Having a nutritious and balanced diet is the most important way to keep ourselves healthy. This will support and boost our immunity. A healthy lifestyle always helps in building a healthy and immunized body. In specific to our diet, a well-balanced diet may help in reducing the risk of dealing with life threatening diseases like cancer, especially blood cancer.  Blood Cancer is among the common type of cancers that affect people of all age groups, and India stands 3^rd in number when it comes to blood cancer.

Blood cancer usually occurs when DNA is faultily altered. It happens when there is a fault in the development of blood cells, which leads to improper functioning of cells. As per many experts in the field of leukemia (blood cancer), 90% of the types of blood cancer can be cured. And almost 30-35% of people deal with these types of diseases only due to improper diet. This genetically occurring blood infection is among those diseases which can be prevented or delayed if your lifestyle and food patterns are healthy. And a balanced and healthy diet includes all types of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and low-fat proteins, such as fish, lean meats and poultry.

Ways to lower the risk of blood cancer

Genetics and environment, are few risk factors for cancer. These factors cannot be avoided, but as per research about 70% of lifetime cancers can be preventable only through lifestyle changes, such as –

• Proper/right body weight
• Staying hydrated
• Zero usage of tobacco
• Exercising regularly

These changes in lifestyle can play a vital role in having a healthy body. Eating vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil also known as Mediterranean diet, can lower the risk of a variety of common cancers. And this effect is more on people who have a history of cancer in their family.These changes in the long term can bring in a huge impact on health. And for people who are already dealing with cancer, a rich nutritious diet will provide the immunity in them in their challenging times.

One of the other ways to prevent blood cancer is through consuming antioxidants, more specifically plant based foods. These foods have naturally occurring anti-oxidants in them, this will help in boosting your immunity system and help in fighting against cancer cells. Some foods that are rich in anti-oxidants are

• Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and squash
• Broccoli, spinach, and beans (non-starchy vegetables)
• Tomatoes, guava, watermelon lycopene high foods
• Oranges, berries, peas, bell peppers, dark leafy greens and other foods high in vitamin C
• Add ginger, garlic, onion, turmeric and coriander in your foods, this will boost your immunity to fight cancer producing cells.

Avoid practices like :

• Consuming apple juice, instead eat the whole apple
• Trans – fat, fried, foods should be avoided pizza, French fries, fried chicken, cookies, muffins
• Limit the saturated fat based foods like red meat and dairy products
• Consume more unsaturated fats like fish, olive oil, nuts, avocados, flax seeds

It is said that, “a healthy and balanced diet, builds and strengthens a person from their core.” Put a tab on your unhealthy habits, make them occasional and strictly follow a totally nutritional diet. Make sure that your diet includes all the energy and immunity building foods. Follow a proper diet plan, consult a dietician if required.

Ms. Pavithra Raj
Chief Dietician- Columbia Asia Referral Hospital
Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru.

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Bangalore May 21,2021: Today our healthcare industry is scaling new heights owing to various innovations the sector. From technology to new treatment methods, there are new advancements in the healthcare science every day. The APAC Moses master campaign conference which was held virtually today,  was a stage to showcase technological advancements in the medical field. From India, Dr. Manohar. T, Chief Urologist, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital Yeshwanthpur performed a live surgery demonstrating Moses technology (MOLEP) to treat prostate enlargement. Columbia Asia Referral Hospital Yeshwanthpur is the first hospital in India to treat prostate enlargement using Moses technology and has completed more than 100 surgeries using this innovative technique.

In Covid times, this new laser treatment has come as a boon to patients suffering from prostate enlargement or kidney stone as it reduces the hospital stay and the surgery time. It can be performed as a day care procedure in many cases. A live surgery session was performed by Dr. Manohar. T, Chief Urologist to exhibit the efficiency of this treatment method. Kalpesh (name changed), a 72 -year-old person suffering from prostate enlargement underwent this surgery at Columbia Asia Referral Hospital Yeshwanthpur.

Kalpesh was treated for prostate enlargement 10 years back using a conventional method. But recently, Kalpesh started to develop symptoms of urine blockage and hernia. During the consultation he was again diagnosed with prostate enlargement which required immediate surgery. Understanding the efficiency, precision and better results of this laser treatment, this time Kalpesh agreed to undergo the prostate surgery using moses technology.

What is Moses technology?

