How To Reduce Your Liver Cancer Risk

While it’s not always possible to prevent liver cancer, you can reduce your risk by being vaccinated against hepatitis B, being tested for hepatitis C, practising safe sex, and limiting your consumption of alcohol.

Hepatitis B can be transferred from mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding, often resulting in a chronic infection. 

What many people do not realise is that it is relatively easy to contract the hepatitis B virus, unlike viruses such as HIV. 

Simply sharing a toothbrush or having small cuts on your hand and touching a doorknob with a trace amount of blood from someone with hepatitis B is enough to contract the infection.

People who become infected with the hepatitis B virus are often not ill when they acquired it and may otherwise be unaware of the infection until it does substantial damage. 

If you have a family history of people who had liver disease, get tested for the disease. The consistent use of condoms can greatly reduce your risk. 

If you have hepatitis B, you should advise your partner so that he or she can get vaccinated. Cut down on your number of sex partners. Limit processed foods and red meats. 

If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. Don’t share injection needles and syringes.

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What You Need To Know About Sunscreen

Article From Penelope Andersan

Allow us to demystify everything you need to know about protecting your skin from the sun, just in time for summer vacation.

Sun protection is like eating your vegetables. We know it is good for our health, but we don't always know exactly why and, not to mention, how to properly use it. What exactly are UV rays and what does SPF really mean anyway? Allow us to demystify everything you need to know about protecting your skin from the sun.

What Are UV Rays?

Ultraviolet Rays (UV rays) are potentially harmful rays that are emitted from the sun. While there are actually many types of UV rays, we are most concerned with UVA and UVB rays since they are correlated with skin cancers.

All sunscreens protect against UVB rays because they are the main cause of sunburns and skin cancers. However, UVA rays can also contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. That's why it is important to choose products that are “broad spectrum," which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

What Does SPF Mean?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) comes into play because it measures how long the sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays (but not UVA rays). According to the American Cancer Society, you should choose an SPF of 30 or higher. In fact, the FDA has issued a requirement that anything containing SPF 15 or lower needs to have a warning label similar to non-broad spectrum sunscreen. The higher the SPF number, the more protection it offers. However, keep in mind that as the SPF number increases, its efficacy is only marginally better. For example, SPF 15 filters out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 filters out about 97%, SPF 50 filters out about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. Currently, there is no sunscreen that offers 100% protection.

How Does Sunscreen Work?

Before we dive in, let’s clarify: sunscreen and sunblock are not the same. As the name implies, sunblock actually blocks UV rays from reaching the skin whereas sunscreen does not. Instead, sunscreen absorbs the UV rays when they reach the skin. The differences in sunscreen and sunblock lie in the ingredients. Sunblock is typically made from mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Sunscreen, on the other hand, is made from chemical ingredients like benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, and salicylates.

Choosing The Best Sunscreen For You

The right sunscreen for you is the sunscreen you will use. According to New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD, “There is no real SPF number to determine whether a sunscreen is right for you, though we usually recommend at least SPF 50. I always convey to my patients that even if you apply SPF 50 but do not apply enough of it, it is not as effective. There’s a significant drop-off in your perceived SPF coverage when applying less than the recommended amount."

For your body, the FDA recommends applying a full shot glass-worth of sunscreen. "In reality, none of us do this and thus rarely apply the right amount of SPF," says Dr. Russak. "Based on this fact, I ultimately recommend patients use the highest SPF available because you will most likely be applying less than the amount recommended."

According to the AAD, most people only apply 25 to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. It is important to apply to the tops of your lips, feet, neck, ears, and top of head (if you have thinner hair) and to reapply every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.

Dr. Russak also advises to be mindful of environmental factors that can contribute to how quickly you burn, like the altitude (the closer to the sun, the stronger the rays).

You also need to remember that water resistant sunscreen is not the same as water proof. A truly waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen has yet to be developed. Water resistant products cannot last a whole day and need to be reapplied at least every two hours. While water resistant sunscreen can last up to 80 minutes while sweating or swimming, it can easily come off from the water or even be rubbed off when drying yourself with a towel.

What Sunscreen Ingredients Should We Look For?

Dr. Russak recommends using a broad spectrum mineral-based sunblock containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. "Mineral sunscreen is the best SPF for everybody," she says, as it typically can contain less preservatives and other fillers and can cause less irritation (which makes them perfect for sensitive skin).

