Tag Archives: Inflammation

EPCs Role in Cardiovascular Diseases

Endothelial Progenitor Cells Role in Cardiovascular Diseases

EPCsCurrently, regenerative medicine is on focus with hopes that it can be used in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The circulating endothelial progenitor cells have been shown to possess an ability to form mature endothelial cells that can be useful in the process of vascular repair as well as neoangiogenesis. In preclinical studies, it has been shown that the circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have the potency for cardiovascular regeneration. With this said, it is god to admit that there is still a lot needed to be done in this area to show the effectiveness of the regenerative activities of these EPCs. Here we look at how the EPCs relate to cardiovascular diseases.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells are biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases

Just like other stem cells the circulating endothelial progenitor cells have the ability to proliferate, migrate, and differentiate into mature endothelial cells. First discovered from the human peripheral blood, the EPCs were shown to incorporate into sites of physiological or pathological neovascularization. Ever since the EPCs were discovered, a lot has improved in the understanding of the blood vessel formation. There is a growing body of evidence that EPCs helps in providing postnatal vasculogenesis mechanism for neovascularization and vascular remodeling.

These cells have also been shown to possess diverse physiological functions and helps in the recovery process of myocardial ischemia and infarction, limb ischemia, wound healing, atherosclerosis, endogenous endothelial repair, and tumor vascularization. Earlier clinical trials have proved that EPC therapy is safe and feasible for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Plus, the circulating EPCs are also considered as biomarkers for coronary and peripheral artery disease. In spite of the medicinal abilities of these EPCs, there is still a lot to be done in order for the mechanism by which these cells work can be fully understood and be applied.

Despite the haze that still clouds the mechanism with which the EPCs work, it has been shown that EPCs locating to damaged tissues and organs proceeding vascular regeneration do not only help in the formation of the neovasculature but also produce a variety of proangiogenic cytokines and growth factors thus promoting proliferation and migration of pre-existing Endothelial Cells and activating angiogenesis to contribute to vascular regeneration. it is suggested that the EPCs owes their ability to contribute to vascular regeneration to the presence of cytokines and other secreting pro-angiogenic factors in them such as VEGF, stroma derived factor (SDF)-1α, angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), hepatic growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and eNOS/iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase). Thus, EPCs can mediate tissue-protective effects and contribute to neovascularization via direct vasculogenesis in ischemic tissues and indirect production of proangiogenic factors to pre-existing endothelial cells.

Research has shown that there are reduced numbers of EPCs in clinical conditions like diabetes mellitus, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and hypertension. In such conditions these EPCs also become impaired and malfunctioning. It has also been shown that the number of peripheral EPC is significantly reduced and their functions impaired in patients with established coronary artery disease and stroke. In contrast the number of EPCs has been found to be on the increase in patients with acute coronary syndrome such as acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina since they are mobilized from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.

The levels and migratory capacity of EPCs is also highly reduced in those suffering from hypertension with coronary artery disease. Besides, the concentration of circulating EPCs is considerably reduced in refractory hypertension as compared to healthy subjects. Imanishi T and his colleagues reported that EPC senescence is augmented in both experimental hypertensive rats and patients with essential hypertension, which may be related to telomerase inactivation. The team found that the hypertension-induced EPC senescence may affect the process of vascular remodeling.

Another researcher, Delva P in his research; Endothelial progenitor cells in patients with essential hypertension, reported that there was no alteration in the number or functional activity of EPCs in 36 patients with essential hypertension. Some research studies have also demonstrated that the numbers of EPCs are decreased in pulmonary hypertension while others that the number of EPCs are increased or remain normal in pulmonary hypertension. With these available literature that are somehow conflicting there isn’t a clear relationship between EPCs and hypertension

EPCs and Heart Failure

EPCsTo show the relationship between heart failure and the number of circulating EPCs, Valgimigli M and his counterparts tested the level of EPCs in patients suffering from heart failure and they discovered that EPC mobilization occurred in heart failure and showed a biphasic response, with elevation in early stages while depression in the advanced stages. The increased EPCs was shown as a replication of a functional bone marrow response to diffuse and severe endothelial damage during the early stages of heart failure but an additional and significant increase of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) counteracted and overwhelmed the elevation of EPC mobilization in advanced disease phases by exerting a possible suppressive effect on hemopoiesis.

conference

With the above findings, it is clear that there is a relationship between the EPCs and the cardiovascular diseases. For more information about bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplantation, visit www.awaremednetwork.com Dr. Dalal Akoury, a doctor with years of experience in integrative medicine will be able to help. Don’t hesitate to check on http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com  and learn about the upcoming Integrative Addiction Conference 2015. The conference will dwell on unique approaches to telling symptoms of addiction and how to help addicts.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells Role in Cardiovascular Diseases

