating. The best way to achieve this is to control what you eat between meals times, and also the amount you actually eat at each meal. The basic idea is to allow your stomach some time to break down the food before introducing new food into your stomach. This can be achieved by eating smaller meals. An example would be that rather than eating a large steak and a whole jacket potato, you can easily cut this meal in half and eat it over two separate sittings. This will allow your stomach more than enough time to break down the food, which will dramatically reduce the chances of irritation occurring within the stomach.

There are also certain drinks and beverages that you should look to avoid if you are someone who suffers with gastritis symptoms. These include black tea, coffee, soda, alcohol and orange juice. All of these drinks either contain high amounts of acid or caffeine which can cause severe irritation of the stomach lining. It is also advisable to avoid chocolate-based drinks such as cocoa and chocolate milk. It is best to consume drinks that are naturally low in acid, alcohol and caffeine. Without doubt, one of the best drinks for someone suffering from gastritis is water. You will actually find that there are certain manufacturers who make low acid coffees and orange juices.



If there are certain foods that typically give you gas, you should look to avoid these as well. Some foods that are well known for causing gas include broccoli, beans, cabbage and peppers. Rather than completely cutting these foods from your diet, you can actually prepare them in a way that reduces their gas forming abilities. An example would be to take dried beans or peas and soak them in water in order to reduce their gases. You have the choice of either soaking them overnight or initially boiling them for a few minutes prior to soaking them for a few hours. The majority of vegetables will have some very specific instructions on the product label which will explain exactly how to soak them.

Foods that are high in fat are well known for causing many stomach related problems. These problems can become far worse for someone who is suffering from gastritis. Certain fatty meats such as luncheon meat, ground beef and pork sausages should be avoided. You should also look to reduce the number dairy products that are made with whole milk from your diet. Once again you do not need to completely cut these foods out of your diet, but merely look to consume the less fatty alternatives. You can purchase the majority of dairy products as a reduced fat or fat-free variety. Ground beef can also be purchased with substantially reduced fat content.

Foods that contain a high amount of seasoning have been known to encourage the symptoms of gastritis. These may include chilli, spaghetti and soups. Certain spices such as chilli powder, ground peppers, cloves and nutmeg can also cause your gastritis to flare up. The majority of these spices are high in acid and fat content and are therefore more than likely to irritate gastritis symptoms. You should look to cut down on certain condiments such as gravy, mustard and salad dressing. A fantastic alternative is to cook meat far slower and add freshly chopped herbs. For example you can cook chicken in a slow cooker and add certain fresh herbs such as rosemary. This helps to avoid the use of gravy, sauces and dips and your chicken will still remain tender and flavoursome.

Some ideal foods to eat if you suffer from chronic gastritis are rice, barley and wheat bran. It is also essential that you eat plenty of vegetables especially the green, leafy variety. Vegetables that are high in water content such as cucumber, celery, pumpkin and sprouts can also soothe the stomach and its lining. It is also a good idea to replace vegetable or corn oil with olive oil and look to regularly eat fruits that are not considered acidic.

Healthy breakfast foods for kids

We all know that in the mornings there is zero time for dawdling. Sometimes it feels like a miracle when you finally have the kids out the door after they’ve been woken up, dressed, and fed. Imagine this: the whole family, including those once-cranky kids, wakes up happy as can be, makes it down in time for the family breakfast, and gets to work/school with 5 minutes to spare.

Actually, breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it provides you morning energy, along with that metabolism boost to keep the calories burning throughout the day. While this perfect scenario rarely happens in busy households on week days, it is important to get this meal in those growing kids’ bellies. Enough with the pop tarts, doughnuts, and cereals that are practically a bowl of cookies with milk; it’s time to bring in the real goodies. You might be asking yourself: so if I’m short on time anyway, how in the world am I going to fix my kid a healthy breakfast and at the same time not bust through my grocery budget? The answer is that fixing healthy breakfasts is just as simple, it can be just as cheap, but it is way better for the children. Even on-the-go breakfasts can be healthy. Healthy breakfasts provide the nutrients that your kids need to get them through to lunch.

