Teenage Height and Weight linked to Cancer Risk

Surprised? Well, rightly read! Generally, height and weight are the first two attributes which knowingly or unknowingly, are either monitored or looked upon when we meet or interact with someone. Tall statured people are perceived to be impressive with their heights, making the ones with stunted height usually feel inferior. Also, the prevalent crisis faced by all, especially the current generation - obesity, either fuels up the chances of diseases and disorders in body or worsens the symptoms of any existing ailment. Obesity, an already known factor to increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; along with excessive height, can they be responsible for development of cancers?

Sounds absurd, as how can a widely perceived societal notion of possessing a tall height and providing excessive nutrition for your kids can trigger the onset of a deadly disease with no cure? Scientists claim that excessive height and nutrition during childhood may initiate the development of cancers like Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma..what is it?

White blood cells or lymphocytes are made in the lymphatic system and being an important part of our immune system, they aid to fight any infiltrative foreign particles or pathogens, be it virus or bacteria; or any impending infection. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes wherein there is an abnormal growth, division and proliferation of three types of lymphocytes: B and T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells.

Usually, lymphocytes have a predictable life-cycle where old cells die and new ones are produced to replace them. In Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, old cells don’t die but keep growing and dividing, thereby creating an oversupply of lymphocytes aka ‘fighter’ cells, thus crowding the lymph nodes causing them to swell. Till date, doctors aren’t sure what causes this cancer. It is either indolent or aggressive and has many different types which are diagnosed by varied microscopic appearance and biological characterisations of malignant lymphocytes.

Obesity, Tall Height & Lymphoma: Where’s the link?

A recent study led by Dr. M. Leiba and her team at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center examined the height and weight of 2 million adolescents aged 16 to 19 years from 1967-2011; and 4000 cases of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma were found till 2012 since 1967.

It is estimated that the obese are on a 25% increased risk of acquiring Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma later in life as compared to those with normal weight. Similarly, shorter individuals were seen with 25% reduced risk of developing this condition in future, while the tallest were at 28% increased risk of acquiring the same. Researchers found that obesity and a too tall stature during adolescence affect inflammatory molecules and growth factors that support the development of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, an accurate mechanism of how these attributes in childhood transpire this condition requires further detailed research.

Timely diagnosis: A stitch in time saves nine!

Know the levels of biomarkers going haywire because of obesity by seeking timely medical help. Make preventive healthcare a priority today; get yourself tested for the presence or elevation of any cancer marker levels. After all, it goes without saying, an early diagnosis aids in better prognosis and treatment.

For more information, visit http://thyrocare.com/

10 ways to prevent Diabetes

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounts for 53% deaths in India. Among these NCDs, diabetes - a condition characterised by high levels of blood sugar is one of the major contributor. India is already ranked to be one of the top contenders in harboring a high populace of affected; fast racing to even become the diabetes capital of the world. As per estimations, the pervasiveness of diabetes in the world is expected to rise considerably with India single-handedly housing up to 79.4 million affected individuals by 2030. In spite of diabetes becoming a big healthcare burden the population accessing preventive healthcare checks remains comparatively less. What adds to the scare is the disease could lie silent without stark symptoms and if missed diagnosing in time can rise to killer extent.

Though, touted to be a killer disease, diabetes can be prevented with simple lifestyle & dietary modifications. Let us have a look at few popular well-proven mantras for the same.

1. Check your sugar levels: Diabetes can be asymptomatic and many people are unaware about it. However, everybody should get tested irrespective of their age or risk factor. Also, people should opt for preventive health checkups to keep a tab on susceptibility to other related conditions. 

2. Maintain body weight: Obesity and being overweight can disturb insulin secretion which can in turn lead to type 2 diabetes. However, losing just 5% of your extra body weight can reduce the risk considerably.

3. Eat healthy: Reduce consumption of excess amount of trans fat, carbohydrates or protein-rich foods. Indulge in eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fibre or foods rich in omega-3fatty acids.

4. Indulge in physical activity: Activities like walking, aerobics, yoga, jogging, swimming would not only help prevent diabetes but also aid in maintaining a good physical health.

5. Limit your alcohol intake: Moderate drinking can benefit your health, but too much alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain which ultimately increases diabetes risk.

6. Quit smoking: The chances of developing diabetes are doubled in smokers as compared to non-smokers. If you are following other preventive measures, the positive impact of them on your health cannot be seen if you still smoke. 

7. Avoid processed foods: Fast foods are usually high in fats, calories and salt content. Fried or oily foods should be skipped and instead opt for healthy replacements at restaurants or cook for yourself.

8. Spice up your taste: Certain spices can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Cinnamon is one which can improve glucose metabolism. Supplementing other foods with cinnamon can help to reduce blood sugar level.

