Building Immunity

What does research say in improving the immune function?

Research is continually being made and shown how diet, exercise, age, psychological stress, and other factors influence the immune system of the adults and the children.

Adopt healthy life style habits such as:

Good hygiene-Practice good hygiene methods such as properly wash your hands before consuming food. Maintain good sanitary hygiene methods.

Vaccination- Go for all the mandatory vaccinations required under national immunization programme.
Food Safety-Eat fresh, healthy and clean food
Clean water- Drink chlorinated and safe water.
Refrain from smoking
Consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Keep your weight under check
Avoid alcohol.
Take adequate sleep.
Take important steps to keep stress at bay.

Some herbs which can boost the immune system:

Research has shown that the benefits of following herbs, supplements and essential oils which have been found in building the immunity:

Echinacea

A 2012 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Echinacea was found beneficial in fighting against some recurrent infections, and showed a great benefit in preventing against many infections.

A 2003 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin Medical School demonstrated that Echinacea can boost the immune system. Echinacea was found beneficial in stimulating and boosting the immunity and was found beneficial in fighting against upper respiratory tract infections

Elderberry

Hippocrates, the father of medicine realized the importance of the plant elderberry considering its great health benefits, including its ability to fight colds, the flu, allergies and inflammation. Studies have indicated that elderberry has the power to boost the immune system, especially because it has proven to help treat the symptoms of the common cold and flu.

A study published in the Journal of International Medical Research found that using elderberry within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract reduced the duration of the fly

Colloidal Silver

Silver was a popular to stop spreading the diseases since ancient times. Silver has been recognized as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated that colloidal silver was able to significantly inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Taking one drop of the colloidal silver everyday and applying it on the wounds yields great benefits.

Probiotics

It has been found that an unhealthy gut is a major cause of food related infections, cause autoimmune disease and immune imbalance or a weakened immune system. Probiotics such as yogurt, curd release good bacteria which help to boost the natural immunity.

A research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition suggests that probiotic bacteria may induce different cytokine responses. Probiotics consume at the infancy have proved to improve the immune response and builds the immunity to fight infections.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus is a plant which belongs to the bean and legumes family. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used this plant to build the natural immunity.

A recent review published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that astragalus-based treatments have shown great benefits in the improvement of the toxicity induced by drugs such as immune suppressants and cancer chemotherapeutics. Researchers concluded that astragalus extract has a beneficial effect on the immune system, and it protects the body from gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers.

Ginger

Indian Ayurveda medicine has relied on ginger’s ability for how to boost your immune system before recorded history. It’s believed that ginger can remove the toxins primarily due to its warming effects. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system, our network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.

Ginger root and ginger essential oil can be used to treat infections and diseases with its immune nutrition and anti-inflammatory responses. Ginger also has antimicrobial property, which helps in treating infectious diseases.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses and a Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection. Research shows that vitamin D works to maintain tolerance and promote protective immunity. There have been multiple cross-sectional studies that associate lower levels of vitamin D with increased infection.

One study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital included 19,000 participants, and it showed that individuals with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to report a recent upper respiratory tract infection than those with sufficient levels, even after adjusting for variables such as season, age, gender, body mass and race. Sometimes addressing a nutritional deficiency is how to boost your immune system.

Some other foods which can boost the immune system are:

Oats and Barley
Garlic
Chicken soup
Cereals
Mushrooms

How to Boost Your Immune System with Lifestyle Changes

One must perform exercises on a routine basis to strengthen your immune system. A 2018 human study published in Aging Cell revealed that high levels of physical activity and exercise improve the immune senescence (gradual decline of the immune system) in older adults aged 55 through 79, compared to those in the same age group who were physically inactive. Healthy ageing can be achieved with help of the exercise and good physical activity.Few points as a precaution:

These herbs and medicines taken to boost the immune system should be used in moderation and gap should be given in their consumption. They are highly potent in their nature so must be consumed at regular intervals

Avoid their use if you are pregnant or use them under the guidance of your doctor.

Sources:

https://draxe.com/how-to-boost-your-immune-system/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20503059/power-foods-that-boost-immunity/

Palliative Care

Palliative care, also called comfort care, supportive care and symptom management can improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease. It is helpful for patients and their loved ones to make the transition from treatment meant to cure or control the disease to hospice care by preparing them for physical changes that may occur near the end of life. It also helps them cope with the different thoughts and emotional issues that arise and provide support for family members. Palliative care specialists also provide caregiver support, facilitate communication among members of the healthcare team, and help with discussions focusing on goals of care for the patient.

