Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the central nervous system. It is one of the most common neurological disorders and is more common in women than in men. According to some data, this condition affects around 2.2 million people worldwide. Avoiding and eating certain foods could help manage the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. In this post, we will explore foods to better manage multiple sclerosis symptoms.
Saturated fats
Animal products such as red meat, cheese, butter, and full-fat dairy are sources of saturated fats. These foods are known to raise the level of LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, and are linked to inflammation. It could lead to various high-risk conditions such as stroke and heart attack. It is found that people with MS are at a high risk of heart problems, especially women. But specific easy steps would help manage this condition, such as avoiding unhealthy fats.
Trans fats
Like saturated fats, to deal with and manage MS, it is good to avoid trans fats such as packaged products, baked cookies, and crackers. Trans fats increase the risk of cardiovascular problems by enhancing inflammation in the blood vessels. Therefore, to manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), it is best to avoid trans fats such as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, margarine, etc.
Cow’s milk
It has been found that cow’s milk is high in saturated fats and loaded with some particular proteins that may worsen the condition of sclerosis. This is because the proteins in milk stimulate the immune cells and lead to the formation of lesions. But still, the reports concerning this research are mixed. So, it is suggested that if you want to reduce the intake of cow’s milk to manage the symptoms of MS, then there must be a regular intake of Vitamin D, calcium, and proteins from other food sources. Some of the alternatives to cow’s milk are almond milk, soy milk, and cashew milk, which contain more calcium.
Sugar
Excessive sugar in sweets is unsuitable for overall health. The reason is that sugar contains lots of empty calories that may lead to weight gain. This also contributes to fatigue. Also, overindulgence in sweets may make you moody, which results in brain fog.
Gluten
Gluten is found in some grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. People with celiac disease, which is caused by gluten intolerance, must try to avoid these grains entirely as it could result in intestinal damage. Those that don’t have celiac disease can also stay healthy by eliminating gluten from their meal plans. However, no evidence indicates that avoiding gluten benefits people with multiple sclerosis. But avoiding gluten could be beneficial if you have digestive issues such as an upset stomach. It is also suggested to choose gluten-free foods cautiously as they may be highly processed.
Refined carbs
Staying away from white bread, white rice, and cold breakfast cereals is of great help if you are suffering from MS. This is because these processed carbohydrates may negatively impact heart health by elevating blood sugar levels. Therefore, switching to healthy options such as brown rice, barley, and whole-wheat pasta is good. Relying on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains also helps keep weight in check by keeping you fuller for longer. This results in fewer mobility issues. Foods that are rich in fiber could also help reduce constipation which could occur in patients with sclerosis.
Sodium
Excessive sodium intake in the form of salt leads to high blood pressure, which results in a decreased life expectancy in people with MS. Therefore, if you suffer from heart issues, you should consume 1500 mg of sodium per day. If you are healthy with no heart ailments, you can consume less than 2300 mg of sodium per day.
Avoiding certain foods is as significant as eating certain foods to manage and treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Consult your doctor and then make any decision concerning eating and avoiding any food.
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Bathroom showerheads – The ultimate sanitary essentials
Read moreNothing can step up your mood as much as the accessories in the bathroom. A bathroom is where one can have a relaxing shower to rejuvenate the body after a long, tiring day. Similarly, there is no better way to start the day than with a nice, good quality bathroom showerhead releasing water to freshen you up. While fixed bathroom showerheads relieve you from the hassles of handling the equipment, handheld ones allow you to fulfill different bath requirements. Bathroom showerheads that are movable but also capable of being mounted on a base are highly preferred by customers.
A bathroom showerhead is an equipment that contains a nozzle for dispensing water in the form of a shower. For those of you who do not believe in a bucket bath and swear by the pleasure of taking a shower, bathroom shower heads are more than just dcor accessories. Apart from providing a sleek look, they are essential to enhance the functionality of the bathroom. Sometimes, a hose is attached to a shower head for extra convenience during bathing. Bathroom showerheads come in different shapes and designs to satisfy varying sanitary requirements.
- Fixed bathroom showerheads These are the most common form of bathroom showerheads typically found in traditional bathrooms. They are connected to a water pipeline inside the wall just like a regular water tap but at a significant height. Some of them may also be affixed to a ceiling wherein the water falls directly on the head of the individual with the help of gravity. Fixed bathroom showerheads are easy to attach to the already existing plumbing arrangements and do not require much alteration in the hardware.
- Handheld bathroom showerheads While handsets use a hose for additional maneuverability, they can also be made to sit on a fixed platform just like a fixed bathroom showerhead. These can be converted to any form on any given day to fulfill different needs and uses.
- Shower panel A panel comprises of numerous showerheads that are strategically placed to spray water on different parts of the body. You will find a shower panel in large, modern bathrooms that boast of state-of-the-art accessories. While most of the bathroom showerheads are fixed on the wall, one or two of them might allow some movement.
- Adjustable bathroom showerheads These are equipped with control options that provide adjustments in the pressure of water. Adjustable showerheads that come with various settings and options can be modified as per individual bathing demands.
Before buying a bathroom showerhead, it is advisable to measure the dimensions of the bathroom. All big brands send their personnel to help prospective customers in this regard who then suggest the right equipment for a safe shower experience.
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How immunotherapy treatment helps in multiple myeloma
Read moreMultiple myeloma is a life-threatening form of blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells of the blood. Myeloma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and slowly degenerate the kidneys and bones of the body. Also called plasma cell myeloma, it is not completely curable. Multiple myeloma is very challenging to treat and is the second most common cancer in the US.
Diagnosis occurs when abnormal plasma cells are detected in the bone marrow, and treatment is worked out around controlling organ damage. Immunotherapy is a blanket term that describes various cancer treatment methods. Cancer treatment includes the following:
- Chemotherapy
- Stem cell transplantation
- Radiation
- Medications
Immunotherapy helps in cancer treatment for multiple myeloma patients by focusing on three approaches:
- Reversing tumor mediated immune paralysis: This is done using immunomodulatory drugs and by blocking inhibitory molecules or activating stimulatory molecules.
- By stimulating myeloma specific immune responses: This is done using vaccines that work by stimulating an immune response against tumor specific antigen or substances that the body considers foreign.
- Selectively eliminating the malignant clones: This is done by removing T-cells from the body, thereby genetically engineering and reintroducing them into the body. T-cells start multiplying and then locate and destroy the tumor cells.
The U.S. Food and Drug Department recently approved two drugs for relapsed multiple myeloma treatment. One of the drugs is approved for patients who have already been treated with three therapies. It is a first in class immunotherapy treatment (a monoconal antibody) which works when the patient has become resistant to other treatments or when the disease spreads in a very short span of time. The other drug prods the immune system to attack cancer cells. It is for patients who have undergone one to three therapies earlier.
Cancer treatment has potential side effects:
- Infusion related reaction
- Tiredness and difficulty in breathing
- Back pain
- Fever and nausea
- Persistent cough
- Low count of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
Immunotherapy and precision medicine as cancer treatment options work for multiple myeloma patients. A better understanding of causes behind relapse and undertaking new therapies to overcome that resistance is the key to immunotherapy cancer treatment.