"For the face, use a lighter mineral SPF intended specifically for facial use, which will blend easier," she says. "For the body, I recommend a mineral SPF in a spray form, especially for kids. I like Elta Md AERO for the body, it sprays white and you can see it on the skin. Kids can see it as they apply it, and so can I, before it blends into the skin and becomes invisible.”

What About People With Fair Skin?

“People with fair skin have a higher risk of developing cancerous and precancerous lesions and should seek more shade than most. It’s crucial for someone with fair skin to apply broad spectrum SPF more often and avoid the sun when it’s strongest (from 12-3 PM)," says Dr. Russak.

What About People With Dark Skin Types?

“Those with dark skin often think they do not need SPF, or at least not as much, but this is absolutely not true," says Dr. Russak. "People with dark skin are just as vulnerable to developing cancerous and precancerous lesions. I often encounter patients of darker complexions who avoid sunscreen altogether because they fear they’ll look ashy or white post-application. What they may not know is not all sunscreens are made the same, and there are great options offering an invisible or a more universal finish such as, Revision Intellishade.”

What Is The Proper Way To Apply Sunscreen When Wearing Makeup?

“In the summer, I recommend applying sunscreen at home before leaving the house," says Dr. Russak. "Apply on clean, dry skin and before putting on any makeup. Let the sunscreen absorb a little on the skin, while it forms a protective layer. Then, layer on the makeup on top of it.”

Why Is Sunscreen So Important?

About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV rays from sunlight. And while UVA and UVB rays are directly linked to cancer, a lot of cases are preventable. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of an SPF can cut the risk of developing melanoma in half. In addition to cancer, UVA and UVB rays are also directly correlated with skin aging. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.

Furthermore, sunscreen plays an important role in post-surgery healing. Because sunlight can cause darkening and discoloration around a scar, it is more critical than ever to wear sunscreen to help scars heal as properly as possible.

Wearing sunscreen every day, not just at the beach or beside the pool, is essential to our overall health. The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round and even on cloudy days. In fact, snow, sand, and water can actually reflect the sun’s rays, making the need for sunscreen even stronger. And remember that sunscreens are designed to have a shelf-life of three years. If you have a bottle of sunscreen that it is past its expiration date, it is no longer effective and should be thrown out.

Always remember that sun exposure and UVA/UVB rays are directly linked to skin cancer, premature aging, and discoloration of scars, so the most important thing for skin care and your overall health is consistent and complete broad spectrum sun protection.

Penelope Andersan is from the Content Partnerships Team of The AEDITION, an online publication created by new, aesthetic enhancement platform AEDIT. AEDIT is a next-generation, go-to source for anyone looking to continue or begin their medial aesthetic journey.

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Pumpkin Seeds Relieve Symptoms Of Prostate Enlargement

Waking up several times at night to use the bathroom, an urge to run to the toilet all the time or a feeling of not being able to hold it in for long are all common experiences for the millions of men affected by lower urinary tract symptoms.

Lower urinary tract symptoms can affect and reduce the quality of life and are associated with various health conditions, including depression. It refers to the symptoms of problems in the lower urinary tract, including the bladder, prostate and urethra.

Urinary frequency, which is a well-known symptom of lower urinary tract problems, becomes more common with age, during the day and over the night, with nearly a half of the people over the age of 60 waking up more than once during the night to urinate due to conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.

BPH is an age-related condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged. According to the Urology Care Foundation, BPH is the most common prostate problem in men over the age of 50, affecting every second man between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 per cent of those over the age of 80.

Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to support urinary tract symptoms. Clinical researchers demonstrate an increasing benefit from the use of phytomedicine therapies, without the side effects associated with medical therapy.

A new study from the University of Graz, Austria showed supplementation with pumpkin seed extract could help relieve the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

The study found that 500 mg daily supplementation with the pumpkin seed extract supplement significantly reduced every BPH related symptom after four weeks of intake. They took it before going to bed for three months.

In the study, 58 male subjects between the ages of 50 and 75 suffering from symptoms of BPH for at least six months before screening were given 500 mg of pumpkin seed extract daily for three months. They were monitored every four weeks.

At baseline 76.8 per cent of subjects showed moderate symptoms while 23.2 per cent showed severe symptoms. Results showed that there was a highly significant reduction of symptoms after 12 weeks of intervention with the pumpkin seed extract.

The results showed that 35.7 per cent of men reported an improvement of symptoms from ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ to ‘mild’ and nocturia and post-void residual urine volume was significantly reduced.

The researchers in the Journal of Medicinal Food said the results may have implications for the way mild to moderate cases are treated in the future.

