PLEASE NOTE: The information in this article applies to humans only. Please do not apply this information to pets or any other non-human animals.

What Is Inflammation?

Acute inflammation is a normal short-lived response to injury or infection that repairs tissue or removes infection from the body. Chronic inflammation is often milder but more prolonged and out of control. It increases your risk of many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, depression, heart disease, dementia, and many forms of cancer.

Poor diet along with inactivity, inadequate sleep, stress, and environmental toxins form part of the inflammation puzzle.

What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods?

As a general rule, a diet high in natural, unprocessed foods—including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, and beans—is anti-inflammatory. Your body knows how to process these foods, and they’re highly nutritious.

Eating a well-balanced combination of these anti-inflammatory foods provides not only the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) but also the water, micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and fiber needed to keep your body in tip-top condition.

Pro-inflammatory foods include those that are highly processed, with refined sugars and grains, saturated or trans-fats and artificial additives. Avoid food such as french fries, candy and sweets, and pastries.

What Anti-Inflammatory Foods Should You Be Eating?

Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants, micronutrients, and fiber, all of which reduce inflammation. Here are the anti-inflammatory foods to add to your diet.

1. Vegetables

Vegetables contain carbohydrates and small amounts of protein and healthy fats. Aim to eat 5 to 9 cups/servings each day, two of which should be raw leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collards.

2. Fruits

The calories in fruit are mainly carbohydrates. If you’re watching your weight, beware of eating too much fruit, opting for berries or citrus fruits if you can. It is much better to eat the whole fruit, not processed fruits or juices. The darker, more vibrant the color, the more antioxidants a fruit has. (A word on organic foods: Some fruits and vegetables absorb pesticides more than others. You just have to know which ones.)

3. Fish

Fish is a great source of protein and healthy fats. The best sources are cold-water fish including salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, and anchovies, which are high in inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. Eating 3 to 4 ounces of fish twice a week limits this risk while limiting your exposure to heavy metals. If you are keen to prevent or are suffering from an inflammatory disease, you may want to add in a high-quality fish oil supplement (check with your pharmacist first if you are on medication).

4. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are a great snack or topping for a salad, dessert, or breakfast. They tend to be low in carbohydrates and are rich in micronutrients, fiber, and monounsaturated fats. Aim to eat around one handful of nuts and seeds every day.

5. Fats and oils

Your body and particularly your brain needs fat, just the right kind and not in huge amounts. Olive oil, nut or seed oils, or avocado oil are most anti-inflammatory. Avoid vegetable oils, which are typically used to make processed foods, which are inflammatory.

6. Beans

Adopting more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet might include all kinds of whole grains, from rice to beans to legumes. (© Watcharapol Amprasert | Dreamstime)

Beans such as chickpeas, black beans, red kidney beans, and lentils are high in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation. They are an inexpensive and excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians or vegans, and they’re a low-glycemic carbohydrate. Aim to eat at least one cup of beans twice a week.

7. Whole grains

Whole grains can be part of a healthy diet but practice moderation, as they are high in fiber and can cause inflammation. They contain the healthy parts of the cereal grain and can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, thiamin, folate, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Aim to eat 6 ounces of whole grains each day; that’s about ½ cup cooked brown rice or one slice of whole-wheat bread. Brown rice, oats, and quinoa are also great sources of whole grain, but if you are gluten-intolerant, check the label to see if they might contain traces of gluten.

8. Nightshade foods

Nightshade vegetables, including tomatoes, eggplant, red bell peppers, and potatoes, are nutritious and anti-inflammatory with minimal calories. However, some people are intolerant and find that these foods trigger inflammation related to such conditions as arthritis.

9. Spices

Certain spices have anti-inflammatory properties and are great for adding flavor to your food. These include garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, chilies, and cayenne pepper. They can be added to your food in marinades, sauces, salad dressings, or rubs or they can be taken as a supplement pill.

10. Teas and coffee

Coffee, green tea, and black tea contain polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds, and are good for health in moderation. If you struggle to get to sleep, restrict caffeinated drinks to early in the day.

Determining Your Inflammatory Foods

Nightshade vegetables are common inflammatory foods. Nightshades include tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes.

Many people have food intolerances or full-blown allergies to foods that, for the majority of people, are healthy. For example, some people get ill when they eat tomatoes, kiwi, celery, or almonds, which are superfoods for other people.

If you notice that you feel tired after eating certain foods or get aches and pains or strange rashes, you may want to avoid that food, or see your doctor for allergy testing.

PLEASE NOTE: The information in this article applies to humans only. Please do not apply this information to pets or any other non-human animals.

Originally posted in 2018, this post is regularly updated.