To read more on Cancer, click on the link below,

Cancer

Cancer Support Groups

Receiving a cancer diagnosis often triggers a strong emotional response. Some people experience shock, anger, and disbelief while others may feel intense sadness, fear and a sense of loss. Even the most supportive family members and friends cannot understand exactly how it feels to have cancer thus leading to a sense of loneliness and isolation in the patient.

Support groups decrease some level of stress as group members can share feelings and experiences that may seem too strange or too difficult to share with family and friends.
Additionally, group dynamics create a sense of belonging that helps each person feel more understood and less alone.

Support group members may also discuss practical information like what to expect during treatment, how to manage pain and other side effects of treatment, how to communicate with health care providers and family members. While many studies have shown that support groups help people with cancer feel less depressed and anxious, support groups are not the right fit for everyone. Some people may benefit from other sources of support. Internet support groups have become increasingly popular in recent years and are a good option for those in remote areas who don’t have easy access to transportation or don’t feel comfortable sharing their experiences in person. They also allow people with rare types of cancer to communicate with others who have the same type of cancer through discussion groups, message boards, or bulletin boards that allow people to post a message and others can reply to it by typing messages back and forth.

To read more on Cancer, click on the link below,

Cancer

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is an aggressive form of HIV. HIV is an infection caused by HIV virus which affects the immune system to an extent that the affected person may become susceptible to minute infections. A person can live with HIV infection if he/she takes appropriate treatment therapy and takes appropriate care. But if proper care and treatment is not given the infection may spread and an exaggerated form of HIV infection results in AIDS.

Anti retroviral therapy is the treatment choice for HIV infection; which in combination with other medicines can prolong the life span of a person infected with the infection.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) person living with HIV can resume a high quality of life with treatment

What is a HIV infection?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks immune cells called CD4 cells, which are a type of T cell. These cells are white blood cells which protect the body against infections. When HIV targets and infiltrates these cells, it reduces the body’s ability to combat other diseases. When HIV infection occurs, the risk of many infection increases and this can even lead to death of the affected person.

What is AIDS infection?

AIDS is an exaggerated form of HIV infection. In case infected person does not take treatment for HIV infection is likely to develop into AIDS as the immune system gradually weakens. However, if HIV infection if flares leads to the AIDS infection.

What causes HIV infection?

Risk of HIV infection occurs through

Infected blood
Infected semen
Infected vaginal secretions
Infected anal fluids
Infected breast milk

HIV infection also happens due to sexual intercourse with an infected person. Sharing infected needles, syringes, HIV infection can also transfer from infected mother to child

Factors on which HIV infection spreads to AIDS

The risk of HIV progressing to AIDS varies widely between individuals and depends on many factors, including:

Age
Body’s internal immune system
Health care and proper ART therapy
Transmission of other infections

Symptoms

For the most part, infections by other bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites cause the more severe symptoms of HIV.
These conditions tend to progress further in people who live with HIV than in individuals with healthy immune systems. Normally, if internal immune system is strong it fights infections, and HIV disrupts this process. To be precise HIV virus attacks our immune system

Prevention

Preventing is the only way to prevent transmission and getting the chances of having a HIV infection. Aside from managing HIV viral load with medications, a person who lives with the disease must take precautions, including the following steps:

Do protected sex, wear condoms to prevent other STIs.
If one is HIV infected stay protected from infections talk to your doctor and take appropriate ART therapy
Avoid foods that are at risk of contamination, such as undercooked eggs, unpasteurized dairy and fruit juice, or raw seed sprouts.
Drink safe and clean water. This minimizes the chances of gastric infections
Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiparasitic infections can be prevented with appropriate treatment therapy

Sources:

https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/expert-answers/early-hiv-symptoms/faq-20058415

https://medlineplus.gov/hivaids.html

Hypochondriasis

It is natural for people to worry about their health. But hypochondriacs get extremely worried about their health and feel that they are seriously ill, or are about to suffer from a seriously illness. Such people do not have any symptoms or experience very less symptoms. Even minimal symptoms become a cause of concern for them.

