The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the neck. It helps produce hormones to regulate crucial body functions like heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. An uncontrolled growth of cells in this gland is known as thyroid cancer. While most thyroid cancers are curable, it is vital to identify the symptoms early for effective treatment. Here are seven must-know silent warning signs of thyroid cancer that help diagnose the condition.

Sleep changes
Abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland can cause it to produce excess amounts of hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones overstimulate the central nervous system and lead to insomnia. Therefore, if an individual’s sleep patterns change abruptly, it could indicate thyroid cancer.

Fatigue
The human body often tires after a hard day’s work or strenuous physical activity. But those with thyroid cancer may experience fatigue upon waking up after a good night’s sleep. It is because an underactive thyroid may lead to lesser production of the hormones necessary to stay energetic.

Bowel irregularities
The thyroid gland helps keep the digestive tract running smoothly. So, someone with thyroid cancer may have subtle signs of an underactive thyroid, including poor hormone production, which may lead to regular constipation. On the contrary, an overactive thyroid may lead to symptoms like diarrhea.

Increased sweating
The thyroid gland helps regulate the body’s energy production. However, cancerous cells in the gland may lead to higher hormone production. This phenomenon may increase the body’s metabolism, causing people to feel warmer and sweat. Therefore, people who sweat without exerting their bodies should get checked for thyroid cancer.

Mood changes
Mood changes are another silent warning sign of thyroid cancer. For example, a person might feel sudden bursts of anxiety even if they have never experienced these symptoms before.

Voice irregularities
It is normal for people with the common cold to experience temporary voice changes. However, if irregularities occur without any illness, it could indicate cancer development in the thyroid gland. A persistent cough not caused by a cold may also be an early sign of thyroid cancer.

Neck pain
Pain in the neck may be a sign of strain caused during exercises or other health conditions. However, it is also an early indicator of thyroid cancer. The pain in the neck usually starts from the front and extends to the ears.

Besides looking for the signs above, one can also approach healthcare experts to check for cancer through genetic tests (DNA tests). In this method, experts collect cell samples to assess if the patient has inherited cancer. The experts check for mutations in the chromosomes, proteins, and genes during tests like these. Such tests may help identify various cancer types, including unusual mutations in the colon, prostate, stomach, ovarian, and breast. The expert may recommend a tailored treatment plan if cancer growth is detected during diagnosis.

Some treatment options are available for thyroid cancer. One of them is radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for treating an overactive thyroid and certain stages of thyroid cancer. It is an oral prescription approach suggested for papillary and follicular forms of thyroid cancer. Alternatively, those who do not respond well to RAI therapies are switched to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) therapy to directly target the main proteins that trigger the spread of thyroid cancer. Another FDA-approved approach features targeted fusion gene therapy combining various multikinase inhibitors, RET inhibitors, and TRK inhibitors to tackle the most severe forms of thyroid cancer. Treatments will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and cancer stage.

Another approved treatment for RET+ advanced thyroid cancer is GAVRETO®(pralsetinib). The prescription option is indicated for adults and children over 12 years with advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). GAVRETO® is administered orally or intravenously (systemic therapy). The prescription is also given to individuals who did not respond or no longer respond positively to treatment with radioactive iodine.

Our body is home to tons of different microorganisms and bacteria. Most of these bacteria reside in our gut and are known as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is essential for absorbing nutrients, supporting the immune system, and maintaining the body’s overall health. This is why it is crucial to know which foods to foods could harm your gut health. And one must avoid such foods at all costs to improve overall well-being.

Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners and flavors are found in various processed foods. But, when we consume the latter, the former does not break down in the body. Instead, they leave the body undigested and affect the microorganisms in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhea, which may be severe based on how much sweetener you have consumed. Studies have also found that consuming artificial sweeteners increases the risk of developing harmful gut bacteria such as E. coli and E. faecalis. When purchasing foods off the shelf, ensure that the foods do not contain artificial sweeteners such as Stevia, sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin.

Fried foods
Fried foods are unsuitable for the body’s overall health and can affect gut health negatively. Fried and oily foods are more difficult to digest than organic foods. Not to mention fried foods also typically contain excessive oil, which contains saturated and trans fats that are difficult to break down, eventually leading to gas, stomach ache, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Excessive saturated and trans fats can also harm the body’s cardiovascular health and put you at risk of heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, and other secondary conditions.