SOURCES

• How to use food to help your body fight inflammation – Mayo Clinic
• Foods that fight inflammation – Harvard Health

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This flu season (2017-2018) is shaping up to be bad one, if Australia is anything to go by. (Click here to read the Australian government’s “Influenza Surveillance Report and Activity Updates.) Flu is highly contagious and can spread through a workplace or school like wildfire. Though debilitating, flue is usually self-limiting, with most people recovering within a week or so. It is the young, the elderly, and the chronically sick who need to worry most about flu, for it can cause them serious complications—and can even be fatal.

Home Flu Treatments: What Are the Best Flu Remedies?

So you’re one of the unlucky ones to come down with the flu: Now what? Most people with the flu don’t need to see a doctor unless they are very unwell or in a risk group (see below).

The key is to help your body heal itself from the flu. When you have flu symptoms, your body is battling the virus itself along with the inflammation caused by it. The following seven flu treatments should help you get past the symptoms in a few days. (See our post “How Long Does the Flu Last?“)

Flu Treatment #1: Stay hydrated.

Experts at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City recommend that you “drink lots of fluids.” When you have a fever and are fighting a virus, you need plenty of fluids to help your body fight the infection and to replace fluids lost from sweating and any vomiting or diarrhea you may have. Water is best but drink whatever you fancy (other than alcohol and coffee) and plenty of it. Hot water with lemon and honey and herbal teas containing ginger, berries or Echinacea are old favorites for many.

Flu Treatment #2: Rest to restore your energy.

Rest is another “must” advised by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, whose experts note that bed rest helps you to avoid complications like pneumonia. We couldn’t agree more. Listen to your body. If you feel exhausted, weak, and dizzy, stay in bed. Rest and sleep really are the best medicine.

Flu Treatment #3: Maintain a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

For many people, flu knocks out their appetite. If you’re healthy, you’ll not need to worry about this for a couple of days. When you are up to eating, it’s tempting to reach for comfort foods like cookies and ice cream, but you’re better off opting for a healthy green salad, a superfood smoothie, or some good old homemade vegetable or chicken soup.

Flu Treatment #4: Take over-the-counter medications.

Your options among medications designed to relieve symptoms include:

• Pain and fever reducers, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), which will reduce fever and inflammation and aches and pains. Children under 19 should not take aspirin.
• Decongestants, which may help open your nasal passages, so you can breathe easier
• Cough medicines. Try cough suppressants for a dry cough and an expectorant if your cough is wet and productive (of mucous).

Those are “The Big Four” flu treatments. But there are other research-backed natural flu remedies that may help you get back on your feet promptly, so we’ll continue with our list.

Flu Treatment #5: Use zinc for an immune system boost.

According to The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “Oral zinc lozenges may reduce the duration of the common cold (research is sparse on flu), when started within 24 hours and taken for a time period of less than 2 weeks.” They advise against the use of intranasal zinc. Some clinicians warn, however, that side effects (such as dry mouth, constipation, and nausea) can result from use with several medications. Limit zinc use to one week only, and stop if you get side effects.

Flu Treatment #6: Soothe your cough with honey.

Honey may offer some sweet relief for your sore throat and cough. Research from the Cochrane Database, a leading repository of clinical evidence, found that “Honey may be better than diphenhydramine for relieving and reducing the effect of cough on children. Honey may also allow parents and children to sleep better than diphenhydramine.” Buckwheat honey may be best of all. (Keep in mind that honey must not be given to babies under the age of 1.)

If it turns out your flu is actually a cold, no matter—it’s still a top home remedy to relieve those sore throat and cough symptoms.

Flu Treatment #7: Try nasal irrigation to help breathing.

Research shows that saline nasal irrigation can be useful for treating nasal symptoms.

What About Herbal Remedies and Vitamin C?

For flu treatments, many load up on vitamin C. Best source: citrus fruits.

Several herbal remedies are touted to help treat flu, including: North American ginseng, licorice roots, berries and pomegranate, guava tea, and Bai Shao. Although many people swear by these herbal favorites, there needs to be further scientific research to support their effectiveness.

Many also reach for megadoses of vitamin C when flu symptoms strike, this may not be the best approach. The NCCIH remarks, “For most people, vitamin C does not prevent colds and only slightly reduces their length and severity.”

Large doses are not recommended. You are better off eating a delicious orange or kiwi, which have many additional benefits for health; see our post on vitamin C.

When to See Your Doctor for Flu Treatment

When to see a doctor for flu treatments? Typically, we handle the onset of flu symptoms at home with the remedies listed here. But if we experience such symptoms as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, or sudden dizziness, seeing a physician is recommended.