Yummy and Healthy Breakfast Suggestions



Mix and Match. Try having dairy and grains; grains and fruits; dairy and fruit. Even try adding protein in there. A variety of foods will provide the most vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Always Be Prepared. For those days when there is just no way to fix something, have healthy bars on hand, such as Nutri-grain, Quaker Breakfast Squares, or Nature Valley. Send one of these and a banana off with your child for a healthy start.
Keep a Stock. English muffins, (wheat) bread, bagels, frozen multi-grain waffles, oatmeal—these are all things that are easily kept on hand and are a lot healthier than grabbing a pop tart or doughnut. For the toppings, use a low-fat cream cheese, butter, or a small squirt of jelly.
Protein. Eggs, bacon (preferably turkey bacon), and peanut butter can all be incorporated into a healthy breakfast packed with protein. Eggs can be scrambled, hard-boiled, fried, or cooked into an omelet. Bacon can go with eggs or toast (but don’t fry in fat!). Peanut butter is delicious spread on a warm bagel fresh from the toaster.
Cereal. When buying cereal don’t go for the ones that are just a smaller version of a cookie, go for whole grain cereals that provide relief from a sweet tooth craving. Serve with 1% reduced fat or skim milk.
Yogurt. Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and tastes great. Try either the fruit or non-fruit varieties. Top with a handful of blueberries, sliced banana, or a little bit of cereal.
Smoothies. Smoothies are easy to make and don’t have to have a specific recipe. Most fruits, when blended together with some yogurt, make a great low-calorie, low-fat, and delicious breakfast!
Pancakes. These don’t take long to make, and are a great morning treat. Buy a mix that you only have to add water too, and it will save even more time. Drizzle with syrup and top with fresh strawberries.
Juice. Sometimes kids prefer juice over actual fruit. This is fine, as long as its 100% fruit juice. It will provide at least one serving of fruit and is a great and healthy addition to any breakfast.
It’s Easy!
Serving breakfast (and eating it) should be as much a part of your routine as getting dressed. It fills up the fuel tank that has been deprived since the night before. Stay away from sugary breakfasts and you will have a happier and healthier kid.

Low carb recipes for diabetics

The primary reason for diabetics to opt for a low-carbohydrate diet is not to lose weight, but to be more efficient with the calories consumed relative to bodily functions. Diabetics lack the proper functioning ability of insulin, which is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. It might be a result of insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, or a combination of both. Due to the insulin disorder, when glucose (sugar) is consumed, the insulin is unable to perform its job and deliver the sugar to muscles, tissues, and cells; this failure causes a build up in the blood. A low carb diet reduces the amount of sugar being taken into the body, and therefore, reduces the amount that needs to be transported or extracted from the blood.

Don’t feel like you have to give up the sugar taste to accommodate for this type of diet. Splenda is a no calorie artificial sweetener, and contains no actual sugar. By replacing Splenda with regular sugar, which can be substituted cup for cup, the carbohydrate content of foods can decrease dramatically. And it tastes great! Also, sugar free ingredients are more prevalent these days from cool whips to peanut butters. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Italian Chicken Noodle Soup
Makes 6 servings.



1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups broccoli florets
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½ -inch pieces 1 ½ cups uncooked Dreamfields
1 medium onion, chopped; low-carb pasta (any shape)
2 cans chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups water; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
3 medium carrots, sliced; 1/8 teaspoon pepper
1. In medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Add onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, until onion is tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in broth, water, and carrots and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir in broccoli, noodles, basil, garlic powder, and pepper. Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables and noodles are tender.
Nutrition Analysis: Calories 170, Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 2g), Total Carbohydrate 13g (Fiber 2g), Protein 15g

Sweet Slow-Cooker Barbeque Chicken
Makes 3-4 servings.

¼ cup sugar free barbeque sauce
¾ cup barbeque sauce
1 can Diet Coke sweetened with Splenda
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
Combine all ingredients in a crockpot. Slow cook for 4-6 hours. Once tender, shred the chicken and serve.

Pepper Steak

1 pound sirloin steak (round); 1 green pepper, cut in strips
2 tablespoons cooking oil; 2 tablespoons corn starch
¼ cup chopped onion; 2 tablespoons low-sodium
1 clove garlic; soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt 1 ¼ cup cold water
1 beef bouillon cube
1 cup hot water
1 can (1 lb) tomatoes, chopped or 1 can tomato sauce
1. Cut beef in strips. Heat oil to medium heat and brown the meat in skillet. Add onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook 2 minutes.
2. Dissolve bouillon cube in hot water; add to meat. Cover and simmer 30 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and green pepper. Cook 10 minutes longer. Remove garlic clove.
4. Combine corn starch and cold water. Add soy sauce and cornstarch mixture to meat. Boil for 5 minutes.
5. If desired, serve over (low-carb, if can find in the store) rice.

