Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. There are two main types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up about 80% to 85% of all lung cancer cases and is slow-growing with a better prognosis. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) makes up for around 10% to 15% of lung cancer cases and spread rapidly. Some treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes that can help manage lung cancer are discussed below:
Know the treatment options
One of the most important aspects of cancer treatment is choosing the right treatment options. When it comes to lung cancer, individuals usually opt for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or targeted therapy. GAVRETO (pralsetinib) is a prescription treatment option for certain cancers including NSCLC. It is mainly prescribed for the treatment of cancers that are caused due to the abnormal rearranged during transfection (RET) gene. These include NSCLC in adults and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in adults and children over the age of 12 years. GAVRETO is also a treatment option for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body beyond the lungs. However, GAVRETO has a range of side effects that can be mild or severe. Some common side effects include constipation, fatigue, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain while more severe side effects include lung disease, hypertension, tumor lysis syndrome, and lowered wound healing abilities. The healthcare practitioner will be able to determine which mode of treatment works best based on the stage and type of lung cancer.
Eat the right foods
While treatment can help tackle NSCLC and SCLC, certain foods can help improve lung function. Peppers are known to be rich sources of vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant and improves lung health. Turmeric also has antioxidant properties and contains curcumin, which has been found to be beneficial to lung function. One can also add foods such as pumpkins, blueberries, and tomatoes to their daily meals. Pumpkins contain beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin and tomatoes contain lycopene, all of which are known for their antioxidant properties. Blueberries are also packed with nutrients and anthocyanins that help protect lung tissue. On the other hand, greasy foods, spicy foods, and foods high in sodium and processed fats may damage lung health, and therefore, should be avoided.
Try lifestyle changes
Aside from food and treatment, lifestyle changes may also help manage lung cancer. Cancer and cancer treatments can be exhausting and take a toll on one’s physical wellbeing. This makes it crucial to manage the fatigue that comes with cancer. Experts suggest managing and prioritizing one’s tasks to prevent overexertion. They also suggest exercising regularly as it helps boost fitness, energy levels, and even the immune system. But, don’t forget to talk to the doctor before starting any exercise program.
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Six reasons to buy Chevrolet used cars
Read moreWhen its Chevrolet, it is haggle free, guaranteed pricing and carefree ownership. The certified pre-owned cars from the Chevrolet depot are available with improved benefits.
A 6 year or 100,000-mile limited warranty that ensures greater mental comfort, as does the certified pre-owned maintenance program that includes two free maintenance visits within 2 years or 24,000 miles after the delivery is the first reason to buy one of the Chevrolet used cars. You can relax with greater peace of mind knowing that every Chevrolet used car with a certification goes through a strict and thorough inspection by authorized and skilled mechanics and technicians who make sure that your car is safe and is in excellent condition for the roads, for many thousands of miles of driving. Where required, these used cars go through exhaustive overhauling and detailed repairs too. And, that is reason number two.
Thirdly, Chevrolet ensures all their certified preowned cars adhere to a set of standards set by the company. Like for example, Chevrolet used cars are less than six years old from the date of their release, have done less than 75,000 miles on the road, have a clean title and have cleared vehicle history reports successfully. The fourth reason would be their important 12-month or 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty that includes almost all parts of their used cars.
Reason number five is mainly the confidence that the company has in the quality of their cars shows in the long list of assistances they provide for customers. However, it is recommended that you satiate yourself by asking relevant questions at authorized Chevrolet used car showrooms before you buy your car. Examine the car’s service history and previous ownership records to ensure it is impeccable.
After all of this, after you purchase your used car from Chevrolet, if you are not satisfied with it, you have the option of exchanging it within 150,000 miles or three days after purchasing it, to something that appeals to you, that satisfies your needs. That is the sixth and unmatchable reason to go for a used car from Chevrolet.
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Food allergies, intolerances, and abdominal pain
Read moreFood allergies are a common occurrence and surfaces when the immune system has an abnormal reaction to something you have consumed. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can be abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, rash, difficulty swallowing, gas and itchiness in the throat.
Abdominal pain is also a common symptom of food intolerances. The difference between an allergy and food intolerance is about symptoms. The former only produces symptoms in the abdominal area, whereas food allergies can produce symptoms in the entire body.
Both allergies and intolerances can produce mild to severe digestive problems.
Types of Food Allergies
You can be allergic to any food. But some common food allergies are –
- Soy
- Milk
- Peanuts, tree nuts
- Fish, shellfish
- Wheat
- Eggs
Common food intolerances occur after consuming wheat and milk.
- The protein gluten in wheat and some other grains like rye and barley can cause reactions and lead to digestive problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloating.
- Lactose (a type of sugar) causes the problem when it comes to milk and other dairy products like cheese and sour cream. It can cause abdominal cramps and aches, bloating and severe diarrhea. The problem is known as lactose intolerance rather than milk allergy.
Managing the Pain
Both food allergies and intolerances can cause digestive problems. Once your doctor has diagnosed the exact food cause of your constant abdominal pain, it can be easier for you to manage your condition.
- To avoid abdominal pain and cramps caused by foods, the best way to manage the symptoms is to avoid that particular food. Look for alternate food options and make healthier choices for your diet. For instance, you can eat gluten-free bread and baked goods and choose lactose-free beverages.
- When buying ready-to-eat foods or other preparations, carefully check the labels for gluten or milk sugars. Gluten is often added to other recipes to thicken sauces and bind the ingredients well.
Food allergies often remain for life. But tolerances can improve. If you are intolerant to a food substance, slowly try to reintroduce it your diet after a period of abstinence to see if your symptoms have improved.