Experts in New York from Weill Cornell Medical College recommend that you see your doctor if you develop:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Some people are at increased risk of developing flu complications. Physicians at Weill Cornell warn that people with the following conditions should be very cautious if they get the flu:

• Diabetes
• Suppressed immune systems (including HIV)
• Heart, kidney, lung, or liver disease
• Neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders

Also requiring caution when flu symptoms develop:

• Pregnant women
• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5 years old. (A 2017 review of research by Kondrich and Rosenthal concluded, “Both healthy and chronically ill children can fall prey to complications either due to the virus itself or secondary bacterial infection.”)

If you fall into any of these groups, see your doctor as soon as you start experiencing symptoms.

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What is gout? It’s an inflammatory arthritis–some call it “gouty arthritis”—caused by the formation of needle-like uric acid crystals in the joint. Hyperuricemia (high blood urate levels) leads to crystal formation and severe episodes of acute pain, stiffness, tenderness, warmth, redness, and swelling, often striking along the base of the big toe.

In its chronic form, gout can cause irreversible damage to the joints, tendons, and other soft tissue.

The Pathology of Gout

Gout is primarily a metabolic disorder in which uric acid (also known as urate) accumulates in blood (hyperuricemia) and tissues. When tissue levels reach saturation, needle-like crystals form, causing inflammation. This occurs most commonly in the cooler joints, notably the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe.

Many people with hyperuricemia never develop gout, but those with the highest levels are most likely to suffer episodes. Hyperuricemia may also lead to kidney stones.

Gout in Foot: Causes and Risk Factors

In about 90 percent of hyperuricaemia cases, there is impaired renal excretion; in about 10 percent, there is a problem with overproduction.

• Urate overproduction can be linked to lifestyle factors and certain diseases such as bone marrow cancers, psoriasis, and hemolytic anemia. Lifestyle factors include being overweight and ingesting excess amount of fructose or alcohol.
• Renal impairment has multiple causes, including gene mutations, hypertension, diuretic drugs, lead exposure, and cyclosporine immunosuppressive therapy.
• Gender and age. Men are twice as likely to develop gout as women. In men, the risk rises with age. Gout is uncommon in younger women but the incidence increases dramatically after menopause, due to falling estrogen.
• Western diet. There is solid evidence from the Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS) of a link between gout and purine-rich foods. See gout diet.
• Medications. Diuretics, antihypertensives, niacin, aspirin, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs increase the risk of gout.
• Other conditions. Certain conditions carry an increased risk of gout including: Recent joint injury or surgery, cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, anemia, psoriasis, renal disease, blood cancers, and metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms and Signs of Gout in Foot

An attack of gout is often sudden. Symptoms:

• It may present with excruciatingly painful swelling of joints; in the big toe, it is known as Podagra. The joint may be stiff and appear red or purple, very swollen, and tender to even light touch. Other gout sites include the instep, wrist, ankle, fingers, and knee.
• Skin may peel and itch as healing begins.
• An attack often begins at night; the acute phase lasts up to 12 hours. If untreated, the inflammation may last up to two weeks. In 10 percent of people, acute episodes present in more than one joint.
• Kidney stones precede the onset of gout in 14 percent of patients.
• Chronic gout may develop, and it may affect more than one joint, mimicking rheumatoid arthritis.
• Tophi are soft tissue swellings caused by urate buildup in chronic gout. They may be found in the ear, fingers, toes, kneecap, and elbow.

Some people have a single attack of gout, others are affected intermittently, often when they have overindulged or experienced dehydration.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Gout in Foot

What goes into a gout diagnosis? These procedures are options:

• Joint aspiration. Fluid is withdrawn from the joint and inspected for crystals and bacteria.
• Blood tests. White blood cell count, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), triglycerides, and kidney function (urea and creatinine) may be elevated.
• X-ray. An x-ray of the affected joint is likely to appear normal during an initial acute episode, but in chronic gout, bone erosion and overhanging edges may be seen.

Treatment of Gout

Your doctor will determine the treatment for gout that you require, perhaps using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2012 guidelines.

Initial treatment

• In an acute attack, a combination of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, and colchicine may be needed. Steroids can be given orally or injected into the muscle or joint. Rest, elevation, ice packs, and increasing water intake may also help alleviate symptoms.
• Colchicine is a drug that decreases swelling and reduces the buildup of uric acid crystals. Side effects are common and include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may be used in the acute phase and to prevent further flare-ups.
• Urate-lowering-treatment (ULT) is usually commenced following an attack. These drugs may be considered if colchicine is not effective, if multiple joints are involved, or if there is a history of kidney stones. These include allopurinol (Aloprim), febuxostat (Uloric), and probenecid (Benemid).

Lifestyle change

• Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will not only help you reach a healthy weight but may also reduce gout flare-ups. Purine-rich foods in particular should be restricted. See our article “Gout Foods: Keep These 6 Foods in Your Diet.”

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

• Gout Foods: What Food Should I Avoid with Gout?
• How Long Does Gout Last?
• Gout: A Type of Arthritis That is Linked With Heart Disease

This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated.

