The colon is the longest part of the large intestine. It is responsible for absorbing nutrients and storing solid waste before transporting it to the rectum. The formation of tumors in the colon is known as cancer. The tumors lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and irritable bowel syndrome. There are multiple methods to manage colon cancer. However, these treatments depend on the stage and location of the growth. Diagnoses at home Identifying colon cancer in the early stages can help ensure a more effective treatment plan. Colorguard is one such tool used to diagnose colorectal cancer at home. The kit is available with a doctor’s prescription. It can be used to screen for cancer in adults 45 years of age and older by detecting specific DNA markers and blood in the stool. FDA-approved treatments There are several FDA- approved treatments prescribed by doctors to manage colon cancer. A few of them are include: Avastin (Bevacizumab) The injection is approved to treat metastatic colorectal cancer in case the colon cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. The treatment is combined with intravenous fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Xeloda (Capecitabine) The FDA-approved treatment is prescribed when colon cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes close to the colon after surgery.

According to the American Cancer Society, there have been about 236,740 lung cancer cases so far in the year 2022. The condition is commonly diagnosed in adults between 65 to 70 years of age; however, it may occur earlier too. Lung cancer can be classified into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This article talks about the treatments for NSCLC and foods and remedies to manage lung cancer. Treatment methods for non-small cell lung cancer Once NSCLC metastasizes, it is challenging to find a complete cure for it;  however, certain targeted therapies and kinase inhibitors may stump the progress of the condition or contain it successfully. Given below are some treatments for NSCLC at different stages. IMFINZI® IMFINZI® is an option for patients with Stage 3 lung cancer that cannot be treated via surgery. It is most commonly used to treat NSCLC in cases where the disease has not progressed after concurrent chemoradiation therapy. TAGRISSO® TAGRISSO® is a once-daily targeted therapy treatment for those with epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR) plus NSCLC. It helps prevent lung cancer from recurring post-surgery. TAGRISSO® may be taken with or without food. GILOTRIF® GILOTRIF® is indicated as a treatment option for patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have non-resistant EGFR mutations.

Deodorants and antiperspirants for sensitive skin work differently owing to their chemical composition. While deodorants help actively reduce underarm odor, antiperspirants block sweating. Some skincare products provide both benefits in the same product. However, the main concern is the type of chemicals used while making the formula. Most products available in the market contain some biochemical composition that can trigger irritation and allergies for people with sensitive skin. Harmful chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants Skincare products manufactured for underarms contain the following chemicals. These compounds can become toxic with regular use. Aluminum Aluminum salts help prevent excessive sweating. But studies indicate harmful effects of continued use linked to an increase in certain types of cancers, kidney diseases, bone problems, and even cognitive issues. Parabens Parabens, a type of artificial preservative, are used in most branded deodorants and antiperspirants. And these compounds get absorbed by the skin easily. Studies show that parabens interfere with hormones in the body and increase the risk of breast cancer with regular use. Triclosan Triclosan contains antimicrobial properties that fight body odor. Research suggests that exposure to the ingredient increases the risk of endocrine disorders. Best recommended natural deodorants and antiperspirants Dermatologists suggest the use of skincare products that are free of parabens and active compounds to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Lung cancer develops in the cells that line the air passages. The two common types of the condition include small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Another form of lung cancer is carcinoid tumors. Known as neuroendocrine tumors, they are rare and grow slowly. No permanent cure for lung cancer exists yet. But certain foods, herbs, and treatment options can help one cope with the condition. Foods There are several foods that can help improve the symptoms of lung cancer. Blueberries They contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that eliminates cancer cells in the body. Quercetin also helps in slowing down the growth of lung cancer. Salmon Rich in vitamin D, salmon is an excellent food choice for people with lung cancer. Vitamin D prevents the growth of cancer cells in the lungs. Other healthy sources of fatty fish include mackerel and herring. Herbs These herbs can be used to manage the symptoms of lung cancer. Rosemary This herb is known for its benefits in reducing cancerous cells. Rosemary has two polyphenols, carnosic acid, and rosmarinic acid. These polyphenols are known for inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, and in helping the body fight these abnormal cells. Basil Basil is a traditional herb that has been used in cooking and treatments for centuries.

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which the initially flexible, round red blood cells become crescent moon- or sickle-shaped. As a result, blood flow through small vessels slows down or stops, leading to various symptoms. The only cure for sickle cell anemia is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. However, recent studies have shown that certain herbs and their blend can also provide relief. Read on to learn more about the herbal management of sickle cell anemia. Niprisan herbal extract formula Nigeria has the highest number of sickle cell patients in the world. To help its citizens fight the disease, the Nigerian government’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) developed a herbal formula called Niprisan that has shown promising results. It is made with extracts from four different plants: Piper guineense seed: Also called the West African pepper or Guinea pepper Pterocarpus osum stem: An African timber Eugenia caryophyllus: Also called cloves Sorghum bicolor: Also known as sorghum, great millet, durra, jowari/jowar, or milo The main active compounds of these herbs are piperine, chavicine, capsaicin, and cubebin. The medicine is unlikely to cause significant side effects. Fagara zanthoxyloides Herbal management of sickle cell anemia involves a few other herbs as well, which have shown promising results.