Snickers Bars
Makes 8 servings.

1-8 ounce container sugar free cool whip
1/3 cup chunky peanut butter (Skippy low-carb, if desired)
1/3 cup Grapenuts cereal
1 pkg. fat free, sugar free chocolate pudding mix (dry)
1 cup reduced sugar chocolate frozen yogurt, softened
Mix all ingredients together. Pour into 8-inch by 8-inch pan. Freeze and cut into 8 servings. You can also use cupcake pans and divide into 8 individual servings instead.

Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake
Makes 8 servings.

1/3 cup Splenda
¼ cup refrigerated fat free egg product
¼ cup oil
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon Minute Maid Frozen Lemon Juice Concentrate
1 (8-oz) container fat free lemon yogurt
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2/3 cup low-sugar red raspberry preserves
1. Heat oven to 350 °F. In medium bowl, combine Splenda, egg product, and oil; beat well. Stir in lemon peel , juice, and yogurt.
2. Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spread half of the batter in ungreased 9-inch round cake pan.
3. Reserve 1/3 cup preserves for top of cake. Carefully spread remaining 1/3 cup preserves over batter to within ¼ inch of edge of pan. Spoon remaining batter over top, spreading to cover preserves completely.

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Longevity diet

Back in 1935 a study was conducted on mice to find out what would happen to them if they were on a calorie restricted diet. The results were astonishing. The rodents that were given all they wanted to eat every day ended up dying long before the ones that were on a diet that was nutrient rich, but restricted in calories. The rodents that ate less lived longer, so a restricted calorie diet began to be referred to as the Longevity Diet. There was then another study done on primates to see if they would have the same results. The results were the same. This was a 20 year study and the primates that were fed the longevity diet also lived longer than the primates that were not fed a restricted calorie diet.

Even though humans were not followed in regards to the initial longevity diet studies, it is now thought that those who stay on the longevity diet can delay the aging process and live longer too. It is also now the view of many experts that people who eat as many calories as they want every day end up shortening their lifespan. Then there was the Biosphere experiment where people lived in a contained facility and did not leave it for 2 years. Because of extenuating circumstances, they had to severely restrict their daily calorie intake and some interesting health results were observed when the experiment was over. The people that stayed in the biosphere facility had their health profiles done when it was over and they were remarkably healthy. Much to everyone’s surprise, they ended up having very healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The amount of c-reactive protein in their blood, which is responsible for the inflammation that leads to disease, was significantly improved as well.

People who go on the Longevity diet should slowly lower the amount of calories that they eat everyday and not try to suddenly restrict their calories. This is a diet that has to be very nutrient rich. The Longevity diet includes foods like lean meats, fish, lean poultry, vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains. You are not supposed to eat any foods that contain empty calories like sugar or white flour and processed foods. Sugary foods like cakes, cookies, donuts, candy bars, ice cream, pies etc should be avoided. No sodas, diet or otherwise. No energy drinks and bars. No white breads or biscuits or pastas made with white flour. No white rice. Again, the aim is to eat foods that are nutrient rich so breads should be eaten that are made from whole wheat flour, rye bread, oat bread or breads made from soy flour. Processed foods have empty calories and sugars and salt added so they should be avoided when you are on the Longevity diet also. Whole grains, brown rice and beans are allowed on a calorie restricted diet.



When people go on a longevity diet they will lose significant amounts of body weight. It has already been proven that being overweight can shorten the lifespan of humans. It turns out the reverse may be true as well. A slightly underweight person may have a longer lifespan. However just going on the Longevity Diet is no guarantee that you will live longer. Someone who is considering going on the Longevity Diet should first consult their physician, especially if they are taking prescription medications.

The Longevity Diet aims to lower calorie consumption by 25-30%. The normal calorie consumption for American adults is between 2000 and 3000 calories a day. If you lower that to a diet containing around 1400 calories a day, that is considered calorie restriction. However the type of calories is extremely important. They must be highly nutritious calorie choices. A group has been formed called the Calorie Restriction Society that studies and supports members on the Longevity Diet. They have reported that when they measure the diastolic function of people on the Longevity Diet, the readings have been as low as people who are almost 2 decades younger. People who go on the Longevity Diet are also encouraged to exercise daily to improve their health.