Why Women Are More Likely To Suffer Osteoporosis Than Men

A Chinese hunchback woman
Image is courtesy of zhee

Osteoporosis, a silent disease of decreased in bone mass and density, in which the bones become weak, and lead to an increased risk of fracture incident (break bones), especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. Fracture incidents due to osteoporosis, will occur in healthy people, who would not normally break a bone, in both men and women.

According to Nicholas Perricone, M.D.'s book, 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health & Longevity, page 72, there are several unsupported claims, that women are much more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men. Below I found several studies in Pubmed to explain dr. Perricone's following claims:

Claim: Women have less bone mass than men.

Fact:
True indeed. Compare to women, men is given larger bone size, and greater bone area at all sites. But, according to a study, there is virtually no clinical difference, in bone mineral density (BMD) precision between men and women.

BMD, the amount of mineral per square centimeter of bone, is an important predictor for osteoporosis. The actual BMD, which is usually expressed in grams per milliliter, is measured by X-Ray Absorptiometry, or Tomography. (MeSH)

Recent study by University of Wisconsin Osteoporosis Clinical Research Program, Madison, WI, USA, compared BMD precision, in 180 older men and women, by using a Lunar iDXA densitometer. The study resulted that there is virtually no clinical difference, in BMD precision between men and women. (Krueger D, et al. 2013)

Claim: Women tend to live longer than men.

Fact:
Totally true, but I found no link between extended lifespan with osteoporosis.

According to recent article by The Institute of Healthy Ageing, London, UK, sex differences in lifespan exist worldwide, with women outliving men, by more than a decade in some countries. Although most sexually reproducing species examined had shown sex differences, in patterns of ageing, but a comprehensive explanation does not exist.

The sex steroids, such as androgens and oestrogens, were examined their regulation of biological processes, that can affect ageing and lifespan. The sexes, in which able to respond differently to dietary restriction, and to alter the activity of nutrient sensing pathways, had come up with the conclusion that females was showing a greater capability for extending life. (Regan JC, et al. 2013)

Claim: Women usually consume less calcium than men.

Fact:
The statement is doubtful and unclear.

Healthy diet with a sufficient intake of calcium, and vitamin D will help making the bones strong. People are usually having less than half the calcium, and vitamin D they need. The food sources of calcium include, low fat milk, yogurt, cheese, orange juice, cereals, and breads.

In my previous post, which titled, Dietary Intake of Vitamin D Against Diabetes and Cancer, I had also mentioned two studies, in relating to vitamin D, calcium, and fracture incidence.

A study had resulted that four monthly supplementation, with 100,000 IU oral vitamin D, may prevent fractures without adverse effects in men and women. However, another trial did not support the calcium, and vitamin D supplementation, either alone, or in combination, for the prevention of fractures in elderly people.

Recent study by 1 Institute for Aging Research, Boston, MA, USA, suggested that greater protein intake benefits women especially those with lower calcium intakes. But, protein effects are not significant for short term changes in bone density. In the contrary, in men, higher protein intakes lead to greater bone loss. (Sahni S, et al. 2013)

According to a study by Department of Public Health Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, among 46,465 men, and 64,327 women, aged 40-79 years, who responded to the self administered food frequency questionnaire, men aged 40-49 years had the lowest mean intake levels of calcium, with other vitamins and minerals. While in women aged 70-79 years, had the lowest mean intake levels of calcium, retinol, and vitamins A. (Iso H, et al. 2005) There are not enough studies to support dr. Perricone's claim.

Claim: The rate of bone loss accelerates after menopause, because the female hormone estrogen is needed to keep the bones strong.

Fact:
True indeed. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a condition associated with low bone mass, resulting from the increased bone resorption, that occurs following a decline in estrogen levels. (Lagari VS, et al. 2013)

Claim: If a woman's ovaries are surgically removed, more rapid bone loss may occur, because estrogen is made in the ovaries.

Fact:
Totally true. Bilateral oophorectomy (ovariectomy, the surgical removal of both ovaries, resulting in surgical menopause) at the time of hysterectomy (a surgical operation to remove all, or part of the uterus) for benign disease, is commonly practiced, in order to prevent the subsequent development of ovarian cancer, or other ovarian pathology, that might require additional surgery.

Estrogen deficiency resulting from pre-menopausal, and post-menopausal oophorectomies, has been associated with higher risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, hip fracture, Parkinsonism, dementia, cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety, in many studies. Nowadays, observational studies suggest, that bilateral oophorectomy may do more harm than good. In women who are not at high risk of developing ovarian, or breast cancer, removing the ovaries at the time of hysterectomy should be approached with caution. (Parker WH, et al. 2009)

Conclusion: Women are much more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

According to NIH, there are many risk factors, which can lead to bone loss, and osteoporosis. Several risk factors, you cannot change, but others you can. The following are risk factors you cannot change:

Gender
Women are much more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men.

Age
The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.

Body size
Small, thin women are at greater risk of osteoporosis.

Ethnicity
White, Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. Black and Hispanic women have a lower risk.

Family history
Osteoporosis tends to run in families. If a family member has osteoporosis, or breaks a bone, there is a greater chance that you will too.

Other risk factors, which you can avoid includes:

Sex hormones
Low estrogen levels due to missing menstrual periods, or having menopause can cause osteoporosis, in women. Low testosterone levels can bring on osteoporosis, in men.

Anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder which can lead to osteoporosis.

