Monday, October 29, 2012

TOOTH DECAY WREAKS HAVOC ON BODY

I wished that I could turn back the clock to when I was six years old and took care of my oral hygiene.
Hummpph! Wishful thinking.

I recently found out on my own expense that the years of neglect had actually took a toll on my body system.
It was during my school days that my teeth started to deteriorate. Now pay attention to the visiting dentist. For quite a long time , I had felt discomfort at my throat and constantly felt thirsty and very dry especially when I am driving. I had to clear my throat every now and then with "ehemmm".

Through a thorough medical check up using the latest machinery in the market, I was diagnosed to have Streptococcus bacteria and the source was from my decayed tooth. Apparently the bacteria had multiplied over time and had spread to other organ areas.

A strep infection may lead to complications that affect the heart or other organs. Though rare, this can cause serious illness. There are more than 20 different types of strep bacteria, which are split into two main groups:
- Group A strep (strep A), which are often found on the surface of the skin and inside the throat, and are a common cause of infection in adults and children.
- Group B strep (strep B), which usually live harmlessly inside the digestive system, and in women, in the vagina. Strep B tend only to affect newborn babies and usually cause more serious types of infection.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 pregnant women have strep B bacteria in their digestive system.

Let us look at the type of infection caused by strep A.
- a throat infection - specifically an infection at the back of the throat which is known as pharyngitis
- impetigo - a type of skin infection that can cause blistering of the skin
- cellulitis , an infection of the deeper layers of the skin
- inner ear infection
- sinusitis, an infection of the small air-filled cavities that are found behind the forehead and cheekbones

Now the first and the last infections mentioned above are very commonly found. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to the growing problem of microbial resistance. When bacteria are frequently exposed to antibiotics, they may become "superbugs" that cannot be treated with standard medications.

As for the case of the rotten tooth being the root of the cause, there are steps you can take at home to lessen the effect, which is a soothing saltwater gargle. Try mixing a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water to make this easy remedy. Then to address the infection to the other organs, we must take steps to increase the body's own immune system by eating right. We must also boost up with natural food supplements. By educating ourselves with the right information, it is better to find a wholesome remedy that would not affect our health in the long run. We are not going to exchange one ailment with the another, but  we must first address the existing problem promptly. Any further delay may cost you your health and  happiness.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Article by guest writer, Jillian McKee


Using Nutrition as a Weapon Against Cancer

When most think about treating cancer, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery come to mind. There are, however, some other factors that play a role as well. One of these is nutrition, which has increasingly become recognized as a valuable tool in the fight against cancer. Regardless of what stage of fighting cancer the patient is at, nutrition can be a valuable tool.

Before treatment has commenced, nutrition is crucial. Cancer treatments are notoriously taxing on a patient's health and state of mind, and good nutrition can help ease this process. Weight loss is unavoidable when being treated for mesothelioma cancer, breast cancer or another form of cancer, but proper nutrition can help patients prepare for times of poor appetite by building up on nutrients before the commencement of treatment. Plant-based proteins provide the body with the components it needs to create the tools it uses to fight cancer. Eating well also helps the digestive system perform as well as possible.

While treatment is underway, good nutrition remains essential. Some nutrients cannot be stored by the body.  Keeping a regular supply of these nutrients flowing can help. Patients should not be too concerned if they cannot eat well for periods of time; all patients go through these difficult stretches, and a growing number are defeating their cancer. Focusing on eating well when it is possible, however, is important.

After treatment has ended, nutrition is an important tool to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurring. Treatment rarely eliminates the cancer entirely, but the body has a chance at defeating cancerous cells or activities that remain. By eating healthy nutrients and avoiding components of food that increase the odds of cancer, such as saturated and trans fats, patients can prime their bodies to prevent future cancerous activity.

Throughout the process, mental health plays a major role. Stress, anxiety and depression put strain on the body, and the body needs to dedicate as many resources as possible to fighting cancer. Studies have consistently shown the link between mental health and cancer outcomes, so patients should view maintaining an optimistic outlook as a tool for defeating their cancer. There will likely be periods of sadness and anxiety that come up, but working on using nutrition to help maintain a positive outlook can help.

Cancer also gives patients something to focus on while fighting. Too often, patients begin to feel a bit helpless as treatment is underway. Patients rely on specialist doctors who use their years of training and experience to give the patients the best odds they can. Doctors constantly tweak medicine doses and advise patients on the best way to proceed. Nutrition gives patients a topic to focus on, and it provides a route where the patient can have an impact on his or her chances of success.

Survival rates for cancer have never been higher, and the percentage of patients successfully beating cancer is climbing every year. All of these new treatment methods are helped by proper nutrition, and patients owe it to themselves to take the steps necessary to ensure that their nutrition is properly honed to defeat their cancer.