#does elevated pancreatic enzymes mean cancer

[lustgarten22]

What Cancers Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Does high alt and ast mean cancer? Elevated levels of liver enzymes such as ALT and AST can be a sign of liver damage or disease, but they can also be associated with certain types of cancer. One such cancer is pancreatic cancer, which can cause elevated levels of these enzymes as the cancer spreads to the liver.

However, elevated liver enzymes do not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. Other conditions that can cause elevated liver enzymes include viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain medications.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice, it is important to speak with your doctor about the possibility of pancreatic cancer or other liver-related conditions. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for elevated liver enzymes, as well as imaging pancreatic cancer test and biopsies to confirm a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Early detection is key to improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer, but the disease can be difficult to diagnose. If you are at high risk for pancreatic cancer, such as if you have a family history of the disease, it is important to speak with your doctor about regular screening and monitoring.

In conclusion, elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of pancreatic cancer, but they can also be associated with other conditions. If you are concerned about your liver health, it is important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and any tests or procedures that may be necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

[dreddymd]

How to Treat and Prevent Diabetes

In New Paradigms in Diabetic Care, we discover the best medicines for avoiding diabetes or treating it. It should come as no surprise to anyone that magnesium deficiency leads directly to the diabetic condition and the same can be said about bicarbonate deficiencies.

Dr. Jay Shubrook writes, “Most people associate diabetes with excessive sugar intake or unhealthy living and think having diabetes means constantly taking shots of insulin. In fact, many don’t realize there are actually a variety of diabetes that affect people in different ways. While some of the preconceptions surrounding disease contain an ounce of truth, there are more facts dispelling these presumptions than supporting them. With so many people now affected by diabetes, it’s important to know how to separate fact from fiction, especially now.”

Most mainstream doctors just cannot bring their minds around to accept the most basic reality of diabetes. In his essay 5 Myths and Misconceptions About Diabetes – BustedDr. Shubrook does not even come close to addressing the fundamentals of the diabetic condition, which is more often caused by acid conditions (bicarbonate deficiencies—remember one of the main functions of the pancreas is to create bicarbonates). Moreover, of course magnesium has everything to do with insulin, its production, shape and cell wall receptivity to it.

The pancreas is harmed, as are all organs, if the body becomes too acidic. The pancreas is especially sensitive to acidic conditions. Without sufficient bicarbonates, the pancreas is slowly destroyed. When the pancreas loses the ability to produce enough bicarbonate essential for the pancreatic enzymes to function properly,undigested proteins penetrate the bloodstream inducing allergic reactions and inflammation.

Magnesium – Insulin Resistance Supplements

Diabetics are magnesium deficient. High levels of magnesium decrease insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics. People with diabetes waste more magnesium due to increased urination from elevated and fluctuating blood sugars and so need to constantly replenish their magnesium stores.

Most people and doctors do not know it but without insulin, magnesium does not get transported from our blood into our cells where it is most needed. When insulin becomes problematic, magnesium is excreted through our urine instead of getting into the cells meaning we waste our magnesium perpetuating and worsening the diabetic condition.

Low serum and intracellular magnesium concentrations lead to insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and decreased insulin secretion thus magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity thus lowering insulin resistance.

My recommendation for diabetes is to use magnesium bicarbonate water and drink at least 4 cups per day, which will directly supplement both magnesium and bicarbonate. Moreover, as always, I recommend constant use of Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, which will take magnesium levels higher than just using the magnesium bicarbonate water or oral magnesium products alone.

The use of magnesium bicarbonate as a replacement for typical drinking water will restore adequate bicarbonate levels, raise pH levels and allow proper functioning and activity of enzymes in diabetics. It will also over time dissolve the calcium hydroxyapetit fibers that surround the pancreas and its cells causing dysfunction. For a deep look at magnesium and how it effects diabetes and other associated diseases see the magnesium library.

A Tufts study led by Adela Hruby [1]. found that healthy people with the highest magnesium intake were 37% less likely to develop high blood sugar or excess circulating insulin, common precursors to diabetes. Among people who already had those conditions, those who consumed the most magnesium were 32% less likely to develop diabetes than those consuming the least.

Iodine and Diabetes

Doctors, who prescribe high dose iodine therapy for other diseases, such as breast cancer, are finding that iodine can lower insulin and oral anti-diabetic drug requirements in their diabetic patients. Dr. Michael Donaldson says, “Iodine stabilizes the heart rhythm, lowers serum cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and is known to make the blood thinner as well, judging by longer clotting times seen by clinicians. Iodine is not only good for the cardiovascular system, it is vital. Sufficient iodine is needed for a stable rhythmic heart beat. Iodine, directly or indirectly, can normalize serum cholesterol levels and normalize blood pressure.Iodine attaches to insulin receptors and improves glucose metabolism, which is good news for people with diabetes. Iodine and iodine-rich foods have long been used as a treatment for hypertension and cardiovascular disease; yet, modern randomized studies examining the effects of iodine on cardiovascular disease have not been carried out.”[1]

What diet is best for diabetes ?

Researchers had found a link between higher consumption of white rice and type 2 diabetes. “What we’ve found is white rice is likely to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Qi Sun of the Harvard School of Public Health. Those who ate the most white rice were 55% more likely to develop the disease than those who ate the least. White rice, white sugar, white bread and white pasta are white because they are stripped of their minerals (magnesium), vitamin and fiber content. These are poisonous foods because they cause magnesium deficiency.

A study published in the journal Diabetologia said that a diet of just 600 calories a day reverse diabetes. After one week on the diet, diabetes patients saw their blood glucose levels return to normal, indicating their diabetes had gone into remission. Eight of the 11 patients remained diabetes-free three months after they stopped the diet.

Previous studies have found a similar reversal of diabetes immediately after gastric bypass surgery. Researchers at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom are now showing that a quick resolution of diabetes, especially in its early years, is possible through diet alone.

The patients adhered to a liquid-based diet consisting of meal replacement drinks. It also included three portions of non-starchy vegetables per day. The diet lasted for eight weeks. After seven days, the participants’ blood-glucose levels were comparable with those of people who did not have diabetes.

The findings may only apply to people who have not had diabetes for a long period of time —the participants had diabetes for less than four years prior to the study. The point though is that liquid fasting with liquefied seeds, vegetable, and fruit juices, or juices loaded with great tasting Rejuvenate with its spirulina and chlorella backbone and loads of combine organic superfoods, provides real medical miracles.

Nutritional Seeds – SOUL Rain International

Seeds are some of the most overlooked nutrient sources out there in the plant-based kingdom, though many are rising in their popularity. With such high nutritional density, seeds are truly a gift from nature improving insulin regulation and will help those with blood sugar issues and diabetes.

Soul Rain Wellness help manage and prevent Diabetes:

Lower blood sugar: Test your blood sugar frequently, as the D-Ribose has proven to reverse type 2 diabetes.

Reduce / prevent inflammation

Provide lots of nutrients that diabetic people need – Good fats as Omega 3

“I am a Type 2 diabetic, my blood sugar levels have been steadily dropping since taking SOUL. My average blood sugar level before SOUL was 150. Five months later my blood sugar average level is a rock solid 101 and is dipping into the 90s. My A1c has dropped from 6.9 to 6.1. I have lost a whopping 20 pounds and my waist has reduced by 2 1/2 inches. By June of this year, my blood sugars were getting so low that my DR. took me off 1 of my blood sugar medications temporarily and last week made it permanent. My hope and prayer is that in a few months that I will get to stop all blood sugar medications and be able to say “I no longer have Type 2 Diabetes!”

The picture below is before and after right hand of a lady with diabetes that has been taking SOUL. It takes 2 to 3 months taking 2 SOULS or more per day to have theses results.

Cinnamon for diabetes as a treatment gained plausibility in 2003, when a study from Alam Khan suggested several grams of cassia cinnamon per day could lower fasting blood glucose. Khan randomized Type 2 diabetes to 1g, 3g, or 6g of cinnamon for 40 days. All three groups improved their fasting blood glucose, and blood lipid levels.

PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields

Low-frequency PEMF can be used as an adjunct in reducing neuropathic pain as well as for retarding the progression of neuropathy in a short span of time.[2]Dr. William Pawluk says, “Magnetic fields protect against cell injury by improving circulation, repair processes, and energy, and increasing special stress proteins in the cells. These proteins are used to prevent cell breakdown and wear and tear, as well as help speed recovery from injury. Magnetic fields balance cells, tissues and bodily functions at very fundamental levels, even before damage and problems become obvious to you. One of the most basic functions magnetic fields have in the body is to increase circulation.” Moreover, Dr. Pawluk reports, “PEMFs have been found to reduce chronic, damaging inflammation.” In my essay ‘Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Cancer and Pain’ I introduce the Earthpulse device, which is the one I use myself because of the low frequency waves it puts out and the power and price of the unit. This is very important technology to become familiar with for it provides healing help on a deep level. This technology is helpful and approved by the FDA to treat cancer and it should be a great help to diabetics.

References (2)

Hruby A, Meigs JB, O’Donnell CJ, Jacques PF, McKeown NM. Higher magnesium intake reduces risk of impaired glucose and insulin metabolism, and progression from prediabetes to diabetes in middle-aged Americans.Diabetes Care.2013 Oct 2.

Evaluation of the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field in the management of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy; Vinay Graak,et al; Int J Diabetes Dev Ctries. 2009 Apr-Jun; 29(2): 56–61. doi: 10.4103/0973-3930.53121; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2812751/

Dr. Mark Sircus AC., OMD, DM (P)

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[healthians]

All You Need To Know About Amylase Test & Its Importance

What is amylase?

Amylase, an enzyme or special protein, is found in the pancreas and salivary glands. A digestive organ located behind the stomach is the pancreas. It makes enzymes that help with food digestion in your intestines.

The pancreas may be damaged or inflamed, allowing it to produce too much or too little amylase. A high level of amylase in your body may mean a problem with your pancreas. An amylase test is nearly invariably ordered at the same time as a lipase test from your doctor. The pancreas produces lipase, a chemical that aids in fat digestion. These tests will tell the doctor whether you have a pancreas disease such as pancreatitis, which means the pancreas is inflamed.

The importance of amylase testing

Amylase levels can be measured in cystic fibrosis patients (CF). This illness leads to lung infections. It may also make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food. In people with cystic fibrosis, high amylase levels may mean that thick mucus plugs are blocking digestive enzymes from moving from the pancreas to the small intestine.

A urine test for amylase should be ordered in combination with or after an Amylase Test In Bengaluru. The appearance of amylase in the urine may help doctors diagnose pancreatic and salivary gland problems. One or more types of tests can be used to monitor amylase levels in patients who are being treated for pancreatic or other disorders.

Steps involved in amylase testing

Alcohol should not be consumed prior to the test. You can also tell the doctor of the medications you're taking. These prescriptions can have an effect on the results of the tests. Your doctor can advise you to stop taking a drug or change the dose temporarily.

What does the outcome of the Amylase Blood Test mean?

If there are elevated levels of amylase in the results, it means:

Kidney function is deteriorating.

Infection of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis)

Salivary gland inflammation is a condition in which the salivary glands become inflamed.

Lung, breast, prostate, or cervical cancer Appendicitis

If the findings show that amylase levels are normal, it means that:

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects the lungs.

Long-lasting  aches

Failure of the liver

[paleorecipecookbook]

Why Fructose Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think

It is common knowledge among most savvy shoppers these days that anything that ends is “-ose” is a sugar, but while we are familiar with the more common glucose and lactose, fructose can sometimes be left out of the sugar conversation. So what is it, and do you need to treat it just like any other sugar?

What is Fructose?

While fructose was virtually absent in our diet a few hundred years ago, it has become a major component of our modern diet. Often called fruit sugar, fructose (fructus is Latin for “fruit”) is a simple sugar or monosaccharide that is naturally found in small amounts in fruits, vegetables, and honey.

You can find fructose in fruits of all kinds, such as apples, pears, and melons, as well as vegetables such as artichokes, cauliflower, onions, beets, and sweet potatoes. Additional dietary sources of fructose include beet sugar, cane sugar, or high fructose corn syrup, and while fructose may have the same chemical formula as glucose, it is metabolized differently by the body. Glucose is metabolized in every cell in the body but all fructose must be metabolized by the liver. (1,2)

Pure fructose contains no enzymes, vitamins, or minerals and can actually rob the body of micronutrients in order to be used. Naturally occurring fructose, like that found in fruits and vegetables, is bound to other sugars, while high fructose corn syrup contains free or unbound fructose. This free fructose interferes with the body’s ability to use key minerals such as magnesium, copper, and chromium.

What Foods Contain Fructose?

High fructose corn syrup has been used more recently as a replacement for other caloric sweeteners in not only sports drinks and sodas, but also as a replacement for sugar in thousands of other processed and packaged foods. Sauces, salad dressing, fruit juices, dried fruits, syrups, sweeteners, and most processed cereals and energy bars are the top offenders for hidden fructose sources. (3)

While fructose and glucose are the same in caloric number, HFCS is not only sweeter, but also less expensive than other added sweeteners, allowing food and beverage manufacturers to increase the sweetness of their products for a fraction of the cost. You can find HFCS lurking in everything from canned foods, cereals, baked goods, and desserts, to sweetened and flavored dairy products like yogurt, condiments, and jellies. It is also found in most fast food items. (4)

Chains of fructose molecules, also referred to as fructo-oligosaccharides or fructans, can be found in high concentrations in some vegetables and fruits, which can lead to symptoms in people who have fructose intolerance.