According to them, “pumpkin seed extract seems to be a very well tolerable, appropriate plant extract to support health benefits in collective suffering from BPH related symptoms without the need for medical treatment.”

Before now, there is some evidence and traditional recognition for pumpkin seed extract and other plants like pineapple and bitter kola in improving urinary symptoms.

A survey identified 31 plants, including recipes, used in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement in Ijebu – North Local Government Area, Ogun State.

This survey that involved a total of 150 respondents, including herb sellers, traditional healers, herbalists, patients, and other individuals with deep knowledge about BPH was published in the 2018 edition of PHYTOLOGIA BALCANICA.

List of plant species used for the traditional management of BPH included Abrus precatorius (Oju ologbo); Adenopus breviflorus (Tagiri); alligator Pepper (Atare); pineapple; bamboo leaves; giant milkweed (Bomubomu); chilli pepper; pawpaw; African star apple (Agbalumo); lime; coconut; kola nut; sandpaper leaf (Epin) and bitter kola.

Others are Grewia pubescens (Afoforo); Heliotropium indicum (Ogberi-akuko); Ipomoea involucrate (Alukerese); Jatropha curcas (physic nut, Botuje or lapalapa); Jatropha gossypiifolia (wild cassava or Botuje pupa); Musanga cecreopioides (umbrella tree or Aga); Opuntia dillenii (prickly pear or Oro agogo); leaves of Portulaca oleraceae (Esinsan-Omode) and sugarcane.

It also includes Securidaca longepedunculata (violet tree or Ipeta); Senna alata (candle bush or Asurun oyinbo); Senna podocarpa (Asurun ijebu); Sida acuta (broomweed or Isekotu); leaves of Spondias mombin (hog plum or Iyeye); Uvaria chamae (Eruju); bitter leaf; and Xylopia aethiopica (Ethiopian pepper or Eeru).

The various recipes were also documented. Leaves of bamboo, unripe pineapple, leaves of Spondias mombin and leaves of Portulaca oleraceae are put together in a pot, trona (kaun –Yoruba) is also added and the mixture is then boiled with water for about 35 minutes. Half a glass is to be taken once daily.

The second recipe involved grinding dried seed of bitter kola into powder and mixing it with the latex from Opuntia dillenii. This is moulded into pills and air-dried. One pill is to be taken once in five days.

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How African Walnut, Beetroot Protect Against Salt-Induced Hypertension

High blood pressure is a symptomless “silent killer” that quietly damages blood vessels and leads to serious health problems. While there is no cure, making small changes like daily intake of African walnuts can make a difference in lowering blood pressure.

In a study, experts found that African walnuts possess a blood pressure-lowering effect in hypertensive rats. It caused a significant reduction in the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate and blood cholesterol levels.

There was no significant difference in SBP, DBP, MAP, heart rate and body weights of experimental animals with salt-induced high blood pressure that was treated with water extract of African walnut and those treated with lisinopril, a conventional hypertensive medication.

This 2018 study, designed to investigate the potentials of Africa walnuts as an anti-hypertensive agent on blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profile, and body weight was published in the American Journal of Hypertension Research.

A total of 30 male Wistar rats were used for this study. The rats were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Hypertension was induced in the rats except for the group one which served as the normotensive control group.

The rats induced with hypertension were treated with 70 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg, 210 mg/kg body weight of water extract of African walnut and lisinopril 5 mg/kg respectively for additional 21 days. Measurement of blood pressure and body weights were taken weekly during treatment while lipid profile was analyzed at the end of treatment.

To prepare the extract, the researchers boil the nuts for two hours and allowed to cool. The shells were removed and the white coloured nuts washed thoroughly. The nuts were grounded with an electric blender, macerated with water and filtered.

The researchers suggested that the significant decrease in blood pressure may be due to the action of flavonoids and saponins contained in the water extract of African walnut.

According to them, African walnuts have been proven effective for keeping the blood vessels that supply the heart flexible and reducing the damage caused by fatty food due to its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols and antioxidants.

The researchers, who said that the consumption of African walnuts should be encouraged, declared that there was the need to research on its possible preservation as the plant is seasonal.

Further studies, they said are required to ascertain the mechanism of action through which it also reduces blood pressure.

African walnut is known as Ukpa by Igbos, Awusa by Yoruba, and Gawudi bairi by Hausas. The plants is cultivated principally for the nuts, which are cooked and consumed as snacks. It has been proven to have nutritive, medicinal, agricultural and industrial values over the years.

