While there’s life, there’s hope! ~ Cicero
The diagnosis of cancer for anyone is devastating. When we first hear the word cancer
Drug abuse as always continues to threaten the health and safety of millions of people. There is a growing awareness and concerned about the consequences of drug abuse among different sections of people such as employees, students, youth, athletes and patients. The drug abuse ranges form chain smoking to abusing cocaine and heroin.
According to southwestcouncil.org, the top ten common and dangerous drugs of abuse are Tobacco, Alcohol, Marijuana, Prescription drugs, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, Cocaine, Heroin, Inhalants and Steroids. These drugs can be detected using urine, hair or saliva samples. The below is the brief description of the drugs abused and their testing methods.
Tobacco:
Tobacco is one of the heavily abused addictive drugs in America. Nearly, 70.9 million Americans aged 12 or older were current users of tobacco products in 2008. Tobacco abuse can be detected in 2 to 4 days in urine using Cotinine test that has simple one-step procedure.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is a widely abused drug. According to NSDUH 2008, more than half (51.6%) of the Americans aged 12 or older abused alcohol at least once in 2008. Alcohol abusers can be detected using alcohol breathalyzers, which use a breath sample.
Marijuana:
Marijuana is the commonly used illicit drug of abuse. There were 15.2 million abusers aged 12 or above in 2008. Marijuana abusers can be detected between 3 to 5 days using urine tests such as Marijuana Test.
Prescription drugs:
There were nearly 6.2 million people aged 12 or older who abused prescription drug non-medically in 2008. Commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids such as oxycodone, barbiturates, and stimulants like methylphenidate. Most people abuse drugs that are prescribed to their family members. Urine drug tests are preferred to detect these drugs, as they are inexpensive and provide quick results.
Methamphetamine:
Methamphetamine is highly addictive stimulant with toxic effects on the central nervous system. NSDUH states that there were 314,000 Methamphetamine abusers in 2008. Methamphetamine can be detected in urine for 3 to 5 days of the abuse.
Ecstasy:
Ecstasy (MDMA) is a drug of abuse with stimulant and psychodelic properties. There were nearly 555,000 ecstasy abusers in 2008. Ecstasy can be detected in urine using MDMA Ecstasy drug test for up to 24 hours.
Cocaine:
Cocaine is highly addictive stimulant drug of abuse. NSDUH states that there were 722,000 persons aged 12 years or above in 2008, who used cocaine for the first time in the past year averaging approximately 2,000 initiates per day. Cocaine can be detected in urine using cocaine test for about 2 to 5 days.
Heroin:
Heroin is an addictive opiate drug, synthesized from morphine. In 2008, there were 114,000 persons aged 12 years or above who had used heroin for the first time within the past one year. Urine tests are preferred to detect heroin abuse within 3 to 4 days.
This article is the third installment of a series on Natural Health Therapies and Cancer. The material presented is meant to inform you of complementary cancer therapies that are available in the medical community. These therapies are to be used in cooperation with other cancer treatment methods. They are not meant to be done in place of your physician’s care. In the previous articles, we have covered the basics of cancer, the causes, the various types and stages, and how nutrition can trigger and promote cancer growth. This article will focus on Anti-Cancer Herbal Supplements as a form of cancer therapy.
Herbal therapy is also known as Phytotherapy or Phytomedicine. As you may recall from previous articles, the word ‘phyto’ means ‘plant.’ This form of cancer therapy focuses on herbal or botanical supplements have been used for centuries in dealing with a wide range of diseases. Many of these plants have been studied by pharmaceutical companies to isolate active ingredients for use in drugs. A few key examples are foxglove (used for digitalis), rauwolfia (used in reserpine), and opium poppy (used in morphine).