It is important to note that fructose is better tolerated in the presence of glucose. This means foods containing at least as much glucose as fructose is often well tolerated. (5)

The following foods are generally poorly tolerated by those who have sensitivities to fructose: (6)

Fruit and fruit juices—apple, cherry, grape, guava, litchi, mango, honeydew, watermelon, orange, papaya, pear, persimmon, pineapple, quince, star fruit

Certain dried fruits—currant, dates, figs, raisins

Certain berries in larger quantities—blueberry, raspberry

Honey and maple syrup

Certain vegetables in larger quantities—artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, chicory, dandelion leaves, garlic, leek, onion, tomato, zucchini, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes

Legumes—peanuts, beans

Wheat and rye-based products—flour, pasta, bread, wheat bran, whole-grain breakfast cereals

Fructose intolerance can be more common and problematic in those who have IBS and other GI disorders, as foods that contain higher levels of fructose may cause gas, bloating, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. (7)

7 Health Problems Associated with Fructose

While fructose was initially thought to be healthy due to its low glycemic index, newer research has found that chronically high consumption of fructose had led to many health issues including insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, to name a few. (8)

1. Insulin Resistance

Due to structural differences, the metabolism of glucose and fructose is quite different. Fructose is metabolized in the liver and does not cause the same hormonal response from the pancreas to release insulin the way that glucose normally would. Unlike glucose, fructose does not stimulate insulin secretion or enhance leptin production. (10)

Fructose also converts to fat more readily than any other sugars. High fructose loads can promote insulin resistance, but also lipogenesis and decreased insulin receptor activation. Fructose consumption can also lead to increased levels of uric acid, which has been linked to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Fructose consumption can cause stressful conditions for liver cells, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory messengers involved in insulin resistance development.

2. Hormone Problems

The digestion, absorption, and metabolism of fructose differs from that of glucose. While fructose in combination with fiber, vitamins, and minerals—as found in fruit and veggies—can be a healthier source of energy for the body, isolated fructose can affect appetite regulation.

Regular glucose consumption has been found to suppress the hunger hormone ghrelin and stimulates leptin, which suppresses your appetite. Fructose has been found to have no effect on ghrelin and can actually interfere with your brain’s communication with leptin, resulting in overeating. When you compare fructose with glucose, fructose is the one that may provoke more desire for food, while also neglecting to stimulate satiating hormones. (11) While you might have the same amount of calories from fructose, the metabolic effect will be completely different, regardless of the identical calorie consumption. (12)

3. Decreased Cognitive Function

Fructose consumption has been linked to cognitive impairment and can lead to brain insulin resistance, which leads to reduced mental and brain function.

Brain insulin resistance is associated with memory impairment, while additional evidence shows the harmful effects of fructose on cognitive function with reduced factors for encoding neuronal genes.

Apart from fructose negatively affecting learning and memory, it can also affect new brain cell growth in the hippocampus, which is the area of your brain associated with learning and memory. (13)

4. Obesity

Fructose promotes insulin resistance and weight gain. Fructose ingestion produces smaller increases in circulating satiety hormones compared with glucose ingestion, leading to overeating and less feelings of fullness. Fructose also leads to greater hypothalamic activity than glucose, the area of the brain that regulates appetite and reward processing, which often leads people to continue the vicious cycle of reaching for another fructose fix.

Fructose can’t cross the blood brain barrier into the hypothalamus either, which further delays the signal telling your body that you are full. Animal subjects who had access to high fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when overall caloric intake was equal. (14,15)

5. Heart Health

Although glucose and fructose are both monosaccharides, fructose is sweeter and metabolized differently. Fructose doesn’t increase circulating levels of leptin, which helps to shuttle glucose into the cells and out of the bloodstream.

Fatty acids that are created during the digestion of fructose accumulate as fat droplets in the liver and skeletal muscle, causing insulin resistance, which can later progress to metabolic syndrome. Excessive fructose consumption can also lead to oxidative stress and increased triglyceride synthesis and fat storage in the liver, leading to elevated cardiovascular risk. (16)

6. Gout

When the body is breaking down fructose, chemicals called purines are released into the bloodstream. The breakdowns of purines produces uric acid, which is what goes on to form urate crystals in the joints that can lead to gout.

Uric acid is the product of fructose metabolism. When you increase your consumption of fruit juices, sugary drinks, and high-fructose corn syrup, you can also increase your risk of developing gout. Having excessive circulating concentrations of urate is a major risk factor for developing gout. Individuals who suffer from gout experience acute and recurring attacks of arthritis which can affect several joints and be painful. Gout can also be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. (17)

7. Cancer

The fructose in high-fructose corn syrup can even promote cancer growth, specifically pancreatic cancer. (18) Cancer cells can more readily metabolize fructose and encourage rapid reproduction and increased proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.

Alternatives to Fructose

If you are looking to reduce your intake of fructose, try these three sweet swaps!

Stevia

Native to South America, this herb has been shown to support healthy blood sugar levels, support healthy weight management, and kill bacteria in the mouth. Stevia is a small perennial shrub that has been used for centuries as a bio-sweetener and for other medicinal uses such as lowering blood sugar. This natural herbal sweetener contains no calories and is over 100-300 times sweeter than table sugar. (19) You can find stevia in liquid dropper form, packets, or dissolvable tablets, making it the perfect substitute for your sweet tooth fix!

Be sure to use pure Stevia extract, as opposed to Truvia. A sugar substitute, Truvia is a stevia-based sweetener that was developed by Cargill (a company that produces additives and ingredients) and Coca-Cola. Truvia is made from a blend of 3 ingredients: Erythritol (a corn-based sugar substitute), Rebaudioside A (a sweet compound that is isolated from the stevia plant), and natural flavors (a term loosely regulated by the FDA). Truvia is often confused with Stevia, which is a natural sweetener made from the stevia leaf, however they are NOT the same. (20)

Coconut

This naturally sweet tropical fat is great not only for your heart health, but also your sweet cravings, baking, and cooking needs! The saturated fats found in coconuts are medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), whose metabolism is different than other fatty acids. MCFAs do not require bile to be broken down and assimilated and are directly used in the body to produce energy. (21)

Raw coconut nectar, or coconut palm nectar, comes from the sap of the coconut blossom, which is further evaporated at low temperatures, which produces the low-glycemic syrup. The sap can be further fermented to make coconut aminos and coconut vinegar, as well as coconut sugar, which is the dehydrated and crystallized version of coconut nectar. The taste is similar to brown sugar and is great for cooking and baking, with its low melting temperature and high burning temperature. You can use coconut sugar as you would regular sugar, as it provides the same amount of calories and carbohydrates per serving, about 15 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates per teaspoon. (22)

Raw Honey

While honey technically still contains fructose, raw honey also provides valuable nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, making it a great sweet swap! The process of heating honey destroys many of the valuable nutrients, therefore to be raw honey is should not be heated above 95ºF, the temperature that one would normally find in the hive.

Raw honey possess many antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, as well as 22 essential amino acids, 27 minerals, 5,000 enzymes, B vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants. A potent enzyme in raw honey, pinocembrin, has been found to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) of many types of cancer. (23)

Raw honey can be used as a great pre- or post-workout natural energizer, as the carbohydrates and B vitamins can help give you that extra boost to get through those last few reps. In fact, honey was used by runners in the Olympic Games in ancient Greece as an energy source. One tablespoon of raw honey contains roughly 64 calories, with a glycemic load of around 10. (24, 25)

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[drcolumbosnotepad]

Steve Jobs | Randy Pausch | Alan Rickman | Luciano Pavarotti

If there’s one name people associate with computers – people with probably say Bill Gates, that nerdy guy who knows how to code in your school or Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs was undeniably a giant in the tech world – after reading Walter Isaacson’s biography of him made me realise all the more how he mostly single-handedly changed the way we interact with technology and how it’s become so ubiquitous in our everyday lives. Here is Steve Job’s timeless Stanford commencement speech:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Randy Pausch who gave his ‘Last Lecture’ gave one of the most inspiring talks I’ve ever heard – if you feel you can’t achieve something, lacking motivation – please watch it and quickly change your mind. You can watch it here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

Alan Rickman is best known as Professor Snape – so I’ve always grown up with him first as that mean, creepy teacher who became something of a tragic anti-hero, but also playing the Sheriff in Robin Hood, the Hans Gruber in Die Hard. His death was truly a shock and it became part of what was the ‘obituary year’ of 2016.

Lucia Pavarotti was one of the Three Tenors and gave opera a voice in the modern age, there will never be a voice quite like his https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VATmgtmR5o4

All these men died from pancreatic cancer. This is a form of cancer that is notoriously depressing – not just because it stole great men from the world but also because it is extremely hard to detect early, and when there are finally symptoms, it is often beyond the point of recuperation.

First of all, let’s start with the fundamentals – what is the pancreas? (Figure 1) It’s a tongue like organ located in the upper left part of the body behind the stomach and is necessary for producing a variety of hormones and helping digestion via the secretion of digestive enzymes in the small intestine. Now the pancreas is vital for controlling levels of blood sugar and that’s why people with diabetes have problems with their pancreas and its two main hormones: insulin and glucagon. Insulin – acts to LOWER blood sugar when levels get too high; Glucagon – acts to RAISE blood sugar when levels get too low. The average blood sugar level is anything below 11.1 mmol/L for a random sample, and between 4.0 to 6.0 mmol/L after fasting (normally around 8 hours – overnight typically).

 Figure 1 – Pancreas anatomy

Here’s a great clip describing what the pancreas does in an easy to understand manner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l2GTGEwZOY

Now pancreatic cancer is a whole other beast on top of the pancreatic pathophysiology. Cancer is basically when the native cells go crazy which deranges the whole structure and function of the organ. The most common subtype in pancreatic cancer is the pancreatic adenocarcinoma which makes up 85% of cases. Adenocarcinoma being the MALIGNANT version of adenoma which is a benign tumour of epithelial tissue (surface lining tissue) from GLANDULAR ORIGIN. As we have mentioned, the pancreas is an organ which synthesises hormones via two types of gland: endocrine – through to the bloodstream directly or exocrine – via a body cavity.

The majority of pancreatic cancers originate in the pancreatic exocrine glands – around 95% where the digestive enzymes are produced. The next common subtypes are described with 5% of cases are from acinar cells which secrete digestive enzymes, and 1% of cases form from cystadenocarcinomas.

It is unclear regarding the clear causation of pancreatic cancers – but there are certain modifiable risk factors such as smoking which increases the risk 2 to 5 fold, obesity (most likely linked in with blood sugar levels – Type 2 diabetes is linked with obesity) and diet particular one that is high in red meat. Some non-modifiable risk factors include being male, being Black, and being over 65 years old. In fact, pancreatic cancer is rare under the age of 40 with half of all cases being in patients over 70. Associated diseases such as diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and liver cirrhosis which have all also been linked with alcohol abuse.

Regarding family history, certain genes have been linked with pancreatic cancer: BRCA2 and PALB2. 5-10% of cases have a hereditary component and if there is a first degree relative (parents/children) with pancreatic cancer then this risk increases further more.

Here’s the difficulty with pancreatic cancer, its initial symptoms are vague. Commonly in the initial stages, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss – either via cancer associated anorexia or malabsorption where there may be steatorrhea (foul smelling stools). The steatorrhoea can be explained where the tumour may compress surrounding organs especially the stomach which then leads to symptoms of nausea and fullness due to poor absorption – therefore constipation is also common. There may also be mid epigastric pain which radiates to the mid/lower back which is worse at night when lying down flat. There may also be the presence of Trousseau sign which is when blood clots are felt underneath the skin in superficial veins or Courvoisier sign where there is an enlarged, palpable gallbladder which is not tender – in fact Courvoisier’s law states that the presence of a palpably enlarged gallbladder which is non-tender with painless jaundice – the cause is unlikely to be gallstones, and hence the cause is more likely to be malignancy of the gallbladder or the pancreas. This is because in gallstones which are formed over a period of time, the gallbladder becomes shrunken and scarred which means it does not distend easily, this contrasts a more acute obstruction of the biliary tree where the gallbladder is often enlarged and hence more easily palpated.

 Figure 2 – Biliary Tree anatomy

Depending on where the tumour is within the pancreas, there may be different symptoms. For instance, if the tumour is near the head of the pancreas, it may obstruct the common bile duct (which is commonly obstructed with gallstones from the gallbladder) – obstructive jaundice may then present with dark urine and lighter stools. If the endocrine glands are affected, a new onset of diabetes may also be a presenting factor.

Figure 3 - Jaundice

Figure 4 – Trosseau sign

Laboratory findings are non-specific which furthers the difficulty diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Serum amylase and serum lipase (two enzymes) may be elevated, CA 19-9 antigen which helps with immune surveillance and CEA – a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion may also be raised. However as mentioned, given these markers are non-specific – they may be elevated in people without cancer especially smokers and hence these cannot be relied on for diagnosis. In fact regarding CA 19-9, 5% lack the Lewis (a) antigen and hence cannot produce the marker – it has a sensitivity of 80% and sensitivity of 73%. In patients with obstructive jaundice increased liver function tests – alkaline phosphatase, transaminase and bilirubin will also be increased.

Imaging is useful where the hallmark tests are endoscopic ultrasound – where a fine needle biopsy may be performed as well and CT scan to decide upon the severity of the tumour.

The staging of pancreatic cancer is in 4 stages:

Stage 1: <2cm

Stage 2: >2cm

Stage 3: invasion into local tissue

Stage 4: metastasis – spread through bloodstream and lymph

Metastasis spread begins to the local lymph nodes and later to the liver, large intestine, peritoneal cavity or lungs. Spread to the bone and brain is rare.