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Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Females over the age of 50 are four times more likely to have osteoporosis than males. Post-menopausal white and Asian females are particularly susceptible. Other risk factors include:

• Low estrogen in women
• Low testosterone in men
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Cigarette smoking
• Use of oral steroids
• Use of antiepileptic drugs
• Diet low in calcium and vitamin D over lifetime
• History of fractures

Women in particular are encouraged to maintain recommended intake of calcium and vitamin D, as well as perform weight-bearing exercises to maintain bone density. Note that osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures are still common in men.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be silent for many years with no symptoms or discomfort until a fracture occurs. Spinal vertebrae can become weakened to the point where they break spontaneously or with minor trauma. These fractures are called pathological fractures since they result from an inherent weakness of the person’s bones when subjected to less-than-expected force, rather than a true injury.

Fractures in osteoporosis occur most commonly in the spine (twice as commonly as fractured hips or wrists) and are called vertebral compression fractures. People with osteoporosis can gradually lose height and develop skeletal deformities due to vertebral compression fractures over decades.

Assessment of Osteoporosis

If a man or woman presents with a pathological fracture due to osteoporosis, he or she would be investigated with a medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging. X-rays are crucial to the diagnosis of bone thinning and fractures. Advanced imaging (a bone density scan, for example) may be performed to check for bone density. An MRI also may be performed to check for any soft tissue or nerve damage around the fracture. Pain from spinal osteoporosis (without fracture) can be treated conservatively with heat, ice, exercise, massage, and relaxation. Treatment for vertebral compression fracture from osteoporosis is discussed on page 22. People with an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture have a five-fold increased risk of getting a second one.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in humans, representing a major public health problem,” according to the American College of Rheumatology in its 2014 report on osteoporosis. “Osteoporosis can be prevented, diagnosed, and treated before fractures occur.”

In addition to calcium and vitamin D, prescription drugs are effective in improving bone health and lowering risk of fracture. These include bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate (Boniva), and zoledronic acid (Reclast).

Poor compliance to recommended medications is one of the most preventable treatment problems related to osteoporosis. The International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that less than half of patients take their recommended medication.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women over the age of 65 should be regularly screened with a bone density scan due to the prevalence of osteoporosis in women. Brigham and Women’s Hospital also recommends that men and women diagnosed with osteoporosis further reduce their risk of future fractures with the following:

• Take daily recommended calcium (1,000 to 1,200 mg/day) and vitamin D (800 to 1,000 mg/day).
•  Get daily sunlight exposure.
• Quit smoking or limit smoking consumption.
• Stay active as much as you can.
• Strengthen your back muscles.Be aware of your risks for fractures.
• Follow-up regularly with your doctor and stick to treatment.

For more information on back pain, purchase Managing Low Back Pain from www.UniversityHealthNews.com.

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Some individuals feel a constant ache across their lower back when they bend over, while others have a shooting pain down one leg. Some people find that their pain responds better to over-the-counter pain relievers, while others swear by heating pads.

If you experience back pain, you know how inconvenient it is to your home and work life, and you’ve felt the twinges it elicits during everyday tasks. Pain on a daily or chronic basis pervades or affects all areas of our lives, including our ability to work, have fun, and interact with the people around us. While it’s almost inevitable for adults to experience back pain at some point in life, it can become a regular occurrence for some. If back pain is getting in the way of your daily activities for at least a week, and if it’s starting to limit your work, home, and personal life, you should seek professional help. Daily or chronic pain needs evaluation by your doctor and often an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals.

Identifying possible causes of your back pain is the first step to recovery. So what are the biggest instigators of back pain? One common cause are back strains and sprains.

Back pain has a wide range of presentations and causes. Pain differs widely from person to person for reasons that are puzzling. This makes back pain one of the most challenging conditions for both the patient and healthcare provider.

Some individuals feel a constant ache across their lower back when they bend over, while others have a shooting pain down one leg. Some people find that their pain responds better to over-the-counter pain relievers, while others swear by heating pads.

If you experience back pain, you know how inconvenient it is to your home and work life, and you’ve felt the twinges it elicits during everyday tasks. Pain on a daily or chronic basis pervades or affects all areas of our lives, including our ability to work, have fun, and interact with the people around us. While it’s almost inevitable for adults to experience back pain at some point in life, it can become a regular occurrence for some. If back pain is getting in the way of your daily activities for at least a week, and if it’s starting to limit your work, home, and personal life, you should seek professional help. Daily or chronic pain needs evaluation by your doctor and often an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals.

Identifying possible causes of your back pain is the first step to recovery. So what are the biggest instigators of back pain? One common cause are back strains and sprains.

