Multiple Myeloma: Is Your Bone Wellness is at Risk?

Multiple myeloma is a major health concern, as it affects the plasma cells in your body. These are the white blood cells that make antibodies, but when the cancer gets involved, abnormal plasma cells accumulate in your bones and bone marrow. This can have a damaging impact on your wellbeing, since the bone marrow is your body’s source of blood cells, so multiple myeloma interferes with the production of blood cells, and can lead to the development of bone lesions.

 

The problem with this type of cancer is that different varieties affect your wellness in different ways, and so some types are more recognisable than others. Indolent myeloma, for example, has no discernable symptoms. As it only develops slowly and does not cause bone tumours, the only things that may be seen are small increases in M plasma cells and M protein, which is an abnormal type of antibody found in myeloma patients. Solitary plasmocytoma, on the other hand, does involve a tumour which is usually found in one of your bones. This kind of multiple myeloma tends to respond well to treatment, but your doctor will have to monitor it closely.

 

As it stands, wellness experts are unsure as to what exactly causes multiple myeloma, but they do know that it begins with one abnormal plasma cell. When this cell multiplies in your bone marrow, it does so far more times than it should and – instead of multiplying and dying out like non-cancerous cells – it keeps dividing indefinitely. As a result, your body can become overwhelmed and start impairing the production of your healthy cells.

 

There aren’t many clear risk factors for multiple myeloma, but there are a few to watch out for:

 

1. Being over the age of 50 (although you’ll likely be diagnosed in your early to mid 60s)

2. Being male

3. Being of African origin

4. Being overweight or obese

5. Exposure to radiation

6. Having a job in the petroleum industry

7. Having a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). At least 1% of people with MGUS will also develop multiple myeloma every year.

Categories: abnormal plasma, blood cells, bone, Bone Cancer, Bone Marrow, cells, multiple, multiple myeloma, myeloma, plasma cells

Vitamins: What Ones do You Need and Why You Should Take Them

While ideally it would be possible to get all the required vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy diet, it’s rare that someone can achieve that goal. To help supplement daily vitamin intake from food, multivitamins can be taken. Multivitamins are an easy way to make sure that bodies in different phases of life are getting the nutrition that they need. Thorne natural products are tailored to specific groups, such as women, children, and those over 40. By taking a multivitamin it is easier to ensure that the correct amount of each vitamin gets ingested since some vitamins can become toxic in high doses. Following is a list of some of the basic vitamins that are needed for good health.

Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A. It is important for eye health, the immune system, and for clear skin. It is found in carrots and sweet potatoes.

Calcium

Found in milk and other dairy products, calcium is used by the body to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. Taking calcium as a supplement is especially important for those who do not drink milk or eat dairy products.

Folic Acid

This is a B vitamin and consuming 400 micrograms per day helps prevent neural tube defects in babies and might help fight cancer, heart disease, and mental illness in adults. It is found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, or fortified grain products.

Iron

For healthy blood cells and the prevention of anaemia, iron is a critical mineral. Iron is found in lean meats, seafood, and green leafy vegetables but many people, especially women, need an iron supplement to support healthy blood levels.

Potassium

Found in bananas, raisins, leafy vegetables, and oranges, potassium can help lower blood pressure and counteract the effects of excess sodium. It is used in muscles contractions and a lack of it is potentially linked to cramping.

Vitamin C

Known as a super-vitamin, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant found in high quantities in citrus fruit, berries, and bell peppers. Vitamin C is credited with improved immune system health and the antioxidant properties may help prevent cancer growth. Vitamin C can be found in Thorne Multivitamins.

Vitamin D

Many people are found to have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is produced by the body through sun exposure and is not found in many foods. The vitamin helps with calcium absorption and can help prevent osteoporosis and rickets in children. Those who lack exposure to sunlight on a daily basis should take a vitamin D supplement.

Categories: blood cells, vitamins, which ones to take

Side effects of antifungal medicines

Antifungal medicines can cause side effects. These will differ depending on the type of antifungal medicine you are using.

Topical antifungals

Topical antifungal medicines, such as creams, can cause:

• itching


• a mild burning sensation


• redness

Stop using the medicine if any of these side effects are severe and see your GP or pharmacist to find an alternative.

Oral antifungals

Side effects of oral antifungals, such as capsules, include:

• feeling sick


• abdominal (tummy) pain


• diarrhoea


• flatulence (wind)


• headache


• a rash


• indigestion

These side effects are usually mild and only last for a short period of time.

Antifungals can also cause severe reactions, such as:

• an allergic reaction – swelling of your face, neck or tongue or difficulty breathing


• a severe skin reaction – such as peeling or blistering skin

If you experience any of these reactions, stop taking your medicine and contact your GP immediately.

If you are having difficulty breathing, visit the accident and emergency (A&E) department of your nearest hospital or call 999 for an ambulance.

Liver damage

Liver damage is a rare, but more serious, side effect of oral antifungals. In particular, ketoconazole has been linked to liver problems.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, stop taking your medicine and contact your GP because they may be caused by damage to your liver:

• loss of appetite


• vomiting


• feeling sick for a long time


• jaundice – yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes


• unusually dark urine or pale faeces (stools)


• unusual tiredness or weakness

Intravenous antifungals

Amphotericin (amphotericin B) is the most commonly used intravenous antifungal. This is usually given in hospital as an intravenous infusion (a continuous drip of medicine into a vein in your arm).

Side effects of amphotericin include:

• loss of appetite


• feeling sick


• vomiting


• diarrhoea


• epigastric pain (pain in the upper part of your tummy)


• a high temperature (fever)


• chills


• headache


• muscle and joint pain


• anaemia (a reduced number of red blood cells)


• a rash

Amphotericin can also affect your:

• kidneys – causing abnormally low levels of some minerals in your blood, such as potassium or magnesium


• heart – causing an irregular heartbeat or changes in your blood pressure


• liver – affecting the way your liver functions, for example, causing a build-up of bilirubin in the blood; bilirubin is a yellow substance that is produced when red blood cells are broken down


• nervous system – affecting your brain, nerves and spinal cord, causing conditions such as hearing loss or peripheral neuropathy

As amphotericin is given in hospital under supervision, any adverse effects are usually quickly detected and treated.

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Side effects of antifungal medicines

Categories: antifungal medicines, antifungals, blood cells, difficulty breathing, Effects, feeling sick, oral antifungals, red blood