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Effects of Inflammation on the body organs

Effects of Inflammation on the body organs: Obesity and Depression are Symptoms of a Common Cause

Effects of Inflammation on the body organs

Effects of Inflammation on the body organs can be very dangerous especially when the victim is also obese or overweight

Some of the health conditions affecting our life are known to us yet we often don’t notice them easily. Take for instance a problem of inflammation; many of us do not take notice of this until we experience an injury either by way of swellings, redness and pain flood that affects the area. But even with this indication, when we opted for treatment our focus is always on the pain and not the internal healing process. Inflammation can damage organs and cause disease, but its interference in the brain causes two common disorders. We are therefore going to be discussing the effects of inflammation on the body organs for better understanding of the body’s vulnerability to this complication. Doctor Dalal Akoury explains that ordinarily your body’s defense mechanism kicks in, and you don’t have to think too much about inflammation because it is always there when you need it.

However even though this is so, inflammation might also occur when you don’t need it, and if it does, it can cause problems. In some people, inflammation is present at very low levels. It is no wonder that many experts now believe that this type of low-grade, chronic inflammation is responsible for a litany of chronic conditions. Therefore when inflammation extents to the pancreas the affected person is at risk of getting diabetes. When it spreads to the immune system, you get cancer. And like cancer, this type of inflammation grows and spreads, damaging organs and causing all kinds of trouble.

Effects of Inflammation on the body organs: Weakened Signals

The speed with which inflammation spreads does not only cause damages to your organs, but also interferes with your brain’s signals and to the rest of your body systems. With such many conditions the trouble starts in the hypothalamus which is the command center of the brain. The command center then receives all these hormonal inputs that inform you when you’re tired or when to eat and what to do with those calories.

When you have inflammation, a protein called pro-inflammatory cytokines distorts those hormonal signals. As a result, inflammation might be causing conditions such as depression and obesity, which were correlated through research long before inflammation became a suspected culprit. Nonetheless when it comes to depression, those cytokines communicate with the brain to induce different depressive symptoms, such as sad mood, fatigue, altered sleep and social-behavioral withdrawal. Inflammation also drives obesity in a similar manner.

Effects of Inflammation on the body organs: Metabolic Syndrome

Inflammation has recently been linked with metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of symptoms that raise your risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Those symptoms include hypertension, low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, above-normal blood glucose and triglyceride levels, and a large waist. Most people with metabolic syndrome are obese and inactive, so these symptoms have become associated with obesity. However, many obese people don’t have those symptoms. They fall into a category called metabolically healthy obese. It means they don’t look very good in a swimsuit, but if you look at their blood, they’re in pretty good shape. This is probably because they don’t have chronic inflammation. Therefore we can’t say that obesity causes inflammation, but we can comfortably say that inflammation drives obesity.

Effects of Inflammation on the body organs: Depression is No Simpler

Doctor Akoury says that inflammation may drive depression in a similar fashion. The links between inflammation and depression are complex and we are just beginning to understand how they affect each other. Though it is possible that depression may lead to changes that cause inflammation, experimental studies have shown that increases in inflammation can promote depression.

According to Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health findings, it was established that people suffering from depression had 30 percent higher levels of inflammation in the brain. This was one of the first studies to show concretely that inflammation is present in depression even when other conditions are absent. Moreover depression is still complex and unlikely to be caused by inflammation alone just like obesity.

When I started my career in the medical profession, and like many of my colleagues, I generally thought about depression as a psychiatric disorder or a mental health problem and I believe that many people still think of it that way. But nevertheless what I have come to realize is that depression is also a disorder with deep biological roots. It is as much of a physical issue as a mental one, and we should start talking about it that way. Like for instance, if you were to compare depression to a more physical illness. When you have the flu, your body’s immune system springs into action to fight it off, including increasing inflammation. In addition to the nausea and fever, you also have symptoms of depression: fatigue, aches, mental fog and an unwillingness to leave the house. In a contagious illness, those symptoms help us rest and avoid spreading the disease, but in depression they’re nothing but trouble.

Effects of Inflammation on the body organs: Reducing Inflammation

Tests that indicate your levels of inflammation are available, but they can be expensive and aren’t always conclusive. They almost certainly aren’t covered by insurance unless you have an autoimmune disorder. It therefore means that you may never know your true levels of inflammation; however you can still do your part to control it. Controlling inflammation is a balancing act. You need some, but not too much. By far, the best drug we have for this is diet.

