Kariba Wellness Centre

05/08/2016

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-foods-boost-your-brainpower

Eating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health. The brain requires nutrients just like your heart, lungs or muscles do. But which foods are particularly important to keep our grey matter happy and healthy?

28/04/2015

Foods That May Shrink Fibroids

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide rich amounts of disease- and inflammation-fighting nutrients and fiber, which help promote appetite and weight control. These factors are important because inflammation and excess pounds can contribute to fibroids. In a study published in "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2013, researchers analyzed the diets of premenopausal women and found that eating rich amounts of fruits and vegetables lowered the women's risk of developing fibroids. A high body mass index, on the other hand, increased the risk.

Beans and Lentils

Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are top fiber sources, making them prime choices for weight control. They also have a low glycemic index, or a mild impact on your blood sugar. High-glycemic carbohydrate sources, such as sweets, can cause inflammation and increase fibroid growth, according to Dr. Christiane Northrup, a physician and women's health expert. Replacing these foods with nutritious, low-glycemic carbohydrate sources, such as legumes, can help minimize your symptoms. As plant-based protein sources, beans and lentils also provide nutritious alternatives to fatty meats, which increase inflammation. Healthy legumes-based dishes include vegetarian chili, black bean and veggie burritos served in whole-grain tortillas and dal, an Indian lentil soup.

Unprocessed Grains

White foods, such as starchy white bread, increase insulin production in your body and influence the way estrogen is metabolized, says Northrup, increasing your risk for fibroid symptoms. Skip refined starches and stick to whole, unprocessed grains for improved uterine health and protection from fibroid growth. Whole grains are also also lower-glycemic and richer in antioxidants, fiber and protein than their processed counterparts. Nutritious examples include oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa and barley.

Low-Fat Dairy Products

Uterine fibroids are up to three times more prevalent in black women than white women, according to a "Today's Dietitian" article by registered dietitian Megan Tempest, published in May 2012. Some evidence suggests this is likely because African-Americans consume significantly fewer dairy products than whites. The protective properties of dairy, according to researchers who've investigated this link, lie in the ability of calcium to inhibit cell growth that leads to the tumors. If you tolerate dairy products well, incorporate low-fat varieties, such as milk, yogurt and cottage cheese, into your diet. If not, choose lactose-free fortified milk or a nondairy equivalent, such as almond milk. Limit high-fat items, such as whole milk and fatty cheeses, which contribute to inflammation.

Soy and Flaxseeds

Soy and flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens -- natural substances with estrogenlike properties. Northrup says most women can benefit from phytoestrogens, which block the estrogen receptors on the cells in fibroids, potentially minimizing symptoms and lowering your risk for fibroid growth. Flaxseeds also provide fiber and omega-3 fats, which guard against inflammation and tumor growth and help rid your body of excess estrogen. For soy, which also offers a lean protein alternative to fatty meats, consume soy milk, tofu or edamame -- steamed, podded soybeans. Add ground flaxseeds to smoothies, yogurt and cereals.

28/04/2015

20/04/2015

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms.
However, abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common symptom of a fibroid. If the tumors are near the uterine lining, or interfere with the blood flow to the lining, they can cause heavy periods, painful periods, prolonged periods or spotting between me**es. Women with excessive bleeding due to fibroids may develop iron deficiency anemia. Uterine fibroids that are degenerating can sometimes cause severe, localized pain.
Fibroids can also cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the uterus, and how close they are to adjacent pelvic organs. Large fibroids can cause:
• pressure,
• pelvic pain,
• pressure on the bladder with frequent or even obstructed urination, and
• pressure on the re**um with painful or difficult defecation.
While fibroids do not interfere with ovulation, some studies suggest that they may impair fertility and lead to poorer pregnancy outcomes. In particular, submucosal fibroids that deform the inner uterine cavity are most strongly associated with decreases in fertility. Occasionally, fibroids are the cause of recurrent miscarriages. If they are not removed in these cases, the woman may not be able to sustain a pregnancy.
Do untreated uterine fibroids pose a risk?
For the most part, uterine fibroids that do not cause a problem for the woman can be left untreated. In some cases, even fibroids that are not causing symptoms require removal or at least close observation. Rapid growth is a reason to watch more carefully, since a rare cancerous form of fibroid (referred to as a leiomyosarcoma) is usually a fast-growing tumor, and it cannot be differentiated from a benign fibroid by ultrasound, MRI , or other imaging studies. However, this type of tumor occurs in less than 1% of uterine fibroids.
Another risk of leaving these tumors alone is that they sometimes grow to a size that eventually cause significant symptoms, thus requiring removal. If fibroids grow large enough, the surgery to remove them can become more difficult and risks.

