Awareness Saves Lives Lung cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the lungs. Like other cancers, as the disease develops, tumors are formed. As the disease progresses, it has the potential to spread to other regions of the body. Lung cancer is an umbrella term referring to several different cancers in the lung, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLCs start in lung tissue. It is comprised of three specific diseases: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. SCLCs are a rarer form, originating in the bronchi. They are similar in symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. SCLCs tend to be more aggressive than NSCLCs. When cancer is more “aggressive”, it means that the growth of the cancer cells is more rapid. Rapid progression of cancer means that tumors grow faster and spread to other parts of the body more quickly, meaning the time window for “effective” treatment is smaller and the prognosis is poorer than non-aggressive cancers. Getting a Diagnosis Anyone can get lung cancer. This is no population of people that have absolute immunity from the disease. That being said, certain groups of people are more likely to contract lung cancer than others. [youmaylike] Generally, lung cancer is found in older people over the age of 65. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco, can increase the risk of getting a diagnosis. Remember, just are there are no populations that are immune to developing cancer, but there are plenty of “at-risk” individuals who will never develop it. This does not mean you should ignore warnings over certain activities, such as smoking, just because you can think of someone who was an exception to the rule. Early Signs of Lung Cancer When it comes to cancer, one of the most important things you can do is get an early diagnosis. Early detection will put you in a better position in terms of treatment. Catching the disease before it gets the chance to travel to other parts of the body will make it easier to treat. If it does not spread, physicians can concentrate treatment techniques on specific areas, which can drastically increase your chances of beating it. The main problem that makes cancer so deadly is that you often do not notice until it is too late. Oftentimes, the early signs of disease are easy to overlook. Unfortunately, lung cancer normally does not cause any noticeable symptoms until later on. If you are demographically vulnerable to developing lung cancer, consider paying special attention to these early warning signs: Chronic cough, with no apparent cause. Coughing up blood; you may notice spotting on tissues. Chest, back, or shoulder pain, especially when you take deep breaths or laugh. Inappropriate shortness of breath, which may happen when doing non-strenuous, daily activities that should not cause any breathing problems. Weight and appetite loss, with no apparent cause. Fatigue or feelings of weakness with no known cause. Hoarseness, or having a raspy voice, can be a sign of respiratory problems. Wheezing, even during regular breathing. Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Any persistent respiratory infection should be brought to the attention of your physician. As lung cancer advances, the severity of symptoms will worsen for most patients. Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs of cancer may manifest after the disease has had time to progress. These symptoms will arise in response to the fact that the disease has entered other parts of the body. How you experience these symptoms will depend heavily on where the cancer spreads to. Bone pain: Can occur anywhere in the body but likely in the hip or the back. Jaundice: The yellowing of skin and eyes is a sign the liver has been disrupted by something. Disturbances to the nervous system: When cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause many different symptoms. These symptoms can include things such as persistent headaches, fatigue, numbness, lightheadedness, seizures, and sudden problems with balancing. When to See a Doctor You should always discuss any major changes in your bodily functions with your doctor. It is impossible to know whether or not something is cancerous until you undergo a medical examination. More than likely, these symptoms are not cancer. This does not mean that you should ignore them. Even if a collection of symptoms is not cancer, it can be a sign of another medical condition. As early intervention is essential for dealing with any cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice these problems when they become persistent and occur with no explanation.
Leaky Gut Syndrome Symptoms
Leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal permeability, is a condition in which bacteria or toxins leak from the small intestine into the bloodstream. In this article, we are going to take a look at leaky gut syndrome symptoms so you can know if you are at risk.
Microbiota is bacteria found in the intestines that help with digestion, protect the intestinal wall, and contribute to immune function. Research shows that a microbiota imbalance in the intestine may trigger the body’s immune response resulting in gut inflammation and intestinal permeability.
The science behind leaky gut syndrome is still developing. And the infancy of it is the reason for tensions between proponents of natural health who diagnose and treat leaky gut and some mainstream medical practitioners who dismiss it.
Because of this, there are no definitive tests to find out whether an individual has leaky gut syndrome, and many people go their whole lives without a diagnosis and proper treatment. If you suspect you may have any of its symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a doctor who will take your concerns seriously.
However, it is widely accepted that leaky gut is a common syndrome among people with autoimmune diseases, such as celiac and Crohn's disease. Still, the evidence that it is an underlying cause of such conditions is not sufficient.
Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome
The defined causes of the leaky gut syndrome include:
- Chronic stress, which weakens your immunity and undermines your ability to fight off bacteria and viruses
- Preservatives and other chemicals found in foods often causing damage to the intestine's lining, undermining the digestion of gluten
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin causing damage to the intestine's lining
- Dysbiosis, the imbalance between the other species in the gut; good and bad bacteria (antibiotics are a leading cause of the imbalance because it kills the good bacteria in the stomach)
- A poor diet that’s heavy on processed foods leading to an overgrowth of yeasts in the intestine
People with the following conditions are also likely to experience leaky gut. - Acnes
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Brain fog
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Chronic liver disease
- Diabetes
- Unexplained rashes
- Food allergies
- Giardiasis
- Hives
- Intestinal infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including ulcerative colitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Sinus infections
It is best not to think of the leaky gut as a disease by itself but a means through which toxins invade the body through the gastrointestinal tract and cause other diseases.
Common symptoms of leaky gut syndrome include:
- Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating
- Depression, anxiety, or ADHD
- Fatigue
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Malaise
- Skin problems including eczema and rashes
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
Treatment Options
The most effective treatment for leaky gut syndrome is a diet that supports gut health and eliminates stressors such as:
- Gluten and wheat-based products
- Dairy products, including milk and cheese
- Refined oils including canola, sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil
- Highly refined foods and snacks such as crackers, potato chips, sugary cereals, among others
- Artificial sweeteners
- Salad dressings and sauces such as soy, teriyaki, and hoisin sauce
- Drinks with soy, caffeine, refined sugar, carbonated beverages, and alcohol
Foods that support gut health include: - Greens such as arugula, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kale, spinach, ginger, mushrooms, and zucchini
- Fruit fiber from bananas, berries, pineapple, lemon, passion fruit, and papaya
- Roots and tubers including potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, and yams
- Nuts and seeds, including almonds, peanuts, nut-based milk, and chia, flax, and sunflower seeds
- Healthy fats such as omega-3, avocado oil, extra virgin oil, and coconut oil that support brain function
- Meat and eggs — chicken, turkey, and eggs, fish, lean beef, and lamb
- Cultured dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are known to support brain activity
- Healthy beverages including bone broth and coconut milk
Lifestyle adjustments that may prove helpful besides a good diet include:
- Regular exercise
- Measures that ensure you get enough sleep, such as observing a regular bedtime schedule and avoiding blue light around your bedtime
- Avoid antibiotics if necessary
- Quit alcohol and smoking
You could opt to visit a gastroenterologist to help you navigate nutritional choices. Notably, treating Crohn's or celiac disease after a diagnosis will also address leaky gut symptoms. Avoiding stress either by medication or meditation is also effective in addressing intestinal permeability.