 Figure 5 – CT scan

The management of pancreatic cancer is chemotherapy which may be administered in different ways: neoadjuvant therapy (before surgery to shrink the tumour), adjuvant therapy (after surgery) or by itself for patients who are deemed too high risk for surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy includes gemcitabine or 5-FU (fluorouracil) for a period of 1 to 2 months. Currently use radiotherapy is controversial and has been overtaken by chemotherapy as the mainstay of management.

Surgery with intention for treatment can only benefit in a fifth of cases – first of all the factor of the tumour size must be considered and secondary to this is the proximity of blood vessels and the risk of the procedure. One procedure which is the most commonly practised regarding tumours in the head of the pancreas is the Whipple procedure which involves removing the head of the pancreas and the curve of the duodenum (pancreato-duodenectomy) and creating a bypass for food from the stomach to the jejunum (gastro-jenostomy) and attaching a loop of jejunum to the cystic duct to drain bile (cholecysto-jejunostomy). For tumours involving the body and the tail of the pancreas, a procedure called a distal pancreatectomy may be performed.

Figure 6 – Whipple procedure

As mentioned, the prognosis of pancreatic cancer is very poor given the advanced state it is in by the time it is detected. Another factor to consider is the rates of depression associated with pancreatic cancer. Palliative care is an essential part of the management of patients that have a terminal outcome where pain is managed with opioids or nerve block on the nerves transmitting pain in the abdomen. Pancreatin contains manufactured pancreatic enzymes for patients suffering from from digestive disorder from the exocrine insufficiency. Draining of the stomach can be performed by nasogastric aspiration and proton pump inhibitors or H2 antagonists which reduce the production of gastric acid. Metoclopramide can also be used to clear stomach contents.

Regarding ongoing research and the future for pancreatic cancer management, there are current screening trials from the European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatitis and Familial Pancreatic Cancer (EUROPAC) and research as to whether laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) would be more appropriate in treatment compared with Whipple’s procedure. Irreversible electroporation – a new ablation technique using electrical fields to lead to cell death on a nanopore level has shown promise. There is also ongoing pharmaceutical research targeting the various mechanism of cancers, many of which have shown promise thus far.

So a devastating form of cancer that we still have a long way to go before even claiming a possibility of a cure but the research has made leaps and bounds in recent years. As mentioned in the introduction, even in the face of death these great men changed the world in their own way - the challenge is for us then, how will we make our dent in the universe?

 References:

https://www.cancer.gov/images/cdr/live/CDR636528.jpg

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood-sugar-level-ranges.html

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http://www.surgicalexam.com/images/sup-thromb1.jpg

[sherristockman]

The Role of Selenium in Cellular Health and Cancer Prevention Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola Micronutrients are incredibly important and vital to your health, but are you getting enough, and perhaps even more importantly, the right form? Mark Whitacre, Ph.D., is a leading expert on one of the most important micronutrients, selenium. Selenium is a trace element a Swedish chemist, Baron Jöns Jacob Berzelius, discovered almost 200 years ago. Today, modern scientists recognize it as an essential mineral for human health, with potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-cancer activity. There are fewer than 100 selenium Ph.D. biochemists in the world. Whitacre received his master’s degree in nutrition at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, in the late 1970s — a time when selenium was quickly becoming a hot topic. “After I finished my master’s degree at Ohio State, I went to Cornell University to get my Ph.D. in nutritional biochemistry and to study under Dr. Gerald F. Combs Jr. [who] was probably the leading authority in selenium research, and probably still is,” Whitacre says. During his Ph.D. research at Cornell in selenium biochemistry, Whitacre researched the biochemical role of selenium in pancreatic cells. At the time, researchers were just starting to discover the biological necessities for selenium. Selenium in Health and Disease Prevention Selenium serves two very important and interrelated roles: At the cellular level, selenium is an active component of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that converts hydrogen peroxide to water. Glutathione peroxidase has potent antioxidant properties, and serves as a first line of defense against build-up of harmful free radicals in your cells. Selenium also plays an important role in the prevention of cancer. One of the reasons people get cancer is because of excessive free radical production. By reducing free radicals, selenium helps reduce your risk of cancer. Excessive Iron + Selenium Deficiency = Bad News Excessive iron can throw a wrench in the works here. By causing a Fenton reaction in the inner mitochondria, iron then reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form hydroxyl free radicals — the most dangerous type of free radicals known. These excess free radicals can damage mitochondrial DNA, proteins and cell membranes and lead to dysfunction and ultimately premature death of the mitochondria. This is why I recommend getting your iron level tested once a year, and to maintain a level between 20 and 80 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), and ideally between 40 and 60 ng/mL. While anemia (low iron) can be a serious problem it is easily treated with iron supplementation. The vast majority of people actually have too much iron. The only people who typically do not are premenopausal women and children. As a result of that excess iron, hydroxyl free radicals are catalyzed, and the situation is further worsened if you’re selenium deficient. A great example of the danger of high iron is thalassemia, a genetic condition that causes intrinsically high levels of iron. I inherited this from my dad, who also has it. He developed hemochromatosis, (iron overload), which led to bronze diabetes — a specific subset of type 1 diabetes that results when high iron oxidizes your pancreatic islet cells. Check Your Iron Levels Annually As noted by Whitacre: “Excessive iron does create some challenges. Actually, my Ph.D. thesis, looking at the biochemical role of selenium in the pancreatic cell … [showed that] chicks with selenium deficiency get pancreatic fibrosis … Basically, once [the chicks were] 21 to 28 days [old], when they were selenium deficient on a purified diet, they wouldn’t survive at all … Most of that damage we saw early on — the earliest damage we can detect — was mitochondrial membrane [damage]. We could see the degeneration of that mitochondrial membrane … basically, the peroxide oxidizing and attacking those lipids … [The mitochondrial membrane] is really one of the areas that’s impacted first … because of the generation of free radicals inside the mitochondria.” It’s important to realize that while selenium deficiency can worsen the situation, selenium will not optimize glutathione peroxidase production to the point of actually protecting you against excessive iron. So, you really need to check your iron levels and donate blood (phlebotomy), should your levels be elevated. The Selenium-Cancer Connection Since the 1980s, most of the selenium research has been in the area of cancer prevention. The first study was conducted by Combs, Whitacre’s thesis adviser at Cornell University. The late Larry C. Clark, Ph.D., and former director of the Arizona Cancer Center’s epidemiology program at the University of Arizona, was another Cornell researcher. “In 1983, which was my last year at Cornell, [Combs and Clark] started a 10-year study looking at 200 micrograms (mcg) per day of selenium supplementation using high selenium yeast compared to no supplementation … They found … there was a 50 to 63 percent reduction in cancer rates in colon, lung and prostate, with the highest number of 63 percent rate reduction in prostate cancer … That was probably the first study that really looked at the impact of selenium supplementation on cancer reduction. Since that point, there’s been dozens of studies verifying that work,” Whitacre says. “That work really emphasized … the thought that the glutathione peroxidase reducing free radical production was the biological role. There is some newer work that looks like there may possibly be another function … beyond the antioxidant role of glutathione peroxidase … Most of the works since [then] has really been looking more at selenium form. That study used SelenoExcell high-selenium yeast, and there’s been several studies that have looked at sodium selenite [and] selenomethionine, and have not seen the same effect … [F]orm does make a difference. The SelenoExcell high-selenium yeast has been the most effective form. Matter of fact, selenomethionine had no effect in a very long term cancer research study published in 2011 called the SELECT trial …” The Form of Selenium You Use Is Very Important Interestingly, there does not appear to be a significant difference between selenium forms in regard to the amount of glutathione being produced. However, it makes a big difference when you’re looking at cancer incidence. Selenomethionine is a single amino acid where the selenium has replaced the sulfur in methionine. SelenoExcell high selenium yeast is the full protein form, and a more natural food form. The selenium yeast gives you not just selenomethionine but also methylselenocysteine and selenocysteine. Research suggests methylselenocysteine may be the most active form in reducing cancer, and that’s the form found in high-selenium yeast. It’s not found in selenate, selenite or selenomethionine. “When you look at the selenium bounty yeast, it does match with the selenium that you see in tuna, for example, or that you see in natural plant forms. It does match more the natural food form, which is in the complete protein form. We don’t know [whether] the protection of the protein makes it more effective, or [if it’s] the form itself that’s in the selenium yeast beyond selenomethionine. The selenium in selenium yeast has been shown to be about 70 percent selenomethionine. But these other forms that are in the yeast form — and also in Brazil nuts — does have the methylselenocysteine and also selenocysteine that you don’t have in these other selenium forms. It’s really thought at this stage that the mixture of these forms … like selenomethionine together with methylselenocysteine and selenocysteine, could possibly be the reason why it’s more effective than selenomethionine by itself at … 200 mcg.” People With Higher Selenium Levels Have Lower Rates of Cancer When it comes to food, Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, and all you need is two to three per day to meet your daily requirement. Sadly, there have been no comparison studies done to assess the difference between Brazil nuts and selenium from bounty or extracted from yeast. That said: “There have been studies showing that the lower the blood level of selenium — looking at individuals who consume foods that are higher in selenium compared to individuals who consume foods that are lower in selenium and therefore have very low selenium blood levels — [the] higher the rates of cancer. Those studies do exist,” Whitacre says. If you use a supplement, you’ll typically find selenium combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin E. According to Whitacre, this is likely because they serve similar antioxidant functions, not because there’s any type of beneficial interactions between them, such as enhancing the absorption. For example, the SELECT trial looked at both vitamin E and selenium on cancer incidence. That particular trial looked at the alpha form of vitamin E (alphatocopherol) and selenomethionine as the selenium source. Neither of these forms had an effect on cancer rates. This does not mean vitamin E and selenium are useless. It simply confirms that the devil’s in the details, so to speak. When it comes to selenium, you really should strive to get it from your whole food in order to reap maximum benefit. Best Food Sources of Selenium As a general rule, eating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods will naturally optimize your selenium levels (along with other important nutrients). Good food sources of selenium include: ✓ Brazil nuts (which average about 70 to 90 micrograms per nut) ✓ Sardines ✓ Wild-caught Alaskan salmon ✓ Pastured organic eggs ✓ Sunflower seeds ✓ Pasture-raised organic chicken and turkey ✓ Liver (lamb or beef) ✓ Chia seeds ✓ Mushrooms In most parts of the U.S., selenium levels in soil tend to be relatively high (northern Nebraska and the Dakotas have soil that is especially high in selenium). However, in other areas such as China, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, soil levels of selenium tend to be much lower, and if you eat food primarily grown in these areas, a high-quality selenium supplement may be beneficial. Even parts of the U.S. have been identified as selenium-deficient regions, including: The Pacific Northwest Parts of the Great Lakes region and east of it toward New England Parts of the Atlantic Coast If you live in one of these areas and focus your diet on locally grown foods, you may be low in selenium. You may also have low levels of selenium if you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, have had weight loss surgery, or have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Dosage and Supplement Recommendations Selenium is needed in very small, microgram amounts, which is a fraction of a milligram. More is not better here, as toxicity can become an issue. For cancer prevention, the recommended level is 200 mcg per day. Many studies have used as much as 400 mcg per day without ill effect. However, since most of the research supports the use of 200 mcg per day, and shows no significant benefits at higher amounts, I don’t recommend exceeding 200 mcg per day. If you like Brazil nuts, eating about two to three of them per day will typically be sufficient. If you opt for a supplement, make sure to get the correct form. What you’re looking for is the high-selenium yeast form. SelenoExcell is the scientifically tested and most recommended version. “There’s been a lot of research looking at other high-selenium yeast forms. The National Cancer Institute required high selenium yeast — before it could be used in clinical trials — to be standardized. They … found that some of the high selenium yeast forms in the marketplace were really just taking yeast and supplementing sodium selenite. They were adulterated. In 1998, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) signed a clinical trial agreement … with Cypress … that any cancer prevention trial that was going to use high-selenium yeast had to use the standardized form, which is SelenoExcell high-selenium yeast … The trials that you see since that first trial published in 1996 by Clark and Combs … all the work since then, supported by the NCI, has been the SelenoExcell high-selenium yeast form. Not only does form make a difference — even [among] the high-selenium yeast forms there are some differences. I really want to emphasize that,” Whitacre says. Selenium Is Important for Optimal Health and Cancer Prevention The research is quite clear on this point: Making sure you’re getting enough selenium in your diet on a regular basis will help you achieve biological health and reduce your risk of cancer. Considering the fact that heart disease and cancer are both at epidemic levels in the Western world, cutting your risk by eating a few Brazil nuts or taking a high-selenium yeast supplement like SelenoExcell seems like a no-brainer. As noted by Whitacre, many of the trials show higher blood selenium levels as a result of high selenium yeast supplementation can cut your risk of prostate cancer by as much as 63 percent, and lung and colon cancer by approximately 50 percent. Avoiding toxins and optimizing your vitamin D level, iron level and diet (reducing your net carbs and avoiding processed foods) will provide additional protection.

[conners-clinic]

Cancer Blood Test Options 

There are often certain blood tests that may prove to be helpful for some people with a cancer diagnosis. This list of different tests, though not completely comprehensive, is a general guide that patients may follow to help them understand the benefits of specific testing. No one test will be best for all people with a given type of cancer and not everyone will show positive cancer markers or other blood markers so testing is not relevant for everyone.

Bone Specific Alkaline Phosphatase (BAP) Test

This test measures blood levels of a form the enzyme Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) which is produced by the skeletal system.  Different types of ALP are produced by various systems throughout the body.  Bone ALP levels increase when the bones are growing.  Children who are still growing normally have higher levels of ALP as do people who are healing from one or more broken bones.  Abnormal Bone ALP levels are often associated with a number of disorders including Osteoporosis, Bone Cancer, and Paget’s disease.