9. Avoid sugary drink & instead indulge in sipping coffee or tea: Drinking sugary beverages increases the chances of diabetes as they have high glycemic content. Instead drink more water, coffee or tea. These aid to metabolise the sugar and regulate insulin secretion.

10. Get sound sleep: 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day is a must to prevent diabetes risk. Adequate sleep will minimize cravings for high-calorie junks and maintain energy levels during the day. Sleeping for less than 5 hours can increase your risk for diabetes.


For more information, visit http://www.thyrocare.com/

Worried about Breast Cancer? Eat Broccoli!

For all you women out there, here’s just another reason why you should add the green headed flower in your food platter. Yes! We are talking about broccoli, yet another member of the cruciferous vegetables family which is found to aid in cancer prevention. Let’s see what it has in store for women who are suffering from or are at risk of breast cancer.

Sulforaphane 
Cruciferous vegetables show high content of one particular compound - ‘Sulforaphane’ which has antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic properties. As an anti-carcinogen, sulforaphane helps to maintain balance in levels of antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are essential molecules that help to combat the harmful effects of various dietary, environmental and other types of carcinogens. More to add, sulforaphane is also found to increase the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy drug – Taxol. Broccoli sprouts are also known to harbor 50 times the anti-cancer property of broccoli.

Why broccoli over other cruciferous vegetables?
Studies have proven that broccoli among the entire cruciferous family has the highest content of sulforaphane making it yet another potent anti-cancer weapon. Next in line with high content of sulforaphane is purple cabbage and green cabbage.

Breast cancer and broccoli
Though broccoli shows anti-cancer property, it has a lot to contribute towards ceasing the development and recurrence of breast cancer among woman. Broccoli exclusively has been studied to understand its effect towards breast cancer. It is found that broccoli has a unique ability to suppress growth & division of cancerous cells and also to some extent promote the death of cancerous stem cells. 

Frequent consumption of broccoli is also known to reduce levels of a particular estrogen metabolite - ‘16alpha-hydroxyestrone’ which is capable of promoting breast cancer in females. Consumption of broccoli by premenopausal women can also contribute to lowering the risk towards breast cancer in later stages of life. However thyroid affected women need to beware as consumption of broccoli interferes with thyroid hormone formation (especially in iodine deficient females).

Breast cancer is a growing concern among woman, hence it is imperative to be aware about the various ways of preventing it. Though broccoli is found to be a good anti-cancer vegetable, complete dependence on such foods is not advised. Frequent evaluation of breasts by self for presence of any lumps and also medical consultation is essential. Also, minimizing or avoiding lifestyle habits such as smoking, that may additionally contribute in provoking the onset of the disease is important. If breast cancer has been running in family, (a close relative such as mother, grandmother, maternal aunts has been affected) genetic counseling is advisable as this helps in voiding the chances of being at risk.

A woman is filled with immense strength to meet the demands of her family and professional life. But somewhere she fails to realise that her body demands attention and care too. Tend to its little needs at proper time, so you are fit to meet your vocation’s demands.

For more information, kindly visit Thyrocare's partner, which provides the diagnostic imaging, Nueclear.  http://www.nueclear.com/

Sleep deprivation may lead to Diabetes

A disturbed circadian rhythm can spike your blood sugar levels! One may wonder how is it possible that lack of shut-eye can lead to a serious metabolism disorder, Diabetes mellitus; a condition no longer observed in the elderly alone. Recent studies show that sleep deficit aggravates risk of Type 1 diabetes which afflicts mainly the pediatric population; along with Type 2 diabetes, one of the leading causes of blindness among the working age folks, that has gripped even the younger generation of adolescents and youth now, who are unaware of it due to lack of visible symptoms at its onset. 

Connection between Sleep and Diabetes 

In diabetes mellitus, there is either lack of Insulin, a hormone which keeps blood glucose levels normal, due to failure of its production from pancreas (Type 1 Diabetes), or ineffective utilisation of insulin produced due to development of insulin resistance, causing failure to respond towards its normal function of supplying glucose to body cells (Type 2 Diabetes). Either way, diabetes results due to body’s inefficiency to break down glucose that is blood sugar which starves our body cells for energy leading to high unutilized blood sugar levels.

Slow-wave sleep (SWS) or deep sleep is a crucial stage of sleep associated with memory consolidation and recovery upon sleep deprivation. Studies have shown that if one doesn’t get enough sleep of 6-8 hours along with a greater decline in SWS, sympathetic nervous system (body’s stress control center) and hormone balances get altered affecting overall glucose regulation. Sleeplessness increases the body’s need for insulin to maintain the blood glucose levels and also affects the normal working of insulin-producing cells, thereby putting one at a high risk of diabetes. Lack of sleep makes one fatigued, which jolts the sympathetic nervous system in high gear, thus impeding its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Even sleeping four hours or less for just two nights can temporarily disrupt the normal blood sugar regulation.

