A gland that produces a liquid which mixes with sperm and is ejaculated as semen during sexual activity, is the prostate gland and is located under the bladder of a man. Cancer in the prostate is one of the most common cancers that occur among men.

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases progressively with age. Although there is no absolute prevention of prostate cancer, evidence and doctors suggest that a healthy diet can play a key role. Here are a few tips that can go a long way in prevention of prostate cancer:

Red Foods: Tomatoes, carrot, watermelon, and other red foods get their bright color from a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. Studies have proved that by having fruits that contain lycopene, you can reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Some findings suggest that cooking tomatoes make it easier for your body to absorb this antioxidant.
Fruits and Vegetables: Green vegetables contain compounds called carcinogens, which help your body in breaking down cancer-causing substances. Spreading of cancer can be slowed down through a nutrient-rich diet. Avoiding processed junk food and eating fruits and vegetables containing nutrients and vitamins may lower the risk of getting prostate cancer.
Feast on Fish: Fatty acid, also known as omega-3, is found in certain fish including sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout, and salmon. This may help in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Soy and Tea: Some studies suggest that men who drink green tea or take green tea extract supplements have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Many soy products and other foods contain a nutrient called isoflavones, which has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Coffee: Studies show that drinking three cups of coffee a day can reduce the chances of prostate cancer by 11 percent. There is a dose-response relationship between coffee and prostate cancer. The effects of prostate cancer go up or down with the amount of coffee you take. Someone who grabs an occasional cup only, may not have these effects. However, high doses of caffeine can result in major health issues.
Fat: Studies indicate that animal fats and an increased risk of prostate cancer are linked. It is advised to replace animal-based fats with any kind of plant-based fat. In addition to this, overcooking the meat produces carcinogens, therefore it is suggested to be strictly avoided.
Quit Smoking: Smokers are more likely to have an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The chances of a recurrence of the disease are more for people who smoke. It is never too late to quit smoking.
Exercise: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body can help you to increase your muscle mass and metabolism. Too much fat in the middle of your body is linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. You can try walking, running, bicycling or swimming to reduce the weight to lead a healthy life.
It is important to look after yourself and start taking essential steps to prevent prostate cancer rather than trying to manage it once you get it.

8 Easy Ways By Which You Can Prevent Prostate Cancer!

Hernia are bulges protruding form a weak point on belly (abdomen) through which intestine and abdominal fat comes out to lie just below the skin. It can also be found in groin, upper thigh and chest. There are several types of hernia like inguinal hernia (direct and indirect), femoral hernia, umbilical hernia, umbilical hernia, epigastria hernia and incision hernia.

Who get hernia?

Conditions that lead to increased abdominal pressure are at more risk of developing hernia  

o Persistent cough

o Being overweight or pregnant

o Lifting, carrying or pushing heavy loads

o Straining on the toilet

What are the symptoms of hernia?

o Mostly they are asymptomatic/ no symptoms.

o People just notice a swelling or bulge which gets bigger while standing or straining and disappear while lying down/sleeping.

o Some might feel a dragging/aching sensation.

o The swelling tends to get bigger with time.

o Symptoms develop when there is a complication like strangulation. This happens when the content of abdomen (intestine) come out and can not go back. There will be severe pain in the region and vomiting. Overlying skin will become red. Urgent surgery is needed in this situation otherwise the blood supply to intestine gets cut-off and the intestine in hernia might die (gangrene).

How are hernia treated?

Surgery is the only treatment for hernia. Now a days, most of the hernias are operated laparoscopically (key hole or minimally access technique)

Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair - The surgery is done with a laparoscope which has a small tiny camera, hernia mesh and small tool with it. So the patient can return back to their normal routine earlier as the incision made is smaller.

Advantages of Laparoscopy:

Laparoscopy has clear advantage over open repair in the way of less pain, less complications like wound infection, small and more cosmetic scar, shorter hospital stay, early return to work and daily activities and less chance of recurrence (repeat formation of hernia after surgery).