Some people with hypochondria suffer from a medical condition which is usually not that serious, but they fear that they are suffering from a major disease. Other people with hypochondria are healthy, but have an overwhelming fear about their health in the future. For example, they might think: “What if I get cancer?”

Hypochondriacs are affected with a low quality of life and this condition affects their day to day activities.

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Causes of hypochondria?

The clear cause why people have hypochondria is unknown, but it is more common in people who:

Had stress, illness or a death in the family
Had a neglected or abused childhood
Suffer from serious physical illness
Suffer from serious mental health issue such as anxiety, depression, a compulsive disorder or a psychotic illness
People who have a negative outlook towards life

There are some activities which can make a person more prone towards hypochondria:

Studying about diseases on the Internet
Watching too much TV for diseases
If that person knows a person who is suffering from a serious medical condition

What are the symptoms of hypochondria?

Some common symptoms of hypochondria are:

Affected person continuously thinks about suffering from a serious illness
Affected person keeps on seeing a doctor, in spite of doctor’s continuous reassurances
Keeps on undergoing medical tests
Always keep on talking about health with friends and family
Spends a lot of time on the internet studying symptoms
Disturbed sleep
Suffers from with poor relationship with family, at work and society because of concerns about their health.

What is the treatment of hypochondria?

Doctor will look out for physical problems with which a hypochondriac person usually suffers:

Gives the affected person advice and teaches self-help techniques
Cognitive behavioral therapy is done on such patients
Refers the person to a counselor or psychiatrist
Antidepressants are prescribed to reduce anxiety.
Exercise, good diet and family support helps to reduce the symptoms of hypochondria

What are the complications that can happen, if hypochondriasis is left untreated?

Person with hypochondria can have below mentioned possible complications

Affected person usually suffers from an affected relationship as the near and dear ones are continuously frustrated with the patient’s talk
Affected person in unable to perform well in work place
Person is unable to concentrate on daily life activities; hence it can even lead to disability in performing simple tasks
Frequent doctor visits and health checkups can cause financial crisis
Eventually person suffers from somatic symptom disorder, other anxiety disorders, depression or a personality disorder

How can hypochondria be prevented?

There are some suggestions from doctors which can prevent hypochondria

If anyone is suffering from anxiety, it is advisable to seek professional help soon to prevent further complications.
Try to manage stress in your Life-Seek help, meditation and exercise can help you relieve from stress.
Seek doctor’s advice on a regular basis and stick to your treatment plan to prevent the relapse of hypochondria, in case you are diagnosed with the same

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20373782

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9886-illness-anxiety-disorder-beyond-hypochondriasis

http://beyondocd.org/expert-perspectives/articles/hypochondriasis-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-treat-it

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181122/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypochondria

MEMBER GROUPS – CANCER CARE INDIA

Kolkata

S.no.	Member Support Groups	Address and Contact Details	Contact Person
1.	CANCER FIGHT FOUNDATION	9/2, Central Park, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032. Email:susmitabanerjee2810@gmail.com Email:cancerfightfoundation@gmail.comWeb:www.cancerfightfoundation.org	Dr Achintya Das, M:09830039132, Email:achintyadas.kol@gmail.com Ms Susmita Banerjee, M:09836246972.
2.	CANCERNIRVANA	C/O Soni Emporium, Mani Link Road, Kalimpong-73430	Mr. Naveen Soni,M:09832549000.Email: sonikpg@gmail.com
3.	IDTAISIDNI	CD-54,Salt Lake,Sec-1, Kolkata-700064. Te1:033-23375817Email:hitaishiniindia@yahoo.com	Ms. Vijaya Mukherjee,M: 09830219414Email:vjayamukherjee@yahoo.comMs. Nupur ChakrabortyM:09831999969,Tel: 033-24304800
4.	Laryngectomee Club, CCWH & RI	Mahatma Gandhi Road, Thakurpur, Kolkata-700063 Tel: 033-2467801 /03Web: www.cancercentrecalcutta.org	Mrs. Chakraverty,M: 9831818088,Tel: 033-24610068, Email:bibhutichakraverty@hotmail.com

Treatment cost

“It is a myth that cancer is just a health issue”; says the World Cancer Day website run by the Union for International Cancer Control. “Cancer negatively impacts families; ability to earn an income, with high treatment costs pushing them further into poverty”

The Indian Government’s National Cancer Control Programme, estimates that there are between 2 and 2.5 million cancer patients in the country at any given point of time. As per a BCG study in 2010, as opposed to the 200 cancer centers in existence, India needed at least 840. It is estimated that India has only 2000 oncologists while it needs thrice as many. It is obvious that a shortage of doctors will take its toll on the number of hospitals offering cancer care. Setting up a fully-fledged cancer hospital is capital-intensive – a 100-bed hospital in a city could reportedly cost as much as Rs 50 crore. And human resources, from doctors to nurses to technicians are also a
continuing challenge.