The anti-cancer herbal supplements that we will discuss in this article are listed below in alphabetical order. Due to the number of herbals involved, we will only be able to cover each one briefly. However, this does give us a starting point to follow-up at the library for more in-depth information. Remember that ‘herbal’ does not equal ‘safe.’ Although herbal therapies usually work more slowly than pharmaceuticals, adverse reactions can occur if the wrong dosage, a poor quality herb, or the incorrect herb is used. In addition, there are potential interactions with prescription drugs. Always check with a medical professional before using any complementary therapies.
The effects of these various herbs on cancer have been researched and documented by a large number of studies worldwide. The results indicate that the herbs work by:
o Stimulating DNA repair
o Producing antioxidant effects
o Promoting protective enzymes
o Inhibiting cancer-activating enzymes
o Inducing oygenating effects
The anti-cancer herbal and botanical supplements currently being used by a variety of medical practitioners are:
Algae Chlorella, Sea vegetables, and Green Drinks provide high levels of antioxidants that help to clean up the damage done by free radicals. The albumin, vitamins, and minerals contained in chlorella are considered a major detoxification resource.
Aloe Vera Long used for burns, cuts, and minor skin irritations, tests indicate that this plant has tumor-fighting capability. A major component of aloe vera called Acemannan has displayed remarkable ability as an immune system stimulator.
Amygdalin Known also as Laetrile, this substance is found in the pits of apricots and other fruits. It has been used for centuries and produces a cyanide compound that targets cancer cells.
Astralagus This herb is widely used in China, often in conjunction with ginseng. Research shows that it increase Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and boost interferon levels.
Cat’s Claw Used in Peruvian tribal medicine, this herb displays antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Studies have indicated that it enhances the immune system as well as digestive system.
Echinacea This well-known herb has shown properties that enhance the immune system. Test results indicate an increase in NK cell activity ranging from 90-221%. Echinacea provides support to battle secondary problems like infection.
Essiac This is an herbal tea originally used by Native Americans. It contains burdock, sheep sorrel, Indian rhubarb, slippery elm, and other herbs. It has been shown to boost immune system function, diminish inflammatory processes, and reduce the toxic side effects of many drugs.
Flavonoids A group of phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables. These substances have very high antioxidant levels. This group contains quercetin, rutin, citrin, hesperidin, proanthocyanins, and anthocyanins.
Garlic Enough scientific evidence exists for this longtime folk remedy that scientists held the First World Congress on the Health Significance of Garlic and Garlic Constituents in the late 1980s. Research points out garlic’s ability to suppress cancer initiation and growth by boosting NK cell and T-cell activity. Garlic also blocks cancer cell adhesion to blood vessels which helps prevent metastases.
Gingko Biloba This herb has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. One of its components, gingkolide B, interferes with a chemical in the body that promotes tumor growth. Gingko also has a high antioxidant level.
Ginseng Used for centuries in Asia, this small woodland plant has been documented to have immune system enhancing properties. It stimulates macrophage and NK cell activity as well as boosting the production of antibodies.
Grape seed extract Pycogenols, the active ingredients in grape seed extract and pine tree bark, might be the most powerful antioxidants found to date. Studies show that they are 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C in reducing free radical damage.
Green tea A popular drink in Japan and China, green tea has been shown to reduce the risks of throat and liver cancers. This is attributed to the high antioxidant properties found in green tea, far exceeding those of Vitamin E. The average daily consumption of green tea in Asia is 2-10 cups.
Haelan 851 This is a liquid soybean concentrate made with a specialized fermentation process. The preparation contains zinc, selenium, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, D, E, and K. It also contains high levels of genistein, an isoflavone shown to increase cancer cell death, inhibit blood vessel growth to tumors, regulate hormonal imbalance, and provide other anti-cancer functions.
HANSI A homeopathic combination of about 10 herbal components, HANSI has been shown to increase NK cell activity in the immune system. The primary ingredients in the formula are from rain forest and desert plants such as cactus, aloe, arnica, licopodium, and lachesis. Made in Argentina, this formula is available in the U.S. on a three month supply basis.