Strains, Sprains, and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries

Back strains and sprains are the most common causes of acute back pain. Strains are injuries in muscles or tendons (which connect muscle to bone). Sprains are injuries in ligaments (tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). Other common soft tissue injuries include contusions (bruises) following a blow from behind, and tendonitis (inflammation of tendons) from repetitive motions.

Causes of Soft Tissue Injury

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, soft tissue problems can be categorized into either an acute injury or an overuse injury.

• Acute injuries have a recent inciting event. Examples are strains, sprains, and/or contusions from a fall, twist, or blow to the back.
• Overuse injuries develop gradually over time. An example is flexing or extending the back in prolonged positions or repetitive motions.

Soft tissue can be injured during sports, exercise, heavy exertion, and even everyday activities, particularly in the older adult population. Pulled or strained muscles can occur when they’re overworked, overstretched, or stretched too quickly and can result in inflammation, a tear, or a painful muscle spasm.

Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injury

Soft tissue injuries can have the following symptoms:

• Back pain with movement
• Dull ache
• Muscle spasm
• Tightness or stiffness Swelling and/or slight warmth
• Bruising
• Weakness or being unable to move a muscle

Usually a person with a strain, sprain, or soft tissue injury will have pain that limits full range of motion, “guarding” against certain positions, and complain of muscle spasms. Soft tissue pain usually doesn’t present with any neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or true weakness.

Assessment of Soft Tissue Injury

Your doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse will often be able to diagnose a back soft tissue injury based on history and physical examination, and without any laboratory or imaging tests. A soft tissue injury can usually be treated conservatively with superficial cold and heat, exercise therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Keep in mind that muscles, ligaments, and tendons can be dense or fibrous and can take days to weeks to fully heal. Physical activity is encouraged so that the muscles do not get stiff or weak.

For more information on back pain, purchase Managing Low Back Pain from www.UniversityHealthNews.com.

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The term “risk factors” refers to attributes or exposures in an individual that increase the odds of getting the disease. For prostate cancer, there are many risk factors. Let’s consider the common ones.

Age. The most significant risk factor for developing prostate cancer is one that can’t be helped: aging. Sixty percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65.

Genetic Factors. Genetics are at play in the 5 to 10 percent of prostate cancer patients who have a strong family history. A man with a first-degree relative (brother or father) with prostate cancer has double the risk of developing the disease and presents six to seven years earlier than other men.

The National Cancer Institute explains that the following factors are suggestive of genetic risk:

• Multiple first-degree relatives with prostate cancer, including three successive generations with prostate cancer on the mother’s or father’s side.
• A relative with early-onset prostate cancer (age ≤55 years).
• Family history of prostate cancer and other cancers (e.g., pancreatic, breast).

Researchers have so far discovered more than 100 gene variations or mutations associated with prostate cancer. Certain clusters of gene variations are helpful for predicting risk and outcome, and some mutations are linked to more aggressive cancers.

Notable culprits are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, also linked to breast cancer risk in women. Normally, these genes produce proteins that help to suppress cancer. Research suggests that men with BRCA2 mutations who develop prostate cancer are more likely to develop aggressive disease, with advanced staging at diagnosis, higher rates of metastasis, and poorer survival rates. A recent study found that African-­American men with prostate cancer are more likely to have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, a possible explanation for why this group has poorer outcomes.

Herein lies a common dilemma in medicine: What do we do when someone is identified with a genetic risk? There is a danger that this knowledge may cause unnecessary panic and needless tests and treatments. While prostate cancer is very common, most patients do not die from it. But genetic testing—when used prudently—can help identify men with aggressive cancers earlier and potentially save lives. Genetic testing is also increasingly used for targeting treatment.

Epigenetics. Fortunately, men with prostate cancer risk genes are not destined to develop cancer. The field of epigenetics is showing that lifestyle and environmental factors can alter the inheritance and expression of genes. This suggests that improving lifestyles and environment may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, along with the risk of many other chronic illnesses.

Racial Factors. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute show that there are racial differences in the incidence of prostate cancer. In one study, African-American men were found to have the highest rates of prostate cancer, followed by white, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI) men.

Research suggests that African-American men may be at greater risk, in part, because of genetic factors and hormonal differences. However, diet, income, education, and health-care access may also play a role. African-American men also tend to get prostate cancer earlier and in a more aggressive form than other races, with death rates being significantly higher.

On the plus side, recent research suggests that when African-American men diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer receive equal access to health-care and the most effective treatments, their risk of death is the same as that of Caucasian men.

Lifestyle Factors. One of the likely causes of prostate cancer is inflammation, and there is an established link to lifestyle. The typical Western lifestyle, characterized by sedentary habits and poor diet, is a major cause of inflammation in the body and a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

According to Cancer.org, “Internationally, the incidence of prostate cancer varies by more than 50-fold, with the highest rates being in North America, Australia, and northern and central Europe, and the lowest rates being in southeastern and south-central Asia and northern Africa.”

