Posts Tagged ‘health’

Lung Cancer Survival Rate Guide

March 11th, 2010

It is not simple to understand all the figures about the lung cancer survival rate.

You have to understand how these figures are put together and what exactly they represent.

All the figures you see may not be exactly what you think since there are many factors that influence how the lung cancer survival rates are determined.

The Fundamentals

Lung Cancer Survival Rate statements refer to a group of people suffering from one specific type of lung cancer, at a certain stage.

Survival statistics may also indicate rates for people suffering from lung cancer at any stage of the disease.

No matter if the person still has cancer or is in remission, usually the statistics relate to the survival rate after 5 years.

It is important that you understand these statistics are based upon a large group and are averages. They can predict what the survival rate will be for any particular person, as every case is different.

Survival Rate Factors

As I have written above that, many things influence the lung cancer survival rate statistics. Below are some factors that can alter survival rates area:

* The stage

* Type of cancer

* Signs present

* Patient’s health condition

* The date of diagnosis

When a doctor gives patient information on the possible outcome of their diagnosis, it is based upon a general idea of what happens in the average case.

It is really an estimate and not an exact science.

The Average of Lung Cancer Survival Rate

The average Lung Cancer Survival Rate for those diagnosed with early stage lung cancer is 49%. This means that 49 out of 100 people live for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

A person who were diagnosed with lung cancer and has spread have only a 3% of survival rate or only 3 out of 100 people live for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

How to Use Survival Rates

Now that you understand, what Lung Cancer Survival Rate statistics means you can begin to understand how they may be used.

The most common use is to help patients understand what lies ahead for them in dealing with the disease and the possibility of their death.

Anne Durrel comes from Stockton, California. She has written a number of articles on Lung Cancer . Please also check out her other guide on lung cancer survival rate tips, and small cell cancer guide!

Spicy Cancer Fighting Herbal Compound: Apigenin

March 10th, 2010

The news that someone close to us or someone particularly famous has been diagnosed with a malignant disease, may cause us to pause for thought. When this happens we often stop to think that, when it comes to cancer, the odds are pretty much stacked against us and that it is only a matter of time before we have to confront that “suspicious” lump or a sinister shadow on the X-ray plate.

These thoughts are not really surprising considering the large number of different cancers that have the potential to invade our bodies – common cancers such as those of the breast, prostate, colon, lung as well as the not so common cancers such as leukemia and thyroid cancer.

If we are wise we will be making an effort to reduce our cancer risk by eating sensibly, not smoking, reducing our alcohol intake and by exercising regularly. What we should also be doing, according to a growing body of research, is eating more foods containing the natural compound apigenin.

SOURCES OF APIGENIN

Apigenin is an antioxidant flavonoid found in herbs, spices and other food plants. Examples of foods that contain apigenin are the herbs and spices, coriander, licorice, marjoram, parsley, oregano, rosemary and tarragon. Other foods such a citrus, tea, celery and wheat also contain significant quantities of this yellow cancer fighting compound.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Although most of the research into this compound has been confined to the laboratory, scientists studying apigenin have discovered that it exhibits several different mechanisms that all work to counter the complex factors underlying cancer cell growth.

As well as interfering with a number of cancer signaling processes, apigenin also inhibits the growth of new blood vessels that malignant cells need to grow and proliferate.

HER2 BREAST CANCER GENE

As far as breast cancer is concerned, it also inhibits the expression of the HER2/neu gene. Woman who carry HER2/neu are much more susceptible to an aggressive, treatment-resistant form of cancer for which, until recently, there was no effective treatment.

Apigenin has been shown to suppress the activity of this gene and, in this regard it joins its fellow green tea based flavonoid, epigallocatechin-gallate as a potent preventive agent in those unfortunate to inherit the HER2/neu gene.

CANCERS SUSCEPTIBLE TO APIGENIN

To date apigenin has been found to inhibit the following cancer cell lines: breast, prostate, lung, leukemia, colon, ovary, skin and thyroid – malignancies that account for the vast majority of cancers to which most of us fear falling prey.

PREVENTION RATHER THAN CURE

It will be a long time before research is done into the use of apigenin in the TREATMENT of these malignancies.

And, on a cautionary note, there is also some evidence that high doses of apigenin may actually interfere with one or two chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of leukemia.

In other words a higher dosage of a useful anti-cancer phytonutrient is not always better than the lower dosages that are effective in preventing the onset of the disease.