Before undergoing hernia surgery:

* One week before surgery it is much essential to stop taking drugs that are causing the thinning of the blood. Drugs like Clpodogrel and Acitrome or Warfarin should be stopped with the doctor s advice. 
* Stop herbal supplements and check the fitness of your cardio and diabetes. 
* Gain adequate knowledge about surgery and be prepared for post surgical care.

After hernia surgery:

* Avoid heavy weight lifting, exercises, and physical works with excessive strain a few weeks after surgery 
* Cough or laugh loud only with support to the surgical site until one week after surgery

DO s & DON T s in patients of Hernia:

DO s:

1. Increased intake of fibers in diet. ( Fruits, vegetables and grains)

2. Drink plenty of water and other fluid to prevent constipation.

3. Exercise regularly: sweat and loose excess weight and toxins.

4. Eat small meals more frequently in place of one or two large meals

DON T s:

1. Stop smoking and drinking

2. Don t reduce the amount of food you eat

3. Avoid lying down or bending after meal

4. Avoid wearing tight clothes

5. Avoid food difficult to digest

6. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy weight lifting

Types of Hernias:

Incisional hernia:

This happens at the site of previous surgery. This occurs as a result of poor wound healing at the time of previous surgery or as a result of complications like in infection. It is rare after laparoscopic or key hole surgery.

Umbilical hernia:

This occurs through or around belly button (umbilicus). It can be present at the time of birth and needs no repair as most of them resolve by the end of one year. If it persists or appears after 5 years of age then operation is required.

Inguinal hernia:

These are most common hernias and occur in groin region. They are more common in men.

All You Need To Know About Hernia!

The ovaries are mainly made up of 3 kinds of cells.... Most ovarian tumors are epithelial cell tumors. Germ cell tumors start from the cells that produce the eggs (ova). Stromal tumors start from structural tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Types:

The ovaries are made up of three types of cells. Each cell can develop into a different type of tumor:

-Epithelial tumors form in the layer of tissue on the outside of the ovaries. About 90 percent of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors
-Stromal tumors grow in the hormone-producing cells. Seven percent of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors.
-Germ cell tumors develop in the egg-producing cells. Germ cell tumors are rare.

Causes:

Ovarian cancer happens when cells divide and multiply in an unregulated way. However, exactly why this happens is not clear.

The following risk factors are linked to a higher chance of developing the disease:

*Family history:
Women with close relatives who have had ovarian or breast cancer have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, compared with other women. Genetic screening can determine whether somebody carries certain genes that are associated with an increased risk.

*Age:
Most cases of ovarian cancer occur after menopause, and especially in women aged over 63 years. It is rare before the age of 40 years.

*Reproductive history:
Women who have had one or more full-term pregnancies, especially before the age of 26 years, have a lower risk. The more pregnancies they have, the lower the risk.

*Breastfeeding may also decrease the risk.

-Birth control:
Using the contraceptive pill for at least 3 to 6 months appears to reduce the risk. The longer the pill is used, the lower the risk appears to be. Using an injectible contraceptive hormone, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA or Depo-Provera CI), especially for 3 years or more, reduces the risk further.

-Infertility or fertility treatment:
Fertility drugs have been linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer, especially in women who used them for more than one year without becoming pregnant. Those who are infertile may also have a higher risk than those who are not, possible due to not carrying a pregnancy.

-Breast cancer:
Women who have received a diagnosis of breast cancer have a higher chance of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

For this reason, women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and who test positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may opt to have an oophorectomy as preventive therapy.

Symptoms:

It s easy to overlook the early symptoms of ovarian cancer because they re similar to other common illnesses or they tend to come and go. The early symptoms include:

-abdominal bloating, pressure, and pain
-abnormal fullness after eating
-difficulty eating
-an increase in urination
-an increased urge to urinate

*Ovarian cancer can also cause other symptoms, such as:

-fatigue
-indigestion
-heartburn
-constipation
-back pain
-menstrual irregularities
-painful intercourse
-dermatomyositis (a rare inflammatory disease that can cause skin rash, muscle weakness, and inflamed muscles)

These symptoms may occur for any number of reasons. They aren t necessarily due to ovarian cancer. Many women have some of these problems at one time or another. These types of symptoms are often temporary and respond to simple treatments in most cases.

