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Alcohol Abuse Increases Risk of Cancer

January 20, 2015

How Does Alcohol Increase The Risk Of Cancer?

Risk of cancerAlcohol drinking is a common practice. To some people they do it when seeking pleasure but to others it has become an addiction that they can’t live without. The pleasure seekers ay only take alcohol once in a week, possibly on weekends but to those already addicted to the rum they can’t go a day without it. Most people however engage in alcohol drinking as a way to bond with friends and give them that sense of belonging. Whatever the reason you take alcohol for it is important that you be aware of the risks associated with drinking alcohol. Apart from alcohol addiction that every person never wants to be chained to, there are other serious risks associated with alcohol drinking. One of these risks that are associated with alcohol drinking is that it increases the risk of cancer.

Cancer is currently one of the most dreaded diseases worldwide. It is a disease that is not only expensive to treat but is synonymous to pain. The chronic pain that is associated with cancer in itself a risk to addiction to opiates that are normally used to quell the pain. even today doctors are still working to avail other better options of treating cancer so as to avoid its debilitating effects on its victims but still it pays a great deal to stay out of all the factors that may increase your risks of cancer debilitating you. having learnt of the current unbreakable link between alcohol to increased risk of cancer the best thing to do for any alcohol addicted fellow is to seek medical heap especially through an integrative doctor to help him quit alcohol and wholly heal him from the effects of alcohol before it pave way for cancer to creep in. with this said I think it is better we get the specifics of this link so that you may judge for yourself if quitting alcohol is worth it. Here are some possible explanations for how alcohol can increase risk of cancer.

Acetaldehyde is a carcinogen

When taken, alcohol is converted into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde in our bodies. Acetaldehyde can cause cancer by damaging DNA and stopping our cells from repairing this damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified acetaldehyde formed as a result of drinking alcohol as being a cause of cancer, along with alcohol itself. It also causes liver cells to grow faster than normal. These regenerating cells are more likely to pick up changes in their genes that could lead to cancer.

Typically, ethanol is broken down mainly by the liver, but lots of other cell types can do this as well. Some of the bacteria that live in our mouths and the linings of our guts are also able to convert ethanol into acetaldehyde. The reactive nature of acetaldehyde is such that it can form DNA adducts of which, the most well-known and extensively studied, is N2-ethyl-2′-deoxyguanosine (N2-ethyl-dG). Studies done on rats that were put on a drinking water with 10% (v/v) alcohol proves that indeed acetaldehyde is harmful and causes cancer.

Alcohol increases estrogen levels

Estrogen dominance causes cancer. It is because of estrogen dominance in obese women that exposes them to breast cancer. Several past studies have proved this. Alcohol increases risk of cancer by increasing the levels of estrogen in a person. Despite its very essential purposes as a hormone estrogen has a dark side too this can be made worse by alcohol consumption-risk of cancer.

Alcohol damages liver cells

Alcohol consumption damages the liver cells leading to a disease known as liver cirrhosis. This even increases your risk of developing liver cancer. Apart from this, it also makes it easier for the tissues of the mouth and throat to absorb the cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco. This explains why people who drink and smoke multiply the damage they receive and have especially high risks of cancer. Alcohol also impairs the body’s ability to break down and absorb a variety of nutrients that may be associated with cancer risk, leading to lack of these essential Vitamins: vitamin A; nutrients in the vitamin B family such as Thiamine and folate; vitamin C; vitamin D; vitamin E; and carotenoids. Lack of these essential nutrients escalates the risk of cancer.

Alcohol depletes Folate

Excessive or long term consumption of alcohol leads to depletion of folate. Folate is an important vitamin that helps our cells produce new DNA correctly. People who drink alcohol tend to have lower levels of folate in their blood. Some studies have linked low levels of folate to cancer.

Alcohol generates ROS

Risk of CancerAlcohol generate damaging reactive oxygen species (chemically reactive molecules that contain oxygen), which can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids (fats) through a process called oxidation. Any damage on DNA increases risk of cancer. Besides alcoholic beverages may also contain a variety of carcinogenic contaminants that are introduced during fermentation and production, these may include; nitrosamines, asbestos fibers, phenols, and hydrocarbons.

Alcohol addiction is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. We offer NER Treatment and Amino acid therapy that are the most effective approaches to addiction treatment and recovery. You call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

How Does Alcohol Increase The Risk Of Cancer?