Calcium and vitamin D intake
Diet low in calcium and vitamin D, will make you more prone to bone loss.

Activity level
Lack of exercise, or long term bed rest can cause weak bones.

Cigarettes smoking
Smoking impairs muscle, bone, and joint health.

Excessive use of alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can cause bone loss, and broken bones.

Medication use
Using certain medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis, endocrine disorders, seizure disorders, and gastrointestinal diseases, may have side effects which can damage bone, and lead to osteoporosis.

In his book, dr. Perricone said that glucocorticoids, a class of drugs, a group of steroids, which have metabolic and anti inflammatory effects, have particularly damaging effects on the skeleton.

The following drugs also can cause bone loss:

• Thyroid hormones.
• Anticonvulsants.
• Antacids containing aluminium.
• Gonadrotopin releasing hormones, used for treatment of endometriosis.
• Methotrexate, used for cancer treatment.
• Cyclosporine A, an immunosuppresive drug.
• Heparin and cholestyramine, used for controlling blood cholesterol levels.

Dr. Perricone's 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation by Nicholas Perricone, M.D.

Link Between Passive Smoker and Lung Cancer

A chest X-ray showing a tumor in the lung (marked by arrow).

Lung cancer, an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells in tissues of the lung, is the most common cancer in the world. I had described this in my earlier post, that lung cancer contributed 12.7%, or 1,608,055 new cases, in 2008. The death rate was 18,2%, or 1,376,579 cases of cancer death worldwide.

Cigarette smoking causes mostlung cancers. The more cigarettes to smoke per day, and the earlier age of starting to smoke, the greater the risk of getting lung cancer. Other risks include, high levels of pollution, radiation, asbestos exposure, and first degree family history of any cancers especially lung cancer, may also increase the risk.

The most common symptoms of lung cancer, include:

• A cough that does not heal, and even gets worse by coughing up blood.
• Wheezing, or hoarseness, due to shortness of breath, a breathing difficulty, which involves a sensation of difficult, or uncomfortable breathing, or a feeling of not getting enough air.
• Chest pain, discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere, along the front of your body, between your neck and upper abdomen, that does not heal.
• Regular problems of having pneumonia, or bronchitis.
• Swelling of the neck and face.
• Suddenly of having weight loss, due to loss of appetite.
• Always suffering from fatigue, although was not doing any hard works.

There are many types of lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer is treated differently, because the cancer cells grow, and spread in different ways. Treatments depend on the stage, in which include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. (MedlinePlus)

Link Between Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Cancer

Passive smokers, or second hand smokers, are people who are exposed by environmental tobacco smoke from an active smoker. Environmental tobacco smoke is also known as pollutants from smoker's lung.

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, is generally believed to increase the risk by 25%, of coronary heart disease (CHD), and lung cancer among never smokers. The increased risk is based primarily on meta analysis, and is still controversial due to methodological problems. A researcher, James E. Enstrom, with his associate professor, Geoffrey C. Kabat, was shocking the world, when British Medical Journal published his study, in 2003.

The study was based on cancer prevention study (CPS I) conducted by the American Cancer Society, among 118,094 adults, in 1959, and the follow up study until 1972. Enstrom then conducted the extended follow up, at the University of California, LA, until 1999, with focusing only on the 35,561 never smokers, who had a spouse, in the study, with known smoking habits.

The large study of Californians, which followed for 40 years, had found that environmental tobacco smoke was not associated with CHD, or lung cancer mortality, at any level of exposure. The study suggested that the effects of environmental tobacco smoke, particularly for CHD, are considerably smaller than generally believed.

Moreover, active cigarette smoking was confirmed as a strong risk factor for CHD, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), most commonly disease caused by tobacco smoke, such as, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. (Enstrom JE, et al. 2003)

Smoker who lived until 95 Years of Age

My great grandfather from my mother side, was born in 1902. He was known as a heavy smoker by his sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He died in 1997 at the age of 95 years, due to aging, and not from any diseases. My living grandmother, who was born in 1931, is the second daughter of my great grandfather.

In December 26, 1950, my grandparent was married. My grandparent who had just celebrated 62nd anniversary last year, are non smokers. After 82 years of living, my grandmother was never having any symptoms of CHD, or lung cancer. Also with my living grandmother elder sister (two years of age older), who took care of my great grandfather since the death of my second great grandmother, in 1987 (my first great grandmother died in 1957), was never having any symptoms of CHD, or lung cancer.

From the first marriage, my great grandfather had six daughters and four sons. My great grandfather did not have any children from the second marriage. Seven out of ten children of my great grandfather, are still living until I write this post. The seventh daughter died at a baby age.

Two sons, the third and forth son, who were also a heavy smoker, died because of lung cancer. I never knew the forth son of my great grandfather, because he died when my mom was still carrying me in pregnancy, in 1980. The third son died in 1998, a year after the death my great grandfather.

Then, you might wonder about me. Do I also a smoker? Yes, I do. Until now, I am the only great grandchildren who is an active smoker, after my elder cousin quitted smoking four years ago. Yes, I know the risk of smoking tobacco, and I want to quit smoking.

I found very hard for me to quit on smoking. Again, you might say, there is a way when there is a will. Perhaps someday, I will stop smoking. I started to smoke since I was graduate from high school, due to a broken heart. What? A broken heart can make people started to smoke? Infact, a broken heart can make people conduct a suicide.

