People with sickle cell disease often experience myriad symptoms of the disease that can be controlled by the right nutrition. Reports suggest that nutrition is an increasingly significant factor to prevent symptoms such as slow growth, lower body mass, joint issues, infections, pain crises, and anemia.

There is a greater than the typical requirement for both calories and micronutrients.

The nutritional requirement of a sickle cell patient emphasizes more on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and more similar food items. These can prevent any deficiencies in the body and also decrease any chances of disease exacerbation.

 


	
	High-calorie nutrient-dense diet
	


The usual energy intake in a sickle cell patient is normally lower than the average values. It is a case even when the condition is asymptomatic where the requirement drops to half the level. As a result, people with sickle cell diseases (especially kids) are at higher risk for impaired growth and considerably lesser fat and fat-free mass, with obesity also posing a risk. It is suggested to have adequate energy supplements in the diet to reach the minimum sufficient requirement of the body that can be done only by proper nutritional assessment.


	
	Adequate fluids
	


Avoiding dehydration is another significant factor to avoid any severe symptoms of sickle cell disease. Sickling of the erythrocytes aggravates in patients who perform hardcore physical work in the heat without drinking enough fluids. This leads to dehydration and can even result in constipation.


	
	Micronutrients
	


Micronutrient deficiencies can be found in sickle cell patients up to a great extent. Several vitamins and minerals like vitamin a, b6, c, e, carotenoids, zinc, and magnesium are often found in fewer numbers in scd patients. A significant drop in blood-antioxidant status may result in acute chest syndrome. The supplementation of these vitamins and minerals can reduce the number of sickled cells in the body. Plant phenols and flavonoids may also help in lowering oxidative stress.


	
	Calcium-rich food
	


Getting plenty of calcium-rich food like dairy products, leafy vegetables, cereals, and fruit juices aids the child's growth and development. This may lead to a stronger physical structure and a greater resistance to the disease.


	
	Omega-3 fatty acid
	


There are reduced proportions of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in sickle cell patients. These acids aid the fluidity of red blood cell membranes. As a result, they prevent sickle cell crises. Supplemental docosahexaenoic (dha) and eicosapentaenoic (epa) have shown numerous therapeutic benefits in scd patients.


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Role Of Nutrition In Sickle Cell Disease

When abnormal cells grow inside the brain and are in the form of a mass the condition is called a brain tumour. There are various types of brain tumours that exist. Some of the brain tumours which exist are malignant or cancerous while other may be non-cancerous. A brain tumour can begin in any part of the brain and spread to other parts of the body or vice-versa. The growth rate of brain tumours is different for each individual suffering from it. As per studies, every 2 in 1, 00, 000 people are said to be affected by a brain tumour in india. However, it may come as a relief to some as not all brain tumours are cancerous or life-threatening. Some are benign tumours and seldom pose any threat to the affected individual.

 

Types of brain tumor

Brain tumours may be primary or secondary.

Primary brain tumour

In this type of brain tumour, the abnormal mass of cells that originated in the brain does not metastasize to the other organs. Based on their location in the brain, the primary brain tumours may be of the following types.


	
	Gliomas: one of the most common types of primary brain tumours, gliomas can have their origin in the spinal cord or the brain. Some of the common types of gliomas include astrocytomas (originates in the cerebrum of the brain), glioblastomas (these tumours form from the astrocytes which form the supportive tissues of the brain), ependymoma (these develop from the ependymal cells which are present within the cns), oligodendrogliomas (these tumours are found to arise from the oligodendrocytes).
	
	
	Schwannomas: also called acoustic neuromas, these primary brain tumours form on the nerves that play an important role in regulating the balance and hearing from the inner ear to the brain.
	
	
	Meningiomas: these types of tumours are usually benign and have their origin in the meninges (membranes surrounding the spinal cord and the brain).
	
	
	Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (pnets): primitive neuroectodermal tumours (pnets) are rare malignant tumours that originate from the fetal (embryonic) cells in the brain.
	
	
	Pituitary adenomas: as the name suggests, these tumours arise from the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.
	
