5 Signs of Stomach Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

5 Signs of Stomach Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

Krista Bugden |Mar 2, 2022

What Are the Signs of stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer poses a scary situation. After all, your stomach is responsible for breaking down the food you eat, allowing your body to gain essential energy and nutrients to function normally.

About 26,000 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer — also known as gastric cancer — in the U.S. each year. Accounting for 1.5% of all cancer diagnosis, this type of cancer frequently impacts older individuals, with the average age of a stomach cancer diagnosis being 68. So, you may wonder, “What are the signs of stomach cancer?”

In this article, we are going to examine what stomach cancer is, the top signs of stomach cancer, treatment, prevention and more.

Top 5 Signs of Stomach Cancer

So, let’s answer, “What are the signs of stomach cancer?” It can be hard for individuals to determine that certain signs are indicative of stomach cancer. This is because many of the symptoms are associated with other gastrointestinal conditions, including gastritis and the flu.

Unfortunately, this often means that stomach cancer is not found until it is too late. However, if at any point you or someone you love has ongoing stomach issues, especially if they are elderly, it is important to consider screening for this type of cancer to improve the odds of making a full recovery.

Here are some of the common signs of stomach cancer:

1. Weight Loss (Without Explanation)

While someone with stomach cancer may experience a loss of appetite, weight loss without trying is a sure-fire sign that something is not right. This clearly indicates that something is wrong with the digestion and absorption process, potentially signaling that cancerous tissue is involved.

At the same time, it is important to note that unexplained weight loss can also happen due to a range of other conditions, including psychological stress.

2. Lump and Pain in the Stomach

As the cancer grows, you may notice a firm lump on your stomach, as well as pain associated with this lump. At the end of the day, any abdominal pain should be taken seriously, especially if it doesn’t dissipate with time or rest.

This pain may also start as vague discomfort just above the navel, which gets worse as time goes on.

3. Nausea or Vomiting

Again, many of the symptoms on this list are also the same as those associated with the stomach flu. However, indigestion, including nausea, vomiting and gas, is another sign of stomach cancer, especially if it is associated with other symptoms on this list.

Vomiting may also occur with or without blood, depending on the severity of stomach cancer a person is experiencing.

4. Heartburn or Acid Reflux

Heartburn after eating can also indicate stomach cancer, yet it is also important to note that heartburn may also be issues with your heart mistaken for indigestion. Thus, this sign alone does not necessarily mean you have stomach cancer. A proper diagnosis made by your doctor or a specialist can determine what is really going on.

5. Feeling Full Quickly After Eating

If this commonly occurs, even after a small meal, this could mean you have stomach cancer. This is because the cancerous tissue is not only interfering with the stomach’s function, but also taking up room within this organ, which may send conflicting signals to your brain and vice versa.

Stomach Cancer Treatment

Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage of stomach cancer, where the tumor is located, whether or not the cancer has spread and your general overall health.

Typically, a combination of chemotherapy and surgery are used to get this type of cancer under control. In other cases, radiotherapy and other medications may also be used to control or manage symptoms.

Can You Prevent It?

While you cannot prevent cancer, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Consuming a nutrient-rich diet containing mostly whole foods.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Limiting alcohol consumption.
  • Avoiding drug use.
  • Eating a diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.
  • Not smoking/quitting smoking.
  • Treating any stomach or gastrointestinal infections.

The American Cancer Society also indicates that using aspirin may lower the risk of stomach cancer. However, it is important to note that these types of medications can also cause internal gastrointestinal bleeding with long-term use.

In particular, when it comes to treating stomach or gastrointestinal infections, the quick treatment of H. pylori may reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer later on by reducing any pre-cancerous lesions in the stomach.

If you have been diagnosed with an incurable form of stomach cancer, the goal of treatment will be to make you comfortable and reduce symptoms as much as possible. It’s also essential to seek out support from your loved ones and professionals. A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly difficult, especially without a good support network. In some towns and cities, you may also find joining a support group and connecting with others going through similar situations can help you cope.

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Is An Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs?