Certain staples of the recent American diet promote high levels of inflammation. The two largest culprits are omega-6 fatty acids and insulin spikes brought on by consuming starchy carbs. The combination of insulin and omega-6 fatty acids is like a match and gasoline you get an explosion of this low-level inflammation.

To reduce it, the best foods are those with omega-3 fatty acids and high levels of polyphenols, the compounds in fruits and vegetables that give them color. These good fats and colorful fruits and vegetables, along with lean protein, make up the majority of his anti-inflammatory meal plan. Along with diet, a healthy lifestyle and stress reduction techniques help reduce levels of inflammation, especially in the brain. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet, stay active, keep a regular sleep schedule and limit the psychological stress we experience. And in all these ensure to consult with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for professional advices from time to time.

Effects of Inflammation on the body organs: Effects of Inflammation

 

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Essential Fatty Acids (EFAS) For Addiction Treatment

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAS) To Treat Addiction

After a prolonged use of drugs of abuse, the brain chemistry becomes altered. The brain becomes damaged. Entirely the nervous system is the target of many drugs, they inhibit the coordination between the nerves and after a long time of drug use some neurotransmitters like dopamine becomes depleted to an extent that by natural release the level of dopamine can never be enough for optimum functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system. Eventually the effect of the breakdown in communication in the nervous system is exhibited in poor health and behavioral misnomer. By the time this abnormal behavior is seen in a person the brain has become addicted to the drug of abuse that it won’t operate normally without it. This causes such feelings of anxiety and stress. However dangerous the effect of drug abuse is it is made worse with poor nutrition, stress, inflammation and excess oxidation. Drug abuse destroys nerve cells and disrupts neural circuitry. Obviously, this aggregate damage can affect behavior, mood, memory, impulse control, cognitive functioning, and decision making. Fortunately, the brain is forgiving and nerve cells can regenerate and rewiring takes place through a process known as neuroplasticity. Though psychotherapy stimulates growth and repair, healing will be compromised and slowed without the addition of critical nutrients and sound dietary practices; your choice of meals may worsen or help you overcome addiction.  Researchers have shown that eating foods that are rich in some essential fatty acids can help in treatment of addiction disease.

Essential Fatty Acids

The Essential Fatty Acids

For a long time fats in a diet have been fought for no apparent reason. Everybody is going for a low fat diet forgetting all the benefits that can be drawn from some essential fats. I am not saying that you can just eat any fat anyhow, it is just that the name fat has been associated with serious health problems like obesity and the irony is even after evading fats and going for the low fat foods, the number of people dying from obesity are still increasing. The truth however is there are unhealthy fats but also healthy fats are not extinct.

EFAS are Essential

Essential fatty acids also known as EFAS are as essential as the name suggests meaning that without them then a person’s health will be deteriorated and he will be prone to many infections. EFAs should not be avoided as they help rather than interfere with the body’s metabolic function and significantly aid in weight loss. Unlike the unhealthy fats that you are always told to sweat off, these essential fatty acids will help to build your fuel-burning metabolic machinery. So eating these fats can actually help you become leaner and healthier as they provide your body with adequate energy to keep the cells nourished and rejuvenated. And establishing a proper ratio and intake of EFAs will reap you other major benefits as well, including increased athletic performance and better mood and brain function which are known to be deficient in most addicts.

There are three main EFA substances that work together to promote health. The first is omega-3 fatty acid, or alpha-linolenic acid. The second is omega-6 fatty acid, or linolenic acid. When these EFAS are taken in the right ratios they will help the body the producing other important derivatives like the omega-9 fatty acids. The other group of EFAS include these substances that are also very essential for cognitive functions and general wellbeing, they are; lecithin, carotene, chlorophyll and vitamin E, among others they are important for their valid health contributions.

The most commonly EFA associated with its ability in addiction treatment is Omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of three categories of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) important in human biology. The other two PUFA categories are omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. . Some drugs of abuse such as tobacco have been found to be a major cause of peroxidation that is why most cigarette smokers are having low levels of omega- 3 fatty acids. When the levels of omega-3 PUFAs are low, the neurogenerative process is accelerated leading to slowed nervous transmission in mesocortical areas of the brain, disrupting pathways involved in reward and punishment. As a result, the craving for nicotine is reinforced, interfering with smoking cessation therapy. While this mechanism constitutes a vicious cycle, a group of Israeli researchers found that omega-3 supplementation can bring the cycle to an end.

