Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the large intestine (the colon) or the rectum. As these two are significant parts of the lower portion of the digestive system, their damage may substantially impact the body’s functioning. Nearly 101,000 new colon cancer cases are reported annually, making it one of the country’s leading causes of cancer deaths. Take a look at some of the early symptoms of colon cancer below.  Causes of colon Cancer There are no definite causes of colon cancer. Still, research has found that genetic mutations play a significant role in the development of colon cancer, even though they do not guarantee it. Some genetic mutations may cause the formation of abnormal cells called polyps in the colon lining that are benign. But if left untreated, they may become cancerous in the future.  Early signs Suppose there is a medical history of colon cancer in the family. In that case, it is advised to get regular checkups done to spot the cancer cells as early as possible and begin the necessary therapy. Unlike other illnesses, colon cancer does not show signs in its early stages. Take a look at a few of the early signs below.  Rectal bleeding Bleeding of the rectum is one of the most common signs of colon cancer.

Colon or colorectal cancer is the third most dominant cancer diagnosed in the country. It is a condition where cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably and abnormally, gradually affecting normal body tissues. Stages of colon cancer depend on the tumor size and its growth into the colon or rectum wall, whether it has spread to nearby nodes, distant nodes, or other organs.  Some of the signs that indicate colon cancer are given below. Early signs Any changes in bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea, or dramatic changes in stool consistency, such as dry or hard stools with fluid leaking out, can be concerning. If any of these signs last for a long time, it can be a sign to get one’s colon tested for cancerous cells. Bowel movement issues Constant changes in bowel habits can cause worry, such as watery loose stools called diarrhea, constipation, or a sudden change in the stool’s consistency, like dry or hard stools with fluid leaking out around the stool. If any of these signs last for a long time, it can be a sign to get one’s colon tested for cancerous cells. Rectal bleeding Bloody stools are often an indicator of colon cancer.

Immune thrombocytopenia or ITP is a disease that is often characterized by low platelet count in the body, where the patients may find themselves bleeding profusely due to frequent bruising. It is an immune condition against the body’s platelets that can cause immense stress and discomfort, managed by proper treatment and lifestyle changes. Other issues that can be faced due to the illness include bleeding gums and internal bleeding.  What is immune thrombocytopenia? It is a blood disorder that is often diagnosed by a decrease in the number of platelets in the body. Platelets are the cells that help circulate blood from one part of the body to another. These tiny cells come together when they identify damaged blood vessels and cause the blood to clot and stop its outward flow. However, in patients suffering from immune thrombocytopenia, fewer platelets can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, weakness, and other problems.  Foods to eat In addition to seeking advice from a healthcare professional and following the treatment plan set by them, the patients can also choose to make certain lifestyle changes, including food habits, to help ease the problems caused by the illness. These changes may help in increasing the platelet count and lessen their stress .  Let’s look at some of the foods that can help manage the effects of immune thrombocytopenia.

Colon cancer refers to cancer of the rectum or colon and typically begins as growth or polyp. Rectal bleeding, constipation and diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, and bowel incontinence are some symptoms of this type of cancer. Alongside chemotherapy and other interventions, a change in eating habits can provide relief from colon cancer symptoms and help patients recover better. Here are some foods that can help alleviate the effects of this cancer type: Cruciferous vegetables Cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, contain high sulforaphane, a sulfur-rich phytochemical that helps fight cancer. Other cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, collards, and mustard greens are also rich in sulforaphane and can help battle colon cancer. Foods rich in carotenoids Carotenoids are phytonutrients responsible for certain foods’ red, yellow, and orange pigmentations. Studies have demonstrated that these phytonutrients have cancer-fighting properties and help protect against colon cancer. Thus, carotenoid-rich foods like carrots, papayas, pumpkins, tomatoes, cantaloupes, and winter squash are beneficial for patients with colon cancer. Lean protein sources Chemotherapy can be a harrowing process that can considerably deplete one’s strength. Thus, it is important to replenish your body with essential proteins to regain energy throughout this procedure. Lean protein sources like Greek yogurt; eggs; white-fleshed fish such as haddock, halibut, and cod; low-fat cottage cheese (in case of no lactose intolerance); skinless chicken and turkey breast; and tofu are good sources of lean protein.

