Nutritional Immunology

Breast Cancer is a leading cause of death among women internationally. Its incidence in Asia is rapidly rising with Singapore having one of the highest incidences. It is well established that early detection and early treatment lead to improved survival.

Warning signs:

• Lumps in the breast
• Bloody or unusual nipple discharge
• Recent history of nipple retraction
• Dimpling or puckering of skin overlying the breast
• Itchy rash of the nipple
• Breast pain

Who are at risk?

• Risk increases with age
• Family history of breast cancer
• Family history of ovarian cancer
• Early onset of menstruation and late menopause
• Those on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Those on birth control pills
• Alcohol abuse

What can you do?

• Breast self-examination (monthly)
• Screening mammograms (age 40 and above)
• Limit alcohol intake to less than one drink a day or avoid completely
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid ling-term hormone therapy
• A balanced diet with plenty phytochemicals, antioxidants and polysaccharides

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Related Posts:

Cancer and You
Colorectal Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Lung Cancer
Liver Cancer
Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 16th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Jau-Fei Chen, phytochemicals | 6 Comments »

Colorectal Cancer is a collective term encompassing cancer of the colon and rectum. The first is cancer of the large intestine, which is the lower part of the digestive system. The second is cancer of the last 15cm of the colon. It is the top killer cancer in Singapore, affecting more than 1,000 cases each year. Worse of all, the number of people afflicted every year is on the rise.

Warning signs:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• A change in bowel habit
• Persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain
• Incomplete emptying of the bowel
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue

Who are at risk?

• Common amongst those age above 50
• Family history of colon cancer
• Previous history of colon polyps
• Persons with inflammatory bowel disease
• A Diet low in fibre and high in fat and calories
• Sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, obesity and smoking

What can you do?

• Maintain a diet high in fruits, vegetables and grains
• Exercise regularly
•  Drink enough water
• Undergo stool blood test (Faecal Occult Blood Test)
• Undergo colonoscopy screening every 10 years (age 50 years and above)

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Related Posts:

Cancer and You
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Lung Cancer
Liver Cancer
Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 15th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Jau-Fei Chen, phytochemicals | Comments Off on Colorectal Cancer

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells within the body. Left untreated, these cells will invade tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

Cancer is the number one killer in Singapore, responsible for one quarter of all deaths. It can affect anyone, young or old, male or female, people of any race or nationality.

Most people dread the mention of the word “cancer”. However, avoiding the subject may actually do more harm than good. If cancer is detected earlier and treated appropriately, it increases the chances of cure and long term survival.

Cancer often has no specific symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms do appear, however, they will likely vary, depending on the type of cancer, the stage or extent of the disease, size, location and the overall health of the person, among other factors.

By learning more about cancer, you might be able to help yourself and your family members. In Singapore, the top 5 cancers in men and women are… Colorectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Lung Cancer and Liver Cancer, which we’ll talk more about each of them in subsequent posts.

Source of information: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Related Posts:

Colorectal Cancer
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Lung Cancer
Liver Cancer
Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer through a Plant Base Diet

Posted on July 14th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: Jau-Fei Chen, phytochemicals | 6 Comments »

Prostate cancer, which in recent years has grown to almost epidemic proportions, especially in developed countries. It is now the world’s fourth most common form of malignancy (cancerous tumor) among men, with some 400,000 new cases being diagnosed annually.

Recent scientific evidence suggests that diet plays a major role in the development, progression and deadliness of prostate cancer, with increased risk being linked to the consumption of meat, dairy products and fat. Now let’s hear what the experts have to say about reducing the risk and even reversing the development of prostate cancer through a plant-based diet.

Posted on May 21st, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: healthy lifstyle, high blood presssure, Jau-Fei Chen, phytochemicals | 3 Comments »

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. The last thing that people with arthritis may want to do is to exercise, but it may actually be good for them. May, which is the Arthritis Awareness Month, is a good time to learn how physical activity can be beneficial for Arthritis conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, exercise is one of the best ways to combat the onset of arthritis as well as to control pain and improve function, reported Medical News Today. Exercise helps strengthen the joints, while reducing pain and stiffness.It also helps with weight management, which is very important because obesity and inactivity can add extra pressure on the joints.

“People who have arthritis are often scared to exercise because they think they will hurt themselves, but the condition will only get worse if people don’t get moving,” said Ms Valerie Walkowiak, Medical Integration Coordinator at the Loyola Center for Fitness.

The best exercise routine will depend on what type of arthritis you have, Ms Walkowiak added. However, all of these workouts should include stretching, muscle-strengthening and low-impact aerobic exercise.

“For all arthritis sufferers, the most beneficial exercise will be stretching to increase range of motion around an infected joint,” said Ms Walkowiak.

Muscle strength training also is important for improving daily function. This includes lifting weights two to three times a week with days of rest in between to allow for muscle recovery. One should not experience pain when performing exercises. Low-impact aerobic exercises include walking, stationary bikes, yoga, tai chi and gardening.

Whatever exercise you choose, Ms Walkowiak has this advice: Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far. And get professional advice before starting a programme.