19/04/2015

Tomorrow we will bring out the symptoms and treatment of fibroids.

19/04/2015

What causes uterine fibroids and how common are they?

We do not know exactly why women develop these tumors. Genetic abnormalities, alterations in growth factor (proteins formed in the body that direct the rate and extent of cell proliferation) expression, abnormalities in the vascular (blood vessel) system, and tissue response to injury have all been suggested to play a role in the development of fibroids.
Family history is a key factor, since there is often a history of fibroids developing in women of the same family. Race also appears to play a role. Women of African descent are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races. Women of African ancestry also develop fibroids at a younger age and may have symptoms from fibroids in their 20s, in contrast to Caucasian women with fibroids, in whom symptoms typically occur during the 30s and 40s. Pregnancy and taking oral contraceptives both decrease the likelihood that fibroids will develop. Fibroids have not been observed in girls who have not reached puberty, but adolescent girls may rarely develop fibroids. Other factors that researchers have associated with an increased risk of developing fibroids include having the first menstrual period (menarche) prior to age 10, consumption of alcohol (particularly beer), uterine infections, and elevated blood pressure (hypertension).
Estrogen tends to stimulate the growth of fibroids in many cases. During the first trimester of pregnancy, about a third of fibroids will enlarge and then shrink after the birth. In general, fibroids tend to shrink after menopause, but postmenopausal hormone therapy may cause symptoms to persist.
Overall, these tumors are fairly common and occur in about 70% to 80% of all women by the time they reach age 50. Most of the time, uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms or problems, and a woman with a fibroid is usually unaware of its presence.

19/04/2015

What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). Although they are composed of the same smooth muscle fibers as the uterine wall (myometrium), they are much denser than normal myometrium. Uterine fibroids are usually round.
Uterine fibroids are often described based upon their location within the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are located beneath the serosa (the lining membrane on the outside of the uterus). These often appear localized on the outside surface of the uterus or may be attached to the outside surface by a pedicle. Submucosal (submucous) fibroids are located inside the uterine cavity beneath the lining of the uterus. Intramural fibroids are located within the muscular wall of the uterus.

17/04/2015

You can decide today what your prostate will be some 10 or more years from today by simply changing your lifestyle.....start eating more of these foods ; lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils)
fresh fish, especially fish from cold ocean waters (such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod) have large amounts of essential fatty acids
whole grain in moderation, rather than refined (white) breads, pasta, crackers, rice, and other grains. Stop eating these foods..fatty meats
excess of salts
hydrogenated oils, such as those found in margarine, donuts, cookies, cakes, other desserts, potato chips, and other deep-fried foods.
canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods
sodas, alcohol, black teas (which includes most iced teas), or coffee, and dairy foods, especially if they have been Pasteurized.

17/04/2015

Graphical Expression of Prostate Problems

17/04/2015

CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO PREVENT PROSTATE FROM ENLARGING OR BECOMING CANCEROUS?

Actually a lot can be done. Diet and stress appear to be the main culprits. Here is a list of "do eat" and "do not eat" that is quite time tested.
Eat the following
lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils)
fresh fish, especially fish from cold ocean waters (such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod) have large amounts of essential fatty acids
whole grain in moderation, rather than refined (white) breads, pasta, crackers, rice, and other grains.
Dont eat the following
fatty meats
excess of salts
hydrogenated oils, such as those found in margarine, donuts, cookies, cakes, other desserts, potato chips, and other deep-fried foods.
canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods
sodas, alcohol, black teas (which includes most iced teas), or coffee, and dairy foods, especially if they have been pasteusterised.
Are there Special Foods that Can Cure the Cancer?
Perhaps; and this is still a subject open to debate, but chilli peppers have been shown to inhibit the cancerous cells of the prostate. There was a study done recently at UCLA in California which indicate as much.
Also there are several herbs and food additives known for their beneficial action on the prostate. They are:
Saw palmetto: This herb is now well-known to shrink enlarged prostates and to lower PSA..
Green tea: The catechins found in green tea are the likely "medicines" for the prostate, although it is not known exactly how they prevent or combat existing prostate cancer. The usual dose is no less than 6 cups per day.
Pygeum: Pygenum has been used to treat diseases of the prostate and urinary tract for many years.
Nettle: The Nettle is rich in vitamin C, iron, and other proven nutrients that bolster the prostate.
Kelp: This is seaweed, and plentiful in iodine and contains minerals that help to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Asian men, with high doses of kelp in their diet (than American men) have a much lower incidence of any prostate problem.
If you follow the above you will have and keep a healthy prostate