 

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Alcohol Abuse Escalates Liver Cancer Risk

January 19, 2015

Alcohol Abuse and Liver Cancer

Liver cancerLiver cancer is a problem that has affected many people and lots is being done to help alleviate its effects on the world’s population. According to the American cancer society about 24,550 people (17,030 men and 7,520 women) will die of liver cancer. The number of people dying of liver cancer has increased greatly over the past decades. However, this disease has been found to affect men more than it affects women. On average a man’s lifetime risk of getting liver or intrahepatic bile duct cancer is about 1 in 81, while an average woman’s risk is about 1 in 196. On average people who are diagnosed with liver cancer are aged 63 with most of them being 45 years of age or older, the statistics state that more than 95 percent of those affected are aged 45 and above. About 3% are between 35 and 44 years of age and about 2% are younger than 35.

Liver cancer can affects anybody anywhere but researchers have found that it is more common in countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia than in the US. In fact in most of the countries in these regions it has become the most common type of cancer. In the entire world it is reported that more than 700,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer each year throughout the world. Liver cancer is also a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for more than 600,000 deaths each year.

Basing on the statistics above, it is therefore safe to say that liver cancer is a cause for alarm, with the risk of liver cancer growing everyday bearing on the toxins that are present in our environments, it is important to eliminate all the possible risk factors to liver cancer. Alcohol drinking has been linked to liver cancer. It is therefore reasonable to reduce the rate of alcohol you take or better quit it completely, of course you will need professional help to quit it but all the effort will be worth it.

Despite these statistics that have shown that liver cancer is a serious disease that ought to be fought at all costs, there has been controversy on the subject of liver cancer being linked to alcohol use. Past researchers established that drinking alcohol moderately has very many health benefits. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines moderate drinking as consumption of 14 drinks per week for men and 7 drinks per week for women. Exceeding these limits increases your risk to other diseases, liver cancer included.

There has been controversy on this topic and this may be because of the fact that alcohol itself doesn’t cause liver cancer but when consumed beyond healthy limits and hence abused for many years it will cause liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is a major cause of liver cancer and so if alcohol abuse causes liver cirrhosis then it will cause cancer in the long run.

Liver Cirrhosis to Liver cancer

Usually, a person who is addicted to alcohol will drink up to a point that he gets to suffer liver cirrhosis after stopping drinking he will develop liver cancer. Researchers opine that it is somewhat unusual for an actively drinking alcoholic to develop liver cancer. What happens is that when the drinking is stopped, the liver cells try to heal by regenerating. It is during this active regeneration that a cancer-producing genetic change (gene mutation) can occur, which explains the occurrence of liver cancer after the drinking has been stopped.

Alcohol abuse has far more ways to contribute to cancer however its links to liver cancer can majorly be apportioned to development from liver cirrhosis. The fact that alcohol is converted into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde in our bodies may be considered though it hasn’t been linked specifically to liver cancer. Acetaldehyde can cause cancer by damaging DNA and stopping our cells from repairing this damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified acetaldehyde formed as a result of drinking alcohol as being a cause of cancer, along with alcohol itself. It also causes liver cells to grow faster than normal. These regenerating cells are more likely to pick up changes in their genes that could lead to cancer.

Liver CancerAlcohol is made up of other carcinogens and these carcinogens interacts with the liver, the liver being a vital filter organ through which every pint of alcohol consumed passes through. When these toxins overburden the liver, it becomes easier for infections that may later escalate into liver cancer to be initiated.

Drug addiction is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. We offer NER Treatment and Amino acid therapy that are the most effective approaches to addiction treatment and recovery. You call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

Alcohol Abuse and Liver Cancer

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Low Testosterone Levels Causes Depression

January 12, 2015

Low Testosterone Levels Linked To Depression

low testosterone levelThe importance of hormones in our bodies can never be underestimated. The hormones are the chemical messengers that help our bodies to accomplish most of its functions. Without hormones, there is nothing that can be accomplished in our bodies, think of it as a chain that is cut in the middle, that means that the wheel cogs has nothing to hold onto so as to power the wheels to initiate movement. These chemical messengers travel in your bloodstream to tissues and organs. The hormones affect such crucial processes as growth and development, metabolism, Sexual function, Reproduction and Moods among other crucial functions.