Posted on May 15th, 2011 by Jacklyn
Filed under: phytochemicals | 2 Comments »

Bee pollen is said to contain every substance needed to maintain life and is therefore called a complete food. Bee pollen contains large amounts of aspartic acid – an amino acid that has been known to stimulate the glands and create a feeling of physical rejuvenation; it has also been shown to strengthen the immune system. Most bee pollen contains 35% protein, about half in the form of free amino acids. These amino acids are essential to life and can be assimilated easily. They halt the hardening of arteries and strengthen the circulatory system. Other analyses of bee pollen reveal that it contains lecithin and large amounts of vitamins A, C, D, E and B-Complex.

Bee pollen consists of two basic sections – the water-soluble interior and the hard exterior, or the shell. Most bee pollen is sold with the shell; with the shell intact, the nutrients in the bee pollen cannot be used efficiently. The shell can also be harmful to the digestive system, even in the form of a powder. The only edible part of bee pollen is the water-soluble section.

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Nature’s Nutrition Series
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Posted on July 13th, 2010 by Jacklyn
Filed under: healthy lifstyle, phytochemicals | 1 Comment »

Barley and Rice (Hordeum vulgare and Orzya sativa)

Since ancient times, rice and barley have been cultivated and even worshiped by man. Grown throughout the world, these well-established grains and even the leaves from both these plants are rich in vitamins B and E and high in protein, carbohydrates and minerals. Also, because of their anti-inflammatory effects, rice and barely are often recommended for individuals suffering from illness and disease.

The enzymes and vitamin B in barley and rice are the components responsible for their favorable effects on the digestive system. These plants have also been used to treat individuals with loss of appetite and women who suffer from nursing discomforts.

Related posts:

Nature’s Nutrition Series
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Posted on July 12th, 2010 by Jacklyn
Filed under: healthy lifstyle, phytochemicals | No Comments »

Asparagus (Asparagus cochinchinensis)

Asparagus is a perennial plant that requires special cultivation. Early in the spring, its sprouts can be harvested and eaten, while later in the season, the developing flowers may be consumed in a manner similar to corn on the cob.

Asparagus is rich in protein, fiber and vitamins – especially vitamins B1, B2 and C. Some of the health benefits of asparagus include maintenance of the kidneys and urinary tract and cleansing of the digestive system. Pharmacological and clinical research also indicates that asparagus has an antibiotic effect. Recently, asparagus has been employed by herbalists in the treatment of rheumatism and edema arising from heart failure.

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Nature’s Nutrition Series
The Power of Plants
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Posted on July 11th, 2010 by Jacklyn
Filed under: healthy lifstyle, phytochemicals | No Comments »

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)

Many people eat alfalfa in a salad, a sandwich, over an omelet or as a crunchy snack. Alfalfa offers superior nutrition and therapeutic benefits which make it an important part of herbal health.

The history of alfalfa’s use began more than 2,500 years ago when it was employed for a variety of physical ailments, namely cancer and high cholesterol. Because alfalfa was so easily grown and manufactured for consumption, it came to be known as “the father of all foods”. A famous modern herbalist, John B. Christopher, commented that if eaten regularly, alfalfa would make one radiant with improved health.

Alfalfa is very nutritional, rich in protein, fat, vitamins A,C, E, B1, B2, K and fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.  It also contains isoflavonoid phytoalexins, such as pterocarpans, isoflavone phytoestrogens formometin and coumestrol.

Related posts:

Nature’s Nutrition Series
The Power of Plants
E. Excel Nutritional Wholesome Food ~ Celebration

Posted on July 10th, 2010 by Jacklyn
Filed under: healthy lifstyle, phytochemicals | No Comments »

Plants — Nature’s Wholesome Source Of Nutrition
Nature is a powerhouse of health-enhancing treasures. Natural, wholesome plants such as vegetables, fruits and herbs contribute to our good health and nutrition. They contain essential vitamins and minerals, and enhance the human immune system’s ability to fend off diseases.

Nutritional Immunology studies the link between plants and the immune system. This science advocates the use of phytochemicals, antioxidants and polysaccharides to nourish our immune system, thereby protecting our health.

Phytochemicals help plants withstand heat from the sun and ensure their survival. They are also of great benefit to the human body, bolstering the immune system and halting the development of cancer cells. The larger the amounts and varieties of phytochemicals included in our diets, the better their effect on our health.

Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules that cause destruction in the human body, resulting in chronic illnesses and even cancer. It has been proven that plant-derived antioxidants can eliminate free radicals and help prevent possible free radical damage in our bodies.

Polysaccharides are long chains of sugars commonly found in some mushrooms. Research has shown that mushroom polysaccharides can inhibit tumor growth by activating immune cells. Polysaccharides help to balance the immune system and enable it to destroy existing cancer cells and viruses.

For years, E. Excel has dedicated itself to research in Nutritional Immunology to understand the powerful benefits that each type of plant can bring to the human body. Plants are our most complete and varied source of nutrition to date. However, we are not taking enough varieties of plants to get sufficient phytochemicals, antioxidants and polysaccharides. We must change our dietary habits to obtain sufficient amounts of plant foods, so that we can have healthy immune systems to defend against diseases and maintain our wellbeing.

Posted on April 3rd, 2010 by Jacklyn
Filed under: high blood presssure, phytochemicals | 4 Comments »