Pamela Bandelaria | March 2, 2022

A Soak Could Help You Find Some Relief Urinary tract infections are one of the most common outpatient consultations in the United States. They are one of the most common causes of fever in the young and elderly and can cause urinary incontinence in women. Yearly, around 250,000 cases of kidney infections or pyelonephritis occur among women in the United States. Costs for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in the United States can reach up to a total of $2-3 billion dollars a year. It might seem like a simple infection, but it can be really costly when you think of it from that scale. It is an essential infection to treat because it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis and renal damage if left untreated. That is why a lot of other remedies are being tested to see if they can alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections. This article will discuss how Epsom salt baths are good for UTIs, what benefits Epsom salt baths have, and how to prepare an Epsom salt bath. What are Urinary Tract Infections? What are the Symptoms? Urinary tract infections are infections of the parts that serve as the passageway of the urine out of our bodies; this includes the kidney, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urine is a sterile substance that passes out of our bodies; therefore, the introduction of bacteria can lead to a bladder infection, inflammation, and pus formation that can lead to various symptoms. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain and burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain. What are Epsom Salts? What Do They Do? Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a white, crystalline water-soluble chemical compound that has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses. Epsom salts are commonly used to relieve sore muscles, stiff joints, itching, skin irritation, and sunburn and are used as relief for headaches or foot pain. Its uses in the human body are varied, and it has been found to provide relief for various ailments, which include urinary tract infections. How is an Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs? What Benefits do Epsom Salt Baths Have? Epsom salts provide several benefits for treating urinary tract infections. The primary benefit of using Epsom salt baths for bladder infections or urinary tract infections is to relieve pain. Epsom salt baths can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. UTIs present with a burning sensation, pain while urinating, and cloudy urine. The warm, calming nature of Epsom salt baths has been shown to help relieve this. [youmaylike] If you soak in an Epsom salt bath, it can be helpful to reduce inflammation as well. Because they are rich in magnesium, they can help cleanse the urinary tract and aid in the healing process. The increased concentration of magnesium sulfate is believed to help change the environment in the urinary tract, which can lead to conditions unfavorable for bacteria to grow. It can help prevent bacteria from growing or multiplying when you soak in an Epsom salt bath and has a disinfectant property. Epsom salt baths can also improve the circulation of blood in the body. It can cause dilation of the blood vessels leading to improved blood flow, which also promotes the passage of cells that help in the body’s immunity. Epsom salt baths provide an overall relaxing and calming experience that can leave you feeling detoxified as well. Are Epsom Salt Baths the Answer to UTIs? Although Epsom salt baths may relieve urinary tract infection symptoms, there is not enough evidence to recommend using Epsom salts over established treatments like antibiotics. Epsom salt baths are currently home remedies that can be adjuncts to treatment but cannot be used to replace the treatment of urinary tract infections with antibiotic medications. In order to treat the infection, you should still take an antibiotic regimen prescribed by your physician. Are Epsom Salt Baths Risk-Free? Do Epsom Salt Baths Have Any Side Effects? Generally, Epsom salt baths are safe and don’t have a lot of serious complications. However, you still need to make sure that Epsom salt baths are safe for you. The most common side effects of Epsom salt baths include allergic reactions. So if you have an allergy to Epsom salt, it is better that you avoid this. It can also aggravate pain or discomfort if you have an open wound or breaks or scratches in the skin. If you have these, stay away from Epsom salt baths to avoid further complications. How Do You Prepare an Epsom Salt Bath? The general way to prepare an Epsom salt bath is to dissolve Epsom salt in warm water. Epsom salt is easy to find and can easily be bought in health and grocery stores. Recommendations include dissolving 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a gallon of warm water to create a water-soak bath. It is important not to put too much to avoid irritation and drying of the skin. Let the Epsom salt dissolve in the water, which can take about a few minutes. If you have a bathtub, you can prepare it to submerge and soak in it. However, this can be done as you shower as well. When you have a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection, you can do a water soak for 15-20 minutes to help relieve symptoms. Rinse after every water soak. This can be done daily or on an average of 2-3 times per week. Doing this soak gives ample time in providing relief until the antibiotics start doing their work and control further growth and multiplication of bacteria, completely eliminating symptoms such as pain. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, consult your physician for an evaluation. Further, you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing any serious side effects from using Epsom salt baths. There are no studies that show that using an Epsom salt bath for UTIs will prevent or cure a urinary tract infection, so it is still important to go to the doctor for proper management. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