Essential Fatty Acids

EFAS contribution to cell energy goes a long way in helping in addiction treatment. Most addicts suffer since their mitochondria have been severely affected to an extent that production of energy needed by the body is altered. By enriching the body with energy such withdrawal effects like anxiety, depression and stress can be effectively taken care of.

For addicts who are low on these EFAS it is advisable to supply sufficient omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils, nuts, flaxseed each day for nerve cell repair and maintenance. These essential fatty acids are critical to nerve cell receptors because they make the membrane more flexible to capture the chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters. Fats make up 60% of the brain’s dry weight and the majority of this fat is an omega 3 called docosohexanoic acid (DHA). Fats also speed up the transfer of electrical information by severing as insulation (myelin sheath) for the brain’s wiring system, it is therefore necessary to supplement the EFAS during addiction treatment.

Lastly, Here at AWAREmed we are dedicated to finding the best solutions to addiction and dependence on substances. We are located at Myrtle Beach. Contact Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) for help.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAS) To Treat Addiction

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Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients: The Importance of diet and good nutrition

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients are very evident in most societies today

The meaning of inflammation can be understood in two different ways depending on how it affects the body. Like for instance inflammation could be defined as a localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection. It could also be defined as the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens – and begin the healing process. What this means is that when anything harmful or irritating affects any part of our bodies, there will be always a biological response to try to remove it. The understanding of that is that the signs and symptoms of inflammation, specifically acute inflammation, show that the body is trying to heal itself. Therefore inflammation does not necessarily mean infection, even when an infection causes inflammation. Infection itself is caused by a bacterium, virus or fungus, while inflammation is the body’s response to it. With that elaborate understanding of what inflammation is, the a million dollar question would be what does it have to do with cancer? In other words what are some of the effects of inflammation on cancer patients? Keep reading and in a little while doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center will be giving us the finer details.

The truth of the matter is that irrespective of the definition, prolonged inflammation can cause real damage to your body’s healthy cells and tissue thereby weakening your immune system. It is this state of weakness in the immunity that increases ones risk of contracting the cancer diseases. But like we had indicated, not all inflammation is bad. And the experts say that individuals’ inflammatory response is very essential for the healing to effectively take place. It is this response that signals your body’s immune system to send some white blood cells and chemicals to help in fighting off the infection or repair any injury caused.

Other causes of chronic inflammation may include obesity, smoking, stress, lack of exercise, exposure to secondhand smoke and diet choices. And to make the matter more worse is that chronic inflammation in many cases does not shows no signs. Even though there will be no signs, there is the side which is good. And the good news is you can reduce chronic inflammation and lower your cancer risks. It starts with your diet. An anti-inflammatory diet also can help you avoid diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Doctor Dalal Akoury is sharing with us some of the anti-inflammatory diet tips as follows.

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients: Eat more of plant foods

There is more than you can ever imagine in fresh food products from plants. Did you know that plant foods are the only foods containing anti-inflammatory phytonutrients? Besides that, they are very rich in the antioxidants and fiber your body needs to stay cancer-free. Remember that fiber can also lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a protein in the blood that signals inflammation. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, they recommend that when eating, people should consider filling at least two-thirds of their plate with plant foods. Therefore take this guideline seriously and make one half of your plate non-starchy vegetables and/or fruits of all colors. And never forget to make one-quarter of your plate whole grains or starchy vegetables, like potatoes, corn and peas.

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients: Limit processed foods

Choosing whole, fresh foods and doing your own prep maximizes nutrients and phytonutrients. These nutrients keep us healthy in many ways, while reducing inflammation. Processed foods are lower in nutrients and higher in refined sugars, flours and fats. They’re also usually loaded with artificial ingredients that can increase CRP levels. It is therefore important that you skip highly processed foods, like fast food, packaged and instant foods and steer clear of processed meats, like deli-meats, bacon, sausage, hotdogs and pepperoni. Final avoid taking sodas and sports drinks.

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients: Balance fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids can help protect your body from chronic inflammation. On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation.

Many people across the globe are trying to include more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. But, they’re still eating too much omega-6 fatty acids. The key therefore is balance, so you’ll take in more omega-3 and less omega-6. Also eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, halibut, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, pecans and avocado. Use oils high in omega-3, such as olive and canola and limit oils high in omega-6, such as corn, sunflower, peanut and soybean. Ensure that when buying your stock get the information of the ingredients on packaged foods. Limit foods made with refined vegetable oils high in omega-6. You’ll find these oils in most snack foods, cookies, crackers and sweets.