Although, there was a dangdut song lyrics that said, better to have a toothache than a broken heart. But, for me, I prefer to have a broken heart than having a toothache. It's because you can still go to bed and sleep, although you had a broken heart. But, you could never get to sleep if you had a toothache

The Obesity Epidemic

Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity is often associated with the high risk of having chronic diseases, such as, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. And then, thin people or vegetarians may have a lower risk of diabetes? No. Obesity may not be the main factor.

A healthy lifestyle will determine the quality of human health. Even in a vegetarian, who is also doing regular exercises, may not lower the risk of diabetes, if the main cause is genetic. It is a fact that, human genes, and family history of diabetes, are associate with the risk of diabetes.

Clinical controlled trials had shown solid evidence that type 2 diabetes is a disease of fatness. A five % of weight loss is sufficient to prevent most obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance, in developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is obesity dependent, and obesity is well understood aetiology (study of causation), as the main cause of type 2 diabetes. (Astrup A, et al. 2000)

However, ask yourself!
How many times you met with an obese Indian, or Chinese?

An update 2012 data, from International Diabetes Federation showed that, there were 33.4 million men, and 29.6 million women with diabetes, in India. Also, there were 51.5 million men, and 40.8 million women with diabetes, in China.

While in my country of Indonesia, from about 300 million population, there were 3.2 million men, and 4.4 million women with diabetes, aged 20 to 79 years. In the US, there were 12.2 million men, and 11.9 million women with diabetes. (IDF)

According to the article published in 2009, by the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, the US generations might have a shorter life expectancy than their parents, if the obesity epidemic is not controlled.

Because, 35.1% of adults in the US, were classified as obese. In children, obesity will continue to increase steadily. The study showed that obesity may become the most difficult public health issues in the US. (Catenacci VA, et al. 2009)

Link Between Obesity and Prostate Cancer

The US Health Professionals Followup Study reported an inverse association between obesity, and the risk of developing prostate cancer, in men under 60 years of age, or in those with a family history of prostate cancer. The study found that body mass does not appear to affect the performance of prostate specific antigen as a diagnostic test. But, a lower body mass is associated with a higher cancer detection rate, on a prostate biopsy.

Although, several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the link between obesity and prostate cancer, including, hormonal alterations, hyperinsulinemia (high levels of insulin in the blood), glucose intolerance (inability to metabolize glucose), elevated IGF (insulin-like growth factor, hormone which exert an effect on bone cell metabolism), and leptin (hormone made by fat tissue, that acts on brain to regulate food intake, and body weight) levels, but, the mechanism which explains the association between obesity, and prostate cancer remains unclear. (Amling CL. 2005)

However, an article which published two months earlier, supported the hypothesis, that obesity is inversely associated with prostate cancer risk, in middle aged men. The study used the interviews from 753 men, aged 40 to 64 years, that were diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1993 and 1996. (Porter MP, et al. 2005)

Obesity and Coronary Heart Disease

We cannot control from where we get our genes, and healthy lifestyle may not prevent us from getting diabetes. But, a healthy lifestyle may prevent us from getting coronary heart disease (CHD). High blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, are controllable risk factors of CHD.

A healthy diet and having regular exercise, can help maintaining a healthy weight, in which helps to control CHD risk factors. Five to ten % loss of body weight can lower the risk of CHD. Overweight children and teens are associated with the high risk of CHD, and may also have a shorter life expectancy than their parents, if their weight gain rates are not reduced. However, personally reducing calorie diets are not advised, unless approved by a physician. (NHLBI)

Image credit: Shakespeare's Monkey

Link Between Cancer and Family History

Image credit: Tracie Taylor

Cancer, an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells that make up living things, is associated with family medical history. Even in an healthy body, cells could grow into sporadic cancer cells. So, in this case, inside every living things's cells could grow into cancer cells.

Cancer cells may lie dormant for years, or even decades before they grow sporadic and produce the symptoms of disease. Some cancers develop extremly slowly and often escape detection during the life of the patient. Different types of cancer may be caused by many factors, and different combinations of conditions. Also, there is a possibility that the human body immune system might subdue the tumor, or cancer cells without any treatments.

From 6,773.281 million of world population, in 2008, there were 12.6626 million new cancer cases, and 7.5648 million cancer deaths. The risk of getting cancer before the age of 75 years, was 18.6% worldwide. While the risk of dying from cancer before age the 75 years, was 11.1% worldwide.

Denmark was become #1 country with the highest cancer rate, in both men and women. Followed by Ireland in the second, and Australia in the third. The worldwide estimate mortality rate in women was ASR (Age standardised rates) 99.1 people, in 210.8 estimate cancer incidences, per 100,000 people. While in men, the worldwide estimate mortality rate was ASR 139.1 people, in 303.7 estimate cancer incidences, per 100,000 people. (Globocan 2008)

The Worldwide Most Common Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Lung cancer contributed 12.7%, or 1,608,055 new cases, in 2008. The death rate was 18,2%, or 1,376,579 cases of cancer death worldwide.

A cohort study involving 71,392 non smokers women, in Shanghai, China, indicated a moderate association of lung cancer risk with a family cancer history in general, and not specifically to a family history of lung cancer. (Zhang Y, et al. 2007)

The data from recent cohort study, such as, clinicopathologic data, tumor genotype, family history of cancer, and specifically family history of lung cancer, from 230 cases of never smokers lung cancer patients, was also supported the earlier study. 57% of the cases had a family history of any common cancers, and only 42 out of 230 cases (18%), was presented a specific family history of lung cancer. (Gaughan EM, et al. 2013)

Inherited Breast Cancer

The second most common cancer worldwide, in which also the world most common cancer in women is breast cancer. Breast cancer in women contributed 10.9%, or 1,384,155 new cases, in 2008. The mortality rate was 6.1%, or 458,503 cases of death worldwide.