Meat
Red meats such as steaks, bacon, and pork are rich in a compound known as L-carnitine. This compound can alter the bacteria in the gut leading to poor gut health. This alteration can also lead to the development of a substance called trimethylamine N-oxide, more commonly referred to as TMAO. High levels of TMAO in the body can increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and stroke. Studies have found that a high intake of red meat can lead to a higher risk of colorectal cancer and bowel diseases.

Aside from avoiding certain foods, you can also try supplements to improve gut health. Supplements contain probiotics, collagen, zinc, and other nutrients that can help boost gut bacteria and improve your digestive system.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the umbrella term for health conditions involving inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is primarily categorized into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, which affect one’s moods and involve symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and rectal bleeding. In addition, a person’s food habits and treatment course are crucial in controlling IBD symptoms. Here is some information on UC and Crohn’s disease and foods individuals with these conditions must avoid.

Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an IBD involving inflammation in the colon and rectum. Ulcers develop in the rectum and the large intestine’s inner lining, causing severe pain and discomfort. Individuals with UC may experience symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and an inability to defecate despite feeling the urge.

Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is an IBD characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation. It typically begins with the small intestine, progressing to the large intestinal lining. The affected areas usually appear as patches in the latter condition. Moreover, while UC only affects the large intestine’s innermost lining, Crohn’s can occur in any part of the tract.

Foods to avoid
Changing one’s nutritional habits is crucial in managing IBDs like UC and Crohn’s disease. It is because certain food items tend to trigger flare-ups among people diagnosed with these conditions. Here are some foods one should avoid if diagnosed with these conditions.

Raspberries
A cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber, a no-no for individuals with UC and Crohn’s. Replacing high-fiber fruits like raspberries with low-fiber alternatives, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, peaches, and fresh fruit juices without pulp, will help ease symptoms.

Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which is difficult to digest. It helps to avoid such veggies and replace them with more easily digestible alternatives like asparagus tips, cucumber, and cooked spinach.

Whole grains
Whole grains can irritate the gastrointestinal tract among individuals suffering from UC and Crohn’s disease. It helps to replace whole grains like buckwheat, brown rice, rolled oats, and wild rice varieties with white rice and instant oatmeal in limited quantities.

Beans
Beans contain oligosaccharides and fermentable fibers that are not easily digested and contribute to bloating and gas. Therefore one must avoid eating these during UC or Crohn’s disease.

Processed meat
Processed and red meats are difficult for the body to break down and can worsen UC and Crohn’s symptoms. Therefore, replacing processed meat with lean meat sources like skinless chicken, turkey, and pork chops is advised.

Besides changes to the nutritional regime, therapists usually suggest probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods for recovery from IBD. Acupuncture, certain herbal prescriptions, and fish oil are also believed to relieve symptoms of these health conditions.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can cause severe discomfort and hamper day-to-day functioning in their more advanced stages. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two common IBDs affecting several individuals at different severity levels. Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine’s inner lining, whereas Crohn’s disease is characterized by swelling of the large intestine. Here are some foods patients with UC and Crohn’s disease should avoid, together with some treatment options.

Whole grains
Whole grains can irritate the gastrointestinal tract among individuals suffering from UC and Crohn’s disease. It helps to avoid consuming whole, unprocessed grains like buckwheat, brown rice, rolled oats, and wild rice varieties. In addition, white rice and instant oats may be more easily digestible.

Raspberries
A cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber, a no-no for individuals with UC and Crohn’s. Replacing such high-fiber fruits with low-fiber alternatives, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, nectarines, peaches, and fresh fruit juices without pulp, will help.

Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which is difficult to digest and can aggravate existing digestive problems like UC and Crohn’s disease. It helps to avoid such vegetables and replace them with more easily digestible alternatives like asparagus tips, cucumber, and cooked spinach.

Processed meat
Processed and red meats are difficult for the body to break down and can worsen UC and Crohn’s symptoms. Therefore, replacing processed meat with lean meat sources like skinless chicken, turkey, and pork chops will help.

Beans
Beans contain oligosaccharides, fermentable fibers that are not easily digested and contribute to bloating and gas. Therefore beans are best if ignored when diagnosed with UC or Crohn’s disease.

Treatment Options
Some remedies for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease may be similar, considering both are IBDs. However, a patient’s response to such treatments may vary.

Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that contribute to the growth of healthy bacteria. These microorganisms are commonly found in foods like yogurt. One can also consume OTC probiotic supplements; however, one must purchase such products only from reliable brands.

Ginseng
Ginseng is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It also consists of antioxidants that can help with digestion. Ginseng may benefit individuals diagnosed with UC and Crohn’s disease.

Acupuncture
This traditional intervention, combined with other treatments, is widely believed to help people heal from IBDs like UC and Crohn’s disease.

Fish oil
Consumption of fish oil is proven to help individuals with UC and Crohn’s disease heal better. Fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

When it comes to health, what you introduce into your body and environment holds great importance. This holds for lung health as well. With increased levels of air and water pollution surrounding us, impaired lung capacity is a growing concern. In such a scenario, avoiding foods that could further contribute to the deterioration of your lungs is necessary. Avoiding foods that can compromise lung health can also help maintain heart health.

Processed meat
Increased intake of highly processed meats like bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and other deli meats has long been linked to compromised lung health. According to numerous research results, daily intake of processed forms of meat can impair lung function, increasing the risk of developing and triggering conditions like COPD. A set of research also found the rehospitalization rate to be higher in COPD patients that continued using processed meat. The problem is the high salt content and the subsequent water retention these foods can cause.

Added sugar
Sugars that are not naturally present in food and have been added as a measure of taste enhancement or preservation are added sugars. Most often, it is in the form of refined sugar or other syrups. Commonly occurring foods with added sugars include cereals, granola, cakes, flavored yogurts, and more. It is important to read the nutrition label on all packaged foods to avoid lung-harming ingredients like excess salts and sugars.

Carbonated beverages
Carbonated beverages are loaded with carbon dioxide. Constant addition of these drinks to a patient’s meals and refreshments can cause bloating, gas, and even stomach ache. This discomfort can often be linked to increased difficulty in breathing and overall discomfort for people with pre-existing lung conditions. The added space that the patient’s hyperinflated condition takes up in the case of COPD and asthma patients can cause physical discomfort and make breathing a chore.

Fried food
Foods that are heavy on oils and come packed with trans fats are an absolute no for good lung health. Donuts, fries, and chicken wings might leave watering mouths in their wake but also trigger asthma, COPD, and other equally complicated lung health scare episodes. The high saturated fat content in these foods can give rise to abdominal gas, bloating, and indigestion which can trigger breathing issues and discomfort. Incorporating baked alternatives of your favorite fried food into your meals is a better lung-friendly option.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition where the body does not generate enough insulin or cannot use it efficiently to control sugar levels. The condition affects about 37 million people in the country and is also a leading cause of kidney failure and adult blindness and a reason for lower-limb amputations. Some remedies help manage this condition; however, one can also curb symptoms by regularly following exercises. Check out some of such helpful activities below.

Daily walks
Walking is an ideal way of managing diabetes. Try brisk strolls for half an hour three to four times a week, or take your pet dog for a walk. You can also track your walking progress through fitness apps to make exercising fun.

Swimming
Swimming enhances the muscles in the upper and lower body. Strong muscle movements while swimming helps burn calories, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health. Swimming also does not strain the joints as other exercise routines would.

Trying dance routines
Dancing helps lower stress levels, burn calories, curb blood sugar, and benefit the heat. Dancing for around half an hour every day for three days a week will help improve symptoms of diabetes.

Cycling
Those experiencing diabetes symptoms should consider cycling for about 30 minutes daily, three to five times a week. The activity will help burn excess blood sugar and improve heart rate. Cycling is also known to help one get in shape without affecting the knees and other joints.

Climbing stairs
Climbing stairs helps the heart and lungs work faster, which benefits people with type 2 diabetes. Going up and down stairs for three minutes after an hour or two following a meal will help burn blood sugar.

Gardening
Gardening works as a strength training exercise and an aerobic activity. An individual may kneel, walk, and bend while digging, lifting, and raking the garden. This activity lowers stress levels and blood sugar.

Yoga
Yoga is a traditional low-impact exercise that helps improve balance, strength, and flexibility by practicing various motions, poses, and breathing techniques. The method helps reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Apart from the exercises mentioned above, one can hire an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certified personal trainer. The trainer can help people achieve any health and wellness goals. An ISSA trainer may charge approximately $100 per training session. However, this cost will vary between individuals depending on their exercise regimes and other factors.