In an era of rising pollution levels and novel respiratory disorders, keeping the lungs healthy can be a challenge for many. While exercising and frequent physical screenings can help, what a person eats is equally critical for their respiratory health. Certain foods, such as apples, tomatoes, and blueberries, are great for the lungs. On the flip side, some foods can seriously degrade lung health in the long term. So let’s look at such foods. Ice cream Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can worsen asthma and its symptoms in patients. Milk is a rich source of calcium and vitamins. However, milk products also have casomorphin, a chemical that has been known to increase the mucus quantity in the intestines. Ice cream is arguably the worst of them all, as overeating can inflame the respiratory tract tissues and produce excessive mucus in the lungs. Ice creams contain refined sugar, which makes them one of the worst foods for the lungs. Chocolate Speaking of sugar, chocolate also contains high amounts of artificial sweeteners, sugar, and a surprisingly low number of nutrient elements. Additionally, it has caffeine, which rapidly increases the heart rate of a person. Like milk and other dairy products, sugar is also an inflammatory agent.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis can make it challenging for people to get the proper nutrition their body needs. However, the body may not digest or absorb the nutrients well, leading to malnutrition and other deficiencies. To avoid these troubles, it is essential to know the foods that can trigger inflammation and lead to flare-ups in people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and their treatment options. Foods to avoid for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Some foods can trigger IBD symptoms and worsen inflammation. However, there’s no single chart that applies to every person with IBD. The condition can change over time. To understand current triggers, try to maintain a food diary to help patients track their state over time. Common culprits that may trigger flares of Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis include: Caffeine Caffeinated drinks like coffee can worsen Crohn’s and UC symptoms, like diarrhea and stomach pain, by speeding up gut motility. Carbonated drinks Carbonation is gassy and can cause bloating, which can be an unpleasant symptom of IBD. Crunchy nut butter Nuts are sharp and complex to digest, irritating the lining of the intestines; therefore, opt for smooth nut butter instead.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used to refer to chronic inflammation of tissues in the digestive tract. IBD is generally categorized into two types – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. These disorders are characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The effects of the disease differ from individual to individual. While symptoms of IBD may be mild for some, they may lead to life-threatening complications for others. However, there’s no single chart that applies to every person with IBD, as the condition can change over time. To understand current triggers, try to maintain a food diary, which may help patients track the condition over time. Common culprits that may trigger IBD flares include: Peas Peas, beans, and lentils contain indigestible sugars that may cause gas, so avoiding these during a flare may help. Carbonated drinks Carbonation is gassy and can cause bloating, which can be an unpleasant symptom of IBD. Dried fruits Dried fruits, berries, and fruits with pulp and seeds are often high in fiber and can worsen symptoms during a flare. Crunchy nut butter Nuts are sharp and difficult to digest, irritating the lining of the intestines, opt for smooth nut butter instead.

The thyroid gland regulates hormones controlling key aspects of cardiovascular and blood circulation, and any imbalance in this hormone production can lead to serious health complications. Thyroid cancer is the development of abnormal cells in the gland. The condition can be triggered by an abnormal mutation in the gland’s healthy cells. Most symptoms linked to this cancer develop gradually, causing varying levels of discomfort. Here are a few key warning signs of developing thyroid cancer: Visible lumps The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck. The gland’s main function is to produce the necessary hormones that regulate vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and even body temperature. One of the visible signs of thyroid cancer is a small lump that starts forming around the gland, and it can be easily felt or observed through the skin. Even if the lumps have not formed yet, visible enlargement of the thyroid gland can indicate a developing problem. Persistent neck discomfort Commonly, people experience discomfort around the lower base of the neck when the first symptoms of swelling and enlargement develop as cancer progresses. This is similar to the feeling of wearing a collared shirt that is tight around the base of the neck.

Eosinophilic esophagitis, widely known as EoE, is a chronic condition that affects the esophagus—the pipe that connects the mouth and stomach. It occurs when a large number of white blood cells named eosinophils accumulate in the lining of the esophagus, causing it to swell. Those with eosinophilic esophagitis may experience symptoms like heartburn, trouble swallowing, and chest pain, to name a few. The condition can sometimes lead to a health emergency. Top foods to have for eosinophilic esophagitis After visiting a doctor, the patient might be advised about the foods to eliminate, including all possible food allergens, and the foods that help manage the disorder better. Below are some examples of foods that one can add to their meals when dealing with the condition: Oats Instead of opting for a potential food allergen like wheat, patients can add oats to their daily food plan. Pure oats are gluten-free and provide the body with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. However, when buying oats, one should carefully read through the labels and look for terms like “gluten-free” to avoid health risks. Amaranth Various studies have shown that the amaranth grain has immense nutritional benefits. It slows the body’s immunoglobulin E production, thus reducing inflammation and pain.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a health condition involving the accumulation of the white blood cell eosinophil in the esophagus. It is characterized by swallowing difficulties, chest pain, regurgitation, etc. Although this condition’s exact causes are unknown, an allergic reaction to specific foods or environmental agents can add to the risk. Doctors typically recommend eliminating and reintroducing specific foods to gauge which food group is the trigger. These food groups are likely to trigger EoE: Dairy and its products Milk protein often causes the body to produce excessive quantities of eosinophils, leading to EoE. Those with this condition may have allergic reactions to dairy in general or specific dairy products or forms. Eliminating dairy from your food routine and reintroducing it in stages can help you identify whether you are allergic to dairy. Wheat Gluten intolerance can be a contributing factor to the development of EoE. Studies have demonstrated that eliminating gluten for some days can help identify whether gluten intolerance is responsible for the development of EoE in one’s body. One must also consider that wheat is not only present in other baked items but also a latent part of oats, barley, and some ice creams. Look for gluten-free options while purchasing groceries and other eatables.