In traditional Chinese medicine, African walnuts are said to tone kidneys, strengthen the back and knees, moisten the intestines and move stool.

African walnut is known to be rich in protein, fat, carbohydrate but low in fibre and ash content. The nut has also been found to be very good source of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, E, folate, potassium, sodium, manganese, copper, chloride, iron and ascorbic acid.

It also contains plant-based polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid. Furthermore, these nuts contain Omega-3 essential fatty acids and since it cannot be manufactured within our bodies and must, therefore, be ingested.

Previously, researchers have revealed African walnut to be useful in ulcer treatment as well as in tackling male fertility by boosting sperm productions in testicles.

Chronic salt – loading has been reported to increase blood pressure in rats. But incorporating flavourful herbs and spices into a daily diet can also help to cut back on salt intake. Examples of herbs and spices to take include basil, cinnamon, ginger, thyme and garlic.

Garlic can help reduce hypertension by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps promote vasodilation, or the widening of arteries, to reduce blood pressure.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure. Such fruits and vegetables include leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes and sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados and oranges.

Small amounts of beetroot or dietary nitrates added to salty foods may help to also protect against increases in blood pressure. Researchers in a study reported that beetroot juice and nitrate supplements were more than 100 times more potent than potassium in protecting salt-sensitive rats against blood pressure rises.

Writing in the journal Hypertension, scientists found that fortifying salty foods with “surprisingly small amounts” of nitrate-rich vegetable products prevented increases in blood pressure in male Dahl salt-sensitive rats.

They declared: “given that leafy green and root vegetables contain large amounts of inorganic nitrate, these findings raise the possibility that fortification of salty food products with small amounts of a nitrate-rich vegetable concentrate may provide a simple method for reducing the risk for salt-induced hypertension.”

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10 Top Health & Wellness Trends This 2019

Article By Justine Lopez

This year has been a year when most of the world focused on health and wellness in a more holistic manner: both physical and mental wellness. And it is beginning to look like 2019 will be a glorious continuation of what we have been opening our minds up to in 2018. So what can we expect to see in the health and wellness sphere in 2019?

1. Ayurveda

The 5,000-year-old health system, Ayurveda (in Sanskrit means “knowledge of life”) is responsible for a lot of health movements in 2018. Perhaps the most familiar of which would be the ketogenic diet. Ayurveda is an old system of medicine that incorporates plants and animal products, particularly fats. The practice of Ayurveda involves using fats both for consumption, meaning eating fats like ghee, and external use, like oils for the skin. The practice connects both mind and body in bringing about wellness.

2. More Plant Based Alternatives

2018 has seen the rise of plant based food, a whopping 23% rise in sales. Gone are the days when the choices we had regarding plant based food were TVP and tofu. Now it is beginning to look like there will be a huge movement in the plant based fish sector. Expect your local Whole Foods aisles to have more plant based fish meat choices. The plant based fish movement stemmed from the awareness of people of the negative impact of overfishing has on our environment.

3. More Sleep

A lot of people, students and workers alike, are severely lacking in sleep. In the coming year, we will have a better understanding of our circadian rhythm and the effects of melatonin and cortisol on our sleep patterns. If these two hormones get out of whack, our circadian rhythm will be thrown out of its cycle and our sleep gets messed up.

4. CBD Oil

This year has seen a massive rise in popularity of CBD oil. Despite its being taboo in certain circles, Whole Foods Market’s projection predicts that CBD oil will have an even higher spike in popularity in 2019.

Expect that in the coming year, we will be learning more about the endocannabinoid system or the ECS. This is a major bodily system which compounds like CBD and other cannabinoids interact with. We have seen how CBD oil has helped manage anxiety and we’ve marveled at its anti-inflammatory and anti-seizure effects. Cannabis might also help with setting our sleep pattern straight. It most certainly helps with keeping a lid on anxiety and stress.

5. Eco-consciousness

More and more people are becoming aware of global warming and the dire situation the Earth is currently in. Expect that in 2019, the strong rise of the eco-friendly movement will continue. It is predicted that the use of single use plastics and other single use items will see a further decline and the BYOB (bring your own bag) movement will continue to become more popular. 

6. Mental Health

This year, mental health continues to be given its due importance. People are now realizing that in order to be physically healthy, you need to think about your mental health as well. Hemp based products (like CBD oil) has become a more popular alternative to the usual stress medications. It is predicted that 2019 will see the continuation of this mental health trend.