The human body is a highly complex, interconnected system. No organ exists in isolation, so what is good for health in general is likely good for the prostate. The body has a remarkable ability to heal itself and maintain a healthy equilibrium, but sometimes our actions push it to the limit, and disease is the result.

There is substantial research linking lifestyle to prostate cancer risk. But due to the complex nature of disease and of lifestyle, it can be difficult to prove that one particular factor causes or prevents a specific disease. For example, men who are obese have an increased risk of prostate cancer, but is this because of the excess body weight itself or because they have a poorer diet and are less likely to exercise? Likewise, men who are strict vegans have a lower risk of prostate cancer, but is this because they eat no animal products or because they are more likely to be non-smokers and lead active lifestyles?

Diet and Nutrition. The links between diet, general health, disease prevention, and longevity are increasingly compelling. Large longitudinal studies—where subjects are followed for years (such as the Framingham Heart Study and the Nurses’ Health Study)—provide strong evidence.

One example of a healthy diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, olive oil, and lean sources of protein and low in factory-produced, processed foods. A comprehensive review of research, published in the journal Nutrients, showed that strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet only slightly lowered the risk of death from prostate cancer, but had a significant effect on the risk of some other cancers (like gastric, liver, pancreatic, and lung cancer).

Diet is also important to health and well being after cancer diagnosis. A study in Cancer Prevention Research compared two basic eating patterns in men who had been diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer. One was a typical Western diet, relatively high in processed and red meats, high-fat dairy, and refined grains. The other was a “prudent” pattern relatively high in fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, and whole grains. The study found that men with a Western dietary pattern were at greater risk of death from prostate cancer or any cause, compared with those who ate the prudent diet.

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. Obesity has been linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer. A recent study in BMC Medicine found that men with a higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (indicators of obesity) had an increased risk of high-risk tumors and were more likely to die of prostate cancer. A possible mechanism for the increased risk of prostate cancer in overweight men is thought to lie with insulin levels. Insulin is a growth factor, so when high, it promotes cell division in abnormal cells.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol abnormalities, high triglycerides, and insulin resistance. It is thought to be a precursor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Research published in 2017 in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of fatal prostate cancer.

For more information about conditions that affect to prostate, purchase Managing Diseases of the Prostate at UniversityHealthNews.com.

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What Is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)?

Vinegar can be made from a variety of fermentable carbohydrates including grapes, berries, rice, and, you guessed it, apple. During the fermentation process, yeast turns food sugars into alcohol. If acetic acid bacteria (acetobacter) are present, the alcohol is then converted to acetic acid.

Many commercial vinegars are made by a rapid fermentation method. Slower, more natural methods result in the formation of a slime, composed of yeast and bacteria, that you see in the bottom of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Yes, it sounds gross, but it may actually be good for you. (See also “Top 5 Healthy Beverages.“)

Along with acetic acid, vinegar also contains vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids, polyphenolic compounds (which have antioxidant properties), and nonvolatile organic acids. In the United States, vinegar products must contain a minimum of 4 percent acetic acid per 100 ml, as specified by the Food & Drug Administration.

Potential Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been touted to help with a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. It also is thought to reduce or treat infection. As with many alternative therapies, however, research on its effectiveness is scanty.

The reasons for scant research? For one thing, there has been little money available to researchers; for another, the studies that have been done are small and lack statistical power.

Yet there are some results worth considering.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Sugar

Dietitian Carol Johnston of Arizona State University’s Department of Nutrition has been studying the effects of vinegar on blood glucose for years. Johnston’s research indicates that vinegar can help reduce blood sugar in healthy people and those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (late-onset). “What acetic acid is doing,” she theorizes, “is blocking the absorption of starch.”

If you have diabetes, it’s important to tell your doctor, as apple cider vinegar may interfere with medication.

Data collected by another research team suggests that vinegar ingestion at bedtime may have a favorable impact on “waking glucose concentrations in type 2 diabetes… but much more work is required to determine whether vinegar is a useful adjunct therapy for individuals with diabetes.”

Apple Cider Vinegar as Bacteria-Fighter

A 2017 study aimed to investigate the effect of apple cider vinegar against two common harmful bacteria, E. coli and S. aureus, and the fungal infection C. albicans. They concluded “ACV has multiple antimicrobial potential with clinical therapeutic implications.”

Again, however, more research is needed.

Apple Cider Vinegar as Weight Loss “Supplement”?

A popular use of apple cider vinegar is in weight loss. Some find that ACV reduces their appetite and makes them feel full sooner, perhaps because it delays gastric emptying.