The less one sleeps, chances are more that such sleep deprived individuals tend to overeat due to production of extra ghrelin (appetite stimulating hormone) and there is simultaneous lowering in the production of leptin (satiety hormone). Obesity results due to cravings for high-calorie foods and unhealthy high-carbs for a quick energy boost with late night snacks, coffees, etc. causing blood sugar malfunction as overweight individuals have excess fat that inhibits proper insulin function. Also, individuals with prior family history of diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the same, if they regularly miss out on a good night's rest.

Get ample sleep to avoid Diabetes

Being a nocturnal and workaholic has created an illusion in today’s generation pertaining to enhancing work productivity and perking up bank balances. At odds with the popular belief, eight hours is not always the gold standard of ideal sleep, therefore one can lower the risk of impending diabetes by figuring out the ideal amount of shut-eye required. Be it a baby or an adult in their 30s, according to their age and fitness levels, sufficient amount of sleep is required wherein kids and teens need more sleep than adults. A good marker that you’re getting enough sleep is when you feel rested upon waking up regardless of the hours asleep, whereas a sluggish feeling during the day, points out a lack of good slumber. Extra sleep can be squeezed in by napping for not more than 30-40 minutes, but must be at least six hours prior bedtime, or else it’ll be difficult to fall asleep in night.

Fortunately, the sleep-diabetes connection is reversible as our body can recover from short periods of sleep deprivation if bedtime is moved forward even by as less as 15 minutes, gradually increasing each night. Prolonged chronic sleep deficit is interpreted as a constant stressor for the body, fueling the risk for diabetes. Best avoidance stratagem against this sugar disease will be achieved by adhering to the normal sleep-wake cycle by exercising regularly to boost metabolism and following a timely intake of healthy diet; in short let your body cycle run on time! 

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The Unexplained Infertility...

Sounds a bit unnerving to the ears isn’t it? The term infertility alone is enough to rob a couple of their lives utmost happiness and yearning to expand their family! Imagine adding insult to the assault, when the cause of infertility is not known... How would it be? Yes there exists a side to infertility issues wherein the cause cannot be uncovered or diagnosed and hence termed ‘unexplained infertility’.

The entire cycle of events involved in the different stages of pregnancy from conception to child birth is known by many these days. Right from the stage of formation of the fetus, to the nine months of pregnancy and delivery; every step is filled with numerous factors that influence the existence of the term - Fertility. Failure in any of the steps can become crucial and question the fertility quotient of either of the partners. The causes behind infertility are many, with only few of them known and only a handful being treatable or preventable. No doubt technologies like IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and surrogacy have greatly helped many couples to realise their dream of having a child; but there are still many out there who continue to be under the dilemma of “Why couldn’t I?"

Unexplained infertility (also termed idiopathic infertility) is a condition wherein the cause for the existence of the malady is beyond the capabilities of medical science to decipher. It involves various factors and causes which become undetectable even after all the routine examinations involving analyzing the sperm from the male partner as well as assessing the fallopian tubes and the uterus of the woman. Pregnancy involves numerous events at the biochemical and molecular level which by and large are not always feasible to diagnose or understand. All such subtle factors that may get affected causing infertility come under the group of “Unexplained Infertility”. 

Females more prone to unexplained infertility...

Women are seen to be affected by the dilemma of unexplained infertility in substantial numbers; especially the ones over 35 years of age. However, in such cases, the most probable conclusion driven is quite known! Yes…it is the quality of the egg. Though the cause is known here, infertility due to egg quality is still counted under unexplained infertility. This is mainly due to the fact that not all women of this age group carry reduced chances of conceiving, and majority also experience their menstrual cycles consistently. Again, analysing the quality of every egg is not practically always feasible.

IVF has answered their prayers!

Most of the couples who exhibit unexplained infertility find reprieve through IVF. These couples are mostly the ones who have failed in achieving pregnancy after more than 3 cycles of intrauterine insemination or clomid treatment (an ovulation simulating drug). Moreover, apart from presenting a solution for infertility, IVF also turns out to be a diagnostic tool for couples with unexplained infertility. Causes such as poor egg or semen quality are better understood when the couple go for IVF treatment. Also, causes of infertility which affect fertilisation and fuel errors during embryo development are better deciphered during the course of IVF treatment.

Known or unexplained, infertility is manageable. Proper guidance and an appropriate approach by affected couples will surely help in eradicating this silent stressor!

For more information, visit http://www.thyrocare.com/