Follow These 8 Tips to Prevent Balding

Elizabeth Dickson | March 2, 2022

How to Prevent Balding If balding or thinning hair is one of your worries, we have got the solutions for you. In this article, we will chat about the symptoms of balding, the causes, how to prevent balding and how to cope with hair loss. Losing a few strands of hair every day is completely normal, but what do you do when you begin losing more hair than you should? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 80 million people in America have hereditary hair loss (alopecia). In addition, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), approximately 25% of men who have hereditary male pattern baldness start losing their hair before the age of 21. By the age of 50, about 85% of men are bald or have significantly thinner hair. 8 Ways to Prevent Balding If genetics is the reason for your hair loss, there might not be a lot that can be done to prevent it. However, these tips can help slow down or prevent loss if other reasons are causing it: Treat your hair gently and avoid pulling; use caution when washing, brushing and styling your hair. Avoid harsh treatments, such as coloring and perms. Protect your hair from the sun; wear a hat and avoid tanning beds. Quit smoking. Some studies suggest there is a link between balding and regular smoking. Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Avoid hot showers and shampoo that causes scalp irritation. Talk to your doctor or dietician about supplements that may help slow down your hair loss. If you are getting treatments for cancer or taking a medication that causes hair loss as a side effect, speak to your doctor about getting a cold cap or other measures to prevent hair loss. If you try the above tactics and still feel that hair loss is negatively impacting your life, it is important to seek out medical advice. First, talk to your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter treatments for hair loss. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. Hair Loss Symptoms Hair loss can look different from person to person, depending on the severity and cause. However, here are some common symptoms to watch for. Slow and Consistent Loss of Hair Starting at the Top of the Head This is the most common form of hair loss. As you age, you can experience thinning of the hair on the top of your head, especially men. In men, this typically looks like a receding hairline or thinning hair or a thinning patch on top of the head. In women, this typically looks like the widening of the part of the hair, along with loss of hair around the forehead. Sudden Loss of Hair It's as if it has become loose from your scalp. Our bodies are extremely sensitive to changes and will work hard to cope with those changes. Therefore, environmental and emotional stress can cause you to lose handfuls of hair at a time. Thankfully, this type of hair loss is typically temporary and will stop once the stressors have been addressed. [youmaylike] Patches of Hair Loss All Over the Scalp With this type of hair loss, hair consistently falls out from the same spot on your scalp. This leaves your scalp with patches or circular spots of missing hair. Not only can this affect the hair on your head, but it can also leave patches of missing hair on your face, such as in your beard or eyebrows. Loss of Both Scalp and Body Hair This type of hair loss is less common than the others. It typically only affects individuals who are taking a strong medication or treatment, such as chemotherapy. The lost hair generally regrows with ease once the treatment has stopped. Causes of Hair Loss There are several reasons why you may experience hair loss, including: Hereditary and genetic factors. Hormonal and systemic body changes. Certain medications and medical conditions. Mechanical stress, such as consistent pulling on the hair. Emotional and environmental factors. Radiation exposure. Some degree of hair loss is entirely normal. Typically, you lose between 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. New hair strands grow at about the same rate, meaning that hair loss isn't generally noticeable until you have exceeded this number.