Again, cancers are best treated when detected early. Please consult with your doctor if you experience new and unusual symptoms.

The symptoms will persist if they re due to ovarian cancer. Symptoms usually become more severe as the tumor grows. By this time, the cancer has usually spread outside of the ovaries, making it much harder to treat effectively.

Diagnosis:

A doctor will carry out a pelvic examination and check for any palpable abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries. They will also check the patient's medical history and family history.

The following tests are used to help diagnose ovarian cancer:

-Blood tests: Checking for elevated levels of a marker called CA-125.

-Imaging tests: Transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan might be used.

-Laparoscopy: A laparoscope, a thin viewing tube with a camera at the end, is inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen. This will allow the doctor to see the ovaries and, if necessary, to take a tissue sample

-Colonoscopy: If there is constipation or bleeding from the rectum, a colonoscopy may be needed, to examine the large intestine, or colon.

-Abdominal fluid aspiration: If the patient's abdomen is swollen, there may be a buildup of fluid, which can be examined by using a fine needle to remove some fluid through the abdomen.

-Biopsy: The usual way to diagnose ovarian cancer is to remove the tumor or part of the tumor to examine for the presence of cancer cells.

Role of Homeopathy In Ovarian:

Treatment of ovarian cancer has to be multi-way therapy. Its not either Homeopathy or conventional treatment. The best long-term results are achieved by combination therapy depending on age, stage of ovarian cancer and general health condition of patient. While conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy helps in faster removal of cancer, Homeopathy Treatment for ovarian cancer can help in:

-Regression of ovarian cancer
-Prevention of recurrence of ovarian cancer,
-Removing side-effects of chemo and radiation therapy,
-Relieving cancer pains
-Improving general quality of life and hence, a better reaction to other treatments.

The speciality Homeopathic treatment for ovarian cancer, developed at Welling Clinics can be very helpful for those suffering from ovarian cancer.

Diet and non-diet:

There is no proven evidence regarding the cause of PCOD though gynaecologists are of the opinion that some females possess a predisposition to this disease, and it may run hereditarily in the family. You can alleviate your PCOD symptoms to a considerable extent by regulating your diet properly.

Have loads of fruits and green leafy vegetables and try to abstain from dairy products as many experts believe that dairy products are a direct cause of an increase in insulin levels, which can aggravate skin troubles along with other PCOD symptoms. Avoiding red meat and eating lean meat instead will help the condition and reduce the chances of infertility. It is always recommended to avoid hydrogenated and saturated fats, which are normally found in animal and dairy-based food. Try to put a stop to cheese, cottage cheese, clarified butter, pork, lamb, beef, etc. and certain baked products like cookies, cakes and fudges as they will trigger a rise in your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that focuses on improving your overall well-being rather than just focusing on the symptoms of the disease. Being a complete natural based method, it has no side effects. Ayurvedic remedies for kidney stones emphasize on improving your lifestyle and diet to keep the energy balance in your body.

The causes of kidney stones range from factors, such as an imbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyle and spicy food. Less water consumption is also a major cause of kidney stones. These factors cause problems in the various doshas in the human body, leading to diseases. It leads to toxin formation in the body called ama.

These toxins trickle down to the urinary tract, causing crystals to form, thus leading to kidney stones.
Ayurvedic remedies consist of using diuretic herbs to dissolve the stones. Once the stones are dissolved, it is then recommended to use various cleansing techniques such as panchakarma which helps in strengthening the body. It is recommended to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water daily, and urinate whenever the urge occurs.

If the bladder stores the urine for a long time, then it leads to kidney stones. You need to cut down on foods that contain salt in excess. Add more green vegetables to your diet as they provide the body with essential nutrients such as calcium.