One study looked at 175 obese Japanese adults. Researchers found that “body weight, BMI, visceral fat area (belly fat), waist circumference, and serum triglyceride levels were significantly lower in both vinegar intake groups than in the placebo group.” However, the weight loss was minimal—two to four pounds over 12 weeks.

The study suggests that apple cider vinegar may prove to be a useful adjunct to portion control, a healthy diet, and regular exercise in the weight loss battle.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Impact on Skin and Hair?

Austin dermatologists Adam Mamelak, MD, and Miriam Hanson, MD, support the use of apple cider vinegar as part of your skin and hair care routine.

Dr. Mamelak explains ACV can help “remove bacteria and excess oil from the skin that can contribute to acne formation.” He explains it is also useful for treating toning skin and for dandruff, yeast infections, insect bites, scrapes, abrasions, and warts.

Dr. Mamelak and Dr. Hanson warn a careful approach; ACV is acidic and can irritate some people’s skin and scalp. They also advise that you test your reaction to ACV with a “patch test” on the skin of the inside of your arm. Never use ACV on the delicate skin of your genital area or leave on any skin for a prolonged time, as it can cause chemical burns.

Other Potential Uses of ACV

There’s also evidence—albeit lower-quality evidence—of the benefits of apple cider vinegar with a number of other health conditions:

• Heart disease. Studies in rats show that ACV can reduce blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and oxidative stress.
• Cancer. Another study showed that the growth of human cancer cells in the laboratory could be inhibited by vinegar, but there is a lack of evidence in humans bodies.
• Cough and sore throat. See sidebar below.

Safety of Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is pretty safe, if taken in small doses and diluted. According to one report, there are rare reports of adverse reactions. ACV is acidic by nature and so can cause acidic injuries and inflammation of the back of the throat, esophagus, stomach, and skin. It also can erode the enamel of the teeth, so if you drink it, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and wait 10 minutes before brushing teeth. ACV should not be used for teeth whitening as it may cause serious damage to the teeth.

Final Verdict on Apple Cider Vinegar

Most of the claims about apple cider vinegar’s health benefits are not supported by compelling research. Even so, ACV may be considered as a complementary therapy to traditional medicine in weight loss, minor sore throats, and coughs, and in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes (only with your doctor’s consent).

If taken in small amounts, in a diluted form, as a drink or in salad dressing, ACV is pretty safe. Just remember to rinse your mouth to prevent damage to tooth enamel.

The post Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle Remedy or Scam? appeared first on University Health News.

As the name suggests, BPPV is not life-threatening (benign), it comes in sudden, brief spells (paroxysmal), and it creates a sense that you, or the world, are spinning (vertigo). While benign, it is unpleasant, disorientating, and unsettling, and it can cause falls.

What Causes BPPV?

For most people, there is no apparent cause of BPPV, although it can occur due to trauma, migraine, diabetes, osteoporosis, lying in bed for a long time, and other inner ear problems.

It is believed that tiny crystals floating around in your inner ear cause BPPV. These crystals are known as “otoconia” and are made of calcium carbonate. Usually they rest in the center “pouch” of the inner ear, but sometimes they get dislodged and float around, and finding their way to sensors or the wrong ear canal where they cause the abnormal signals that result in vertigo.

Symptoms of Vertigo—and Clinical Evaluation

In BPPV, symptoms may include dizziness or a spinning sensation, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of instability, or disorientation. Movement such as sitting up, looking up, or bending over usually triggers symptoms. They may last a few seconds or much longer, and may come and go over several days. BPPV does not affect hearing or cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

If you suffer from the BPPV ymptoms described above on multiple occasions or for a long period, it is best to see your doctor or an ENT (ear nose and throat) doctor, to rule out more serious causes for your symptoms.

Vertigo Exercises: Particle Repositioning Maneuvers

While medications may help with some of the BPPV symptoms like nausea, the only effective treatments for BPPV are repositioning procedures. A doctor usually supervises these, but people who have had multiple episodes can learn to perform the maneuvers at home.

The official name for these exercises is “particle-repositioning maneuvers” (PRM). Your clinician may perform one of several techniques, among them the Lempert 360° roll maneuver, the Semont maneuver, the Gufoni method, the Vannuchi Asprella method, the Barbecue roll method, and the Epley maneuver. (MedicalNewsToday.com offers a detailed description of the latter; click here to see the steps involved in the Epley maneuver.) Each involves a series of body, head, and neck movements. The procedure may need to be repeated a number of times.

A study by the Cochrane Group found that the Epley maneuver resulted in resolution of symptoms in up to 56 percent of patients. They reported that side effects were uncommon and minor, with between 16 and 32 percent of patients reporting nausea. Patients with cervical spine problems may not be able to tolerate these procedures and should not perform them unless under medical supervision.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

Some sufferers require a more intensive vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). The Vestibular Disorders Association explains that VRT is “the specialized form of exercise-based therapy designed to alleviate both primary and secondary symptoms of vestibular disorders. [It] includes assessments of vertigo and dizziness, eye movements, balance and gait, and the musculoskeletal system, as well as treatment using vestibular habituation, gaze stabilization, and balance training exercises.”