The next time a sugary treat entices you at the supermarket, consider the fact that almost 11% of the country’s population grapples with diabetes. Easy access to foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats has spurred an unprecedented increase in the number of individuals with diabetes. However, on the bright side, here’s a list of delicious and nutritious foods to indulge in without worrying about a spike in blood sugar levels.

Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are high-protein, low-carb food sources that slow glucose absorption and aid digestion. Research suggests that consuming approximately two eggs a day has no adverse effects on the body in terms of cholesterol, blood sugar, and other parameters. Moreover, it typically enhances one’s fasting blood sugar levels.

Boiled chickpeas
The American Diabetes Association recommends chickpeas as high-fiber foods linked with low blood sugar levels. A bowl of boiled chickpeas garnished with pepper, lemon juice, and coriander leaves can fill one up till dinnertime!

Fresh berries
Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are great additions to one’s meal plan if they have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. Berries typically have a low glycemic index and are packed with essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. One may consume them directly or add them to their porridge and smoothies.

Nuts
One may stock up on walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, and peanuts, as these contain vitamin E, fiber, carotenoids, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making them ideal snacks for people with diabetes. However, avoid salted nuts as these are highly processed and may increase one’s risk for auto-immune conditions.

Green soups and smoothies
Broccoli, spinach, beet greens, kale, cabbage, and the like are considered nutritious leafy greens for individuals with diabetes as they have a low glycemic index, low starch, and high vitamin A and E levels. Thus, soups and smoothies with leafy greens, seasoned with some pepper and lime juice, are healthy, sumptuous snacks for regulating sugar levels.

If one is looking for nutritious meal kits, one may consider Patriot Foods. It is the country’s first patriot emergency supply company providing a plethora of food kits catering to various nutritional requirements. The MyPatriotSupply coupon code may be one’s best bet to securing wholesome meat and protein kits, fruit and vegetable kits, sprouting seeds and microgreens, gluten-free kits, and other food supplies for their daily intake. One may use the 2022 4Patriots discount code to avail of lucrative discounts on My Patriot Supply food kits and enjoy healthy, delicious snacks at home.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a condition in which patients can bleed or bruise easily and excessively. Seeking proper professional guidance and therapy is crucial in such situations, but that alone cannot help improve the quality of life. Healthy lifestyles and food choices can also play a pivotal role in helping these patients combat the disease. Therapy and healthy food choices go hand in hand to provide better patient care and ensure minimum health risks.

Fats
Avoiding fats from one’s meals is not a recommended approach to healthy meals. Foods rich in healthy unsaturated fats also bring numerous nutrients to the table. This includes options like nuts and seeds, avocados, nut butter, and high-quality cooking oils or ghee. Including healthy fats in meals can also help immune thrombocytopenia patients cope better with their stress. The higher number of calories in these food products proves beneficial to the body. Avoiding unhealthy or saturated fats in meals is one of the most common pieces of advice people with any health condition get. This is especially important for people who stand a risk of cardiac diseases. Since ITP patients are prescribed prolonged corticosteroid usage, food that can negatively impact the heart should be avoided as much as possible. Therefore, eliminating or avoiding foods containing saturated or trans fats is sound advice.

Meat
Having healthy portions of protein in each meal helps the body recover and maintain steady energy and sugar levels. It is, therefore, essential to include good quality lean protein sourced from foods like eggs, beans and lentils, poultry, nuts and seeds, and fish. Meat is also a reliable source of iron, a mineral that could be found lacking in people with ITP. On the other hand, processed meat sources are a definite no on the list of foods ITP patients can enjoy. Along with red meat, these are all protein food sources that carry high levels of saturated fats than preferred for a healthy meal. Besides, processed meat is also rich in sodium, which threatens the patient’s blood pressure levels.

Grains
Complex carbohydrates are necessary to complete a healthy and balanced meal. Some common recommendations include whole grains and whole grain products like oat, whole wheat bread, pasta, and quinoa. While increasing the intake of whole grains, it is essential to avoid refined carbohydrates. Foods with added sugars or sugar syrups are high on the list of foods and drinks to be avoided to fight immune thrombocytopenia.