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients: Limit red meat

Eating too much red meat, like pork, beef, lamb, deer and buffalo, can increase your cancer risks. Try to limit red meat to 18 oz. or less each week to keep your cancer risks low. Doctor Akoury suggests replacing red meat with these high protein foods to help reduce chronic inflammation. You can also choose animal proteins, such as skinless chicken, turkey and fish while replacing animal proteins with plant proteins, such as beans and lentils, at some meals. And better still; choose meat, milk, cheese and eggs from pasture-raised and hormone-free animals.

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients: Eat more fermented foods

Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and miso contain probiotics that help reduce inflammation. To get the most health perks, eat at least one small serving of a fermented food each day. Finally at the home of solutions (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) there is much more you can get from the most experienced professionals there. For any cancer about cancer and effects of inflammation, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for further deliberations.

Effects of Inflammation on cancer patients: The Importance of diet and good nutrition

 

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Sugar and Pain

Beat Pain by Avoiding Sugar

Sugar and painNutritionists know it better, whatever you eat affects your body in a way, and this can either bring you joy or pain. Good health begins with what you put down your stomach so it is very important to carefully choose on what you eat even as you look out for what you should not even think about eating. Sugars are part of most snacks that we interact with, needless to mention most drinks are rich in sugar content. Researchers have shown us some of the bad sides of eating foods that are rich in sugar. First on the list is that they can lead to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia may be described as an excess of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Your endocrine system regulates the amount of sugar that is stored and used for energy. It is important in brain cell function, and energy levels. This will come about as a result of your body having higher sugar levels than what the insulin can handle. When there is too much sugar in your system that can’t be handled by insulin then certain conditions and disorders may cause you to have difficulty processing and storing blood glucose, resulting in hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Consuming foods that are high in sugar content will cause such problems as inflammation, aches and pain throughout your body.

The pain that you suffer as a result of consuming foods that are high in sugar content will manifest as joint pains, aching muscles, migraines, and added asthma or Post Menstrual Syndrome symptoms. when his pain becomes chronic you will suffer big time to an extent that you may stop gaging in activities that you once enjoyed for example when eating high sugar content foods you may suffer joint pains which will make you stop doing your normal exercises and activities like playing golf, running with your dogs or even playing your soccer.

Your pain might have originated from excessive sugar consumption and therefore Instead of relying on pain relievers to manage aches and pains the better solution you should think of adopting should be eating real foods. Real foods are rich in nutritional content and are not high in calories like the cakes and muffins that you can lay your hands on in a coffee shop. Research and clinical experience have shown that food choices directly affect levels of pain and inflammation in the body. One of these research findings was reported in the American Journal of Cancer Nutrition in March of 2002 that found that foods high in sugar resulted in inflammation. When researchers measured inflammation with a blood test called C-reactive protein (CRP), they discovered that a high concentration of sugar in foods increased the CRP numbers. This is now a proof that eating foods that are high in sugar content can be a cause for your pain.

The past researchers have been able to link consumption of foods that are high in sugar content to pain and inflammation and therefore you should consider stopping having most of your meals in these coffee shops where you spend more than half of your meal time stuffing your body with unnecessary sugars from cakes, mocha and muffins that will end up doing you more harm than good. As you enjoy your sweetened muffins you should think of what will happen when these sugars will maim you so much that you won’t be able to walk all by yourself to the cafeterias you have been frequenting.

Sugar and PainThe biggest problem is that most people believe that after leaving eating refined sugars then you are good to go, this is a lie as there are very many foods that are very high in sugar levels but we never really think they are. just to mention a few, the yoghurt and ketchup that has since become your favorites are rich in sugars that gradually will have worse effects on you as sugars have been directly linked to pain and inflammation. As known to you inflammation is the immune system‘s healthy response to restore the affected area to normal following an injury, irritation or infection. However, in response to high sugar intake, which includes simple carbohydrates, the body is flooded with insulin and stress hormones. These flood your blood supply triggering the inflammation process which creates stress and pain on your organs and joints. Therefore the lesser the sugar you take lesser the inflammation and the pain you will suffer and the stronger your immune system will be.

Eating real foods to avoid sugar

Now that we have known that sugary foods are not very healthy, it is good to begin avoiding them. Nutritionists advise that the best way to avoid sugars and still leave the body with good nutrients is by eating real foods instead of processed foods. Real foods include; meat, eggs, vegetables, and healthy fats. These foods will help package the body with required nutrients and reduce pain and inflammation. Fats that are healthy include butter, olive oil, avocados, olives and nuts. Eating real foods will help you evade very many diseases like cancer and heart diseases just mention a few.

Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to our patients by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of diseases. If you are suffering from pain related illnesses, just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Beat Pain by Avoiding Sugar

 

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