	
	Medulloblastomas: common among children, these malignant primary tumours develop in the brain (lower back) and gradually spread via the spinal fluid.
	


Other types of primary brain tumours include craniopharyngiomas and germ cell tumours.

Secondary brain tumours ;

Unlike the primary brain tumours, these tumours have their origin in the other body parts and organs (mostly in the lungs, skin, colon, breast, and kidney) and then gradually metastasize to the brain. Secondary brain tumours are found to be more common.

 

What Are The Different Types Of Brain Tumours?

The moment you are diagnosed with a tumour, the first thing your doctor will do is find out whether the tumour is benign or malignant   this will determine the course of your treatment. In simple words, benign means non-cancerous while malignant means cancerous.

Benign cancer

When tumour cells grow at a normal pace, it is known as benign or non-cancerous growth. In the case of benign cancer, the cells grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body or invade the adjacent tissues. Most often, these do not exhibit serious symptoms or pose a threat to your health. So, they are not a cause of concern. However, sometimes a benign tumour can press against nerves, tissues or the blood vessels, causing pain and discomfort.

Some common types of benign cancer are  


	
	Adenomas
	
	
	Fibromas or fibroids
	
	
	Hemangiomas
	
	
	Lipomas
	


Benign tumours, although tend to be harmless, may need to be operated. This is true for tumours that have grown to become large and weigh heavy. When these develop in the brain and cluster around to press against block channels or vital organs, the condition can be potentially dangerous. Moreover, certain types of non-cancerous tumours like intestinal polyps are precancerous   meaning they have the potential to turn cancerous. ;Surgery to remove this type of tumour can help prevent it from becoming malignant.

Malignant cancer

Malignant cancer refers to cancerous tumours that can potentially be fatal. Unlike benign cancer, malignant cancer progresses quickly and metastasizes to invade other organs, tissues or parts of the body.

Here are a few examples of tumours that are cancerous in nature  


	
	Carcinoma
	
	
	Sarcoma
	
	
	Germ cell tumour
	
	
	Blastoma
	


A tumour that has turned malignant, or has spread through the lymphatic system or bloodstream, may require aggressive treatment. Based on the stage of cancer, your ;oncologist will devise a treatment plan that might include immunotherapy, ;radiation therapy, chemotherapy ;or surgery.

Being diagnosed with a tumour can be hard to deal with. To find out if the tumour is benign or malignant, consult a specialist and discuss your concerns.

Benign Cancer Vs Malignant Cancer: Know The Difference!

Diabetes is a common chronic condition that results from excessively high blood glucose. In this condition, either the pancreas fail to produce enough insulin, or your body does not utilize insulin produced by pancreas properly. This might lead to cardiovascular problems and neural problems, as well as health problems like ;depression and ;anxiety. Recent studies reveal that diabetes may have an impact on your reproductive health too.

Effects on men

A common problem that affects men s sexual life is erectile dysfunction. Diabetic men face this as they have low testosterone levels and are unable to maintain an erection during sex. For an erection, constant blood flow is necessary inside the penis. However, as diabetes disrupts the blood flow and damages the blood vessels, men are not able to achieve an erection.

Furthermore, diabetes also damages the arteries and nerves, which again, disturbs the blood flow to the penis. This also causes erectile dysfunction. Other factors that can cause sexual complications among men are- ;


	
	Diabetes-induced obesity
	
	
	High blood pressure
	
	
	Retrograde ejaculation ;  refers to a condition where semen is ejaculated to your bladder, but not through your penis
	


Effects on women

For women, during menopause, blood ;sugar levels may drop due to diabetes. Besides, high blood sugar levels damage the nerves of a woman. This may hinder the ability to feel aroused during sex and lowers sexual stimulation. This reduces their capability to achieve orgasm.

Another common issue among women with diabetes is ;vaginal dryness. This causes a lack of lubrication in the vagina that makes sex painful. Damage to the nerves that lubricate the vagina may be the reason for this. During menopause or after menopause, it can be due to low oestrogen.

