Carcinogens are a class of substances that are directly responsible for damaging DNA, promoting or aiding cancer. Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, radiation such as Gamma and X-rays, the sun, and compounds in car exhaust fumes are all examples of carcinogens. When our bodies are exposed to carcinogens, free radicals are formed that try to steal electrons from other molecules in the body. Theses free radicals damage cells and affect their ability to function normally.
Genes
Cancer can be the result of a genetic predisposition that is inherited from family members. It is possible to be born with certain genetic mutations or a fault in a gene that makes one statistically more likely to develop cancer later in life.
Viruses
All organisms have cancer cells in the body; but are dormant, or inactive. These cancer cells can be activated by viruses, and other external factors like unhealthy lifestyle. Viruses invade our system by forcing their way into a cell and using the cell’s system to replicate themselves. In doing so, they may disrupt or alter the host cell’s own DNA. Several viruses have also been linked to cancer such as: human papillomavirus (a cause of cervical cancer), hepatitis B and C (causes of liver cancer), and Epstein-Barr virus (a cause of some childhood cancers). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and anything else that suppresses or weakens the immune system inhibits the body's ability to fight infections and increases the chance of developing cancer.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin; a lump on the breast or testicle can be an indicator of cancer in those locations. Skin cancer, also known as melanoma is often noted by a change in a wart or mole on the skin. Some oral cancers present white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue.
Other cancers have symptoms that are less physically apparent. Some brain tumors tend to present symptoms early in the disease as they affect important cognitive functions. Pancreas cancers are usually too small to cause symptoms until they cause pain by pushing against nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Symptoms also can be created as a tumor grows and pushes against organs and blood vessels. For example, colon cancers lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool size. Bladder or prostate cancers cause changes in bladder function such as more frequent or infrequent urination.
As cancer cells use the body's energy and interfere with normal hormone function, it is possible to present symptoms such as fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are common in several other maladies as well. For example, coughing and hoarseness can point to lung or throat cancer as well as several other conditions.
When cancer spreads, or metastasizes, additional symptoms can present themselves in the newly affected area. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely to be present early. If cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience vertigo, headaches, or seizures. Spreading to the lungs may cause coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, the liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice and bones can become painful, brittle, and break easily. Symptoms of metastasis ultimately depend on the location to which the cancer has spread.
Prevention is better than cure.
Progressive tumor growth occurs in many patients, suggesting that some mechanisms must exist by which tumor cells can escape immunosurveillance. Certainly, some tumors escape detection because they are effectively sequestered, whereas other tumors evade destruction because they secrete immunosuppressive molecules.
Though some types of cancer can be detected early by manifesting symptoms, others show no symptoms at all and can only be perceived once it has metastasized and affected other areas of the body which make it hard to cure. Cancer can be diagnosed by performing different tests and applying imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI scans that are very expensive. As bad as it may sound, people with inadequate resources can’t undergo these procedures to detect cancer and have it cured as early as possible. This is where the motto, “prevention is better than cure” comes in. As aforementioned, diseases like cancer, hypertension, and heart attack are caused by mutations in the DNA causing cellular damage. This cellular damage can somehow be eradicated by fighting free radicals in our body. Antioxidants present in dietary supplements play a crucial role in combating free radicals that damage our cells and cause diseases.
Epidemiologic observations show lower cancer rates in people with healthy diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables. This has led to the theory that these diets contain substances, possibly antioxidants, which protect against the development of cancer. It has also been proven that dietary supplementation reduces the risk of developing life threatening diseases like hypertension and cancer. Antioxidants are also thought to have a role in slowing the aging process and preventing heart diseases and strokes.
Healthy options like diet supplements, more commonly known as food supplements, are preparations intended to supplement the diet and provide nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, fatty acids, or amino acids that may be missing or may not be consumed in sufficient quantities in a person’s diet. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements as a category of foods, and not as drugs. While pharmaceutical companies are required to obtain FDA approval which involves assessing the risks and benefits prior to their entry in the market, dietary supplements do not need to be pre-approved by FDA before they can enter the market. These food supplements usually have a label “No Approved Therapeutic Claims” in their packaging which indicates that dietary supplements are not to be taken to cure certain diseases, but only to boost the immune response of the body against diseases.
Recommendations
Healthy Options
Consider taking dietary supplements for a healthier body. These food supplements can be taken to provide nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, fatty acids, or amino acids that may be missing or may not be consumed in sufficient quantities in a person’s diet.
Healthy Lifestyle
Develop healthy lifestyle through daily exercise, quit smoking, and drinking moderately. Smoking and drinking can contribute in the development of free radicals. The more free radicals present in your body, the higher chance you’ll acquire a disease.
Healthy Diet
Follow a balanced diet by taking 5 servings of fruit or vegetables per day. This will ensure that you are developing your inherent antioxidant systems and that your diet is providing the necessary components.
To help us prevent diseases associated with cellular damage, Classique Herbs utilize the best and most effective natural ingredients culled from the highest quality sources and perfected through years of research. Products are formulated by practicing herbalists and scientists. They are also manufactured under strict quality control.
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