Moses technology uses high power holmium laser (120 watt) to perform endourology procedures more efficiently. Here small internal endoscopes are used to remove stones, faster and more efficiently. The laser pulse can reach farther distance and deliver enhanced energy which may decrease blood loss and operating time. Also with this technology prostate of any size can be treated and the procedure will be painless. This technology will help people who are suffering from conditions related to cardiac problems or those on blood thinners.

Speaking about the procedure Dr Manohar T, Chief Urologist, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur (A unit of Manipal Hospitals) said “The benefit of this procedure is that there is only 0.1% possibility for re occurrence in 10 years whereas it is more that 15% in 5 years in conventional method. Also, the person’s age is not a constraint. This technology is a paradigm shift in transforming the treatment methodologies and has proven to be efficacious and safe to treat the prostate condition. Though there are various other laser treatments available to treat prostate enlargement, Moses laser treatment works efficiently due to its high power and the patient can be discharged on the same day catheter free”.

Prostate enlargement is one of the common problem faced by many men in their old age. BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) which is non-cancerous occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply.  These additional cells may lead to the enlargement of the urethra that might block the flow of urine. Though this condition is completely different from prostate cancer, prostate enlargement can affect the quality of life.

Doctors from Japan, China, Korea and India presented cases from their respective countries. Healthcare professionals and doctors from across the world participated in the conference and witnessed the latest innovations in the healthcare sector.

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A good diet is an important part to treat asthma. Just like regular workouts, a healthy diet is good for everyone. That goes for people with asthma too. Asthma is a chronic condition triggered by certain allergens that cause breathlessness, wheezing and coughing by affecting the lungs. This happens because when in contact with an allergen, the mucous membrane gets irritated and as a result, the airways swell up.

Asthma is most often not treated as a critical affliction but doctors are of the opinion that it cannot only cause severe discomfort but can also be fatal. According to a study conducted by WHO, today, about 235 million people around the world suffer from asthma. There are two major causes of asthma: environmental and genetic.

Asthma triggers:

Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:

• Airborne substances – such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste.
• Respiratory infections – such as the common cold.
• Physical activity (exercise induced asthma).
• Cold air.
• Air pollutants and irritants – such as smoke.
• Certain medications.
• Strong emotions and stress.
• Food additives.

Food to be avoided:

Certain foods, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish, and food additives can trigger asthma symptoms. It is best to avoid these foods if they trigger an asthma attack.

Food to be consumed:

• Turmeric: A pinch of turmeric boiled with milk and taken warm not only reduces inflammation in body, but also keeps the body hot from within.
• Honey: Honey is considered warm. It contains small quantities of antigens found in flowers and helps in building up immunity Protects from wheezing and coughing.
• Ginger: It contains antioxidants that helps to build strong resistance. If taken daily in small quantities, it not only keeps the body warm but also cures mild fever, acidity, common cold, cough and aids digestion.
• Ghee: Ghee is rich in antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods. It is good for skin, hair and also helps in tissue building process. Onions deep fried in ghee and mixed with pepper when taken hot, cures cough.
• Garlic: Garlic becomes an essential item to be included in food as it not only controls blood pressure and ensures proper flow of blood, but also keeps the body warm and energetic.
• Tulsi: Rich in vitamin A, C, calcium, zinc and iron. Tulsi helps body to fight diseases like cough, cold, sinusitis, pneumonia and all respiratory disorders. It is also a powerful antiseptic and anti-malarial agent. Tulsi with pepper and honey in empty stomach, is an excellent remedy for cough and cold.
• Pepper: Pepper with its anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties is very beneficial. Besides keeping the body warm it also cures cold, cough and sinusitis.
• Saffron: Saffron or Kesari has been hailed as the source of beauty and health since times immemorial. When consumed with milk, it increases body’s resistance and when mixed with cream and applied on face it makes skin clean, spotless and radiant.
• Nuts: Nuts are a natural source of antioxidants and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Powdered nuts taken with milk and honey is the best way to keep body warm from within.
• Coffee: Caffeine is a bronchodilator that may improve airflow. Black tea might be beneficial as well.
• Flax seeds: Flax seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids as well as magnesium. Omega-3 have a beneficial effect on asthma

Ms. Pavithra N Raj
Msc (Food Science and Nutrition), Diploma
Chief Dietician, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital
Yeshwanthpur
Bengaluru – 560055
Ph: 91 80 39898969

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