EAT MORE SPICES

Instead of waiting for that to happen we should be more proactive and eat foods that contain this important phytonutrient.

A regular intake of herbs and spices such as coriander (cilantro), licorice, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme (as well as other foods such as whole wheat, celery, tea and citrus) should provide protective amounts of apigenin.

Moreover, these and other spices supply many other compounds that have proven cancer inhibiting capabilities.

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Looking For Prostate Cancer Statistics

March 8th, 2010

Thru understanding the stats of prostate problems, doctors with their patients must have a better knowledge of what their probabilities are in thrashing the malignancy and help them for staying inspired. The prostate growths spread relatively slowly and it offers a fair fighting chance to those patients to be freed from the cancerous cells, just when the malignancy cells are detected early and been destroyed for the exact time.

In the U. S. , roughly 27,000 men might have died of the prostate growth as part of the 192,000 men who were uncovered with that illness in 2009. This may have meant that just about 15% of blokes who were diagnosed with prostate problems might surrender with the illness. However, it has got a consideration of an almost 85% can still live on. Away with this, about 8% of men were foretasted to be at the span of ages fifty and seventy. It implies the risk facing by the North American men of toning prostate tumor through their lifetime.

Different types of prostate trouble statistical data stated that one for every six men in the united states might have been affected by the prostate cancer with the specter of acquiring the disease enhances radically with the elder men. The journey of people who dies of prostate trouble among the years 2003 to 2006 in the united states was distinguished that black American has the higher risk in obtaining and dies from the prostate problems. At the existing 100,000 black American men that suffered from the illness, 53 have died. As of the white American men, with the current 100,000 that suffered from prostate illness, twenty-three white men have died.

Asian men have the lowest death ratings in the U. S. , with approximately ten men amongst 100,000 expiring from the illness. The prostate problems figures similarly showed clearly that about nineteen Hispanic men have died from the present 100,000 patients across the same period. Patients with the prostate cancer have the high probabilities of endurance if the tumor was perceived and treated early. Nearly eighty percent of the malignancy patients were detected from the cancer stage one or the cancer is just beyond the organ and didn’t spread away.

Approximately 12% of the patients with cancer were detected on the following and 3rd stages where the carcinogenic cells have spread away from the organ affected and transmitted to the near or surrounding organs of the prostate. While about 4% of the tumor were discovered with in the fourth stage, or have reached the metathesis stage where in the cancerous cells have spread up to the other organs of the body.

Although the rates of surviving the malignancy were around 100 pieces in the 1st three stages, it falls down about 30% for people that had reaches the metastasis stage. White men in the U. S. have about 99% of the survival chances much up to a 96% survival possibilities of black American.

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Pancreatic Cancers

March 8th, 2010

Introduction
Pancreatic cancers also described as the cancer of the pancreas is one of the serious genetic diseases and have increased the mortality rates among the Americans. It’s ranked fifth among the genetic diseases that are very fatal. The number of people affected in about 28,000 every year in America which is estimated to be a rate of about five people out of 100,000 is a patient of this condition. The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute doctors describe ‘pancreatic cancer as a 21st century challenge’.

The pancreas is the gland after by this cancer hence the name pancreatic cancer. It’s located behind the stomach and extends across the abdomen. It’s made up of two glands the exocrine and the endocrine glands. The pancreas is responsible for the enzyme that digests fats and proteins and it’s secreted by the exocrine pancreas. Some of the cells of the organ are endocrine and secret hormone like insulin and glucagons hence assist in metabolism of sugar.

Creating Cancer
Perhaps the big question is to ask; how do these cells of the pancreas develop cancer? The human cells are susceptible to oncogenesis meaning that they can easily develop tumors, American Cancer Society (2008). It’s been established that exocrine tumors are very prevalent. Nonetheless, all the tumors are usually not cancerous. Smaller fractions are usually benign. In the study of pancreatic cancer it’s important to note that the malignant cells are the worst that lead to serious states of cancers. Pancreatic cancer involves very critical aspects of pathology just like other diseases and these include the causes, signs and symptoms, mortality, prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis and medication (Sulyak et al 2003 & Reber 1998).