The following are breast cancer risk factors:

• Age and Gender
  Advanced breast cancer cases are found mostly in women aged over 50 years. Although, men are 100 times less likely than women to get breast cancer, there is a chance for men in getting breast cancer.
• Family History
  A major risk factor for breast cancer, is the family cancer history, in first degree relatives of the disease. The first degree relatives are parents, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. About 20% to 30% women with breast cancer, have a family history of the disease.
  Benign breast disease (BBD), a common condition marked by benign (non cancerous) changes in breast tissue, especially hyperplasia (an increased cell production in a normal tissue or organ), is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
  In women with a family history of breast cancer, appear to be at increased risk of being diagnosed with BBD, in which is associated with a greatly increased risk of breast cancer. (Webb PM, et al. 2002)
• Genes
  Human genes play a key role in the development of breast cancers. At least four types of breast cancers have been shown to be inherited, among them, Luminal A, Luminal B, Triple negative/basal-like, and HER2 type.
  Breast cancer may also effect several genes, either by the activation of oncogenes (genes carried by tumor viruses), or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (anti-oncogenes). So, genes are involved specifically as causative factors of breast cancer. (Anderson DE. 1992)
• Menstrual Cycle
  In women who got an early menstrual period, or before the age of 12 years, will have a high risk of breast cancer. Also, in women who went through a late menopause, or above the age of 55 years, will have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Family History and Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer became the third most common cancer worldwide with 9.8%, or 1,235,108 new cases, in 2008. There were 609,051 cases of death have been reported, or 8,1% of the mortality rate worldwide.

Family history is well established to be a risk factor for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent study was aimed to observe the link between family history and survival from colorectal cancer. The study was using the data from 10,937 patients of the National Study of Colorectal Cancer Genetics (NSCCG), to compare with the data from 10,782 patients of the National Cancer Data Repository (NCDR).

Although the study found no differences between those with and without a family history of CRC, age, sex, tumour stage, and the presence of multiple cancers. But, the study managed to provide the evidence that a family history of CRC, is associated with better survival after a diagnosis of CRC. (Morris EJ, et al. 2013)

Family History and Cancer in Children

A study presented five families of paediatric patients suffering from choroid plexus carcinoma, a rare cancer in the ventricles (small cavities or chambers within a body or organ) of the brain. Choroid plexus carcinoma is often found in infants below two years of age.

The study had found that three families met the criteria for germline TP53 (tumor protein p53, a tumor suppressor protein) mutation testing. From those three family, only one familiy conformed to the criteria of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, an inherited cancer syndrome associated with the mutations in TP53 genes.

In the remaining two families, there were no family history of cancers, and the parents were not shown to carry the TP53 genes mutation. (Krutilkova V, et al. 2005)

Although we cannot control from where we get our genes, but, we could control our lifestyle habits to reduce the risk. By keeping a healthy living, and diet will surely minimize the risk of cancer. Just like a quote, What you eat is what you are, being healthy is a choice in life.

Related articles:

• Link Between Gallstones and Diabetes
• Link Between Inflammation and Cancer
• Link Between Passive Smoker and Lung Cancer

Cardioprotective Effects of Kudzu

The Flower of Kudzu.

Kudzu, or known botanically as Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, are considered as noxious weeds, which harmful to some living things. For more than 2000 years, traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM), have been used kudzu root as folk medicines for the treatment of fever, acute dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Kudzu are also believed to possess antiarrhythmic (cardioprotective), hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and anti-Alzheimer's disease properties.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world, though more than 80% occurs in low-income and middle-income countries. A case-control study of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), in 52 countries, 15,152 cases and 14,820 controls, had found that, abnormal lipids, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, psychosocial factors, habits (consumption of fruits, vegetables, and alcohol), and regular physical activity, explained for the risk of myocardial infarction in the world. (Yusuf S, et al. 2004)

Cardioprotective Effects of Puerarin

Puerarin, an isoflavone isolated from the root of kudzu, had been observed its effect on heart function and serum oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL) cholesterol. Ox-LDL is LDL cholesterol that has been bombarded by free radicals, a marker of lipoprotein associated oxidative stress, which plays a key role in the progression of diabetes complications, and atherosclerosis, or arteriosclerotic vascular disease, a condition in which an artery wall thickens, as a result of the accumulation of fatty materials such as, cholesterol and triglyceride.

The study of puerarin in 78 patients with chronic cardiac failure, suggested that puerarin may improve the clinical heart function, increase the left ventricular ejection, and decrease the level of ox-LDL. (Duan S, et al. 2000)

A study in Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China, to determine the mitochondrial mechanism of puerarin cardioprotective effect against H202-stress in rats, had found that puerarin protects cardiomyocytes (cardiac muscle cells) against H2O2-stress. (Yang B, et al. 2008)

The Circle of Sudden Death

The main predictive factors of silent myocardial infarction, in which I call it as the circle of sudden death, are hypertension, history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes duration. A diabetic patient often has a high blood pressure, and has potential risk on getting a silent heart attack.

