Lung Cancer

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In Malaysia, lung cancer is one of the main causes of cancer deaths. In fact, 95% of lung cancer patients die within 5 years of diagnosis.Lung cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. These cells lose control of their orderly division and produce a growth called a tumour. If a tumour is benign, it is not cancerous and will not spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumour, on the other hand, is cancerous and can invade neighboring tissues and organs or break away and spread through the bloodstream or lymph channels.

Symptoms

• A new cough that doesn't go away
• Changes in a chronic cough or "smoker's cough"
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Losing weight without trying
• Bone pain
• Headache

Causes

• Cigarette smoking 
• Pipe and cigar smokinng 
• Passive smoking 
• Family history of lung cancer 
• Scarring from previous lung disease 
• Air pollution 
• Exposure to radon gas 
• Frequent exposure to inhalent chemicals including asbestos, metal dust and fumes, paints, herbicides and insecticides

Action plans

• Eat plenty of fresh vegetable and fruit with minimum 5 portion a day which packed with phytonutrients that act as the cancer- fighting compound.
• Drink plenty of water with atleast 8 glasses a day to help keep the cells cleansed and hydrated.
• Avoid the meat intake which has been linked to an elevated risk of lung cancer.
• Avoid the intake of saturated fat and cholesterol rich food that appears directly related to the risk of lung cancer.
• Maintain a regular exercise such as yoga that combine with stretches movement and deep breathing meditation to enhance a better sleeping quality.
• Focus on the breathing pattern which concentrate on the moving of diaphragm while breathing and try breathing through pursed lips and pacing breaths with activity.

Incontinence

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Incontinence refers to an inability to fully control the emptying of the bladder It is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from occasionally leaking urine during cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong that unable to rush to the toilet in time. Anxiety, emotions, heavy lifting may also trigger the release of a few drops or more of urine from the bladder.

Causes

• Weak pelvic- floor muscles
• Prostate problems
• Urinary tract infection
• Constipation
• Gynaecological problems
• Obesity
• Strokes
• Smoking
• Old age
• Stress
• Spinal injuries
• Bladder cancer or stones

Action plans

• Eat plenty of green vegetables which high in calcium and magnesium needed fir proper muscle and nerve contraction and relaxation.
• Reduce the intake of salt, alcohol, caffeine and chocolate which can put a strain on the kidneys.
• Practice pelvic-floor exercises daily which involve the isolation and contraction of the muscles that control flow of urine.
• Perform a daily massage at the lower abdominal area.
• Apply heat to the kidney area either via hot water bottle or hot compress.

Heart Disease

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Heart disease (Cardio-vascular disease) is the number 1 killer in term of disease in Malaysia. It is the general term for heart problems which may include conditions such as coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, cerebral vascular disease, stroke, carotid artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. Heart disease is generally caused by a lack of blood flow to the arteries supplying either  the heart, carotid arteries, brain or legs. This can result from a condition known as atherosclerosis or a build up of plaque which leads to a lack of oxygen supplying the vascular tissue.


Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Skipped or irregular heart beats
• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Pain in the jaw or legs

Causes

• Poor diet
• Genetic predisposition
• Atherosclerosis
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Stress
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine
• Being overweight/ obese
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High fat, trans-fats and saturated fat diet
• High levels of inflammatory markers
• Bacteria

Action plans

• Increase the intake of fiber which helps to lower the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
• Keep the blood pressure under controlled which the optimal blood pressure is below 120 systolic and 80 diastolic.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight which being overweight will increase the risk of heart disease.
• Manage stress by learning muscle relaxation and deep breathing technique.
• Practice good hygiene habits by washing hands regularly and avoid staying close to sick people for preventing the viral and bacterial infection that can put stress on heart.
• Avoid the intake of fatty food, alcohol, cigarettes, refined foods and processed food. 

Gout

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Gout is one of the common type of arthritis. It is refers to the deposition of uric acid crystals around joints caused by the disturbance in protein metabolism. The uric acid should be excreted in the urine but sometimes this elimination does not occur and crystals can form. The fingers, and toes are the most likely joints to be affected.


Symptoms

• Severe pain in the joints
• Red, hot, shiny and swollen joints
• Fever
• Less flexibility
• Less urine with strong smell

Causes

• Genetic predisposition
• High alcohol consumption
• Diet high in purine foods, such as seafood, meat and organ meat
• Insufficient water intake
• Insufficient fiber,fresh fruit and vegetables
• Obesity
• Crash dieting
• Abnormal kidney function
• Hypertension

Action plans

• Drink at least 2-2.5 L of water daily to eliminate uric acid through the kidneys and bladder.
• Apply an ice pack with a towel on the joint. Do not apply directly to your skin without a towel as this could damage skin.
• Eat fresh pineapple as it contained enzyme bromelain with the anti-inflammatory effect.
• Avoid the intake of yeast product, alcohol, fried foods, high salt, anchovies,sardine, mussels, mushroom, chilies and tobacco.
• Take green supplement such as Cryptomonadales 
• Take fish oils supplement as their essential fat can help to reduce inflammation.
• Keep a moderate exercise daily by starting with walking and build up gradually.
• Lose weight slowly if overweight.