Hoxsey’s herbs This is an herbal preparation that contains red clover, burdock root, buckthorn, barberry bark, stillingia root, chaparral, licorice, cascara amarga, and prickly ash bark. Used since the 1840s, these herbs produce documented antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-estrogen activity. They also have been shown to boost immune function and inhibit blood vessel growth to tumors.
Iscador (Mistletoe) Used by European physicians since 1920, Iscador has been found to increase the length and quality of life, stabilize the cancer, cause tumor reduction, and improve the overall condition of the patient. Immune system function, particularly NK cells, increases within 24 hours after Iscador treatments.
Larch arabinogalactan This is a complex carbohydrate compound derived from the Western Larch tree. Studies have shown that it enhances the activity of NK cells, macrophages, and immune-enhancing chemicals called cytokines.
Maitake mushroom Maitake, shitake, and reishi mushrooms have all been shown to promote NK cell and antibody activity. Maitake mushrooms consistently show the greatest results in inhibiting cancer development and metastasis.
Pau D’Arco An herbal extract derived from the inside of the bark of certain trees in the South American rainforest that has displayed anticancer properties. The key component, lapachol, has a unique molecular composition that produces biological activity against cancer.
Pectin, modified citrus This is a food fiber found in fruits which has been modified to bring out the immune system enhancement properties. Research show that modified citrus pectin boosts the function of both T-cells and NK cells in the immune system.
Silymarin Known also as milk thistle, this herb is full of antioxidants and flavonoids. It has been seen to provide protection from liver damage. Studies indicate that Silymarin accelerates the regeneration of damaged liver tissue. This is important in cancer patients because all toxins including chemotherapy drugs are filtered through the liver and excessive toxins can result in liver dysfunction.
Turmeric A major ingredient in curry powder, this herb comes from India and is a member of the ginger family. Studies show that it provides powerful antioxidant effects, inhibits tumor growth and formation in certain cancers, and reduces production of some cancer-promoting enzymes.
In the next article, we will explore the use of Physical Support Therapies for cancer therapy. These methods include Detoxification, Biological Dentistry, Water Therapy, Heat Therapy, Bodywork/Therapeutic Massage/Exercise, and Qi Gong. I hope that this material has been helpful and informative. The material in these articles is a portion of an e-book available on my website.
An inclusive oral care which combines science and art to improve dental health, function and aesthetics is referred to as “Cosmetic Dentistry.” Some of the most usual cosmetic dental treatment options which are being offered by dentists include the following:
o Teeth Whitening / Teeth Bleaching
Teeth whitening are the most common cosmetic dental treatment being offered by dentists. Teeth whitening are also known as teeth bleaching. Even though there are various whitening options these days, a dentist-supervised treatment still remains to be the best procedure for whitening discolored and stained teeth.
o Enamel Shaping
Some portions of the tooth enamel are removed by enamel shaping to enhance the look of the tooth. Enamel shaping may be utilized to rectify a very small chip. The enamel that has been taken away is irreplaceable and may sometimes unmask dentin. Enamel shaping is also known as odontoplasty, stripping, enameloplasty, recontouring, slenderizing and reshaping.
o Dental Contouring / Tooth Reshaping
Contouring, which is also called as “Tooth Reshaping,” is one those cosmetic dental treatments that is currently being performed in cosmetic dentistry. Contouring and dental reshaping are both used to rectify chipped teeth, cracked teeth, crooked teeth and overlapping teeth in a single session.