7. Oat milk

Is oat milk the new soy? This year, sales have grown by an impressive 45%. Lactose averse people have found a good alternative to dairy and soy milk and the rise of its popularity does not seem to be ending soon. Grab yourself a bottle of oat milk this 2019 because it looks like they will be flying off the shelves still.

8. MCT oil

Aside from CBD, 2018 brought MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil into the spotlight. This oil is odorless and colorless and stays liquid at room temperature. Putting MCT oil into your coffee, making it “bulletproof” is a good way of boosting your energy. Expect to see MCT become even more popular in 2019 as more people become aware of its benefits.

9. Body Positivity

Thanks to Rihanna and her Fenty brand, body positivity moved from the fringes to mainstream. Body positivity saw a rise in popularity in 2018 as more and more people focus on loving their bodies instead of shrinking them to fit into the mold that society wanted them to look. As more people shift their focus to mental health, this 2019 will see an even bigger rise in the body positivity movement.

10. Hemp based products

Aside from CBD oil, hemp based products have found their way into our lives from our beauty products, to our food. With the 2018 Farm Bill already signed into law, hemp based farming will be legal nationwide. Expect that in 2019, there will be more choices in hemp based products.

This article was originally published at madebyhemp.com

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Cashew Leaf Promises Cure For Urinary Tract Infections

Antibiotics can be lifesaving, but using them over a long period might raise the odds of heart disease and stroke in older women with respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and dental problems. Now, experts say that cashew leaf is a natural solution to urinary tract infections.

In a new study, researchers found extracts of cashew leaf is able to kill germs that cause urinary tract infections like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Ethanol and water fraction of the extract respectively have the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae during the antibacterial screening.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system — the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

A bladder infection may cause pelvic pain, increased urge to urinate, pain with urination and blood in the urine. A kidney infection may cause back pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.

In a study to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in Okada, a rural community in Nigeria, women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men.

This study also indicated that Escherichia coli was the most prevalent isolate generally. In females, while Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate causing urinary tract infection in males.

The study reported that the resulting extracts were active against the entire three selected microorganisms. The extracts killed the Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae at 2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 g/l except Klebsiella pneumoniae at 0.125 g/l. However, the two extracts inhibited the growth of the entire three selected organisms at 0.0625 g/l.

The 2019 study in the Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research involved I. A. Hassan, I. Abdulraheem, H. O. Emun and O. M. Shonowo at the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Based on the findings of this work, the researchers said the leaf extract of cashew tree dissolved in distilled water and ethanol with estimated concentration have good potential for the development of antibacterial drugs.

However, they said more research is needed to fully establish the usefulness of cashew tree to humanity as a source of drugs for the alleviation of illness caused by microorganisms so as to fully harness its potentials.

The cashew leaf and other plants are extensively used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of various diseases such as malaria, asthma, diarrhoea, dysentery, leprosy, internal worm infections, constipation, wart and sore throat.

The shell of the cashew seed yields derivatives that can be used in many applications including lubricants, waterproofing, paints, and arms production, starting in World War II. The cashew pulp can be processed into a sweet fruit drink or distilled into liquor.

Previously, researchers suggested that UTIs can be affected by one’s diet. In fact, most researchers say diet directly making the pH of urine slightly acidic can be beneficial for fighting off a UTI.

Diet is important in treating urinary tract infection. It supports the body’s immune system, reduce irritation in the healing process and help the body shed bacteria

For instance, garlic is a potent remedy for urinary tract infections. It has a variety of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties and immune-modulatory effects. Crush five to six cloves of fresh garlic. Soak them in warm water for five to 10 minutes and drink the water throughout the day.

Eating cucumber throughout the day will encourage urine production to flush out harmful bacteria from the bladder and urethra. Researchers in 2012 Journal of European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology said cucumber is a juicy fruit and its seeds have diuretic properties,

Studies have found that holding urine for a long time allows bacteria to multiply within the urinary tract, resulting in a urinary tract infection.

Eating fermented foods also helps to restore the body’s natural flora and recolonise the bladder with helpful bacteria. Some of the healthiest fermented foods include probiotic yoghurt and raw cheese.

Research published in the Indian Journal of Urology explains that benign bacterial flora is crucial for preventing the overgrowth of microorganisms that lead to illness.

Some lifestyle measures that may help, including drinking more water to flush out bacteria, or drinking green tea to ward off infection. Studies show that green tea can have an antimicrobial effect on E. coli bacteria that cause UTIs.

In addition, research shows that green tea contains certain antioxidants that can reduce bladder inflammation

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