The patient's page.Nutritional Supplements in Cancer Care Lycopene lycopene /ly·co·pene/ (li´ko-pen) the red carotenoid pigment of tomatoes and various berries and fruits. ly·co·pene n. -- An antioxidant antioxidant, substance that prevents or slows the breakdown of another substance by oxygen. Synthetic and natural antioxidants are used to slow the deterioration of gasoline and rubber, and such antioxidants as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), butylated hydroxytoluene found most commonly in tomatoes, which has been shown to reduce the risk for developing prostate, lung or stomach cancers. Some studies also suggest that prostate cancer patients who took lycopene prior to surgery had a reduction in the size of the tumor and a lower degree of malignancy. Green tea -- Studies suggest that green tea has anti-cancer properties and may reduce the risk of breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers. One study also found that the addition of green tea to common chemotherapy medication increased the efficacy of the chemotherapy. Although none of these studies are definitive, there is some promising research which supports the use of selected herbal supplementations during treatment for cancer. It is important to speak to your physician regarding any alternative medications which you may be using; however, as some herbal remedies may have side effects when used in combination with you regular, physician-prescribed medications. "An Approach to Communicating with Patients about the Use of Nutritional Supplements in Cancer Care" By Drs. Moshe Frankel, Eran Ben-Arye, Constance Baldwin, and Victor Sierpina. Southern Medical Journal. April 2005 Rheumatoid Arthritis and Statins Statins A class of drugs commonly used to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Mentioned in: C-Reactive Protein Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers are also at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. There is some good news, however, for rheumatoid arthritis patients. New studies have shown that statins, or HMG-coA reductase inhibitors, decrease cardiovascular mortality and may provide mild anti-inflammatory benefits. If you are an RA-sufferer, contact your physician for more information regarding statin stat·in n. Any of a class of drugs that inhibit a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and promote receptor binding of LDL cholesterol, resulting in decreased levels of serum cholesterol. therapy. "Statin Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis" By Drs Karen. Costenbader and Jonathan Coblyn. Southern Medical Journal. May 2005 Thyroid Disorders in Elderly Patients Thyroid disease is easily overlooked in the elderly patient, as many of the traditional symptoms may also be attributed to the normal aging process. Since thyroid disorders are easily treatable, however, early diagnosis can lead to great improvement in quality of life. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism hypothyroidism: see thyroid gland. (underactive thyroid): Cold intolerance Weight gain Dry skin Constipation Mental and physical slowing Carpal tunnel syndrome carpal tunnel syndrome: see repetitive stress injury. carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) Painful condition caused by repetitive stress to the wrist over time. Elevation of serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism hyperthyroidism: see thyroid gland. (overactive o·ver·ac·tive adj. Active to an excessive or abnormal degree: an overactive child. o thyroid) Weight loss Generalized weakness Falling Agitated depression Dementia "Thyroid Disorders in Elderly Patients" By Dr. Shakaib Rehman and colleagues. Southern Medical Journal. May 2005 |
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