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) blood test can be used to screen or monitor treatment for certain types of cancer.  Elevated AFP levels in men and non-pregnant women are often indicative of cancers in the testicles, ovaries, stomach, pancreas, or liver.  Measuring AFP levels can help determine if a person has cancer, gauge how far along it is, or determine how effective their treatment is.  It is important to note that not all people will develop elevated AFP levels so negative results should not be considered definitive proof that a person is cancer free.  AFP may also be elevated in people with liver diseases such as Hepatitis or Cirrhosis.

Blood samples are on a laboratory form for Finding out the blood values

Amylase Blood Test

This test measures the level of Amylase in the blood.  Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas, which aids in digestion.  Elevated levels of Amylase can indicate a number of conditions such as pancreatitis, pancreatic tumor, or gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct.

Amylase testing is typically ordered when a person is experiencing symptoms of a pancreatic disorder such as abdominal or back pain, fever, loss of appetite or nausea.  It can also be used to monitor treatment for pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer or after having a gallstone removed.

Amylase testing is often done with a Lipase test.

  Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Blood Test

This test measures the level of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) in the blood.  Antidiuretic Hormone is also known as Arginine Vasopressin (AVP).  ADH is a hormone, which helps to regulate how much water the kidneys absorb.  Typically, the body produces ADH in response to increased blood osmolality.  Osmolality refers to the amount of dissolved particles in the blood.  ADH production causes the kidneys to conserve water rather than release it from the body in urine.  The increased water causes the blood to be diluted which decreases osmolality.  Normal ADH production helps maintain a healthy water balance in the body.  ADH deficiency can result in frequent urination, dehydration, excessive thirst, and high sodium levels.  Excessive ADH levels can cause increased blood pressure, nausea, lethargy, disorientation, and low sodium levels.  Irregular ADH levels can be caused by a number of conditions including several types of diabetes and various forms of cancer.

An ADH test may be ordered when someone has symptoms such as headache, nausea, confusion, excessive thirst, or frequent urination.  It may be done as a follow-up to low blood sodium levels.  ADH is often measured along with osmolality.

Beta 2 (B2) Microglobulin Blood Test

This test measures the level of Beta-2 Microglobulin in the blood.  B2 Microglobulin is a protein found on the surface of many types of cells in the body. B2 levels are often increased in people with certain types of cancers such as Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma.  Other conditions such as HIV or Cytomegalovirus may also increase B2-Microglobulin levels.  B2 is most often used as a tumor marker.  While it is not used as a screening, measuring B2 levels can help assess the severity of a person’s cancer.  It is also used in some cases to measure how effective someone’s treatment has been.

B2-Microglobulin testing is typically ordered after a person has been diagnosed with cancer such as Multiple Myeloma to determine what stage of the disease they are in.

CBC with Differential Blood Test

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is a broad screening test which can aid in the diagnosis of a variety of conditions and diseases such as Anemia, Leukemia, bleeding disorders, and infections. This test is also useful in monitoring a person’s reaction to treatment when a condition, which affects blood cells, has been diagnosed.

A CBC includes the following measurements:

White Blood Cell Count (WBC) WBC’s protect the body against infections.

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) RBC’s carry oxygen throughout the body.

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is the variation in size of the RBC’s.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of blood made of up red blood cells.

Hemoglobin is a protein, which carries oxygen in the blood.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) measures the average size of RBC’s.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is the average percentage of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.

Platelet Count measures cell fragments, which are vital for proper blood clotting.

Percentage and absolute differential count for types of WBC’s including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

A CBC is often ordered as part of a routine health examination. It is also ordered when someone has symptoms, which may indicate a condition which affects the blood cells or is undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy which affects blood cells. A CBC is often ordered with other common blood tests such as a comprehensive metabolic panel.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Blood Test

This test measures the level of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in the blood.  CEA is a protein which is often elevated in people with certain types of cancer.  CEA is used as a tumor marker for a variety of cancers including colon, breast, rectum, liver, pancreas, stomach and ovaries.  This test is not typically used as a screening for cancer because not all cancer cases will show elevated CEA and CEA can be elevated in other conditions such as cirrhosis, inflammation, ulcers, emphysema and benign breast disease as well as in people who smoke.

CEA is usually measured when a person is diagnosed with cancer and then subsequently to monitor their response to treatment.  While CEA is not typically used as a screening, it can be ordered when a person is suspected of having cancer but has not been diagnosed if a doctor determines it is relevant.

Calcitonin Blood Test

This test measures levels of Calcitonin in the blood.  Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the Thyroid Gland.  Calcitonin production helps regulate the body’s levels of calcium and phosphate.  In most cases, having a deficiency or overload of calcitonin does not cause any negative health effects.  For this reason, there is still a lack of research on the exact purpose calcitonin serves.

A rare form of thyroid cancer which affects the C-cells, the same cells which produce calcitonin, may cause levels to be elevated.  A calcitonin test may aid in the diagnosis when a person is suspected of having this form of cancer.  Calcitonin may also be used to treat people with osteoporosis or Paget’s disease.  In these cases, monitoring Calcitonin levels can help determine how well they are responding to therapy or find the optimal dosage.

Calcium Blood Test

This test measures Calcium levels in the blood.  Calcium is a mineral which is important for healthy functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system as well as proper bone formation.  The body will pull calcium from the bones to maintain blood levels when a person is not ingesting enough calcium or has a disorder which prevents proper absorption.

Calcium testing is frequently part of a general health screening.  It may also be ordered when someone has kidney disease, thyroid disease, cancer, malabsorption or malnutrition.

A Calcium test is also included as part of a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and Renal Function Panel.

This test measures total calcium levels, which include both free and bound.  An Ionized Calcium Serum test is available for those who wish to only measure the free or unbound portion of calcium and can be beneficial to measure destruction of bone.

Cancer Antigen (CA) 15-3 Blood Test

The Cancer Antigen 15-3 test is typically used to monitor people who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  CA 15-3 is a protein which is typically elevated in people with cancerous breast tumors.  CA 15-3 may also be elevated in other types of cancer such as lung, pancreas, prostate, ovary and colon.  People with benign diseases of the liver and breast as well as other condition such as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis or even people who are healthy may see elevated CA 15-3 levels as well.  While CA 15-3 is not typically sensitive or specific enough to be used as a screening for breast cancer, it can be helpful for monitoring response to treatment or to look for a recurrence of cancer.

This test is typically ordered when a person has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer to determine how advanced it is as a monitoring test – though again, NOT all with breast cancer will show positive.  It may also be ordered periodically during treatment or when checking to see if the cancer had returned.

Cancer Antigen CA 19-9 Blood Test

The Cancer Antigen (CA) 19-9 test is often used to aid in the diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer.  CA 19-9 is a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells.  CA 19-9 is elevated in about 70-95% of pancreatic cancer cases.  It can also be elevated in cases of colorectal cancer, lung cancer and gallbladder cancer.  While a CA 19-9 test can be used to differentiate types of cancer or monitor response to treatment, it is not sensitive enough to be used as an initial screening by itself.

A CA 19-9 test is often ordered with other tests such as a CEA, Hepatic Function, or Bilirubin when a person is experiencing symptoms associated with Pancreatic Cancer.  It is also used to monitor how well a person is responding to treatment for pancreatic cancer.  Because not every person with pancreatic cancer will show elevated levels of CA 19-9, this test will not always be an effective tumor marker.

Cancer Antigen CA 27.29 Blood Test

The Cancer Antigen (CA) 27.29 test is used to monitor people with Breast Cancer.  CA 27.29 in a protein that is used as a tumor marker to gauge how advanced a person’s cancer is.  This test can also be used to determine how well a person is responding to treatment or therapy.  The CA 27.29 is not intended to be used as a screening.  This test is not considered specific enough to accurately determine if an undiagnosed person has breast cancer.  It is important to consult your doctor in determining the appropriate testing to aid in making a diagnosis.

Please note that test results from different labs and/or testing methods should not be used interchangeably.

This test may be ordered when a person has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer or to monitor their response to treatment.

Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) Blood Test

This test measures Cancer Antigen (CA) 125 in the blood.  CA-125 is a protein which is present on the surface of most ovarian cancer cells.  Elevated levels of CA-125 are often present in women with ovarian cancer.  CA-125 testing is typically done to monitor treatment for ovarian cancer or to periodically check someone who is in remission to see if the cancer may have come back.  This test is also used to screen women who have a high risk of developing ovarian cancer due to family history.

It is important to note that other conditions such as pregnancy, menstruation or pelvic inflammatory disease may also cause elevated levels of CA-125.  For this reason, CA-125 testing is not typically used as a general screening.  In some cases, even when someone has ovarian cancer, they may not show elevated CA-125.  In such cases, CA-125 is not a useful marker for monitoring treatment.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Blood Test

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a broad screening test which is used to evaluate organ function and electrolyte balance as well as aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. This test is also useful for monitoring people receiving treatment for conditions which affect the liver or kidneys. The CMP contains all of the measurements in a Basic Metabolic Panel and most of the same measurements as a Hepatic Function Panel and a Renal Function Panel.

A CMP includes the following tests:

Glucose: Abnormal blood sugar levels can indicate a number of conditions including Diabetes.

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Used to evaluate kidney function.

Creatinine: Used to Evaluate Kidney Function.

BUN/Creatinine Ratio: This calculation is only provided if the measurements for BUN or Creatinine are out of range or if the person tested is under the age of 19.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Used to screen for and detect early kidney damage.

Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Total: An improper electrolyte balance can indicate a number of conditions including dehydration, Addison’s disease, kidney disease, and Diabetes.

Calcium: Normal levels are important for healthy bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth.

Protein, Total: Aids in measuring Liver and Kidney function as well as nutritional status.

Albumin: A protein important for healthy liver and kidney function.

Globulin: A protein that helps the body fight infection and the blood to clot properly.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio: Can help identify various liver problems when combined with other test results.

Bilirubin, Total: Helps to identify conditions such as anemia, sickle cell, hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol, and drug abuse.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Used to detect liver disease or bone disorders.

Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST): Used to evaluate liver function, very high levels often indicate Hepatitis

Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT): Used to help identify liver damage.

A CMP is usually ordered as part of a routine health check. It may also be ordered when someone is experiencing symptoms which may indicate conditions affecting the liver or kidneys.

HTLV 1&2 Antibodies Blood Test

This test looks for antibodies which the body develops in response to infection with the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV).  HTLV infects white blood cells which are important to the body’s immune system.  HTLV infection can be responsible for the development of a number of conditions including Leukemia, Lymphoma, and nervous system disorders.  The HTLV 1&2 Abs test detects and differentiates both type 1 and type 2 HTLV infections.

An estimated 15-20 million people worldwide suffer from HTLV infections.  HTLV is typically spread through sexual contact and exposure to infected blood, especially through intravenous drug use.  Infected mothers can spread the infection to their infants during pregnancy or breast feeding.  After infection, HTLV will remain in the body for life.  Some people will develop HTLV related illnesses months or years after their initial exposure.  Most HTLV infections show no symptoms.  An infected person can spread the virus to others even if they are asymptomatic.

Risk factors for HTLV infection include:

Having multiple sexual partners

Being an IV drug user

Having a history of blood transfusions

Living in or having a sexual partner from parts of the world where HTLV is prevalent such as Southwestern Japan, parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and the Southeastern U.S.

HTLV testing is typically ordered to help identify or rule out HTLV as the cause of conditions such as Leukemia, Lymphoma, or nervous system disorders.  It can also be ordered by people who are concerned they have had an exposure to HTLV especially if they have been with someone who has also tested positive for HTLV antibodies..  Due to the common lack of symptoms, testing is recommended for anyone who engages in high risk activities.

Hemoglobin Blood Test

This test measures Hemoglobin in the blood.  Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells which enables them to bind with oxygen and carry it throughout the body.  Hemoglobin levels are affected by conditions which cause a rise or drop in red blood cell levels.  Low hemoglobin is often indicative of anemia which can be caused by excessive blood loss, nutritional deficiencies such as iron or B12, bone marrow disorders or kidney damage.  Higher than normal hemoglobin can be caused by dehydration, lung disease, heart disease or kidney tumors

Hemoglobin is often measured as part of routine general health blood work.  It is also measured when a person is suspected of having anemia due to symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy, paleness, shortness of breath or fainting.  It can also be ordered to monitor treatment for anemia.

Hemoglobin is also part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC).

Hepatic Function Blood Test

The Hepatic Function test (Liver Function Panel) is a common health screening that can help to identify conditions affecting the liver. This test is also used to monitor people who are being treated for liver disease.

The Hepatic Function Panel includes the following tests:

Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT): An enzyme produced by the liver which is typically elevated in cases of liver damage.

Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST): A liver enzyme which is typically elevated in cases of liver damage or Hepatitis.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme found in the liver and bones which is increased when there is liver or bone damage.

Protein, Total: A measure of albumin and all other proteins on the blood.

Albumin: The main protein produced by the liver.

Bilirubin, Total: Helps to identify conditions such as anemia , sickle cell, hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol and drug abuse.

Bilirubin Direct: Used in conjunction with Total Bilirubin to aid in the diagnosis of liver disorders.

Globulin (calculated) and Albumin/Globulin ratio

Bilirubin, Indirect calculated

A Hepatic Function Panel is usually ordered as a general health screening. It can also be ordered when someone is experiencing symptoms associated with liver disorders or has risk factors for Liver Disease. Risk factors can include heavy alcohol use, diabetes, possible exposure to Hepatitis viruses, a family history of liver disease, high blood pressure, and taking medications which may damage the liver.