Home Usage of Vertigo Exercises

If, and only if, your doctor has confirmed a diagnosis of BPPV, ask to be taught how to perform particle repositioning maneuvers at home, in case you suffer from another attack.

Experts at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine recommend the following steps to carry out the Epley maneuver at home:

If the problem is with your right ear:

• Start by sitting on a bed.
• Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
• Quickly lie back, keeping your head turned. Your shoulders should now be on the pillow, and your head should be reclined. Wait 30 seconds.
• Turn your head 90 degrees to the left, without raising it. Your head will now be looking 45 degrees to the left. Wait another 30 seconds.
• Turn your head and body another 90 degrees to the left, into the bed. Wait another 30 seconds.
• Sit up on the left side.

If the problem is with your left ear:

• Start by sitting on a bed.
• Turn your head 45 degrees to the left.
• Quickly lie back, keeping your head turned. Your shoulders should now be on the pillow, and your head should be reclined. Wait 30 seconds.
• Turn your head 90 degrees to the right, without raising it. Your head will now be looking 45 degrees to the right. Wait another 30 seconds.
• Turn your head and body another 90 degrees to the right, into the bed. Wait another 30 seconds.
• Sit up on the right side.

Ask a friend or loved one to supervise you if possible and make sure that you perform the procedure in a safe place, in case you get dizzy and fall—the last thing you need is a broken bone on top of your vertigo!

Dr. Carol Foster, MD, an Ear Nose and Throat doctor from the University of Colorado Denver, developed a new technique for home treatment when she was struck down with BPPV. Her video about the new technique went viral in 2013; in it, she explains that the technique is easier to do at home than the Epley maneuver is, but it has not been widely evaluated.

Preventing a Recurrence of Vertigo

Unfortunately, BPPV sometimes recurs. If you suffer from frequent recurrence or if additional symptoms emerge, see your doctor to confirm your diagnosis.

While it is not strictly preventable, you can take steps to reduce your risk: Protect your head from injury (wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorbike), eat a healthy diet, take a vitamin D supplement (to reduce the risk of osteoporosis), stay hydrated, and exercise regularly.

While you’re suffering from BPPV, it’s also advisable to take these precautions to prevent falls:

• Standing up slowly
• Sitting down if you feel dizzy
• Using a walking aid if dizziness is prolonged
• Making sure your home is well-lit and free from trip hazards

Sources & Resources

For related reading on vertigo, see these University Health News posts:

• “What Causes Vertigo?‘
• “Vertigo: Symptoms Call for Screening and Treatment‘
• “Natural Remedies for Vertigo“

These organizations offer further information on the topic:

• American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). A professional organization that offers public outreach.
• The Vestibular Disorders Association. A non-profit that aims to support and empower vestibular patients on their journey back to balance.

The post Vertigo Exercises: You’ve Never Tried “Particle-Repositioning Maneuvers”? appeared first on University Health News.

Pain is a common symptom that may occur alone or in conjunction with other symptoms. Pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain is short lived and is a signal from your body that there is a problem and you need to take notice. Chronic pain lasts for three months or more, and for some, many years. Chronic pain is complicated and requires detective work to diagnose and treat. The experience of pain varies greatly among individuals, so treatments should be personalized. Chronic pain can impact all areas of life and can be exhausting, frustrating, and depressing.

In this report, you’ll learn about the disease processes that cause pain and some of the common causes and risk factors for developing acute or chronic pain. You’ll also begin to understand the testing required to determine the cause of your pain and current treatment options. Lastly, you’ll know what lifestyle changes you can make to take charge of your pain and improve your quality of life.

Managing pain often requires a team approach, with you at the center. You may be under the care of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists. The more involved you are, the better the outcome will be. The goal of pain management is to find a solution that will improve your quality of life, so you become as free from pain as possible.

Leonaura Rhodes, MB, ChB, MPH

The post From The Medical Editor appeared first on University Health News.

American Urological Association
www.auanet.org
800-828-7866
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov
800-232-4636
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Atlanta, GA 30329-4027

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
800-422-6237
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National Comprehensive Cancer Network
www.nccn.org
215-690-0300
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National Institutes of Health
www.nih.gov
301-496-4000
9000 Rockville Pike
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Prostate Cancer Foundation
www.pcf.org
800-757-2873
310-570-4700
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Santa Monica, CA 90401

University Health News
www.universityhealthnews.com

Us Too International
www.ustoo.org
800-808-7866
630-795-1002
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Des Plaines, IL 60018

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