In men the most dominant hormone is referred to as testosterone. This hormone is known to many as the sex hormone but in reality it has more than just function. It does much more. It is produced in the testes in men and it’s responsible for the physique of a man as it responsible for masculinity. It does other vital functions like production of red blood cells, increasing bone mineral density, distribution of fats in the body and even regulation of moods in men. Low testosterone denies a person a chance to enjoy some of the good feelings that are associated with optimum levels of this hormone. Those who have low testosterone levels suffer bad moods and may find it difficult maintaining relations in social circles.

Low testosterone levels may come as a result of age, as people grow the production of hormones become slowed. an aging person will exhibit symptoms of low testosterone levels and these may include; fatigue, hair loss, low moods, loss of muscle mass, increased body fats, decrease in bone mass, irritability, loss of focus and depression.

Low testosterone levels linked to Depression

In the past researchers have been able to establish the relationship between high levels of testosterone hormone to good feelings and reduction of chances of developing anxiety and depression. Researchers have also been able to link low testosterone levels to depression.

Today many men are suffering from symptoms of low testosterone levels, in the United States alone, the numbers of men who have fallen victims to depression have doubled the number of women suffering from the same. This can be attributed to the many roles that this hormone plays in men. Scientists have proved that maintaining an optimum level of testosterone hormone is an effective way of fighting depression. In a study that was published in 2005 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, a team of researchers from the US Department of Veterans Affairs examined the connection between low testosterone levels and future depression risks in more than 700 men who were at least 50 years old. The report concluded that men aged below 50 years with low testosterone level were more likely to become depressed than men within the same age but have optimum level of testosterone hormone. The finding from this study is enough to tell prove the link between low testosterone levels to depression.

However this is not the only study that has established the connection between testosterone and depression. Another study that was published in 2003 in the American Journal of Psychiatry also examined the connection between these two phenomena. The research done by Harvard University worked with 56 men who had developed major anxiety and depression but had failed to respond to antidepressant treatments. The researchers found that 40 percent of the men had low testosterone levels.

How to treat depression caused by low testosterone levels

There might other ways of treating depression induced by low testosterone levels but the most common and effective method that has been used is to supplement the levels of testosterone. This is majorly done through the testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone replacement therapy is one of the most common solutions to depression induced by low testosterone levels. It only makes sense that when a person has low levels of testosterone then he ought to have the levels of testosterone in his body supplemented so that the normal levels can be restored.

Testosterone replacement therapy involves supplementation of testosterone in the body. This can be done in form of injections, pellets, patches or gel in order to treat conditions in which the testes do not produce enough testosterone. It is also available in IV forms. Just like the estrogen replacement therapy in women, this ought to be done by an expert as the dosage is important for better results and to mitigate on the side effects. This therefore cannot be done without the help of an expert. This therapy has been found to be effective in fighting hypogonadism and all other major symptoms associated with low testosterone levels. It is also good as it improves energy levels, perfect body mass, sex functions and muscle strength among other benefits.

Low testosterone levelAfter testosterone replacement therapy most depression patients break free from the bonds of depression. Depression is major problems that men deal with today. The number of men held victims by these two conditions increase rapidly with low testosterone levels being a major contributor to these conditions.

It can therefore be concluded that going for testosterone replacement therapy can help an individual fight against depression and restore good health in men.

Finally

Dr. Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Center has dedicated her life to helping patients restore their lives by use of integrative medicine. She also holds many conferences in which she offers training on how integrative medicine can be used to fight addiction among other conditions. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Low Testosterone Levels Linked To Depression

 

 

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Hormones Linked to Sugar Addiction

January 11, 2015

Low Estrogen, Low Testosterone, Low Progesterone Cause Sugar Addiction

Sugar addictionThe hormones above are very crucial in our bodies but most of their functions are unknown to many people. Recently, researchers have been able to point out the relationships between these hormones and sugar addiction.

Low Testosterone and Sugar addiction

Low testosterone has been found to be a cause of Insulin resistance. Even a slight amount of insulin resistance keeps your body from managing blood sugar levels normally. When there is insulin resistance, it means that the glucose that you get from foods like carbohydrates that should give your cells instant energy is blocked from entering the cells. The cells therefore become starved leading to uncontrollable craving for sugar. Low testosterone in men induces insulin resistance. Testosterone is needed in sugar metabolism, insulin regulation and fat metabolism therefore when the levels of testosterone are low then the cells will starve and this will lead to a person becoming addicted to sugary substances.

Estrogens and Progesterone linked to sugar addiction

Estrogens are hormones that play important roles in matters of sexual and reproductive development in women. In most cases they are referred to as female sex hormones. Estrogen refers to all of the chemically similar hormones in the women which are estrone, estradiol and estriol. Contrary to what many people think estrogen and progesterone hormones play other crucial roles other than the sexual purpose that they are well known for. Apart from their sexual purpose they can also be useful in performing the following purposes that are equally crucial.