Cancer treatment runs into lakhs of rupees especially when the disease is detected in advanced stages requiring surgery or extensive treatment. By one estimate, over 45 percent of families with one cancer patient face catastrophic expenditures and 25 percent are pushed below the poverty line (BPL). Medical insurance is the only way one can cope with mounting expenses and since India has not seen too much investment in health, it is a long road ahead.

To read more on Cancer, click on the link below,

What is cancer

Chemotherapy treatment

Chemotherapy – Side effects & Cost

Chemotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for cancer and refers to drugs used for cancer treatment with the objectives of cure, control and palliation.

Most chemotherapy (chemo) drugs are strong medicines commonly given at regular intervals called cycles – which is a dose of one or more drugs followed by several days or weeks without treatment. This gives normal cells time to recover from drug side effects.

For maximum benefit, one must get the full course of chemo, the full dose and keep the cycles on schedule. In most cases, the most effective doses and schedules of drugs to treat specific cancers have been found by testing them in clinical trials.

Chemotherapy Side effects

While Chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells, they also damage healthy cells causing side effects. The time taken to get over some side effects varies from person to person and depends on your overall health and the drugs you were given. Many side effects go away fairly quickly after treatment ends, but some may take months to completely go away.

Some of the more common side effects of chemotherapy are fatigue, hair loss, anemia, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, sores and pain with swallowing. Hair loss is a common a side effect of chemo treatments but it is temporary with new hair growth beginning a few weeks after the final treatment.

Weight loss and a lack of energy are equally common making it necessary to continue eating healthy foods. Another common side effect of chemotherapy affects digestion and you might have a metallic taste in the mouth or a yellow or white coating on your tongue. The patient must avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other germs as the immune system are weakened during Chemo.

Chemotherapy drugs may cause memory problems and make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. This symptom sometimes is called “chemo fog,” or “chemo brain.” Chemotherapy drugs may alter hormones and result in mood swings. Sexual function and fertility may also be impacted in some cases.

Living with cancer and dealing with chemotherapy could also take an emotional toll. Patients can be overwhelmed and even depressed as they juggle work, family, and financial responsibilities or cope with pain and discomfort.

Complementary therapies like massage and meditation can be a helpful solution for relaxation and relief. Cancer support group where you can speak with others undergoing cancer treatment is helpful but if feelings of depression persist, professional counseling may be required.

Chemotherapy Treatment Cost

“It is a myth that cancer is just a health issue," says the World Cancer Day website run by the Union for International Cancer Control. & Cancer negatively impacts families&39; ability to earn an income, with high treatment costs pushing them further into poverty”

The Indian Government’s National Cancer Control Programme estimates that there are between 2 and 2.5 million cancer patients in the country at any given point of time. As per a BCG study in 2010, as opposed to the 200 cancer centers in existence, India needed at least 840. It is estimated that India has only 2000 oncologists while it needs thrice as many. It is obvious that a shortage of doctors will take its toll on the number of hospitals offering cancer care. Setting up a fully-fledged cancer hospital is capital-intensive – a 100-bed hospital in a city could reportedly cost as much as Rs 50 crore. And human resources, from doctors to nurses to technicians are also a continuing challenge. Cancer treatment runs into lakhs of rupees especially when the disease is detected in advanced stages requiring surgery or extensive treatment. By one estimate, over 45per cent of families with one cancer patient face catastrophic expenditures and 25 percent are pushed below the poverty line (BPL). Medical insurance is the only way one can cope with mounting expenses and since India has not seen too much investment in health, it is a long road ahead.

To read more on Cancer, click on the link below,

What is cancer?