Immunoglobulin Antibody Blood Test IgA IgG IgM

This Immunoglobulin test measures levels of 3 classes of immunoglobulins in the blood.  Results will include measurements for Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM).  Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, are an important part of the immune system which fight off bacteria, viruses and other foreign organisms. Measuring Immunoglobulin levels can help evaluate a person’s immune system.

This test may be ordered when a person is suffering from chronic infections, especially of the lungs or gastrointestinal tract.  It can also help to diagnose various conditions resulting in excess or deficiencies in one or more types of antibodies.  Abnormal results will typically need to be followed up with further testing.

Insulin-like Growth Factor IGF 2 Test

This test measures levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF-2) in the blood.  IGF-2 is a hormone produced by the liver.  Its primary function is to regulate the production of Growth Hormone (GH) during growth and development of a fetus during gestation.  IGF-2 is also linked to the production of other hormones including Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Progesterone.  Deficiency in IGF-2 can contribute to growth problems in children.  Certain types of tumors can produce an excess of IGF-2.  As a result, measuring IGF-2 levels can be useful in the diagnosis or monitoring of treatment for some types of cancer including prostate, colon, breast and colorectal.

Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase Blood Test

This test measures Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood.  LDH is an enzyme found in most cells in the body.  Typically, only a small amount of LDH is detectable in the blood.  When cells are damaged, LDH is released into the blood causing levels to rise.  Measuring LDH levels can indicate if there is tissue damage somewhere in the body.  Conditions which can result in elevated LDH levels include anemia, meningitis, mononucleosis, HIV, sepsis, liver disease, kidney disease, muscle injury, broken bones and some types of cancers.

An LDH blood test is typically ordered along with a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) when a person is suspected of having a disease which causes tissue damage.  Because an LDH test cannot identify where in the body the damage is, follow up testing will usually be necessary.  LDH may also be used to monitor treatment for conditions such as cancer.

Natural Killer Cell and Activated T-Cell Test

This test provides several measurements related to the immune system including Natural Killer Cells (NK). Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells) are a type of lymphocyte, or white blood cell, which play an important role in the body’s immune system.  NK cells help to kill tumor cells or cells infected with a virus.  NK cells are identified and differentiated from other types of immune cells by certain antigens called CD proteins.  NK cells are CD56 positive and CD3 negative.  The measurements in this test can help assess the level of NK cells as well as their state of activation.  Results for this test should be interpreted by a person’s doctor.

This test includes:

Percentage CD3+

Absolute CD3+

Percentage CD3+CD25+ (IL-2 Receptor)

Absolute CD3+CD25+

Percentage CD3-CD56+ (NK)

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This test can be useful in diagnosing or monitoring treatment to conditions such as leukemia, viral hepatitis, and HIV.

Occult Blood Fecal Test

A Fecal Occult Blood Test looks for the presence of microscopic or invisible blood in the stool.  Blood in the stool can be a sign of a number of conditions such as

Abnormal growths or polyps in the colon

Cancer in the colon or rectum

Anemia

Hemorrhoids

Intestinal infections

Ulcers

Crohn’s Disease

Diverticular Disease

This test is commonly ordered as a routine screening to aid in the early detection of Colon Cancer.  Yearly testing is recommended for people age 50 and above.  This test may also be ordered by people experiencing symptoms of anemia.

Because certain conditions may cause intermittent bleeding, results from multiple specimens may be required for results to be conclusive.  If blood is detected, it is important that a doctor is consulted to determine a diagnosis.  Additional procedures such as a colonoscopy may be required.

PSA Ultrasensitive Blood Test

The PSA Ultrasensitive Test measures the level of Prostate Specific Antigen in the blood.  PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland.  Typically, elevated PSA levels are indicative of an increased risk of having Prostate Cancer.  This test is more sensitive than a regular PSA test and is able to detect PSA in smaller amounts.  This test is typically used to monitor men who are receiving treatment or have had surgery for Prostate Cancer.  The PSA Ultrasensitive Test is not typically used as an initial screening for Prostate Cancer.  For this purpose, most customers order the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test.

PSA – Prostate Specific Antigen Test

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a common screening for prostate cancer. This test measures a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate a higher likelihood of having prostate cancer. The PSA test is also used to monitor a person’s response to cancer treatment.

It is important to note that not all cases of prostate cancer will show elevated total PSA levels and there are other conditions which may cause higher PSA levels besides cancer.

Prostate Specific Antigen Free: Total Ratio Test

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Free:Total Ratio provides several measurements which help to screen for prostate cancer. This test includes measurements for PSA, Free PSA and % Free PSA. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate a higher likelihood of having prostate cancer. However, not all cases of prostate cancer will cause elevated PSA levels and there are conditions other than cancer which may cause elevated PSA.

Free PSA is the portion of PSA which is not bound to other proteins in the blood. Generally, men with lower levels of Free PSA have a higher likelihood of having Prostate Cancer. Free PSA measurements are useful for people with borderline or moderately increased total PSA levels. A test which includes Free PSA is often ordered as a follow up to a high PSA test.

Total Protein Blood Test

This test measures Protein levels in the blood.  Proteins are an essential part of the tissues and cells that make up the body.  This test measures the total amount of all proteins (including albumin and globulins) in a person’s blood.  Measuring protein is a part of most routine general health checks.  Protein measurements are a reflection of a number of health conditions including nutritional status, liver and kidney function.

Protein testing is often done as part of routine blood work for general wellness.  It may also be used to aid in diagnosing or monitoring liver and kidney disease.  It may be used to evaluate nutritional status when someone has experienced unexplained weight loss or shows signs of malnutrition.

A Protein test is also included in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and a Hepatic Function test.

Renal (Kidney) Function Panel

A Renal Function Panel (Kidney Function Test) is a common health screening used to help detect conditions affecting the kidneys. It can also be used to monitor people who are receiving treatment for illnesses affecting the kidneys.

A Renal Panel includes the following tests:

Glucose: Abnormal blood sugar levels can indicate a number of conditions including Diabetes. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the kidneys.

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): A waste product filtered through the kidneys.  Used to evaluate kidney function.

Creatinine: A waste product produced by the muscles which is filtered through the kidneys.  Used to Evaluate Kidney Function.

BUN/Creatinine Ratio: This measurement can indicate kidney disease or conditions such as dehydration or intestinal bleeding.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): The amount of blood filtered by the kidneys.  Used to screen for and detect early kidney damage.

Calcium: Normal levels are important for healthy bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth.

Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Total: An improper electrolyte balance can indicate a number of conditions including dehydration, Addison’s disease, kidney disease, and Diabetes.

Albumin: A protein important for healthy liver and kidney function.

Phosphorus/Phosphate: Low levels of phosphorus can be indicative of a number of illnesses while high levels may be a symptom of kidney failure.

This panel is typically ordered as part of a general health screening. It may also be ordered when someone has symptoms which may indicate kidney disease or is being treated for kidney disease.

Vitamin D, 1, 25-dihydroxy Blood Test

This test is used to measure Vitamin D levels in the blood.  The Vitamin D 25-Dihydroxy test measures the active form of Vitamin D which is produced in the liver and kidneys through the conversion of Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy.  This test is not typically used as a routine measurement to assess if a person has a vitamin D deficiency because it may show normal results even if a person has an overall deficiency.  It is more useful when a person is suspected of having a condition which is producing an excess of vitamin D such as Sarcoidosis or certain types of Lymphoma.  This test may also be ordered to aid in the diagnosis or Parathyroid disorder or kidney failure.

For a test which is more commonly used to detect if a person may be suffering from a Vitamin D Deficiency, customers may order the Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Test.

Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Blood Test

This test is used to measure the level of Vitamin D in the blood.  Vitamin D is necessary for the proper growth and health of teeth and bones.  It also helps in the healthy developments of the immune system as well as various tissues throughout the body.  Vitamin D typically comes from 2 sources.  D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.  For many people, D3 makes up the majority of the vitamin D in their body.  D2 (ergocalciferol) is found in certain foods as well as vitamins and supplements.  This test provides a combined measurement for D2 and D3.

Vitamin D deficiency is typically caused by someone not getting enough sun exposure.  While Vitamin D is found in some foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, milk and cheese, the majority of people do not get sufficient vitamin D from their diet so exposure to sunlight is the primary source.  Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include tiredness, weakness, aches and pains and frequent infections.  Conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis and Crohn’s Disease which interfere with the body’s ability to absorb fat and fat-soluble vitamins can also cause vitamin D deficiency.

This test is typically ordered when someone had signs of vitamin D deficiency which can include conditions affecting the bones such as Rickets or Osteoporosis.

Patients may also order a Vitamin D, 1, 25-Dihydroxy Test which can aid in the diagnosis of conditions which cause excessive vitamin D production.

  For more information on running different tests, we suggest you ask your local doctor or contact our clinic.

    Dr. Kevin Conners, D.PSc., FICT, FAARFM

Dr. Conners graduated with his doctorate from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 1986 and has been studying alternative cancer care for over 20 years. He holds AMA Fellowships in Regenerative & Functional Medicine and Integrative Cancer Therapy.

He is the author of numerous books including, Stop Fighting Cancer and Start Treating the Cause, Cancer Can’t Kill You if You’re Already Dead, Help, My Body is Killing Me, Chronic Lyme, 3 Phases of Lyme, 23 Steps to Freedom, and many more you can download for FREE on our books page.

via News

[paullassiterca]

Top Benefits of Celery Juice

It may surprise you to learn that celery is part of the same family of plants, called Apiaceae, as carrots and parsley, but it’s probably not a surprise that it’s also related to celeriac, a root vegetable.

Most people think of celery as a pleasingly crunchy veggie that goes well with carrots and radishes on party platters. But recent studies have revealed the pale green stalks, aka Apium graveolens, also have a substantial array of health benefits, as do the tiny seeds and even the juice, in spite of the fact that the stalks are fully 95 percent water.

Celery juice, it turns out, is touted as one of the latest super beverages, and according to The Guardian,1 as of October 2018, it’s quadrupled in sales compared to kale juice, which apparently is so 15 minutes ago. In fact, sales in the U.S. have recently increased by 454 percent, and the craze is moving to Britain.

The Celery Juice Phenomenon

The phenomenon is attributed to Anthony Williams, who calls himself the originator of the Global Celery Juice Movement since he’s successfully managed to market it as “a healing tool for every symptom and condition imaginable.”2 Williams says the most benefits come from drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach, not mixing it with other substances and waiting 15 minutes to eat anything else.

The benefits he lists extend to “autoimmune conditions, acne, eczema, psoriasis, migraines, acid reflux, addictions, anxiety, depression, fatigue, weight issues, bloating (and) constipation.”3

Scientists believe celery has benefits for your digestive tract and cardiovascular system, and the seeds have been used as a natural pain reliever. One of the most advantageous compounds in celery is apigenin, a molecule that is gaining interest for possible cancer-fighting properties.4

Apigenin is a flavonoid found in many herbs, including parsley, thyme and chamomile. One reason it’s so significant is because it enhances the neurons in your brain. In fact, one study5 showed that when apigenin was applied to a petri dish containing human stem cells, 25 days later the stem cells had turned into neurons.

Further, the synapses connecting the neurons were “stronger and more sophisticated,” something that didn’t occur without the apigenin. The upshot is that stronger neurons bolster several aspects of your brain function. In addition to growing new brain cells, apigenin has been associated with fighting cancer, particularly breast cancer.6

This compound has also been linked to reduced damage to your body due to inflammation. Eating celery and other foods with apigenin on the ingredients list was observed in a study published in PloS One to restore immune balance even in the presence of inflammation, the study explains:

“Apigenin inhibits LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced inflammatory response through multiple mechanisms in macrophages. These results provided important scientific evidences for the potential application of apigenin as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.”7

According to the Online Textbook of Bacteriology,8 lipopolysaccharides are associated with the outer membrane of E. coli, salmonella, shigella and other gram-negative pathogens. In short, apigenin reduces the toxic effects, and “Exert[s] effective anti-inflammatory activity in vivo by reducing LPS-induced expression … thereby restoring immune balance,” an Ohio State University study9 shows.

Health Benefits of Eating Celery

There’s a healthy dose of vitamin K in celery, necessary to provide healthy blood clotting and to help prevent arterial calcification, and providing 37 percent of the dietary reference intake (DRI) in a single cup. The next highest nutrient celery provides is 11 percent of the molybdenum, a trace mineral that’s critical for the detoxification of heavy metals. I’ve written before about how molybdenum functions as a cofactor for four crucial enzymes:

Sulfite oxidase

Xanthine oxidase 

Aldehyde oxidase 

Mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component (mARC)

Other nutrients in celery include vitamins A and C, folate and potassium, and it’s a rich source of antioxidants, phenolic acids, phytosterols, flavones and flavonols, along with several more obscure phytonutrients.

Again, not only is eating celery good for you, the seeds are, too. Studies indicate that while celery may be a simple food, it has a complex chemical makeup with components able to produce a relaxing, dilating effect to help lower your blood pressure.10 The featured study explains:

“Celery seed extracts have antihypertensive properties, which appears to be attributable to the actions of its active hydrophobic constitutes such as NBP (n-butylphthalide) and can be considered as an antihypertensive agent in chronic treatment of elevated BP.”11

Studies indicate that 3nB is identified as a compound useful in managing brain-based vascular diseases, including stroke and vascular dementia.12 There have been studies that suggested viable blood pressure reduction in rats, such as one published in the Journal of Medicinal Food,13 but subsequent human studies have shown that celery seed extract does indeed reduce hypertension levels.