The estrogen hormone helps in fighting depression in women by boosting the levels of serotonin, a boost in the levels of serotonin improves the quality of sleep. Estrogen also increases GABA which are crucial as they help in calming the neurotransmitters.

Another crucial function of the estrogen hormones is that they responsible for good mood in women. They increase the levels of endorphins that help women to feel good. When the levels of estrogen go down the feelings of sadness and hopelessness will find their way in a woman and therefore it is necessary for a woman to stress free.

Estrogen hormone is also very important in bone formation and strengthening, it works with vitamin D and other mineral calcium in developing bones that are strong enough. As the level of estrogen declines women will begin to have weak bones and that explains why women in menopause are most likely to suffer osteoporosis.

Estrogen hormone also plays a role in blood clotting, maintaining the strength and thickness of the vaginal wall and the urethral lining, vaginal lubrication and a host of other bodily functions. It affects skin, hair, mucous membranes and the pelvic muscles. The hormone also affects the brain and literally estrogen rules a woman’s life.

Just like estrogen Progesterone also plays very crucial roles in our lives. This hormone is present in both men and women but it is more dominant in women than in men. This hormone helps in promoting healthy sleep, it also balances the levels of estrogen in the body. Progesterone has a natural calming effect and is a natural diuretic and antidepressant. When the levels of progesterone drop it will cause insomnia and lead to bad moods as well.

These hormones are produced in the ovaries and are available in the highest levels in women at puberty but may also be produced in lower levels in fat cells and the adrenal glands. During menopause the production of these hormones stops and that explains why women in menopause have lower levels of estrogen.

Some women will feel sugar cravings escalating in perimenopause periods in their forties, this may be caused by a fall in the levels of estrogen and progesterone and estrogen levels. On DR. Oz show Jacob Teitelbaum, MD opines that earlier in a woman’s life the cravings for sugar are likely to manifest as premenstrual syndrome. This is often associated with lower levels of progesterone and estrogen in them that may be accompanied by severe irritability that happens in during the periods. In his article he explains that when a woman hits mid-forties the levels of estrogen will drop. The drop in estrogen and progesterone causes deficiency of the hormones in the body and this causes increased craving for sugar. Other symptoms of low progesterone and estrogen fatigue, moodiness and insomnia as well as decreased vaginal lubrication.

According to Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, it is not only progesterone and estrogen deficiency that causes increased craving for sugar but testosterone deficiency associated with andropause can also cause sugar craving along with other severe problems in men. Depression, decreased libido, decreased erectile function, high blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes or high cholesterol can suggest testosterone deficiency. This problem can be solved by supplementing testosterone.

He reveals that blood testing for hormonal deficiency may not reveal the problem when still mild and manageable, it can only work in severe conditions that will leave a person debilitated for long time. He advises that it is very essential to eliminate sugar addiction that is caused by estrogen, progesterone or testosterone.

Treating Sugar addiction

There are natural therapies that can be used in restoring the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body and calm the sugar craving and break the addiction. These natural therapies may include edamane and black cohosh also known as remifemin, they are very effective in treating estrogen deficiency syndrome more effectively and naturally. In case the drop in level is more severe then prescription of natural bioidentical hormones can help.

Sugar addictionDr. Teitelbaum advices that using non-bioidentical hormones may not to be so safe and therefore encourages the use of the natural bioidentical hormones to help patients with low estrogen and progesterone levels hence break their sugar addiction and stop the craving. He advises that post menstrual syndromes characterized by increased sugar craving can be greatly reduced by taking vitamin B6 200 mg a day, magnesium 200 mg a day, and Evening Primrose oil 3,000 mg a day for 3 months. Then the dose can often be lowered. Bioidentical progesterone can also help in severe cases that persist after three months of the nutritional treatments above.

When you use the natural bioidentical hormones, your metabolism will be improved and your cravings for sugar will stop. With improved metabolism you will reap additional benefits like loss of weight hence a more satisfying life. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is committed to availing integrative care to all addicts call on her at Myrtle beach, South Carolina for help.

Low Estrogen, Low Testosterone, Low Progesterone Cause Sugar Addiction

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Gut Inflammation and Cytokines

January 9, 2015

Gut Inflammation

The digestive system plays a major role in food digestion as well as absorption of nutrients into the blood stream. It is important for the overall functioning of the body. When the digestive system is not working properly it can lead to development of gastrointestinal diseases and illnesses.