Tooth Reshaping or dental contouring can even be an alternative for braces under given circumstances. Dental contouring is usually performed to change the shape, position and length of the teeth.
o Bonding
Bonding is a dental routine wherein an enamel-like dental composite material is put on to the surface of the tooth, then formed into shape and set and may be further refined.
o Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges is a method used for replacing two or more missing teeth. There are two common types of dental bridges and these are the fixed bridges and cantilever bridges. Dental Bridges helps a person in lessening the risk associated with gum disease. This procedure also helps in correcting a person’s biting problem and can even help a person in improving his speech.
o Veneers
Veneers are bonded directly to the teeth. These are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates which is utilized for closing gaps found on teeth and for disguising discolored teeth which did not react well to bleaching or whitening procedures.
o Gum Lift
The Gum Lift cosmetic dental procedure is performed to sculpt and raise the gum line. This cosmetic dental procedure involves reshaping the underlying bones and tissues to achieve the look of more symmetrical teeth.
These days, cosmetic dental appliance can be created completely of composite materials or porcelain that perfectly imitates the look of the natural tooth structure.
There are different options for male enhancement and a curiosity many males have had is whether surgery or exercising would be the best. Which one can actually achieve results? How fast can I see those results? Here we answer which is better for you, surgery or exercising.
-First of all, surgery obviously involves the whole “going under the knife” routine. And you have to be mentally alright with that. Many men are not, and some think they would be, but when it comes down to it they back out. So right away one of the biggest drawbacks to the male enhancement surgical route is exactly the routine itself and the proper mindset needed to go for it.
-Exercising takes time. Now to one of the big drawbacks to exercising, is the time factor. It does take time. With surgery it can be a one shot deal.
Though, keep in mind that surgery may, and usually does, involve repeat visits, and post surgical recovery time. So it is not just a matter of showing up at noon and by 2 pm the same day you can be out running around with your new results.
So with recovery time, and return visits to the doctors, you could still be looking at a few weeks with surgery. Now, in those few weeks you could have performed male enhancement exercises and seen decent results (it would take a few more weeks to see the best results though).
-Exercising takes some effort. This may be where surgery has exercising beat, in that there is effort required to see results. Usually everyday you have to put in some exercises to remain consistent in order to see male enhancement results. But, having said that, now days the exercises have been developed so well that there are programs which only require 6 minutes a day to achieve maximum results.
-Surgery and its risks. A lot of this male enhancement surgery vs exercise can ultimately come down to the risk factors. Obviously surgery has its risks and when this involves a delicate area of the body then those risks must be taken very seriously. There have been a number of horror stories involving past surgical procedures, so it’s incredibly important to research and find the safest surgical route possible.
Exercising for male enhancement on the other hand, is a more natural technique and the risks are nowhere near that of surgery. One could ultimately decide to try exercising for male enhancement for a month, before even considering the surgical route.
Contrary to popular belief, not all of us Vegetarians are the stereotypical twenty something blonde athletes who take yoga classes and go for early morning jogs. We don’t all have strict diets and count every calorie we come into contact with. We crave candy and sweets just as everybody else does. We are human afterall!
When I first began my vegetarian journey I assumed that the few extra pounds I had gained during childbirth would drop off. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case!
Believe it or not I actually gained weight in the first few months! I had stopped watching what I was eating and assumed that my meals were less fattening without the meat. It wasn’t until I saw my heartbreaking ‘fat photo’ from my sisters wedding that I knew it was time to make a change.
I joined a gym which I rarely went to, hired a personal trainer who I didn’t call back and drained my wallet on fad diets. I was losing the battle of the bulge!
Now I was discussing my dilemma with one of the ladies at my vegetarian society club. The conversation began with me jokingly warning her ‘when you get to my age your body will catch up with you’ etc. I was shocked when she pulled out a photo from her wallet of her looking at LEAST 40lbs heavier!
The beast (excuse the metaphor) in the photo didn’t even slightly resemble the trim, fit looking woman standing in front of me! She told me her secrets and now (30lbs lighter I might add) I too carry my fat photo around as proof that I was not always in the best shape of my life!
Her method has proven so successful that she was approached by one of the leading vegetarian diet websites on the internet to sell her diet plan.
If you are SERIOUS about losing weight, you cannot bear to look at your flabby stomach any longer and it is too emotionally for you to continue putting off your diet then my advice to you is to follow this simple method!