Another critical question is; what are the causes of the cancer of the pancreas? Its not been established exactly but some risk factors potent so much probability of the disease and are usually considered as the causes of the dieses by some researchers. For instance, smoking, old age, Diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis especially caused by excessive alcoholic consumption, American Cancer Society (2008). These leads to the nest question which is what are the risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer? There are a number of events and circumstances that have been associated with higher prevalence of the disease condition. Basically there is need to found out what is a risk factor? This is something that enhances the possibility of getting the disease condition in question like in this case the pancreatic cancer. Some risk factors like smoking can be managed while others are out of our ability like age, and race cannot be changed. The following are some of the common risk factors; age- most of people older than 55 year have higher risk (90%) (Jemal et al 2004); gender – men are more prone to pancreatic Cancer at a ratio of 1:3 compared to women; race- the prevalence is very high in African American compared to Caucasian and Hispanic Americans; smoking- smokers have a 2-3 higher risk of developing cancer; diet- foods very rich in proteins and very fatty are very hazardous while fruits and vegetable reduce the chances. Obesity is also a risk factor; other factors include diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and family history of the disease, work exposure and genetic changes (Sulyak et al 2003).

What are the symptoms of this condition? The major signs and symptoms that are common for pancreatic cancer patients include; abdominal pain and the lower back, notable loss of weight and is often linked to lack of appetite, bloated stomach, diarrhea (especially steatorrhea) and occasionally in diabetics. These symptoms are however very vague and are easily confused for other common diseases which are less serious. This had been very upsetting as many of the discovered condition are already in advanced stages- early diagnosis is very difficult hence higher mortality as well (Swiezewski 1999).

So how is pancreatic cancer diagnosed? It’s usually very difficult to diagnose but physical examination is done to establish private conditions and family history, Physical signs, pulse, blood pressure and so on. Other operations to be done include x-rays for blood vessels (angiogram), trans-abdominal ultrasound, CT scan for the pancreas picture, and a special x-ray for the bile, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (the ERCP) and lately new technology has introduced Endoscopic ultrasound (Michaud et al 2001). However a biopsy is the surest way to determine the presence of cancer. A critical concern is whether pancreatic cancer can be prevented? Scientists have not established a sure way to prevent this condition but avoiding the risk factors that are avoidable is essential like smoking, diet and exercise, eMedicineHealth (2009).

What is the prevalence? According the predictions by the cancer society of the U.S, there are about 35, 180 people infected with the disease this year and the mortality will be about 32, 800. The society also estimates that the five year rate of survival following diagnosis was only 4%. It’s 4th leading cause of death as a cancer (Jemal et al 2004). Since the condition is very fatal, what is the available treatment? This question is very important; the treatment cancer is very difficult and is essentially dependent several factors among them the type of cancer, degree (stage) and size of the tumor plus the age of the patient, eMedicineHealth (2009). The disease can only be cured when diagnosed in its early stages. Several methods of treatment are available and they include chemotherapy, surgery, radio therapy and radiation.

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The Growing Concerns on Cell Phone Radiation

March 7th, 2010

There are at least over a hundred million people who have started using cell phones by the end of the 19th century. With this growing number, the number of cell sites and satellites to provide for the growing need of good reception has expanded at an enormous rate. But with this rapid growth in technology, serious matters regarding electromagnetic exposure and radiation are coming to light.

There was an issue that popped up regarding a man claiming that his wife developed brain tumor because of RF or radio frequency from their cell phone. Of course, there was no substantial evidence to back up his claim that the cell phone was the cause. His wife’s habits were just like anyone else’ so the case was promptly dropped after two years. But this has started a wave of panic and uncertainty amongts the civilian population. What if there was an amount of truth to this crazy claim?

The concern over this hysteria is from the fact that cell phones emit RF or radio frequency waves, which are found between the area of FM radio waves and microwaves in the spectrum. The intensity will vary on the exposure time and from person to person, since location from base station can affect the frequency. The model also affects the amount, since newer models tend to emit a lesser degree of it.

Any person that lives near or is in the range of a base station’s tower would be bombarded by radio waves. Older modeled cell phones would emit larger quantities of these waves in comparison to that of the newer ones. But there is still no link that can be found at all. Most brain tumor patients would claim that they had lower hours of cell phone usage compared to normal people. There was no relation to the side of the brain that grew a tumor in connection to where the cell phone was mostly placed in.

No study could ever provide a clear link between the two, both cancer and cell phone. Though it is proven that radiation can cause cancer, the amount it emits is below the margin of danger. And benefits are more numerous than the harm it may possibly not cause. Who would want to throw away something convenient because a half-baked scare tactic?

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Cancer Stages Guide

March 7th, 2010

When cancer is diagnosed, the doctor will go through steps to figure out the stage of the cancer.