Colon cancer, which begins in a portion of the large intestine called the colon, affects many in our country. It is life-threatening and can spread to other body parts, such as the liver and lungs, if not detected and treated. Like most health disorders, colon cancer has a few early signs that help individuals identify it in its initial stages. One must visit a doctor for a diagnosis as soon as they experience these symptoms.

Anemia
Colon cancer often leads to bleeding in the large intestine without the patient’s knowledge. Frequent bleeding, in turn, causes a loss of red blood cells. As red blood cells are the primary oxygen carriers, their absence causes anemia, a condition where the blood cannot efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body. The signs of anemia are irregular heartbeat, cold hands and feet, shortness of breath, pale skin, and weakness or fatigue even after simple activities like skipping or climbing stairs.

Tenesmus
Tenesmus is a condition where a person experiences the urge to use the restroom multiple times, even after having passed stool. Essentially, one constantly feels their bowel movement is incomplete. Tenesmus is a significant early sign of colon cancer, so individuals must visit a healthcare provider immediately after experiencing this symptom.

Changing bowel habits
Besides tenesmus, patients may experience several other bowel habit changes in the early phases of colon cancer, such as frequent constipation or diarrhea episodes. Additionally, the color of the stools starts showing visible inconsistencies. Many notice red stools or blood in the stools, which usually occurs when there is bleeding in the rectum or colon.

Continuous abdominal pain and cramps
The colon is at the bottom of the large intestine. The formation of cancer cells in that part can cause discomfort in the lower abdomen, such as continuous pain or cramps.

Treatment is necessary to manage colon cancer and its symptoms. Two popular options are CYRAMZA and Avastin. CYRAMZA, an intravenous infusion (IV), is recommended for those with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Avastin, also administered intravenously, is used with chemotherapy to prevent tumor growth. Patients must consult a healthcare professional before using either of these.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine—the part of the body that plays a crucial role in digestion and waste elimination. Cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition, and it is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions when dealing with it. Poor eating habits increase the risk of colon cancer, so in addition to treatment, some superfoods can improve gut health and boost immunity. Here are some foods that can help manage colon cancer:

Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes are great options when it comes to combating colon cancer. Specifically, black beans contain certain fatty acids that protect against the growth of certain cancer cells.

Berries
Berries contain high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients that are good for our gut health. Certain berries, such as black raspberries, contain high levels of anthocyanins, which restricts the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Carrots
Carrots contain beta-carotene, which can curtail the growth of abnormal cells. They also have other nutrients that can protect one against other types of cancer.

Fish
Fish like salmon and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining heart health and can fight the growth of new cancer cells.

Cruciferous vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower contain substantial amounts of sulforaphane, which can minimize cancer risk and improve the body’s immunity.

Nuts
Nuts have been linked to a reduced rate of cancer recurrence and death in patients with third-stage colorectal cancer.

Spinach
Spinach is rich in fiber and folate, which help digestion and reduce the risk of colon cancer. The vegetable also contains carotenoids, which have been linked to helping the body fight against cancer cells.

While these foods can help fight the risk of colon cancer, other foods can increase the risk of developing the condition or worsening the symptoms. These include foods with high glycemic loads (such as white rice, noodles, or processed sugar), red meats, and processed meats like ham, sausage, bacon, and salami.

To treat the condition, doctors may prescribe Avastin or Cyramza. Avastin (bevacizumab) is prescribed to starve cancer tumors (anti-angiogenic therapy) to help fight and undo the growth of metastatic colorectal cancer. If Avastin is not entirely effective and the disease continues to progress in the body, Cyramza (ramucirumab) is a type of chemotherapy that is prescribed in combination with folinic acid to treat metastatic colorectal cancer.

It is important to understand the role of genetics in colon cancer patients. Those who have a family history of the condition should be cautious about the risk. One should opt for cancer screenings to check if there is any form of progression. It is advisable to consult with a genetic counselor and understand the need for gene testing of the colon. Genetic testing highlights the risk of colorectal cancer as a preventive measure and indicates its progression, if detected among adults.

Phillips’ Colon Health is a probiotic that can aid digestion and enhance immune system function. It is effective for those experiencing symptoms associated with conditions like IBS, polyps in the colon, and ulcerative colitis. The probiotic is available as a chewable, capsule, or tablet. While Phillips’ Colon Health can fight IBS and related conditions, it should not replace mainstream intervention.