A commonly-known cancer is Hodgkin's lymphoma, but one that is even more common is Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer that develops in the lymphocytes (certain white blood cells). The risk of developing Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increases with age, and is even more common in people over the age of 60. However, this is a cancer that knows no age limits, and is found in patients of all ages.
Early detection is extremely important when it comes to the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and testing must be done, as this is a disease that is easily mistaken with other illnesses. Some of the symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, abdominal pain, chest pain, coughing and other breathing issues, and very itchy skin.
Risk factors of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include organ transplant, use of immunosuppressant drugs, AIDS, exposure to certain chemicals (i.e. insecticides) and infection with Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcers.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
There are many tests that can accurately diagnose Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including X-ray, CT scan, MRI or PET scan, physical exam, blood tests, biopsies (including bone marrow) and urine tests. There are about 30 classifications of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with Stage I the earliest and easiest to treat.
Treatment for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, surgery, as well as two more types of treatment: Biotherapy and Interferon Therapy.
Biotherapy: The use of several medications in combination to treat the disease.
Interferon Therapy: Using interferons (proteins) that fight viral infection.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment Should Include A Healthy Diet
Just like in the treatment of any health condition, a healthy diet plays a vital role in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is a disease that will attack the body when it is vulnerable, especially when the immune system is low. One way to maintain a healthy immune system is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in protein. A physician will be able to help Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients choose a sensible diet plan that is well-suited to their needs. This diet must include the three macronutrients: proteins, fats and carbohydrates, in the proper amounts.
Fats - Even though we hear so many stories about how unhealthy fat is, in actuality, fat is necessary, but healthy fats. Some healthy fats are those that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, and can be found in cold water fish, including salmon, as well as olive oil and nuts.
Carbohydrates - Another supposed diet no-no, the right carbohydrates are also necessary for a well-balanced diet. In fact, carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body. Complex carbohydrates are healthier, as they digest slowly. There are a number of healthy, delicious sources of good complex carbohydrates, including certain vegetables, and whole grains.
Proteins - Proteins are a macronutrient that the body depends on for survival. Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids, created from nitrogen, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Healthy proteins come from two sources, plants and animals, with animal proteins (except soy, which is a complete protein) being the best as they contain all eight essential amino acids and all 14 non-essential amino acids.
Protein Supplements
Many Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients find that they are not getting the amount of protein they need in their diets, and often, protein supplements are recommended. Many protein supplements are fat and carbohydrate-free, and are low in calories.
Protein powders are also popular, because they can be added to just about any recipe, including shakes and smoothies that make delicious meal replacements. Most healthy diets include between-meal snacks, and there are a number of great-tasting protein bars and other snacks that are made just for this purpose. They will provide the protein patients need, as well as a boost of energy. Protein powders are available unflavored to add to recipes, or for drinks, they come in such delicious flavors as chocolate, vanilla, berry and fruit punch.
There are a number of different protein supplements available, including powders, liquids and capsules, and they are made from a number of natural protein sources. For example, many protein supplements are made from whey, which is a milk derivative and a bi-product from the cheese-making process. Whey is a complete protein, and very easy to digest. Another complete protein is soy, which is extremely popular. People who have food allergies and sensitivities may want to try protein supplements made from rice proteins, which are considered to by hypoallergenic, as well as complete proteins.
Jason: A Case Study
After being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Jason's physician put him on a treatment program, which included chemotherapy and radiation, followed by a number of drugs. After a few weeks, Jason noticed that although he wasn't feeling any worse, he certainly wasn't feeling any better. He was sluggish, and just didn't have any energy at all, not even to perform his daily routines.
During his next visit with his physician, Jason mentioned how he was feeling, and asked if it may be the medication causing this, and if there was anything that he could do to help him feel better. The physician recommended a high-protein diet, because it is not only great for muscle recovery following surgery and illness, it is also a terrific source of energy. The physician sat down with Jason and set up an ideal diet plan for him, which also included protein supplements.
After a few weeks of being on this new diet, Jason began to notice that he had more energy, and that he was actually starting to feel better. He told his physician how great he was feeling, and said he wished that he had learned about eating healthy and using protein supplements a long time ago. Jason still uses the supplements in his diet, and is getting better every day.
About Protica Research
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of protein-rich, capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect protein beverage, IsoMetric, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility.
You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.com
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