An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with the amount of stress we are burdened with to achieve the “perfect life” has left us combating various serious health issues. Some of these ailments are hereditary, whereas, some of them are self-created. And, then there are those ailments that fall under both these categories. Diabetes is one such ailment that is known to have its roots firmly planted in our genes and can be a result of our reckless lifestyle as well. However, if normal blood sugar levels are maintained, people can easily coexist with diabetes and lead a normal life. Whichever treatment a person opts for controlling their diabetes, it involves maintaining normal blood sugar levels. A rise in the blood sugar levels leads to a string of other problems. So, the key to living with diabetes involves taking steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn’t an ailment that can be cured completely. So, one must follow these tips to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Lose weight Obesity is the root cause of a wide-range of disease or is known to worsen an already existing condition. Excess weight makes the person resistant to insulin, and this, in turn, disrupts the normal blood sugar levels in the body.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by unstable blood sugar levels. While treatment and lifestyle changes help manage the disease, eating the right foods is essential. So, are fruits healthy for diabetes? Well, fruits have a lot of nutrients and phytochemicals, which are necessary for the body. But, they are also rich in sugar. Hence, diabetes patients must understand how to add fruits to their everyday meals. Here are some diabetes fruit intake tips. Understand how fruits affect blood sugar Fruits have a natural sugar called fructose, which breaks down quickly and gets absorbed by the liver. However, fructose can bypass a signal that indicates when the cells have consumed too much sugar. This is problematic for diabetic patients as the sugar levels can increase significantly after eating a lot of fructose. The amount of fructose differs among fruits. So, certain varieties may raise sugar levels faster. But, it is challenging to measure sugar responses in patients. For some, eating bananas may not be an issue, but it may cause blood sugar levels to rise for others. Therefore, it is best to consider the fruit’s glycemic index (GI), which shows how quickly it will affect blood sugar. The numbers vary depending on how the fruits are prepared.

Sugar can be an addictive ingredient in food and drinks. With all the processed and fast food available at every store, it becomes difficult to avoid this component. While some are strict about their diet, some do not keep a tab on their daily sugar intake. Let’s look at some of the signs and symptoms that may point toward excess sugar intake in a diet. Weight gain Sugars tend to be used up by the body very quickly, leaving it hungry for more. Most processed foods and sugary treats do not have anything nutritious content in them – no protein, fiber, or healthy fats – to keep the body full and satiated. So consuming sugary foods or drinks is like consuming empty calories with no benefits. According to research, it was also observed that sweet beverages promoted weight gain in adults as well as children. High blood pressure Research suggests that too much sugar in the diet can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure in individuals. Studies observe that high glucose levels could be responsible for damaging the lining inside the blood cells, making it vulnerable for cholesterol to stick to them. This can cause the vessels to narrow down, making it difficult for blood to flow.

Diabetes is a condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It interferes with the body’s ability to process blood sugar, or blood glucose. Every single diabetes patient probably knows that they must eat healthy to maintain normal blood sugar levels. However, the problem is that many foods marketed as healthy and considered diabetes-friendly can actually cause a spike in blood sugar levels. In this article, we’ve listed foods many people don’t know are bad for diabetics. Brown rice When thinking of healthy rice, brown rice is the first thing that comes to many people’s minds. It is a whole grain that has the bran, germ, and endosperm intact. Indeed, brown rice is healthier than white rice, thanks to its rich fiber content. But it also contains a high amount of carbohydrates, which quickly break down into glucose, sending blood sugar levels soaring. Before making a brown rice recipe, it’s important to watch the portion size to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Dried fruits Many people have the habit of noshing on dry fruits. But these fruits, particularly raisins, are bad food choices for those with diabetes. When a fruit is dried, it loses all water, resulting in a higher concentration of its various nutrients, including sugar and carbohydrates.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common health condition that leads to pain, swelling, loss of function, and joint stiffness. While the exact cause of RA is not known, healthcare experts say that factors like the environment, genes, and hormones influence the condition. Some people experience the disease for a short period, while others experience chronic symptoms. In either case, it is always good to learn a few ways to manage and avoid rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise Gentle exercises regularly will help strengthen the muscles around the joints. Speak to your doctor about the exercises suitable for your condition. Starting with a simple walk and then moving on to biking will also benefit your muscles. Learning relaxation techniques Other than exercise, involving yourself in relaxation activities can also help improve rheumatoid arthritis. Guided imagery, muscle relaxation, yoga, and guided imagery are a few relaxation methods to help soothe the pain. Practicing  Tai chi The method is preferred to relieve stress in a person’s life. Studies have further revealed that Tai chi helps improve mood and quality of life in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The method combines gentle exercises, stretching, and deep breathing. Be sure to learn from a professional instructor, and avoid any movements that may increase your pain.