Diabetes is more likely to cause vaginal infections such as yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Both of these cause pain during sexual intercourse. If the nerves of the bladder are damaged, it can lead to urinary incontinence ;while sex.

There are certain medications and therapy that may help control diabetes. Additionally, changes in lifestyle such as eating healthy, exercising daily etc. Will enhance your well-being that will significantly improve your blood glucose levels   and in turn, your sex life.

Know How Diabetes Impacts Reproductive Health

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects women during pregnancy. It is characterized by increased blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia also experience swelling in the feet, legs, and arms.

Researchers suspect that excessive body fat or poor nutrition are the primary contributors to preeclampsia and eclampsia.

If left undetected, preeclampsia can lead to a more severe complication, known as eclampsia. Eclampsia can put you and your baby at risk, and can even lead to death (in rare cases).

How do preeclampsia and eclampsia affect the mother?

Preeclampsia and eclampsia can cause a host of complications for the mother, such as the following  

Hellp syndrome   hellp syndrome refers to three different conditions   low platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, and haemolysis. This generally occurs late in pregnancy and affects the processing of rbc, functioning of the liver, and blood clotting.

Seizures

Heart and renal failure

Water in the lungs

Bleeding from the liver

Reversible blindness

Effects of preeclampsia and eclampsia on the baby

Preeclampsia can lead to problems with the placenta in the initial stage of pregnancy. This may pose risks, including the following to the baby  

Lack of nutrients and oxygen, which may prevent the foetus to grow properly

Preterm birth

Stillbirth   this happens when the placenta is separated from the uterine wall

Infant death

Stillbirths are more common when the mother has suffered from a severe form of preeclampsia, like hellp syndrome.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are linked to a myriad of health issues and life-long challenges for prematurely born babies. These may include cerebral palsy, learning disorders, epilepsy, deafness and blindness.

There is no particular cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia. Treatment, however, depends on how close you are to your due date, and how much the foetus has developed. In the case of mild preeclampsia, your doctor may recommend resting, healthy eating   that limits salt intake   and regular prenatal checkups.

Effects Of Preeclampsia And Eclampsia On You And The Baby

Yoga is a very important part of everyone s life. Yoga is a time tested and natural way to eliminate various diseases and problems with the body as well as the mind. It is antiquated craftsmanship that strengthens the body as well as relaxes the brain with the right dose of mindfulness as well. Yoga tends to stimulate the nervous system and the endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems and improve the functioning of the same.

 

Below mentioned postures affect at least one of these systems, thereby clearing the path for a strong immune system. ;

Shishuasana (child posture): shishuasana is a phenomenal stance that de-congests the abdomen and constructs a superior and stronger immune system.

Setu bandhasana (bridge posture): setu bandhasana opens the heart and enhances the blood flow. It increases the energy in the body to build a strong resistance against pathogens.

Halasana (plow posture): halasana is a pose that requires a backward bend. It discharges white cells in the body and strengthens the immune system.

Bhujangasana (cobra posture): bhujangasana is a mid-section opening posture which discharges white cells that enhance the body s resistance.

Dhanurasana (bow posture): dhanurasana is yet another posture that enhances the flow of white cells by putting weight on the working of the digestive system.

Matsyasana (fish posture): matsyasana stretches the abdomen and chest and strengthens the thymus. This enhances the body's invulnerability level.

Vinyasa adho mukha svanasana (flowing downward facing dog pose): begin with the plank pose, palms lying on the floor just underneath your shoulder and extend the legs backward. The whole body should form a straight line like a board. Taking a full breath, lift your hips off the floor. Hold yourself on the hands and heels. Your head needs to point towards the ground. Take full breaths, two or three times, as you hold the position. Breathe out a deep breath, relax and return to the plank posture. Gradually bring down your body. Slide your hands backward, allowing your palms to rest alongside the chest. Toes need to be in contact with the mat or the floor.

Ayurveda, yoga and meditation are the perfect variables to carry on with a sound life.

 

Yoga Asanas That Can Boost Your Immune System

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