Case in point: For the 30 study participants with mild to moderate hypertension who took the prescribed 75 milligram (mg) doses of celery seed extract twice a day for six weeks, the results were measurable: Mean blood pressure baseline measurements dropped 8.2 mm Hg systolic and 8.5 diastolic from baseline. However, to realize a similar benefit, you’d have to eat about 50 pounds or 530 celery stalks.14

Celery Compounds That Combat Cancer and Stimulate Neurogenesis

Regarding neurogenesis, apigenin may also stimulate the growth and development of nerve cells in mice and improve their learning and memory capabilities, as well as be useful for the treatment of neurological diseases, disorders and injuries, according to a study15 conducted at the Dublin City School of Biotechnology in Ireland.

Besides apigenin in celery, there’s also the flavonoid luteolin, which has been shown to have anticancer properties. This takes place, the study authors explain,16 because the presence of luteolin renders cancer cells more vulnerable to therapy agents. Apigenin was also shown to inhibit growth in four pancreatic cancer cell lines.17

Additionally, researchers in 2017 found that luteolin may also be effective in reducing women’s’ risk of developing metastasis from triple-negative breast cancer. Salman Hyder, professor in tumor angiogenesis and biomedical sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, tested cells in petri dishes and explained:

“Triple-negative breast cancers are cancer cells that lack three receptors targeted by current chemotherapy regimens. Because of this lack of receptors, common cancer drugs can’t ‘find’ the cells, and doctors must treat the cancer with extremely aggressive and highly toxic treatment strategies.

Women with this type of breast cancer also frequently develop metastatic lesions that originate from drug-resistant cells … (They’re) highly mobile in the body, which helps them metastasize to other organs throughout the body. We found that luteolin inhibits that migration and also can kill cancer cells.”18

Other benefits are suggested by historical literature in regard to the effectiveness of celery. Its compounds may soothe your nervous system, alleviate pain and treat an array of maladies such as arthritis, gout, water retention, muscle spasms, colds and flu, although scientists say more evidence is needed to verify these uses.

Digestive Tract Advantages From Celery

Celery has long been known to be a great snack because it’s not only crunchy and has a mild flavor, but because the fiber it offers is substantial. Live Science asserts:

“Fiber is well-known for its digestive benefits. It helps keep your bowel movements regular, thereby reducing constipation; helps keep your bowels healthy, and aids in weight maintenance … One cup of celery provides about 6 percent of your daily fiber needs. Some recent research suggests that the antioxidants in celery could also help improve stomach lining and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.”19

Things To Be Aware of Regarding Celery Consumption

When eating celery, there are some things to be aware of. First, celery is a healthy snack and/or food eaten raw, but how it’s cooked can affect its nutritional attributes. Studies show it loses between 38 percent and 41 percent of its antioxidants when boiled or blanched, which is a significant amount, but when it’s steamed for about 10 minutes, it retains between 83 percent and 99 percent of its antioxidant nutrients.20

Medical News Today notes that celery belongs to a small group of foods that can cause a severe allergic reaction, and this can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as anaphylactic shock, and that “those who are allergic to the celery should be cautious and check food labels, as even small traces of celery can cause a reaction.”21

Many natural foods have toxic elements if eaten raw in very large quantities and all at one time, and celery is one of them. In fact, it could cause goiters, which are swellings on the neck that could lead to breathing problems and even hypothyroidism.

“Celery can act as a goitrogen if eaten in very large quantities, especially if it’s not cooked … This is because great amounts of uncooked celery can interfere with the process of iodine functioning in the thyroid,” SF Gate noted.22

In addition, many plants contain natural compounds known as psoralens that could increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet light, and celery is one that may cause a skin reaction or rash if you should get drops of celery juice on your skin and go out into the sun within 12 to 36 hours.

In fact, the rash or hyperpigmentation could cause a burning sensation and last three to five days, or even months, according to a Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings article published in 2000.23

One more thing: Pesticides have become a big business and, unfortunately, substances such as glyphosate, among other pesticides, are applied by farmers to the tune of nearly 5 billion pounds worldwide, and 300 million pounds applied on U.S. farmland. A class of pesticides called organophosphates (OPs) also has been implicated for brain-destroying health risks, such as attention and memory deficits, autism and lower IQs.

Unfortunately, celery is No. 10 on the Environmental Working Group’s notorious Dirty Dozen List24 of the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residue. Organic foods are always preferred over the conventionally grown and sold at your local supermarket due to the use of harmful pesticides.

If organic celery is not available or you’re just not sure, washing your fruits and vegetables before eating them is recommended, even if they will be peeled before it’s eaten. Better yet, grow your own celery, organically.

from Articles http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/04/08/celery-juice-health-benefits.aspx source https://niapurenaturecom.tumblr.com/post/184027955196

[jerrytackettca]

Top Benefits of Celery Juice

It may surprise you to learn that celery is part of the same family of plants, called Apiaceae, as carrots and parsley, but it's probably not a surprise that it's also related to celeriac, a root vegetable.

Most people think of celery as a pleasingly crunchy veggie that goes well with carrots and radishes on party platters. But recent studies have revealed the pale green stalks, aka Apium graveolens, also have a substantial array of health benefits, as do the tiny seeds and even the juice, in spite of the fact that the stalks are fully 95 percent water.

Celery juice, it turns out, is touted as one of the latest super beverages, and according to The Guardian,1 as of October 2018, it's quadrupled in sales compared to kale juice, which apparently is so 15 minutes ago. In fact, sales in the U.S. have recently increased by 454 percent, and the craze is moving to Britain.

The Celery Juice Phenomenon

The phenomenon is attributed to Anthony Williams, who calls himself the originator of the Global Celery Juice Movement since he's successfully managed to market it as "a healing tool for every symptom and condition imaginable."2 Williams says the most benefits come from drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach, not mixing it with other substances and waiting 15 minutes to eat anything else.

The benefits he lists extend to "autoimmune conditions, acne, eczema, psoriasis, migraines, acid reflux, addictions, anxiety, depression, fatigue, weight issues, bloating (and) constipation."3

Scientists believe celery has benefits for your digestive tract and cardiovascular system, and the seeds have been used as a natural pain reliever. One of the most advantageous compounds in celery is apigenin, a molecule that is gaining interest for possible cancer-fighting properties.4

Apigenin is a flavonoid found in many herbs, including parsley, thyme and chamomile. One reason it's so significant is because it enhances the neurons in your brain. In fact, one study5 showed that when apigenin was applied to a petri dish containing human stem cells, 25 days later the stem cells had turned into neurons.

Further, the synapses connecting the neurons were "stronger and more sophisticated," something that didn't occur without the apigenin. The upshot is that stronger neurons bolster several aspects of your brain function. In addition to growing new brain cells, apigenin has been associated with fighting cancer, particularly breast cancer.6

This compound has also been linked to reduced damage to your body due to inflammation. Eating celery and other foods with apigenin on the ingredients list was observed in a study published in PloS One to restore immune balance even in the presence of inflammation, the study explains:

"Apigenin inhibits LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced inflammatory response through multiple mechanisms in macrophages. These results provided important scientific evidences for the potential application of apigenin as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases."7

According to the Online Textbook of Bacteriology,8 lipopolysaccharides are associated with the outer membrane of E. coli, salmonella, shigella and other gram-negative pathogens. In short, apigenin reduces the toxic effects, and "Exert[s] effective anti-inflammatory activity in vivo by reducing LPS-induced expression … thereby restoring immune balance," an Ohio State University study9 shows.

Health Benefits of Eating Celery

There's a healthy dose of vitamin K in celery, necessary to provide healthy blood clotting and to help prevent arterial calcification, and providing 37 percent of the dietary reference intake (DRI) in a single cup. The next highest nutrient celery provides is 11 percent of the molybdenum, a trace mineral that's critical for the detoxification of heavy metals. I've written before about how molybdenum functions as a cofactor for four crucial enzymes:

Sulfite oxidase

Xanthine oxidase 

Aldehyde oxidase 

Mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component (mARC)

Other nutrients in celery include vitamins A and C, folate and potassium, and it's a rich source of antioxidants, phenolic acids, phytosterols, flavones and flavonols, along with several more obscure phytonutrients.

Again, not only is eating celery good for you, the seeds are, too. Studies indicate that while celery may be a simple food, it has a complex chemical makeup with components able to produce a relaxing, dilating effect to help lower your blood pressure.10 The featured study explains:

"Celery seed extracts have antihypertensive properties, which appears to be attributable to the actions of its active hydrophobic constitutes such as NBP (n-butylphthalide) and can be considered as an antihypertensive agent in chronic treatment of elevated BP."11

Studies indicate that 3nB is identified as a compound useful in managing brain-based vascular diseases, including stroke and vascular dementia.12 There have been studies that suggested viable blood pressure reduction in rats, such as one published in the Journal of Medicinal Food,13 but subsequent human studies have shown that celery seed extract does indeed reduce hypertension levels.

Case in point: For the 30 study participants with mild to moderate hypertension who took the prescribed 75 milligram (mg) doses of celery seed extract twice a day for six weeks, the results were measurable: Mean blood pressure baseline measurements dropped 8.2 mm Hg systolic and 8.5 diastolic from baseline. However, to realize a similar benefit, you'd have to eat about 50 pounds or 530 celery stalks.14

Celery Compounds That Combat Cancer and Stimulate Neurogenesis

Regarding neurogenesis, apigenin may also stimulate the growth and development of nerve cells in mice and improve their learning and memory capabilities, as well as be useful for the treatment of neurological diseases, disorders and injuries, according to a study15 conducted at the Dublin City School of Biotechnology in Ireland.

Besides apigenin in celery, there's also the flavonoid luteolin, which has been shown to have anticancer properties. This takes place, the study authors explain,16 because the presence of luteolin renders cancer cells more vulnerable to therapy agents. Apigenin was also shown to inhibit growth in four pancreatic cancer cell lines.17

Additionally, researchers in 2017 found that luteolin may also be effective in reducing women's' risk of developing metastasis from triple-negative breast cancer. Salman Hyder, professor in tumor angiogenesis and biomedical sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, tested cells in petri dishes and explained:

"Triple-negative breast cancers are cancer cells that lack three receptors targeted by current chemotherapy regimens. Because of this lack of receptors, common cancer drugs can't 'find' the cells, and doctors must treat the cancer with extremely aggressive and highly toxic treatment strategies.

Women with this type of breast cancer also frequently develop metastatic lesions that originate from drug-resistant cells … (They're) highly mobile in the body, which helps them metastasize to other organs throughout the body. We found that luteolin inhibits that migration and also can kill cancer cells."18

Other benefits are suggested by historical literature in regard to the effectiveness of celery. Its compounds may soothe your nervous system, alleviate pain and treat an array of maladies such as arthritis, gout, water retention, muscle spasms, colds and flu, although scientists say more evidence is needed to verify these uses.

Digestive Tract Advantages From Celery

Celery has long been known to be a great snack because it's not only crunchy and has a mild flavor, but because the fiber it offers is substantial. Live Science asserts:

"Fiber is well-known for its digestive benefits. It helps keep your bowel movements regular, thereby reducing constipation; helps keep your bowels healthy, and aids in weight maintenance … One cup of celery provides about 6 percent of your daily fiber needs. Some recent research suggests that the antioxidants in celery could also help improve stomach lining and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers."19

Things To Be Aware of Regarding Celery Consumption

When eating celery, there are some things to be aware of. First, celery is a healthy snack and/or food eaten raw, but how it's cooked can affect its nutritional attributes. Studies show it loses between 38 percent and 41 percent of its antioxidants when boiled or blanched, which is a significant amount, but when it's steamed for about 10 minutes, it retains between 83 percent and 99 percent of its antioxidant nutrients.20

Medical News Today notes that celery belongs to a small group of foods that can cause a severe allergic reaction, and this can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as anaphylactic shock, and that "those who are allergic to the celery should be cautious and check food labels, as even small traces of celery can cause a reaction."21

Many natural foods have toxic elements if eaten raw in very large quantities and all at one time, and celery is one of them. In fact, it could cause goiters, which are swellings on the neck that could lead to breathing problems and even hypothyroidism.

"Celery can act as a goitrogen if eaten in very large quantities, especially if it's not cooked … This is because great amounts of uncooked celery can interfere with the process of iodine functioning in the thyroid," SF Gate noted.22

In addition, many plants contain natural compounds known as psoralens that could increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet light, and celery is one that may cause a skin reaction or rash if you should get drops of celery juice on your skin and go out into the sun within 12 to 36 hours.

In fact, the rash or hyperpigmentation could cause a burning sensation and last three to five days, or even months, according to a Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings article published in 2000.23

One more thing: Pesticides have become a big business and, unfortunately, substances such as glyphosate, among other pesticides, are applied by farmers to the tune of nearly 5 billion pounds worldwide, and 300 million pounds applied on U.S. farmland. A class of pesticides called organophosphates (OPs) also has been implicated for brain-destroying health risks, such as attention and memory deficits, autism and lower IQs.

Unfortunately, celery is No. 10 on the Environmental Working Group's notorious Dirty Dozen List24 of the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residue. Organic foods are always preferred over the conventionally grown and sold at your local supermarket due to the use of harmful pesticides.

If organic celery is not available or you're just not sure, washing your fruits and vegetables before eating them is recommended, even if they will be peeled before it's eaten. Better yet, grow your own celery, organically.

from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/04/08/celery-juice-health-benefits.aspx

source http://niapurenaturecom.weebly.com/blog/top-benefits-of-celery-juice

[lustgarten22]

Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis and Testing

What cancers cause elevated liver enzymes? Does high alt and ast mean cancer? Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal types of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. Early detection is key to increasing survival rates, but it is difficult for pancreatic cancer diagnose because symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has already spread. If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, and nausea, it is important to speak with your doctor about the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

One of the first pancreatic cancer test used blood test to check for elevated levels of certain enzymes, including ALT and AST, which are found in the liver. However, high levels of these enzymes do not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. Other tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

One of the most common diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer is imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. These tests can provide detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues, allowing doctors to identify any tumors or abnormalities.

