Prescription anti-inflammatory could protect against lung cancer

Celecoxib (better known as Celebrex) could be a preventive treatment for lung cancer. Research done at the University of New Mexico on ex-smokers shows significant results, although the scientists involved are cautiously optimistic until further testing is done.

Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer. It is the leading cause of death among cancers. The five-year survival rate in full-fledged cases is around 15%. Although smoking cessation lowers the risk of lung cancer, there is still a higher risk for former smokers than for people who have never smoked. And there are few effective treatments for the condition, so all of the new options are exciting. It is estimated that there are 45 million smokers and 45 million ex-smokers in the United States alone.

Celecoxib is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is commonly prescribed for conditions that cause pain or inflammation. It is part of a new generation of anti-inflammatory drugs called Coxibs, which stands for COX-2 inhibitors. Coxibs are designed to take full advantage of NSAIDs without the more serious drug side effects. It was a mixed success.

In this experiment 137 participants were examined. All participants were ex-smokers who had not smoked in a year and had smoked one pack a day for at least 30 years. They accidentally received a daily dose of 400 mg celecoxib or an inert placebo. The studies tested a specific chemical marker that is often associated with lung cancer, Ki-67.

The results have been very encouraging. Initial results show that celecoxib appears to lower Ki-67 levels. In fact, the Ki-67 index used with celcoxib showed an improvement of 34% (compared to 3.8% for the placebo).

Although this essay looks promising, the lead investigator, Dr. Jenny Mao, careful in her optimism. She realizes that a full Phase III study is needed to ensure that celecoxib helps prevent lung cancer.

Another important concern is the range of side effects that celecoxib and other NSAIDs have in common. Common side effects include digestive problems, headaches and cardiovascular diseases. Although coxibs like Celecoxib were developed to avoid gastrointestinal effects, their success has been limited. Celecoxib only avoids gastrointestinal problems for a short time. Celecoxib has long-term effects on the stomach and intestines similar to other NSAIDs.

Celecoxib is also associated with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. These potentially dangerous side effects should be treated and weighed against the risk of developing lung cancer. These questions are of interest to all researchers in the next research phase.

Gout - How To Prevent Gout And Painful Recurring Seizures

What is gout? Gout, also known as metabolic rheumatism, is the result of an abnormal build-up of uric acid in the body that forms crystals. Men are more susceptible to gout than women; This is because the female hormone can promote the release of uric acid from the body. The chance for women to develop gout is only 2% of men. Most men with gout are over 40 years old. while women tend to develop gout after menopause. Once a person develops gout, this disease will be with them for the rest of their lives. If not treated, it leads to other complications like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and kidney failure. Therefore, knowing and preventing gout is very important.

Most gout patients experience pain in the toes, with the skin becoming reddish and shiny due to the inflammation. The pain will be very serious because even the gentle wind will exaggerate the pain.

How can you prevent gout and recurring painful seizures?

Avoid obesity

According to the investigations carried out, the uric acid level will increase in proportion to the body surface. So the very first step in preventing gout is to avoid becoming obese. Ideally, try to stay within 10% of your preferred BMI range. Reducing calories, avoiding excessive alcohol and overeating, and reducing saturated fat are some basic ways to stay slim. Make it a habit to chew food completely, as eating too quickly without chewing properly will result in overeating and fat deposition.

Avoid foods with a high purine content

Uric acid is a by-product of the purine breakdown in the body. Animal organs (liver, kidney), anchovies, dried mushrooms, sardines, soybeans and spiced foods contain a high level of purine (about 100 to 1000 milligrams of purine per 100 grams of food). Indeed, try to replace low-purine or low-purine foods such as milk, yam, bread, rice, corn, eggs, cheese, algae, fruits, and vegetables.

Check alcohol consumption

Alcohol increases the formation of uric acid and slows down the kidneys to evacuate them. In fact, most recurring seizures occur the next morning after drinking alcohol in the evening. Beer has the highest purine content of all other alcoholic beverages and promotes uric acid, cholesterol, neutral fats or triglycerides.

Drink more water

If you drink more water, you can dilute the uric acid, which gives the kidneys more options for flushing them out of the body, preventing the formation of kidney stones. A normal healthy person needs 1 to 2 liters of water. while a gout patient needs at least 2 liters a day.

Do easy and frequent exercises

Exercise increases the level of uric acid in the body because it is a by-product of overworked muscles. The blood becomes more viscous because more water is lost through sweat. Therefore, urine acid is more likely to form crystals after strenuous exercise. Some examples of light exercises include hiking, biking, jogging, swimming, golf and bowling. A slow 30-minute jog can burn 160 calories. So do more easy exercises and stay relaxed.