A study which aimed to investigated the myocardial protective effects of puerarin, on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, had resulted that puerarin could improve the left ventricular function of diabetic rats and showed protective effects of myocardium (heart muscle tissue). (Pan ZY, et al. 2009)

Kudzu as Herbal Supplement

Kudzu are sold as herbal supplements in Amazon.com and other online shops. But, kudzu products are promoted only to support liver health, to treat hangover as anti-alcohol, and detoxification. There are no products description that promoted kudzu as natural cardiovascular drugs.

Even though kudzu are considered to be noxious weeds, or toxic to some living things, but in human, kudzu could be used to treat cluster headache, one sided head pain that may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose.

Two kudzu herbal supplements which are sold on Amazon.com:

Vitacost Kudzu Root Extract	Planetary Herbals Kudzu Recovery

Link Between Gallstones and Diabetes

My uncle who is an expert on alternative medicine, once said that, gallbladder is one of the vital organs for human. Fortunately, gallbladder is an organ that you can live without, after you had a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery).

But, a healthy gallbladder is needed for diabetic patients, because it can produce pancreatic hormone like insulin. According to my uncle, diabetic patients could be treated by treating their gallstones first. Although gallstones do not require treatment, but gallstones may lead to cholecystitis, an inflammatory condition in the gallbladder.

The Scientific Studies

In a study, insulin producing cells were seen to be retained in the gallbladder of a 53 years old woman, who had already undergone cholecystectomy. The woman had been a diabetic for the past 12 years. (Sahu S, et al. 2008)

Recent study in Nigeria, from 52 patients out of 400 diabetic patients with gallstone disease, had suffered from diabetes for more than 4 years. Gallstone disease in diabetes mellitus is influenced significantly by age, body mass index, and duration of the disease. (Agunloye AM, et al. 2013)

My Uncle's Diabetic Patient Case

In a case of dealing with a diabetic patient, my uncle used his therapy, in which he called it as, Jam Pitu, which is shortened from, jamu, pijat, totok urat, or translated as, herb, massage, and finger acupuncture.

When a man, let's say his name is Joe, met with my uncle for the first time. He was suffering from a strain injury on his little finger. Joe's right hand little finger was not able to be moved easily, and always hurt him if he enforced it. My uncle only check the vein in his right palm, then said to him, You suffer from a diabetes. Go to a doctor and check your blood glucose levels! But, remember not to take any medications from the doctor. Just only to check your blood glucose levels!.

Joe went to see his personal physician to check his blood glucose levels. Indeed, a lab test from Joe's blood, had shown that his blood glucose levels were at 400 mg/dL. Knowing the result, the doctor then prescribed medications for him. But, Joe argued to his doctor. Doc, I do not need the medications from you. Diabetes that I suffered because of this strain little finger, said Joe showing his finger.

Joe's doctor laughed suddenly. There are no link between diabetes and your strain little finger, said Joe's doctor. Joe then left the doctor's office without taking the prescription, and talked to my uncle by phone to set up a meeting.

My uncle went to see Joe, and listened to Joe's story about what he had experienced with his doctor. So, you are not taking any medications. Take this herbs, and drink 3 times a day. The herbs will be enough for a week. Next week, I will meet you again to do the massage to heal your finger, said my uncle.

A week later, my uncle went to see Joe, and massaged his right arm, but not his little finger. You are fine now. Go and check again your blood glucose levels!, said my uncle. Just that it?, Joe confused.

After you took the herbs for a week, Your gallbladder is working fine now. Did you also notice that you are no longer having any pains in your chest?, asked my uncle. Yeah, I noticed it. I also had a pain in my right chest, just before I took the herbs, answered Joe.

When the lab test result came out, Joe's blood glucose levels were dropping to 135 mg/dL, in which is still above the normal of 100 mg/dL. And then, Joe went to see his doctor again.

Hey Doc, take a look at this!, said Joe handling over the lab test result. You once said that, there are no link between diabetes and my strain little finger. See this!, said Joe with showing his little finger freely moves. Joe left the doctor's office, and leaving the doctor in speechless amazement.

My uncle also told me, that I should keep my gallbladder to always bitter. I was confused?!? That is, by consuming bitter foods or drinks, just like the bitterness of the gallbladder. If your gallbladder is bitter, gallstones will be disappeared by itself, and you will be healthy. Gallstones will lead you to diabetes and even cancer, said my uncle to me.

From Joe's diabetes case, my uncle's treatment was aimed to his gallstone disease. Although Joe has cured from his diabetes, but his blood glucose levels are still at high risk. So, Joe must pay more attention on his way of life, especially on his eating habits.

Joe's strain little finger was resulted from his gallstones. Because the presence of gallstones, the oxygen in his blood were not well distributed, said my uncle to me. Just like Joe's doctor, I am speechless. As far as I know, gallbladder function is not for distributing oxygen in the blood.

Link Between Inflammation and Cancer

Toes inflamed

Inflammation, a part of unknown immune system response which occurs in reaction to any type of injury. (Ferrero-Miliani L, et al. 2007) In normal conditions, the inflammatory process will be recovered by itself with help from the body resistant (immunity). We can attain our body immunity by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, such as, starfruit, papaya,, carrot, cabbage, and mangosteen, or other supplements that could boost our immune system, to help our body to resist infection. But in some cases, inflammatory process might develop into chronic inflammatory diseases.

Aulus Cornelius Celsus (circa 25 BC — 50 AD)

A Roman physician, who first characterized the signs of inflammation, in which are, calor (warmth), dolor (pain), tumor (swelling) and rubor (redness). He had described in detail of numerous ancient medicinal remedies, which included surgical procedures of removing cataract, and treating bladder stones, in his eight books of De Medicina (On Medicine).