Dealing with Pain

Pain from cancer or from the treatments can affect normal day-to-day activities and cause trouble in sleeping and eating and even result in feeling irritable, frustrated, sad and angry. The good news is that all pain can be treated and most pain can be controlled or relieved. When pain is controlled, people can sleep and eat better, enjoy being with family and friends, and continue with their work and hobbies.

Pain is most often caused by cancer itself. The amount of pain depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s pain threshold. People in an advanced stage of cancer are more likely to have pain which can be caused by a tumor pressing on bones, nerves or body organs. Surgery is often part of the treatment for cancers and some amount of pain is usually expected. Pain due to surgery can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery.
When a tumor spreads to the spine, it can press on the spinal cord and cause spinal cord compression. At other times, cancer spreads to the bones causing bone pain which can be treated through external radiation.

Some tests used to diagnose cancer can cause pain and is usually relieved after the procedure. Even when you are told that the pain from the procedure can’t be avoided or that it won’t last long, you can ask for pain medicine if you need it. The type of pain you have determines the type of treatment. Chronic pain can usually be controlled by taking pain medicines on a regular schedule. People with chronic pain can also have breakthrough pain which varies in intensity and usually cannot be predicted. It typically “breaks through” the pain relief they were getting from regular pain medicine.

Phantom pain is a longer-lasting effect of surgery, beyond the usual surgical pain. If you’ve had an arm, leg, or even a breast removed, you may still feel pain or other unusual or unpleasant feelings that seem to be coming from the absent (phantom) body part. Other types of pain are:

Peripheral neuropathy (PN). Burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, clumsiness, trouble walking, or unusual sensations in the hands and arms and/or legs and feet are the main signs
Peripheral neuropathy is due to nerve damage caused by certain types of chemotherapy, by vitamin deficiencies, cancer, and other problems.
Mouth sores (stomatitis or mucositis). Chemotherapy can cause sores and pain in the mouth and throat. The pain can cause people to have trouble eating, drinking, and even talking.
Radiation mucositis and other radiation injuries can cause skin burns, mucositis (mouth sores), and scarring – all of which can cause pain. The throat, intestine, and bladder are also prone to radiation injury, and you may have pain if these areas are treated.

To read more on Cancer, click on the link below,

Cancer

MELANOMA

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It gets its name from the pigment producing cells of the skin, called melanocyte. Sometimes, these melanocytes get triggered to start replicating very rapidly and erratically and they are termed to have turned cancerous.

What are the causes for Melanoma?

Melanomas are most commonly caused by sun damage- the harmful ultraviolet sun rays damage the DNA of the cells. Melanomas can run in families and tends to be more common in people of Caucasian descent.

How to recognize Melanoma?

The most common way that people recognize melanomas is by seeing changes in a mole. Most melanomas tend to be brown but they can be pink, purple or even white.

It also helps to know some things that you need to keep a watch for

Asymmetry in a mole- Moles tend to be uniform in their shape. Any change in their shape would be a warning sign that needs to be checked.
Uneven border of a mole- Most moles are quite smooth to touch. But, if the edge feels rough or irregular, then it’s a significant change.
Any colour change in a mole is another warning sign and should be examined by a doctor.
Any bleeding or itching in a mole should be checked.
A sudden increase in the size of the mole is another warning sign.

If you notice any of these signs, a visit to your doctor is called for. Your doctor might recommend a skin biopsy in which a small piece of skin is removed and examined. In case required, a biopsy of lymph nodes, CT scans and other tests might also be advised.

If diagnosed early, most melanomas are easily cured by surgery which involves removing the affected part of the skin. If the cancer is more advanced, the surgery might also involve removing the lymph nodes in the surrounding area. In case of the cancer having spread to other parts of the body, immunotherapy or chemotherapy might be recommended. Immunotherapy involves energizing the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer. In chemotherapy, strong drugs are used to destroy the cancer causing cells.

Can I prevent Melanoma?

The commonest cause of melanomas is excess sun exposure. So, a few precautions, like using sunscreen with an SPF of 20-30 and a four or five star UVA protection can help. Reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours is also important. Also, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 11 am and 3 pm, can actually help in preventing melanoma. It’s also advisable to avoid tanning rooms as these are also damaging.
Self-monitoring of moles can also help. By keeping the warnings signs in mind, any change in a mole can be checked immediately.

Just a few precautions and timely detection can help in keeping a check on melanomas.

We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before starting any treatment regime.

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