Cancer stages are often used to help doctors form a treatment plan and to help patients understand the extent of the cancer as well as the prognosis.

It is actually not that difficult to understand staging cancer, even it may seem confusing.

Major Staging

Cancer stages are determined through a process called staging. Staging determines the severity of the cancer.

It is based on the extent of how much the cancer has spread in the body.

Doctors will usually perform another test to find out where the cancer is, where it began, and to check if the cancer is spreading.

Staging Importance

It is very important process to determine how to treat the cancer.

Staging process is also useful for future research as well as understanding how that cancer reacts in the body.

Here is why staging is very important:

* Staging helps form a treatment plan

* Helps in forming a prognosis

* It is helpful in research studies

Staging Elements

Staging is done by examining at different factors.

When determining cancer stages in order to help maintain a level of consistency for staging, there are certain elements that must be included. These elements are:

* Location of where the cancer began

* Size and number of tumors

* Cancer location in the lymph nodes

* Cell type and grade of tumor

* Extent of metastasis

Generally, cancer stages are based upon 5 stages chart, and here is how it looks:

Stage 0 : Only pre-cancerous cells are present or early.

Stage One, Two, and Three: Cancer may have spread in the localized area.

Stage 4: Cancer has spread everywhere in the body

It is not easy to understand cancer stages, but is actually very important. A person receiving a diagnosis of stage one cancer will know that the cancer is a lot easier to treat, and so their prognosis will be good.

Her name is Anne Durrel. She comes from California. She has written extensively on Lung Cancer . You may want to check out her other guide on cancer stages tips, and lung cancer facts guide!

Tips And Info On Cervical Cancer Stages

March 6th, 2010

Usually cervical cancers affect girls that are their middle age or perhaps older but it can be diagnosed in any reproductive-aged lady. Knowing the stages of the disease is important, for it’s the most powerful predictor of the patient’s survival and for them to have proper treatments because the treatments are based primarily on the stage of the disease or how much the carcinoma has spread.

Cervical growths are categorized as either pre-invasive where the lower third of the epithelium compose unnatural cells or aggressive in which the full thickness of the epithelium contains abnormally proliferating cells. Cervical cancer established in the liner of the cervix, it is the lower part of the uterus or the womb that enters the vagina. This type of cancer does not always spread but if spreads it usually goes to the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina or the colon.

Cancer starts to develop from cell changes and it is due to the human papilloma virus or AKA HPV, in which it is spread through genital skin to skin contact during sexual activity. Cervical cancer appears more superior to most women who smokes.

Having numerous sexual partners, an individual that have a history of sexually communicated illness and having sexual intercourse at a young age are a few illustrations that expand the danger of infection to HPV and HIV. In the initial stage of cervical cancer could be entirely asymptomatic. Losses of appetite, weight control, fatigue, pelvic agony, back stiffness, leg discomfort are some of the symptoms of sophisticated cervical cancer.

Girls with low fruits and plant diets can increase the risk for cervical cancer. When a ladies takes up oral contraceptives in a substantial period of time the chance of cervical cancer goes up but it may come down for as long as the girls stops taking those pills.

To stop this kind of disease, it is generally preferred to take some vaccination shots against HPV and cervical cancer. In addition on the way to prevent cervical cancer, an individual must add some more vitamins A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and folic acid on their diet, eating more fruits and vegetables are also one that will hinder you from having cervical cancer.

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Possible Indicators And Warnings Related To Cancer

March 6th, 2010

Several cancers do not have particular or evident signs and symptoms. Consequently, prevention and proper screenings for cancer are of the utmost value. A lot of cancer screenings are generally age-specific. A primary care physician should advise the appropriate screenings for cancer during yearly check-ups.

Presently there are numerous risk factors that are known to effect and increase the threat of cancer. Healthcare experts advised that individuals take actions to handle their risk by making essential modifications to chosen lifestyle and routine which usually can help minimize their threat of developing several forms of cancer. The National Cancer Institute has reported that some of the most commonly known cancer risk factors include: advancing age (becoming older), the use of tobacco, unprotected exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays (UV), ionizing radiation (such as x-rays and radiation treatments), particular known chemicals, biological family history of cancer, use of alcohol, poor diet and higher than suggested body weight.

It is important that older adults discuss health concerns and concerns regarding cancer with their physician simply because the age group with the greatest cancer risk is adults over the age of 65. Just like a lot of other health conditions, cancer is most effectively fought when found and addressed early so preventative steps and age-appropriate screenings are important.