Rudolph Carl Virchow (13 October 1821 — 5 September 1902)

A German physician who was known as the father of modern pathology, who described the link between inflammation and cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, pulmonary diseases, neurological diseases and other chronic diseases. Virchow is also known as the first who recognized leukemia cells.

In honour to Rudolph Carl Virchow, several medical terms are named after his. Virchow's gland, or Virchow's node, is the medical term for the presence of metastatic cancer in a lymph node, in the root of the neck left of the midline. While Virchow's cell, is the medical term for a macrophage in Hansen's disease, or known as leprosy.

The last three decades, extensive researches by scientists around the world, had confirmed the link between inflammation with cancer and other chronic diseases. Several anti inflammatory agents had been used for centuries to treat cancer and other chronic diseases, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Ayurvedic medication.

Cancer, an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells that make up living things. Cancer in Latin means crab, and it was Celsus who translated from the Greek term of carcinos, which also means crab. Hippocrates was the first who used the word carcinos in referring to malignant tumors.

Cancer had been recognized by the Egyptians since 1500 BC. Cancer is actually widespread in most forms of plant and animal life. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer are recognized in human life. The description of cancer above is nearly the same with Virchow's cell theory, omnis cellula e cellula, every living cell comes from another living cell.

The Cancer's 7 Danger Signals by the American Cancer Society also indicates the link between inflammation and cancer, in which are:

1. Unusual bleeding, or discharge.
2. A lump, thickening in the breast, or elsewhere.
3. A sore that does not heal.
4. Change in bowel, or bladder habits.
5. Hoarseness, or cough.
6. Indigestion, or difficulty in swallowing.
7. Change in a wart, or mole.

When above signals last longer than two weeks, it is essential that a doctor be consulted. And do not used any alternative medications by your self without doctor's advised, or any experts of alternative medications.

Although we could treat ourselves using natural anti inflammatory agents, such as, cucurbitacins from muskmelon, carotenoids from carrot, curcuminoids from white turmeric, sulforaphane from cabbage, and xanthones from the rind of mangosteen, herbalist expert should be consulted. Because most herbal medicines for cancer treatment are poisonous, for example, anti inflammatory and cytotoxic agents of phalerin, derived from the poison fruit of mahkota dewa.

Suffering From Influenza

Corona Virus

For a couple of days, I have been sufferred from heavy flu. I never thought before that my last week activities has dropped my stamina. After my aunt's funeral, two days later, I went to my cousin's wedding at Malang. On the way to Malang with my wife by motor bike, our journey was stopped due to heavy rain at Lawang, just about 20 Kms from the destination.

We stucked from a store waiting for the rain to stop. We continued our journey with small drops of rain in our head, but not for a km we stopped again due to heavier rain. Finally, the rain did stop after a long wait at a gas station. The journey that normally takes an hour and half, we took until 3 hours.

It has been a month since last rainfall in my own city of Sidoarjo, that only for 20 minutes. The hot temperature in Sidoarjo everyday is 35 °C (95 °F), so the rain in Lawang was cooled our body. That is the main reason with the flu I was getting.

What is Influenza?

Influenza, an infectious disease caused by a virus of the influenza group. Influenza epidemics have been known since ancient times. An extensive world wide outbreak occurred in 1918-19, resulting in the death of an estimated twenty million people.

There are three distinct influenza virus types, A, B, and C.

• Influenza A
  It occurs in epidemic cycles every 2 - 4 years. The pandemic of Asian flu in 1957 was caused by a variant of the A virus. The 1968 epidemic of the so called Hong Kong Flu was a new A virus. The outlook was relatively mild compared with those of 1957 and 1968.
• Influenza B
  The epidemics occur every 4 - 6 years. Influenza B develops slower than Influenza A, but faster than Influenza C.
• Influenza C
  Rarely produces disease, but can be severe and can cause local epidemics. It usually causes mild disease in children.

The continued struggle with recurring epidemics reflects the ability of the virus to change. The influenza virus probably enters the body through inhalation of droplets discharged from the mouth, or nose of infected person.

After an incubation period of one or two days, the illness appears suddenly with chills, fever, pain behind the eyes, headache, lassitude, prostration, and severe muscular pains. There may also be coughing, congestion of the eyes, sneezing, or bleeding from the nose.

A fairly high fever usually persists for two to three days. The patient ordinarily recovers within a week, but fatigue, depression, and a tendency to perspire easily may persist for one to two weeks. The influenza infection is ordinarily not fatal itself, but death may occur from complications, particularly bacterial pneumonia. The use of antibiotics has decreased deaths from such infections.

Influenza vaccines can prevent illness in about 70% of those immunized. The virus which makes up the vaccine is grown in chick embryos, and then inactivated by formalin. People suffering from heart disease, chronic lung problems, and diabetes should be immunized each winter. But for those who allergic to egg, should not receive the vaccine.

There are no drugs that can cure influenza. Amantadine hydrochloride is sometimes used, along with time honored bed rest, to relieve symptoms. Amantadine does not kill the virus or prevent other person from becoming infected, and it should not be given to children.

The Natural Way of Treatment

Despite of no drugs that can cure influenza, you may relieve the symptoms by using several ways below:

Having Good Rest
Having a good rest does not mean you have to be on a bed for days. You could still do many activities, including go to work like I did.