A biopsy may also be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the pancreas and examined under a microscope. This can help doctors determine the type and stage of cancer, as well as the best course of treatment.

If you are concerned about pancreatic cancer, it is important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and any tests or procedures that may be necessary. Early detection and treatment can improve your chances of survival and quality of life.

[officetime02-blog]

Weight loss surgery changes the way our bodies sense food

How bariatric surgery helps people with obesity and diabetes is related to changes in the way the gut senses food and nutrients after the operation, researchers report February 5 in the journal Cell Reports. They found that following surgery, altered patterns of digestion and absorption lower in the gut trigger production of higher levels of gut hormones, especially glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which in turn causes higher insulin production.

"For people who have gastric bypass surgery to treat obesity and who also have diabetes, after surgery body weight is reduced and the diabetes melts away quickly," says senior author Fiona Gribble of the Cambridge University Metabolic Research Laboratories at the Wellcome Trust -- MRC Institute of Metabolic Science. "But in lean patients with gastric cancer, they start off having normal glucose control and after the operation they end up having frequent hypoglycemic episodes because their sugar levels dip." The team wanted to learn more about the mechanism explaining these opposite results regarding glucose management.

Researchers have long known that bariatric surgery changes how the food you eat is digested and absorbed down the gut. They also knew that hormone-producing cells in the gut, such as GLP-1 and peptide-YY (PYY) are elevated afterwards. But they did not know the precise connection between these facts. For this study, the team decided to focus on GLP-1 as it is a major hormone involved in diabetes treatment. At least a half dozen GLP-1-based medications are available for managing Type 2 diabetes. "Our theory was that the high GLP-1 levels produced after surgery are quite important for improving your blood glucose after surgery," says Gribble.

The team studied five individuals receiving bariatric surgery for a hereditary form of gastric cancer. Participants received Exendin-9, a compound that blocks the action of GLP-1, at the same time as taking glucose by mouth. They found that concentrations of insulin, the hormone responsible for lowering blood glucose levels, did not increase as dramatically when these individuals were given Exendin-9 and did not suffer hypoglycemic episodes. "We found that blocking the GLP-1 hormone with the Exendin-9 blocked its effect on the pancreatic beta cells that produce the insulin," says Gribble.

The team also wanted to know why GLP-1 levels rise so high after surgery. Normally, food is digested and absorbed high up in the gut. But after surgery, it happens lower down because of the gut rearrangement that involves a Y-shape connection between the bile and pancreatic enzymes with the food. "Most digestion does not happen until the bile and the pancreatic enzymes coming down from one side join the food coming down the other side, which occurs lower in the gut," explains Gribble. That is important because most GLP-1 is released lower down the gut. "If you digest and absorb your nutrients a bit lower down, you consequently stimulate the release of much more GLP-1."

Using new RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry-based measurements they developed for this research, the team mapped the location of various hormonal peptides in the gut in humans and mice before and after surgery. They found that the cells producing the GLP-1 hormone and other gut hormones are not affected by the surgery. "This means that the reason for higher GLP-1 secretion is not because the surgery changes the hormone production by the gut, but it is because nutrient digestion and absorption happens in a different place in the gut and that causes higher levels of GLP-1 and PYY," says Gribble.

Looking forward, the team hopes to learn the precise mechanism responsible for the rapid weight loss in bariatric surgery. "If you can work that out and make a therapy that mimics that, that is what everyone wants: an injectable or oral medication that could mimic the surgery and cause weight loss in people without the surgery," she says. And for those suffering from hypoglycemia after gastric cancer surgery, development of a compound that blocks GLP-1 on a more permanent basis may help improve quality of life for patients who currently make significant adaptations to their eating behavior to avoid hypoglycemic episodes.

Story Source:

Materials provided by Cell Press. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190205115414.htm

[ghaw2007]

10 Spirulina Benefits

10 Spirulina Benefits

1. Detoxes Heavy Metals (Especially Arsenic)

Affecting people all over the globe, chronic arsenic toxicity is a problem. According to the World Health Organization, the U.S. is one of the countries affected by inorganic arsenic that is naturally present at high levels.

Arsenic toxicity is an even bigger problem in the Far East. In the words of Bangladeshi researchers, “Millions of people in Bangladesh, India, Taiwan and Chile are consuming a high concentration of arsenic through drinking water, and thousands of them have already developed chronic arsenic poisoning.” (3)

In fact, up to 3 percent of the entire nation of Bangladesh showed clinical signs of arsenic poisoning alone. (4) As Bangladeshi researchers pointed out, “there is no specific treatment” for arsenic poisoning, which is why they evaluated alternatives like blue-green algae.

After giving 24 patients affected by chronic arsenic poisoning spirulina extract (250 milligrams) plus zinc (2 milligrams) twice daily, they compared the results with 17 patients who took a placebo and found that the spirulina-zinc combination worked. Ultimately, the participants experienced a 47 percent decrease of arsenic in their body. Spirulina against arsenic? Spirulina wins! Make it part of your heavy metal detox.

2. Eliminates Candida

According to researchers, “Candida species belong to the normal microbiota of an individual’s mucosal oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract and vagina.” (5) What does that mean? Well, without a healthy micro-flora balance in our body, we are simply much more susceptible to sickness and disease.

In fact, leaky gut syndrome and improper digestion are directly connected to micro-floral imbalance. Not only is invasive candidiasis the leading cause of mycosis-related death in the U.S., candida overgrowth has become the hallmark sign for most autoimmune diseases today. (6)

Because of our shift toward a diet rich in sugar and unnatural ingredients, antimicrobial resistance and ineffective antifungal drugs, we have seen a significant rise in yeast infections since the 1980s.

Thankfully, spirulina appears to be able to help. Several animal studies have shown that it’s an effective antimicrobial agent, particularly for candida. (7, 8, 9)

Specifically, spirulina benefits have been shown to promote the growth of healthy bacterial flora in the intestines, which in turn inhibits candida from thriving. Additionally, the immune-strengthening properties of spirulina will help the body eliminate candida cells. (10) Spirulina against candida? Spirulina wins!

3. Improves HIV/AIDS

Up until recently, epidemiologists have been puzzled trying to understand why people in Japan, Korea and Chad have relatively low HIV/AIDS rates. One possible explanation, revealed in a 2012 study published in the Journal of Applied Phycology, may be the amount of algae people in these areas regularly consume!

When researchers took 11 HIV patients who have never taken anti-retrovirals, they split the participants into three groups: one that was assigned to eat 5 grams of brown seaweed every day, one that was to eat 5 grams of spirulina, and one that ate a combination of both. (11) After the three-month trial period was complete, two key findings were discovered:

Absolutely no adverse effects were experienced from both seaweed varieties and the combination.

CD4 cells (T-helper white blood cells that fight infection and are used to stage HIV) and HIV-1 viral load (another HIV biomarker) remained stable.

The results were so promising that one participant volunteered to continue the study for an additional 10 months, and this participant actually benefited from “clinically significant improvement in CD4 and decreased HIV viral load.” Therefore, spirulina deserves a place in natural HIV treatment.

4. Helps Prevent Cancer

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “A number of animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer.” (12)

This doesn’t come as a surprise as more than 70 peer-reviewed articles have been published in the scientific literature evaluating spirulina’s ability to affect cancer cells. (13)

In an article published this past April, Czech Republic scientists pointed out that, in addition to its ability to control blood cholesterol levels, “Spirulina is also rich in tetrapyrrolic compounds closely related to bilirubin molecule, a potent antioxidant and anti-proliferative agent.” (14)

When tested on human pancreatic cells, these researchers discovered that, “Compared to untreated cells, experimental therapeutics significantly decreased proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro in a dose-dependent manner.” Essentially, this proves that consuming spirulina appears to be a potential natural cancer treatment.

5. Lowers Blood Pressure 

Phycocyanin is a pigment found in the spirulina that scientists have discovered possesses antihypertensive effects (it lowers blood pressure). (15) Japanese researchers claim that this is because consuming the blue-green algae reverses endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome.

I find this extremely promising for Americans because metabolic syndromehas rapidly become one of the main causes of preventable disease today, as it raises one’s risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke. (16)

6. Reduces Cholesterol

Along those same lines, spirulina benefits have also been shown to prevent atherosclerosis and reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels.

A recent animal study published in The Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology took rabbits, fed them a high cholesterol diet (HCD) containing 0.5 percent cholesterol for four weeks, and then fed them a HCD with 1 percent or 5 percent spirulina for an additional eight weeks. (17)

After the eight-week trial was complete, LDL levels decreased by 26 percent in the group eating 1 percent of spirulina and 41 percent in the group eating 5 percent spirulina, which heavily suggests that the more we eat, the more benefits we will receive! Serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were also significantly reduced.

7. Lowers Chance of Stroke

In the study above, researchers also discovered that the spirulina supplementation lowered intimal aorta surface by 33 percent to 48 percent, which suggests that it can prevent atherosclerosis and subsequent stroke. (18)

It’s important to remember that this clinical trial was conducted on animals that were still eating a HCD, and it highlights that regular spirulina consumption may literally reverse some of the damage done by eating a poor diet. You can only imagine the heart health benefits that would be experienced in those individuals who have a balanced diet!

8. Boosts Energy

When you look at the chemical composition of spirulina, it’s no wonder that people who regularly consume it have an abundance of energy. Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends combining 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder with 12 ounces of lime juice and freezing the mixture in ice cube trays for a healthy boost.

According to Dr. Oz, spirulina and lime enhance energy performance because they unlock sugar from our cells and, when frozen, the cold from the ice boosts metabolic energy while giving our bodies a “wake-up call.” (19)

It’s important to note that this has not been studied in clinical trials, although there are many anecdotal reports that spirulina may boost energy levels.

9. Alleviates Sinus Issues

Known as allergic rhinitis, spirulina benefits the body by reducing the inflammation that causes people to experience sinus problems, according to numerous studies. (20) Compared to placebo trials, spirulina is effective at reducing itching, nasal discharge, nasal congestion and sneezing.

10. Offers Neuroprotection for Brain Disorders & Memory Boosting

In a 2012 study, a spirulina-enhanced diet given to rats provided neuro-protection in an α-synuclein model of Parkinson’s disease. This did not occur with the control diet. (21) In a 2015 study, the effects of spirulina on memory dysfunction, oxidative stress damage and antioxidant enzyme activity were examined with mice. It was found that Spirulina platensis may “prevent the loss of memory possibly by lessening Aβ protein accumulation, reducing oxidative damage and mainly augmenting the catalase activity.” (22)

While both studies are preliminary and involving animals, they hold promise for humans afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, other neuro-degenerative diseases and those with memory problems.

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[theguardian911]