The use of tobacco is one of the leading causes of cancer. Use of tobacco is also one of the leading causes of avoidable deaths and illnesses in the United States. Over four hundred thousand people die each and every year from tobacco-related illnesses, but still a surprising portion of the American population (including young people in junior high and high school) continue to use tobacco and smoke. Quitting the use of tobacco (chewing and smoking) can reduce your own risk of getting various sorts of cancer such as: cancer of the mouth, lung, larynx, mouth, bladder, kidney, stomach, pancreas, cervix, and esophagus. Quitting smoking may also lessen the risk for heart attacks.

Experts recommend avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays especially during the hottest part of the day which is mid-morning to mid-afternoon. . Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays is known to increase the risk for melanoma and can also cause damage to the skin as well as premature aging. It is recommended that when out in the sun, individuals wear clothing (ideally long sleeve, long pants) with UV protection as well as UV protective sunglasses and a protective head covering such as a hat. Taking appropriate precautions and protecting the skin and eyes against UV rays can reduce the risk of cancer.

Ionizing radiation (such as x-rays and radiation therapy treatment) is a known risk factor for cancer. Go over your issues regarding ionizing radiation with your healthcare provider. Frequently the risks associated with x-rays are low and the positive aspects of radiation therapy can often outweigh the risks. Patients are prompted to have open discussions with their doctors regarding the risks related to ionizing radiation.

Workers in industries which regularly use and expose employees to certain chemicals (such as some construction workers, painters, etc) have an elevated risk of cancer. Some chemicals such as asbestos, carcinogens, pesticides, formaldehyde, and vinyl chloride have been confirmed to increase the risk of cancer.

Family history appears to increase the risk of certain types of cancers such as: skin, breast, ovary, prostate, and colon cancer. Some genes that are predisposed to cancer may be passed from parent to child. If you are concerned about your family history, it is important to talk to your doctor about prevention and screenings for early detection.

Disproportionate use of alcohol over many years has been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Experts recommend women drink no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day and men should not indulge in more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day; Drinking more than these amounts in considered excessive and may increase your chances of developing cancer. Drinking alcohol in combination with tobacco use can also increase the risk of cancer.

Lifestyle and weight may contribute to a person’s risk of developing cancer. It is believed that a poor diet that is high in fatty foods increases the risk of cancer of the colon, uterus, and prostate. It is recommended that a person eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits are included in a health diet as well as limited intake of fat. Inadequate physical activity and being overweight may increase the risk of developing breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and uterus cancer. Most doctors recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.

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Where To Look For Practical Mesothelioma Advice

March 5th, 2010

Mesothelioma, which is comparatively rare than other cancer forms, destroys the mesothelium cells of our body. Being a rarity, general knowledge about the ailment, how it occurs, treatments available presently and legal rights and laws governing mesothelioma compensation are not available readily when compared to that of other cancers. Patients and their near and dear ones usually get stunned with the diagnosis of the disease and may consult all and sundry for finding mesothelioma advice. Most often than not, the unofficial advisers are totally ignorant and may give wrongful advices.

The interplay of the medico-legal aspects in mesothelioma treatment and compensation makes the situation extremely stressful for the patient. This is the primary reason why the patient and family members seek unprofessional mesothelioma advice from people who are not qualified and entitled to impart them. Give a wide berth to those so-called experts and take the words of only those who are in the field of mesothelioma treatment, research and asbestos related laws for a considerable period of time.

Mesothelioma advice comprise of basic information regarding the illness like how it occurs, its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, the prognosis of the disease, the treatment avenues available, how to cope with the disease and live on, the legal rights of a patient etc. The illness occurs due to asbestos infection and the most visible symptoms include pleural effusion, chronic cough, breathing difficulties etc. The prognosis of advanced mesothelioma is not very bright but stage 1 and 2 patients have better chances of survival. Conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are effective against this disease, but use of modern therapies like gene therapy, multimodality treatment etc are also on the rise. The patient is entitled to financial compensation too.

Traditional cures include surgery, medication and radiotherapy, which have been reasonably successful in prolonging the patient’s life. Modern therapies like the gene therapy, multimodality therapy etc. In addition, those suffering from this deadly disease can claim monetary compensation also.

Your knowledge on the subject has a direct bearing on how successful the treatment strategies would be and how much money the law awards as compensation. The basic aim of mesothelioma advice is to help those suffering from the disease to develop a sensible approach to the situation that may aid them to cope with the situation better. The Internet also is a goldmine of such information and advices. Some sites dealing exclusively in asbestos cancer exist and their web pages contain threadbare information on the ailment and the legal recourses permitted. Always remember that advise from unqualified persons may result in untold miseries creeping in.