A comprehensive list of the changes you should make are:
1. Avoid eating dry and heavy foods
2. Limit consumption of coffee, tea, pickle based foods and cold drinks
3. Restrict consumption of non-vegetarian foods such meat and poultry
4. Drink adequate water regularly
5. Consume parboiled rice, brown rice and ginger
6. Consume lots of fruit juices, soup and water
7. Increase water consumption during summer months
8. Don't suppress the urge to urinate

Some herbal remedies to control kidney stones are combining'mehendi'with water to form a decoction and then consuming it. Increase consumption of horse-gram as it decreases risk of kidney stones. Make sure you exercise on a regular basis as it improves your overall well-being and keeps you healthy.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stones

The cancer of the bladder (an organ in the pelvic region that stores urine) is known as bladder cancer. This cancer begins in the cells that line the inner portion of the bladder. Though it usually affects the aged, bladder cancer can develop in people across other age groups as well. It is important to undergo frequent check-ups even after the condition has been cured, as there always remain chances of a relapse.
There are three types of bladder cancer:
1. Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cells appear in the bladder in response to any infection, which, with time, can become cancerous.
2. Transitional cell carcinoma: These cells are present in the lining of the bladder. They contract when the bladder is empty and expand when it is full. These cells are also found in the urethra, hence there are chances for the cancer to develop in the urethra as well.
3. Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma forms in the mucus secreting cells in the bladder.

The symptoms of bladder cancer are:
1. You may urinate frequently
2. Frequent backaches
3. You may experience pain during urination
4. Pain in the pelvic region
5. There may be presence of blood in the urine

There is no known cause of bladder cancer. However, certain factors such as smoking, infection and exposure to chemicals are known to trigger it. The risk factors of bladder cancer are:
1. Age: The risk of bladder cancer increases with age, it usually affects people who are above 40 years of age.
2. Smoking: Smoking releases toxins in the body that get stored in the urine. These can damage the inner lining of the bladder and lead to bladder cancer.
3. Gender: Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer as compared to women.
4. Chemical exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals such as arsenic increases your risk of bladder cancer.
5. Chronic inflammation of the bladder: If you suffer from chronic infection of the bladder, then the risk of squamous cell carcinoma increases significantly.

Bladder Cancer - 5 Things That Put You at Risk

The condition of enlarged prostate occurs due to the enlargement of a man s prostate gland, with the passage in time. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it is more common in men over the age of 60. Some cases might have symptoms and others may be symptomless. Although the causes are relatively unknown, it is evident that BPH is not a form of cancer, neither does it cause cancer. The prostate is located below the bladder and is responsible for producing the fluid needed by semen. The growth of the prostate tissue that is associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia begins near the inner prostate which is a tissue ring around the urethra. Its growth is generally inward.

Causes
It is of common knowledge that in males, the urine originates from the bladder and flows through the urethra. BPH is a condition where the prostate experiences a benign i.e. non cancerous enlargement which leads to blockage of urine flow through the urethra (the urinary duct). The resultant enlargement, caused due to the gradual multiplication of cells, subjects the urethra to extra pressure. Further narrowing of the urethra causes more contraction of the bladder, resulting in the urine being forcefully pushed out of the body.

With time, the condition leads to the bladder muscles gradually becoming thicker, stronger and oversensitive. Contraction occurs even due to the presence of small amounts of urine, giving rise to frequent needs of urination. At one point, the bladder muscle is unable to overcome the effects of the narrowed urethra. Due to this, urine does not pass properly and the urethra is not emptied.

Some of the common symptoms of enlarged prostate include:
1. Frequent urination
2. Urgency to urinate
3. Difficulty during urination
4. A slow or weak urinary stream
5. Requirement of extra effort to urinate
6. Interrupted sleep due to need of urination

Further risks
Sometimes, when the bladder is not emptied completely, a risk of urinary tract infections develops. Some other serious problems which can be a result of enlarged prostate include blood in urine, bladder stones as well as acute urinary retention (inability to urinate). In some rare cases, kidney and/or bladder damage might also result from such a condition.

Frequent Urination - Can it be a Sign Enlarged Prostate

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