These Must-Have Tests Could Save Your Pet's Life. By Dr. Becker Although your veterinarian can learn a great deal by performing a hands-on physical examination of your pet, there are some very important aspects of his or her health that can only be evaluated with diagnostic tests. Some people think if their pet looks healthy and there's no change in behavior or appetite, then blood tests and other diagnostics are unnecessary. But this isn't true for pets any more than it is for people. Almost all metabolic and organ issues that plague pets start with biochemical changes that can be picked up in blood tests weeks to years before an animal becomes sick enough to exhibit symptoms. If you wait until your pet is showing signs of disease, it may be too late to reverse the illness or cure it. Reactive Versus Proactive Pet Care Many problems brewing beneath the surface don't produce symptoms until the disease is full-blown and, heaven forbid, even fatal. Waiting for symptoms to appear is a reactive approach. Many of us in the holistic veterinary community have clients who think they're taking a holistic approach to their pet's health when they're actually being reactive. For example, they wait until their dog is coughing to ask for a heartworm test, or until their cat is drinking tons of water and urinating constantly before they ask for a kidney function test. Allowing pets to get sick before identifying significant health issues isn't a holistic approach. The paradigm shift holistic vets are trying to encourage is a move away from reactive medicine toward proactive medicine. Proactive veterinarians focus on identifying lifestyle obstacles before disease occurs. Proactive Pet Care Saves Lives If we're capable of identifying disease early and stopping it from occurring, why wouldn't we? Taking a proactive approach gives us the opportunity to address minor biochemical changes early on, and prevent them from becoming major health issues. We can prevent organ failure if we know the body is leaning in that direction. We can prevent irreversible degeneration that robs pets of good health and long lives. But we have to know it's occurring in order to address it, and we won't know if we don't check. I've heard countless times from clients that, "My dog was fine until he suddenly got congestive heart failure," or "My cat was fine until I took her to the vet yesterday and she was diagnosed with kidney failure." The truth is those conditions didn't develop overnight. They occurred slowly, over time. The dog with congestive heart failure and the kitty with kidney failure have been brewing those conditions for quite a while. But because the pet parents and veterinarian weren't regularly monitoring the health of those pets, serious organ degeneration occurred right under their noses. Even if your vet isn't proactive, you can be. Ask him or her to measure your pet's vital organ function with the appropriate diagnostic tests. You're entitled to a copy of the results, which you can review and keep track of from one year to the next, taking note of any changes that occur. If you have no choice but to visit a reactive versus a proactive veterinarian, you'll need to act as your pet's advocate. Don't ever be afraid to speak up on behalf of your animal companion. Keep in mind that most abnormal test results were once normal. It's how quickly we catch the change from normal to abnormal that can mean the difference between fixing a problem early, or potentially losing a pet to a disease we could have identified early on. "I wish I would have known," is something no proactive vet ever wants to say or hear. Put another way, "I wish I would have known," means, "I wish I would have checked." We have the ability to check — to monitor your pet's health — and that's what I'm encouraging you to do. This is especially true for senior pets and pets with chronic health challenges. Fecal Exam and Urinalysis If your dog goes on lots of outdoor adventures, I recommend once or twice yearly fecal exams to check for signs of intestinal disease and parasites. Indoor house cats who have no exposure to potentially infectious poop from other animals are off the hook for fecal exams. A yearly urinalysis (or more frequently if your pet is older or prone to infections or other problems involving the urinary tract) is used to assess the overall health of your pet's urinary tract, including the kidneys and bladder, and to check for other health indicators, such as glucose regulation and liver function. A complete urinalysis measures the function of the nephrons in the kidneys and gives information about your pet's metabolic and fluid status. The test is also used to evaluate substances in the urine that might indicate an underlying disease process. Blood Tests Blood tests help your veterinarian proactively monitor your pet's internal organ health, and also help to determine causes of illnesses accurately, safely and quickly. Blood tests also allow your veterinarian to monitor the progress of medical treatments. However, while these tests indicate where your pet's body may be having a problem, they don't tell us how or why the problem is occurring. It's also important to know that currently there are no blood tests that definitively detect cancer, and not every organ has a specific serum marker for cancer. Complete blood count (CBC). The CBC is the most common blood test performed on pets and people. A CBC gives information on hydration status, anemia, infection, the blood's clotting ability and the ability of your pet's immune system to respond. The CBC is essential for pets with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums or loss of appetite. Also, in the event that your pet needs surgery, a CBC can detect bleeding disorders and other unseen abnormalities. The results of a complete blood count include: • HCT (hematocrit) measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia and dehydration • Hb and MCHC (hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) measure the oxygen-carrying pigments of red blood cells. • WBC (white blood cell count) measures the body's immune cells, including lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. Increases or decreases indicate disease or infection. • Platelets measure cells that form blood clots. • Retics (reticulocytes) are immature red blood cells. High levels indicate regenerative anemia; low levels indicate non-regenerative anemia. Blood chemistry profile. Blood chemistries are common blood serum tests that evaluate your pet's organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels and more. They are very important in evaluating the health of older pets, pets undergoing anesthesia, pets with vomiting and diarrhea, pets that have had toxin exposure, pets on long-term medications and pets with endocrine or internal organ disease. Blood serum measures include: ✓ ALB (albumin) is a serum protein that helps evaluate hydration, hemorrhage and intestinal, liver and kidney disease. ✓ ALP (alkaline phosphatase) elevations may indicate liver damage, Cushing's disease, active bone growth in young pets or arthritis or bone degeneration in older pets. ✓ ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is a sensitive indicator of active liver damage but does not indicate the cause. ✓ A bile acids test is a paired serum sample taken before and after meals, which measures how well the liver is able to recycle bile acids. ✓ Amylase is a digestive enzyme for carbohydrates, and lipase (LIP) is a digestive enzyme for fats. Elevations may indicate pancreatitis or other pancreatic dysfunction. The definitive test for pancreatitis is the PLI (pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity) test. ✓ AST (aspartate aminotransferase) increases may indicate liver, heart or skeletal muscle damage. ✓ BUN (blood urea nitrogen) indicates kidney function. An increased blood level is called azotemia and can be caused by kidney, liver or heart disease, urethral obstruction, shock or dehydration. ✓ Ca (calcium) deviations can indicate a variety of diseases. Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease and low albumin are just a few of the conditions that alter serum calcium. ✓ CHOL (cholesterol) is used to supplement a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, liver disease, Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus. Fortunately, since pets aren't plagued with arteriosclerosis like humans are, even a significant elevation in cholesterol doesn't result in blocked arteries, stroke or heart attack. ✓ CL (chloride) is an electrolyte often lost with vomiting and Addison's disease. Elevations often indicate disease. If your pet has both sodium and chloride abnormalities, you should ask your veterinarian to check for adrenal disease. ✓ CREA (creatinine) is a sensitive marker of kidney function and perfusion. This test helps distinguish between kidney and non-kidney causes of elevated BUN. BUN and creatinine go hand in hand. There's also a third test called the symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) test that can also identify early kidney disease.  ✓ GLOB (globulin) is a blood protein that often increases with chronic inflammation and decreases with chronic infections and a weakened immune system. ✓ GLU (glucose) is blood sugar. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes mellitus or persistent hyperglycemia as the result of a carbohydrate-based diet. Low levels (below 40) can cause collapse, seizures or coma. ✓ K (potassium) is an electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhea or excessive urination. Increased levels may indicate kidney failure, Addison's disease, dehydration, urethral obstruction or inappropriate doses of certain drugs. High levels can cause heart problems. ✓ Na (sodium) is an electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhea, kidney and Addison's disease. This test helps indicate hydration status. ✓ PHOS (phosphorus) elevations are often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and bleeding disorders. ✓ TBIL (total bilirubin) elevations may indicate liver or hemolytic disease. This test helps identify bile duct problems, gall bladder stasis and certain types of anemia. ✓ TP (total protein) indicates hydration status and provides additional information about the liver, kidneys and infectious disease. ✓ T4 (thyroxine) is a thyroid hormone. Decreased levels often signal hypothyroidism in dogs, while high levels indicate hyperthyroidism, commonly diagnosed in cats. A complete thyroid panel is necessary to accurately assess thyroid health. Tests for Tick-Borne Disease If you live in an area where ticks are abundant, I recommend asking your veterinarian for an annual or even twice-a-year SNAP-4Dx test or an Accuplex test to check for tick-borne diseases, including heartworm, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Regardless of what you do to manage fleas and ticks on your pets, research shows mosquitoes can transmit tick-borne diseases, and none of us can completely prevent mosquito bites. Especially in the midwest and the east coast of the U.S., it's a good idea early in the year and at the end of tick season to check for tick-borne illnesses, which thankfully are fairly easy to treat and cure when they are identified before they create chronic disease. Titer Testing and Vaccinations I also recommend titer testing in lieu of automatic re-vaccination for all diseases other than rabies, which of course is required by law. Titer tests are simple blood tests you can ask your veterinarian to do that provide information about your pet's current immunity to the diseases he's been vaccinated against in the past. Immunologist Dr. Ron Schultz states that any positive titer result — any number above zero — means your pet's immune system is capable of mounting an effective response and no vaccine is needed. Some of my clients say, "Hey, I think it's just cheaper to vaccinate. My dog has only had one vaccine. What's the harm in doing it?" My response is it's much safer to titer test, even in pets who've only had one vaccination, because chances are they're protected for life and don't need additional vaccines. If the titer is low, I will give the vaccine at no charge. I give a single parvo or distemper vaccine if a dog's titer is low. I don't give combination vaccines. In 19 years, I've never given a free vaccine because none of my patients have titered low after their puppy shots. So this is something to keep in mind when it comes to re-vaccinating your pet. Additional Recommendations Three other tests to consider are a fasting insulin test, a vitamin D test and a dysbiosis test. • Fasting insulin test. In humans, one of the best predictors of longevity is the fasting insulin level. Very few veterinarians measure this, but I think it's an underutilized test that can evaluate a patient's metabolic health and fat-burning adaptedness. Michigan State Diagnostic Lab runs this test for $18. In my opinion, it's one of the best things you can do to evaluate your pet's ability to manage metabolic diseases, including cancer. • Vitamin D test. Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic, and we're beginning to learn that deficiency in pets may rival that of humans. Dogs and cats can't make vitamin D from sunlight so they must get it from their diet. Unfortunately, the synthetic vitamin D used in many commercial pet foods can be difficult for dogs and cats to absorb and unless impeccably balanced, many homemade diets are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D testing is an add-on to routine bloodwork, but you can ask your veterinarian to include it. • Dysbiosis test. We know that 70 percent of the immune system is located in your dog's or cat's gut, and many pets suffer from gut-related disorders that create malabsorption, maldigestion and ultimately, a weakened and dysfunctional immune system. Identifying and addressing a leaky or dysbiotic gut is critically important in re-establishing good health, especially in debilitated, chronically ill and aging pets. The Texas A&M Gastrointestinal Laboratory has just released a test to measure the level of dysbiosis in the canine gut. The takeaway today is that monitoring a pet's internal environment is actually quite empowering, because we're able to address minor changes before disease occurs, and in many cases we can prevent degeneration, which is always our goal as proactive pet parents and veterinarians.

[sherristockman]

Even Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Be Far More Harmful Than Previously Thought Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola According to a recent report1 by the U.S. surgeon general, substance abuse is skyrocketing in the U.S., and that includes alcohol. In fact, substance abuse in general has eclipsed cancer in terms of prevalence. According to this report, more than 66 million — nearly 25 percent of the total adolescent and adult population — reported binge drinking at some point in 2015. In terms of healthcare costs, alcohol abuse is racking up a price tag of $249 billion a year. Drinking has become so common you might not give it much thought. Researchers have even stated that moderate alcohol consumption may have certain health benefits, which may serve as a comforting justification for some. However, there's still plenty of controversy on this issue, and I would not use it to justify chronic drinking, regardless of the amount. As demonstrated in the BBC investigation above, drinking tends to do far more harm than good, even if you're within guidelines for "moderate" alcohol consumption. Do Drinking Patterns Make a Difference? The BBC segment above investigates the differences between moderate drinking and binge drinking, using identical twin brothers as guinea pigs. They each drink 21 units of alcohol over differing time scales — one consumes them all in one night while the other has three drinks per day over the course of a week. Twenty-one units amounts to three-quarters of a bottle of whiskey, two bottles of wine, or 10.5 pints of beer. The test continues for a month. Medical tests before and after assesses the physical effects and potential damage. Overall, the tests reveal that alcohol consumption is quite detrimental in general, no matter how it's consumed. The doctor was actually quite surprised at how bad moderate drinking was, considering it's within the U.K. guidelines for alcohol consumption. Factors That Influence How You're Affected by Alcohol The effect of alcohol on your body depends on a number of factors, including your gender, weight and genetic makeup. The smaller you are, the more concentrated your blood alcohol level will be compared to a larger person drinking the same amount. Women, who tend to have more body fat than men, will also tend to be more affected by alcohol, as alcohol is soluble in fat. This is why drinking guidelines are lower for women. Genes also play a significant role in how your body processes alcohol, which subsequently determines how likely you are to suffer a hangover as well. Enzymes that break down alcohol are determined by genes. If you have slow-metabolizing enzymes, you're more likely to get a hangover when you drink. In essence, the hangover is your body's way of telling you it's having a hard time metabolizing the alcohol and is struggling with elevated toxicity. Continuing to drink despite such physical objections raises your risk of liver disease. That said, if your genetic profile predisposes you to not suffer hangovers, that does NOT mean you can drink without physiological repercussions. The breakdown products of alcohol are what cause the most biological damage, and those byproducts are produced even when your body metabolizes alcohol quick enough to avoid a buildup of toxic byproducts (which causes the hangover). Conventional Drinking Guidelines In the U.S., the 2015-2020 dietary guidelines2 suggest women consume no more than one drink per day (equivalent to no more than 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine). Men have a two-drinks-per-day allotment. The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking3 as consuming five or more drinks within two hours for men, and four or more drinks in two hours for women. In the U.K. bingeing is defined as six units for women (equivalent to two glasses of wine) and eight units for men. How Alcohol Ruins Your Health Acutely, alcohol depresses your central nervous system, which slows down the communication between your brain cells. Your limbic system, which controls emotions, is also affected. This is why alcohol consumption lowers your inhibitions. Your prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with reasoning and judgment, also slows in response to alcohol, leading to more impulsive behavior and poor judgment. At higher doses, your cerebellum, which plays a role in muscle activity, will also be impacted, leading to dizziness and loss of balance. Over time — even over as short a period as one month — alcohol:4,5,6 • Increases liver stiffness, which increases your risk of liver cirrhosis. In the film, after one month, the liver stiffness of the binge-drinking brother was increased from 3.9 to 4.9 — a 25 percent increase in liver inflammation that leads to cirrhosis. The moderate-drinking brother fared nearly as badly. His liver stiffness increased from 3.9 to 4.8, so spreading the drinks out did not make any significant difference in terms of the liver damage caused by 21 units of alcohol per week. • Diminishes the formation of memories due to ethanol buildup in the brain. This is why you may not remember what you did while you were drunk. Alcohol also causes your hippocampus to shrink, which affects memory and learning. • Promotes systemic inflammation. The two brothers both had significant increases in five different inflammatory markers, although binge drinking caused a more dramatic rise. Studies have shown even a single binge causes a dramatic rise in inflammation. In other words, your body reacts to alcohol in the same way as it reacts to injury or infection. • Increases stress on your heart, raising your risk for cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, high blood pressure and stroke. Blood alcohol levels spike two to three hours AFTER your last drink, which means it may occur in the middle of the night during sleep. This raises your risk of accidental death due to choking on your own vomit and/or suffering cardiac failure or stroke while sleeping. • Significantly increases endotoxin levels. In other words, alcohol causes gut damage allowing bacteria to escape from your gut into your blood stream. The film showed that bingeing caused significantly worse damage, suggesting one week between binges is nowhere near enough to heal the gut damage caused by high amounts of alcohol. That said, regular consumption also led to elevated endotoxin levels, suggesting 21 units of alcohol per week is too much, and "sensible" drinking limits likely need to be much lower. How low is still unclear. These are just a handful of the physical effects of alcohol. In reality, alcohol affects every part of your body, as shown in this Healthline infographic.7 In terms of chronic disease, studies have linked excessive alcohol consumption with an increased risk for poor immune function (which raises your risk for most diseases), pancreatitis and cancer. >>>>> Click Here