Top 12 Foods, Supplements and Vitamins for Bariatric Surgery

Krista Bugden | March 2, 2022

Diet for Bariatric Surgery If you have tried everything within your power to lose weight or you have a health condition that prevents you from losing weight, your doctor may suggest bariatric surgery. Frequently called gastric bypass, this type of procedure often involves sealing off the top of the stomach, which decreases the amount of food you can consume and reduces nutrient absorption. As a result, it’s much easier to lose any excess weight. But what should a diet for bariatric surgery include and what can help you recover? In this article, we are going to explore all the foods, supplements and vitamins you might want to consider after your bariatric surgery. Let’s dive in! Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet Tips After bariatric surgery, you need to be cautious about what you consume. It’s recommended to: Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. Delay drinking anything after a meal for 30 minutes. Eat slowly. Consume protein-rich foods. Avoid alcohol. Limit caffeine. Thoroughly chew each and every bite. Phase 1 Initially, you will be only allowed to consume liquids. This gives your stomach (and body) time to heal and recover. Some of these liquids may include: 1. Broth Broth is gentle and soothing on the digestive tract. In fact, it is frequently recommended for those with digestive issues due to its healing capabilities. Bone broth, in particular, contains protein and various minerals that help with your gut lining, ensuring you obtain adequate nutrition. 2. Unsweetened Juice Added sugars may irritate your stomach and digestive tract. Thus, choose unsweetened juices that naturally contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that can accelerate the healing and recovery process. You can also slowly suck on a popsicle or gelatin that is sugar-free. 3. Decaffeinated Tea or Coffee Caffeine should be avoided due to its stimulatory effects on the digestive system (which can mean you end up absorbing next to no nutrients from your food post-surgery). However, you can try decaffeinated varieties, receiving plenty of antioxidants and other nutrients. 4. Milk Milk can help you obtain adequate calcium and protein. Go for skim or 1% to avoid overloading your digestive system with too much fat. Phase 2 After a week of good tolerability of liquids, you will move on to pureed foods, making your diet a little more interesting! Typically, this means eating about three to six snacks or meals each day, with each meal taking about 30 minutes to consume. Here’s what this stage of the bariatric diet will include: 5. Pureed Fruits and Veggies Fruits and vegetables boost tons of nutrients that your body needs on a regular basis. They also come jam-packed with antioxidant and gut-friendly compounds, helping your digestive tract heal and get back on track post-surgery. 6. Pureed Lean Ground Meat While this might not sound ultra-appetizing, your body needs protein to heal and repair. Protein is the building block of the body, which means it is essential for improving your digestion as you recover. 7. Soft Scrambled Eggs Pureed foods further include soft scrambled eggs! Make sure not to overcook them, as this may make them tricky to eat. 8. Soups You can also enjoy various soups during this second week, allowing you to add variety to your daily diet. [youmaylike] Phase 3 and 4 From here, you can begin introducing soft foods, such as: Ground meat. Flaky fish. Cottage cheese. Rice. Cooked veggies. The following week, if all goes well, you can then introduce solid foods a little bit at a time. Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals Your doctor may further recommend certain supplements to guide your recovery and replace any foods you are unable to eat for the first few weeks. This is essential to prevent nutrient deficiencies and adverse health effects. Some supplements that you may be recommended include: 9. Calcium The intake of 1,200 milligrams to 2,000 milligrams of calcium can help prevent bone loss. This is especially important if you aren’t drinking milk (such as those that don’t tolerate lactose very well). 10. Vitamin D Vitamin D can be taken alongside calcium. It’s recommended to take 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D. Alternatively, you can also obtain vitamin D via the sun, which may mean your doctor can recommend sitting outside in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes each day. 11. Vitamin B12 B12 is an essential bariatric vitamin for energy production and is necessary for healing! It also may be hard to obtain initially when consuming only liquids since it is often found in meat and animal products. Aim for 500 micrograms daily. 12. Folic Acid and Iron Your doctor may further recommend folic acid or iron, especially if you are a woman who is currently menstruating. These are commonly lost via your monthly bleed. Yet, with restrictions around what you can eat, they may be hard to replenish, so supplementation may be best. Post-Bariatric Surgery Medications Post-bariatric surgery medications may include: Omeprazole. This prevents ulcers from developing. It is usually recommended to take within the first six months post-surgery. Ursodiol. This helps stop the production of gallstones, which commonly occur after this type of surgery. This medication is also typically taken for at least six months after bariatric surgery. Multivitamins. While technically not a medication, almost every person post-bariatric surgery will be recommended a multivitamin to take in order to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as the initial bariatric diet is quite restrictive. At the end of the day, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and advice since they know you and your situation best.