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Top 9 Omega-3 Fish Oil Benefits Confirmed By Clinical Science

March 4th, 2010

A great deal of research demonstrates that, not only are the benefits of fish oil numerous, some of them are really very extraordinary! It seems that new research is being produced all the time, as scientists and doctors learn even more about how and why it is so beneficial. The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil are “good fats” that are necessary for health. They are necessary for our health but our bodies can’t make them – you must obtain them from your diet. Here are some proven fish oil health benefits that should convince you to consume more oil rich, wild-caught fish and/or begin taking a quality fish oil supplement if you’re not already!

Promotes Cardiovascular Wellness & Protects Against Heart Attack and Stroke

Fish oil continues to grow in scientific credibility as a significant promoter of heart health. According to statements from the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in lessening the incidence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have discovered that daily consumption of omega-3 capsules drastically minimize the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also reduce blood triglycerides, help correct abnormal heart rhythms, and can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by preventing the formation of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.

Decreases Inflammation/Pain

Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Lab studies suggest that diets high in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may benefit people with inflammation-based conditions — anything that ends in -itis!. Fish oil has have also been used to successfully treat back, neck and menstrual pain, helping study participants to reduce their consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

Contributes to Healthy Joints and Minimizes Symptoms of Arthritis

The omega-3s in fish oil reduce tenderness in joints, pain intensity and morning stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, many lab studies have found that omega-3s actually inhibit the action of enzymes that break down cartilage. At least 13 published scientific trials have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids are highly beneficial at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped those with RA to reduce their dependence on pain medicine.

Enhances Mental Acuity & Long-Term Cognitive Function

Did you know that omega-3s, particularly DHA, are highly prevalent in our brains? They’re important for optimum cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function, as well as normal growth and development. Trials show that omega-3s may aid in achieving proper cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. We also now know that it’s very important that pregnant women get enough DHA, which is required by the developing fetus — in the third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus’ brain grows at a rate of a quarter million new neurons every minute! Kids are also aided by fish oil intake, as numerous studies have shown that omega-3s enhance learning, focus, reading and vocabulary skills. Countless studies have also shown efficacy in treating ADD.

Supports Positive Mood & Emotional Wellness

In countries where fish is a large part of the diet, national rates of depression are lower. So, it’s not surprising that studies have found that fish oil supplements can mitigate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Several studies have found that participants that took fish oil in addition to prescription anti-depressants had a larger improvement in symptoms than those that only took antidepressants, with patients experiencing a stabilizing effect and less mood swings. Trials have also shown that, when prisoners were administered fish oil, there was a marked drop in hostile behavior. Omega-3s also seem to lower the risk of postnatal depression.

Promotes Vision Wellness

Evidence shows that people with a higher omega-3 intake appear to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing age-related macular degeneration. Early studies also show that omega-3 supplementation aids in alleviating dry eye symptoms, may help to inhibit macular degeneration for people already developing it and improves ocular health in general.

Pregnancy, Infant Eye & Brain Development & Reduced Occurrence of Childhood Disorders

DHA makes up 15-20% of the cerebral cortex and 30-60% of the retina, so it is absolutely essential for normal development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also appears to decrease likelihood of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the child’s life. Omega-3s also help to lower the risk of low birth weight and premature birth.

Enhances Metabolism of Fat and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s trigger “I’m full” signals to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also demonstrated that fish oil improves the effectiveness of exercise in reducing body fat. Volunteers who were alloted fish oil as part of their diet showed greater decreases in weight as contrasted with people who did not consume fish oil. Exercise combined with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the volunteers.

Reduces Risk of Colorectal, Breast & Prostate Cancers

Though additional research in this area is desperately needed, we now know that the omega 3’s that appear in fish oil help in the prevention and treatment of testicular, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. Preliminary studies imply that taking fish oil daily can help slow the progression of colon cancer in people with early stages of the disease and may even have the ability to cause apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells.

More can be written about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the scientific community and doctors continue to research omega-3s, you can bet that fish oil will keep making news as the ideal source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you’re currently in good physical condition, a high quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to realize and maintain optimal health!

Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert who has been studying the benefits of omega-3 for nearly 10 years. You can learn all about the benefits of omega 3 fish oil by visiting her site.