Ask yourself? Have you ever been hospitalized? What do you do when you are hospitalized for a few days? What difference does it make if you do this when being treated in your own home?

Sleep may activate the immune system, and having good rest will make our body more comfortable, and boost immunity against diseases. The more quality of sleeping that you have, the more stamina you wil gain. The more stamina your body has, will relieve the influenza symptoms.

Multi-Vitamins
Some doctors would not prescribe vitamins along with antibiotics. It may because your medical records, and some patients with high hypertension are not allowed on taking multi-vitamins. Multi-vitamins might improve your stamina despite all that you did not get from your foods.

Garlic
Based on my previous post about garlic, it has been used as natural stamina booster since many years ago. And garlic also has been used to treat fatigue, preventing and fighting the common cold.

Sunbathe
It is not for intention to get a suntan, but having direct sunlight will get your body more natural vitamin from the Sun. As you know, Sun is the source of vitamin D, especially the Sun light before 9 am. After the first 3 hours in the morning, the Sun light will only burn your skin.

Reference:
Encyclopedia International
Influenza by Harold Neu, M.D.,
Associate Professor of Medicine, and Head, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University.

Hodgkin's Disease

Hodgkin's disease, disease of unknown origin characterized by enlargement of the lymph glands. Many authorities, including American Cancer Society, consider it to be a form of cancer while others argue that an infection is responsible.

Hodgkin's disease which also known as Hodgkin lymphoma, was named after Thomas Hodgkin, an English physician, in 1832. Thomas Hodgkin was considered to be one of the most prominent pathologists of his time, and a pioneer in preventive medicine.

Manifestations of The Hodgkin's Disease

The disease attacks males more frequently than females, and may appear at any age, young adults are often affected. The lymph glands of the neck are usually involved first, undergoing a painless enlargement.

Later the lymph glands under the arms, in the groin, in the chest, and abdomen enlarge. General symptoms include loss of appetite and weight, fatigue, night sweats, intermittent fever, and anemia.

Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the chest with pressure on the surrounding tissues may produce cough, difficulty in breathing, and chest pain.

Expansion of the lymph nodes which lie on the rear wall of the abdomen may compress the contents of the abdomen, displacing one or both kidneys. Other manifestations of the disease may be found in the lungs, bones, nervous system, and skin.

The spleen and liver are often enlarged. In some patients, itching may be the major complaint. A curious unexplained phenomenon in Hodgkin's disease is the appearance of pain, in the involved areas following consumption of alcohol.

The Treatment

The disease may be treated with radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depending on the age and sex of the patient, the stage, and histological subtype of the disease.

X-ray (radiation) therapy is the preferred treatment, and may relieve symptoms for weeks, months, or years. Nitrogen mustard has also proved useful. Although these and other methods of treatment may temporarily improve the patient's condition, they do not cure the disease. Despite this, some patients with Hodgkin's disease may survive for as long as twenty years.

References :

Encyclopedia International
Hodgkin's Disease by Irving Solomon, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, Mount Sinai Medicine School, New York.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hodgkin's_disease

Hansen's Disease

Hansen's disease, or known as leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, which involves primarily the skin and the peripheral nerves. Altough it's primarily a tropical disease, it has occurred as far North as Norway and Iceland.

The leprosy bacterium was first describe by the Norwegian physician, G. Armauer Hansen, in 1874. Its structure and characteristics is similar to the organism which causes tuberculosis. The bacteria are believed to be transmitted by direct contact.

Though it's not easily spread, but more than 5% of persons married to a person suffering from leprosy will become infected with the disease. The average period of incubation is five years or more.

Body Disturbances

The disturbances seen in leprosy are extremely variable. Skin is usually affected early while nerve damage appears later. There are many disabling phenomena result from nerve damage rather than infection.

The ulcers of the feet and the fingers are caused by damage resulting from of the infection along the nerves of the extremities. Facial disfigurement is seen only in advanced stages, when the infection is untreated.

Skin lesions vary from simple spots to thick infiltrations and nodule formation. The severity of the infections depends upon the type of leprosy. The most severe cases are caused by the lepromatous, which progresses steadily, and involves infiltration of the skin, producing nodular lesions.

The milder tuberculoid form usually improves spontaneously. In many instances, tuberculoid leprosy would be an unimportant skin condition were it not for the associated nerve involvement.

Leprosy is rarely fatal in itself. Death, when it occurs, usually results from complications, or a concurrent illness. The most serious complications are involvement of the nose and throat, which accompanies the advance disease. Trophic ulcerations of the feet with secondary infection, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and lesions of the inner structures of the eyes, which leads to blindness.

The Treatment

Since 1941, a group of drugs, called sulfones, which are related chemically to sulfonamides, have been widely used in the treatment of leprosy. Sulfones are highly effective in the milder types. Although they do not cure the lepromatous types, serious complications are usually prevented.

Because the similarity of the bacillus which caused leprosy, the sulfones were also tested against tuberculosis, but without success. Sulfones do not destroy, but surpress the leprosy bacillus, so that the patient's own defenses slowly overcome the disease.

Treatment failures are observed in approximately 5% of the cases, resulting from the development of drug-resistance by the leprosy bacteria. Although the sulfones act slowly, no better agents have been developed for control of leprosy.

Leprosy is being treated today with large-scale outpatient treatment programs. The U.S. operates a specialized hospital for the treatment of leprosy at Carville, La., and maintains clinics at hospitals, in New Orleans and San Francisco. Also two institutions in the state of Hawaii, to conduct a continuous program for the care of patients, and the control of spread of the disease.