The bowel wall can be destroyed by conditions such as Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and ulcerative colitis. The conditions lead to poor absorption of nutrients, weight loss, abdominal pains, rectal bleeding among others. To correct the situation a patient is required to undergo surgery in most cases.

Cytokines

They are chemical messenger that act as signals for the immune system and neuromodulators. Cytokines can be either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory. An imbalance in cytokines cause autoimmune disorders.

Cytokines are in form of proteins as well as glycoproteins that regulate immune functions and inflammation. They enhance the growth of cells as well as their differentiation and death.

Homeostasis in the intestines highly depends on the ability of the immune system of the intestines to withstand micro flora while at the same time providing protection against bacterial invasion. Normally, the dendritic cells of the gut induce T-cells differentiation.

Gut Inflammation

T-cells produce secretions that enhance suppression of cytokines that in turn prevent abnormal immune responses. Pathogens enhance a response that triggers activation of immune cells and this ends up causing inflammation.

Inflammatory cytokines like IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15, IL-21 and TNFa stimulate T-cells that are cytotoxic. These are the ones that attack the gut mucosa. The mucosa is the lining of the small intestines. When cytokines attack the mucosa it can lead to conditions such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease. It can also lead to leaky gut syndrome.

The small intestines are useful not only in food digestion but absorption of nutrients from the digested food into the blood stream. When the small intestines re affected the digestive and nutrition functions are affected too.

Some immune system aspects aid in the suppression of inflammation aspects and thereby inhibiting destruction of tissues that is caused by active T-cells. This is made possible by T regulatory cells that work to counterbalance the active T-cells that attack the mucosa. T regulatory cells reduce the risks of getting immune diseases that end up attacking the tissues of the body like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Natural Compounds That Target Pro-inflammatory Cytokines

Besides the T-regulatory cells, there are several natural compounds that can also work to suppress the cytokines that cause gut inflammation.

Curcumin: studies have shown that curcumin acts as an agent of anti-inflammation. Curcumin works by targeting a number of cytokines that are responsible for gut inflammation. These cytokines include among others IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-21 and TNFα. Curcumin combines with cyclosporine to bring about this effect.

Fish Oil: it contains properties of anti-inflammation. These properties have been shown to have the ability of suppressing cytokine that cause inflammation like IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15 and TNFα. The Omega-3 property in fish oil is responsible for this.

Studies have shown that Omega-3 suppresses these inflammatory cytokines that lead to gut inflammation. In addition to this, fish oil stimulates the body to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines that enhances a decrease of cytotoxic T-cells.

Resveratrol: just like the other natural compounds, resveratrol works by suppressing inflammation causing cytokines. Such cytokine include; IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and TNFa. It works by reducing the ability of the T-cells to reach the gut mucosa. This thereby inhibits gut inflammation.

Trans-Resveratrol: it is used to reduce the activation of T-cells in the body. This is by suppressing cytokines involved in activating inflammation agents.

Tea Polyphenols: both black and green tea contains compounds that have been shown to act as strong agents of anti-inflammation. The compound in the tea inhibits the activations of cytokines such as IL-1β, Il-2, IL-6 and TNFα which cause inflammation of the gut.

inflammation

Quercetin: this natural compound is found in things like onions, citrus fruits, apples and grapes. The compound inhibits the activation of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15 and TNFα.

Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 works as an anti-inflammatory compound when it comes to gut inflammation. It has been shown to control inflammatory toxics like IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα which affect the mucosa causing inflammation.

High Proanthocyanidin Grape Seed Extract: grape seed contain a certain compound that is used to reduce the level of Th17 in the body. It also controls immune responses that tend to be aggressive in nature. It controls the differentiation of active T-cells serving as an autoimmune disease and inflammatory agent.

N-Acetyl Cysteine: this compound when combined with vitamin B lowers the levels of homocysteine thus improving the functioning of endothelial. It also works by suppressing the active inflammatory cytokines like TNFα in patients who receive lung transplants. TNFa makes a patient’s body reject transplants but in combination with vitamin B this is no longer a problem.

Contact Dr. Dalal Akoury today, for more information about gut inflammation. For more wellness and awareness tips just visit www.awaremednetwork.com today. AwareMed is the place to be to find any information about health.

Gut Inflammation and Cytokines

 

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