Fractures

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The bone fracture is a crack or break in a bone. A fracture can be complete or partial. An open fracture is when the skin is pierced, while a closed fracture is when the skin is not broken. There is likely to be extreme pain and swelling and sometimes tingling or numbness around the fracture. The most common site of fractures are the wrist, ankle and hip.


Symptoms

• Out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint
• Swelling, bruising or bleeding
• Intense pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Limited mobility or inability to move a limb

Causes

• High impact of sport injuries
• Traumatic, forceful and unnatural movements
• Overuse- prolonged  long distance walking or running
• Falls
• Accidents
• Osteoporosis
• Tumors growing near the bone

Action plans

• Until the cast has set properly, avoid direct heat such as hot water bottles.
• Rest the limb as much as possible.
• Avoid any lifting or driving until the fracture has healed.
• If the skin under the cast is itchy, don’t poke anything between the cast and limb. Instead, use a hairdryer to blow cool air into the cast.
• Don’t get cast wet, as wet plaster becomes soft and does not provide the necessary support.When showering, wrap the cast in a plastic bag and tape it directly to your skin, to keep the area watertight.
• If presence of swelling, blueness or loss of movement of the fingers or toes, pins and needles, numbness or increased pain, do visit doctor immediately.
• Take fresh pineaaple which contains bromelain as anti-inflammatory effects.
• Take a bone-supportive supplement containing magnesium,calcium,boron,zinc,vitamins A,D and K.
• Take glucosamine sulphate as presence of anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates repairing of joints.
• Take vitamin c as it is important for bone health and repair
• Avoid soft drinks, red meats, tea, coffee, alcohol, processed foods. These can all act as anti-nutrient for bone healing.

Endometriosis

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Endometriosis is a common disorder of the female reproductive organs and is the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain in women. It is the abnormal growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Most commonly within the pelvic area or the abdominal cavity. The endometrial tissue may attach itself to the ovaries, the outside of the uterus, the intestines, or other abdominal organs.

Symptoms

• Painful periods
• Heavy periods
• Lower back pain during menstruation
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Fatigue
• Lower backache

Causes

• Menstrual tissue reflux along fallopian tube
• Genetic predisposition, embryonic defect
• High oestrogen and low progesterone
• Liver weakness
• Environmental toxins and oestrogens
• Over-consumption of caffeine
• Stress
• Immune damage from dioxin
• Iodine deficiency

Action plans

• Eat more wholefoods such as soya beans, lentils, tofu, beans, legumes, vegetables and seaweeds ( for the iodine which if deficient may trigger the condition).
• Eat pineapple for its anti-inflammatory property.
• Take warm baths and a heating pad can help relax pelvic muscles, reducing cramping and pain.
• Getting regular exercise may help improve symptoms
• Avoid the intake of alcohol, red meat and dairy products.
• Reduce sugary baked goods intake as they will create inflammation in the body.
• Avoid coffee as it inhibits mineral absorption.

Depression

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Depression is a state of low mood that can affect the thought ,behavior, feeling and sense of well being of a person.Depressed mood is not necessarily a psychiatric disorder. It may be a normal reaction to certain life events, a symptom of some medical conditions, or a side effect of some drugs or medical treatments. 

Symptoms

• Feeling of helplessness and hopelessness
• Lost of interest in daily activities
• Significant weight loss or gained
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Anger or irritability
• Loss of energy
• Self-loathing
• Reckless behavior
• Concentration problems
• Unexplained aches and pains

Causes

• Liver stagnation
• Food sensitivities
• Vitamin deficiencies especially B group vitamin
• Hereditary factors
• Personal loss or bereavement
• Adrenal fatigue
• Thyroid problems
• Emotional stress
• Medications
• Too much sugar in diet
• Poor diet
• Low level of tryptophan and serotonin
• Low blood sugar
• Low hydrochloric acid

Action plans

• Drink 2- 2.5 liters of water daily to allow liver detoxify properly
• Increase the intake of wholefoods high in complex carbohydrate that contains serotonin to improve the brain function and mood.
• Eat more fish, nuts and seeds which contain essential fats to lower the mood of depression.
• Eat food that contain high chlorophyll such as algae or Cryptomonadales.
• Increase intake of fresh vegetables and fruits which are good source of magnesium to improve mood.
• Avoid the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
• Avoid diet drinks and colas which containing chemical sweeteners and additives that can trigger depression.