Source : Encyclopedia International

• Leprosy
  U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, Carville, Louisiana.
• Sulfones
  Harold C. Neu, M.D., Columbia University.

Reconciled with Cancer

Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih (February 1, 1955 – May 2, 2012)

Since diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer on October 22, 2010, former Health Minister of Indonesia, Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih, finally had to reconcile with her disease. She died on May 2, 2012 at the RSCM Kencana, Jakarta, after struggling for nearly two years. Such a spirit of living with cancer, while many others are willing to just gave up the hope. Endang had never complained about her illness, and always showed her tender and warm smile to everyone she met, while she suffered from cancer.

For her, suffering lung cancer is considered to be a gift from God. If I was given a disease, I must be grateful. Why should I be glad, if I were given the gift of happiness, while given the disease was not?, said Endang in front of dozens of cancer patients who survived.

A Harvard University of U.S. graduate who was always repeatedly explained, that her illness wasn't caused by smoking. Endang wasn't an active or passive smoker. In her home environment, there are nobody who smoked. Despite by smoking itself, air pollutions and some chemical substances are also known as lung cancer trigger.

I do not smoke. I don't know what caused it, the cancer was suddenly appeared. Many diseases are known of having unknown causes, said Endang in an interview on January 18, 2011. On the contrary to other cancers, lung cancer can't be detected. It doesn't even show early symptoms at all, though it had reached the advanced stage.

Cigarettes and Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has changed in status from an uncommon disease to one that now represents the most common cause of death from cancer of any site in men. Chemical and biological studies have indicated that there are at least 8 compounds present in tobacco smoke from cigarettes which can cause cancer in experimental animals.

This has moved many leading governments, to issue statements concerning the health hazard of cigarette smoking, and to conclude that smoking is the principle cause of the increase in lung cancer. Such statements have also come from the Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service, the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, The Research Council of Sweden, the Health Council of Holland, and the National Cancer Institute of Canada.

Some scientific investigators have expressed doubt as the significance of the association between smoking and lung cancer. They have criticized the statistical studies as failing to take into account constitutional differences, and other environmental factors, which may influence the development of lung cancer. Others feel that producing cancer in animals by painting their skins with tobacco extracts, doesn't demonstrate that human lung cancers are caused by the same substances.

An extensive study of 402 men at autopsy has given added weight to the correlation between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. The report, based on microscopic examination of 19,797 lung sections, showed that changes in the air passageways (the tracheo-bronchial tree) varied dramatically with the amount of cigarettes smoked. The pathologists were not told of the type of case, or smoking history during the reading of the slides.

The smallest number of changes were found in those who never smoked, or smoked only occasionally. With the increase in amount of cigarettes smoked, there was a progressive increase in the number of abnormal changes present. The greatest number of changes were present in those who smoked 2 or more packs of cigarettes per day.

Sources :

• Jawa Pos, Headlines, May 3, 2012.
• Cigarettes and Lung Cancer article is part of my previous post by Sylvia Frank, Research Reports Coordinator, Research Department, American Cancer Society.

Bubonic Plague called Dysentery

Couple days ago, few of my friends were sick because of diarrhea, for a couple of days. But after they went to see doctor, the doctor told them that they were having a disease called dysentery. Some people might called dysentery was just a mild disease, but if it not treated well, it can be fatal and will end up to death.

A legendary hero, a Saint who led the 7th and 8th Crusades, King of France, St. Louis IX was believed to have died from this bubonic plague, which called dysentery. King Louis IX died of the plague outside the walls of Tunis (Aug. 25, 1270), when he tried to capture the city of Tunis, Tunisia.

The Bettmann Archive

St. Louis IX of France, in a portrait by Jean Fouquet (c.1416-1480)

So, What is this Bubonic Plague called Dysentery?

Dysentery is a painful inflammation on the large intestine, it's usually accompanied by severe diarrhea. The principal types are amebic dysentery and bacillary dysentery.

Amebic Dysentery is caused by the ameba Endamoeba histolytica. The majority of persons infected with E. histolytica manifest no symptoms, or discomfort. They are called carriers because, although not apperently ill, they may transmit the disease to the others, through their infected feces.

In some cases may have mild indigestion and a slight fever. Weakness, nausea, vomitting, and abdominal cramps are usually present. Severe untreated cases may be fatal. However, it can be treated readily through the use of various medications, including diodoquine, oxytetracycline, and carbarsone. The prevention of infection can be accomplished by sanitary disposal of human waste, control of food and water supplies, also early detection and treatment of carriers.

Bacillary Dysentery is caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Shigella. Epidemics are likely to occur where conditions are crowded and unsanitary. The disease has played an important role in military history. The differs from the amebic form in that most cases develop rapidly, display symptoms consisting of violent, often bloody, diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomitting.

5 or more bowel movements an hour are not uncommon during the 1st day, and dehydration may result. Fluids must be administrated to replace those that are lost. In severe cases, solutions containing sodium and potassium are introduced through the veins. In milder infections, symptoms may be limited to 1 or 2 days of mild diarrhea. Bacillary dysentery is not ordinarily fatal. The preventive techniques used in amebic dysentery also apply to the bacillary form.

Taken from Encyclopedia International:
Amebic Dysentery by Jerome D. Waye, M.D.,
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical School, New York.
Bacillary Dysentery by Robert Woods Brown, M.D.,
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of California, San Fransisco.