Could a New Cancer Pill Stop The Disease Spreading?

Breaking news of an exciting scientific breakthrough could be about to rock the world of cancer treatment. Cancer Research UK has indicated that findings from Austrian researchers could show that the scientific community is heading in the right direction to make just such a discovery. Described as ‘tantalising’, the breakthrough could see the development of a pill that helps the body’s own immune system to kill off the cancer cells in a tumour.

 

The researchers say that they are holding on to the hope of this ‘holy grail’ of all cancer treatments. They have now identified a Cbi-b molecule, which effectively stops tumour metastasis, meaning the spreading of cancer from any organ to the adjacent part. Tumour metastasis is the main reason that people die from cancer, as the disease spreads throughout the body and damages internal organs, causing them to fail.

 

Using this information, the scientists are hoping to develop a pill that wakes up the immune system’s TAM-receptors and makes them kill the cancer cells. Professor Josef Penninger of the Vienna Austrian Academy of Sciences said that the results that have been discovered hold the promise that it may in fact be possible to develop TAM inhibitors or Cbi-b to empower the body’s own immune system to kill the metastases of cancer.

 

More research is needed to be done, however, to advance the findings in this field, and also to test for any possible side effects.

 

The immune system is a powerful tool in the process because its main job is to identify and fight harmful invasions to the body. It does, in fact, have the ability to kill of tumours but is currently held back by so-called molecular ‘brakes’. The study has effectively found a way to take the foot off one of those brakes, potentially allowing the immune system to swoop in and do its job.

Categories: body, cancer, cancer cells, immune, nbsp, Pill, tumour, tumour metastasis

Could Depression be Linked to Disease Resistance?

Diseases such as cancer are thought to be best treated using both the body and the mind, in order to boost the immune system in every way. Our immune systems do far more than simply fend off the common cold. Social support, for example, can significantly improve a person’s condition and extend the life of a cancer patient. In studies looking at victims of cancer, researchers found that women who attended support groups lived twice as long as those who didn’t, on average. A study in Los Angeles at the University of California found that patients who had survived cancer for a minimum of five years and attended group therapy lived three times as long as those who didn’t attend any therapy sessions. It seems that relying on others to boost our mood when we’re ill could help us fight conditions and diseases far more effectively. When people are grieving, their T-cells and the natural killer cells in the body, both of which are important for defending the immune system, function far less effectively. By being supported and comforted by friends and family members, this aspect of the immune system may well be bolstered. However, people who are depressed and anxious may suffer the opposite effect.

 

 

In a study involving 4825 healthy individuals, 146 of them were depressed. In those who had been depressed for a minimum of six years, the chances of developing cancer were far higher. This is thought to be because of the fact that this condition kills of the natural ‘killer’ cells, so the body doesn’t fight off diseases. This isn’t to say that depression can cause cancer, but it does signify that depression and related issues such as anxiety can lower one’s immunity to the disease. This makes it not only a risk for cancer, but also other diseases. There are however other theories that suggest that cancer may cause depression, with a study discovering that in 43 liver tumour patients there was a direct link between clinical depression and an immune modulator. The chemical which is released when our immune system fights cancer is the same substance that may trigger depression biologically. Although this may seem like bad news, it is actually the opposite. It provides researchers with new tools for treating cancer – it also highlights the link between the mind and other diseases. Taking the time to meditate and de-stress is important in order to strengthen the immune system, so that we can better fight off illnesses.

Leading a stress-free lifestyle as best you can is one of the best ways to fight off anxiety and depression. This means doing plenty of exercise, which can boost your mood and release endorphins to keep you happy, as well as eating a balanced diet that’s rich in brain-healthy foods. Oily fish, plenty of fruit and vegetables, and omega-rich nuts and seeds will ensure that you’re happy through your food. Take time to meditate and relax at least a few times a week, so that you don’t overload your mind with worries and stress – this can be anything from some alone time each week to spending time with friends and loved ones. Lowering your stress levels and ensuring you lead a healthy lifestyle will not only help to reduce the risk of depression but it will also stave off other health concerns such as heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. If you think you’re at risk of developing depression, or think you’re displaying signs of cancer, speak to your GP as soon as possible for advice on the situation.

Categories: cancer, depression, diseases, Fight, immune, killer cells, natural killer, new study

What Are the Best Herbs to Help Boost Your Immunity?

Herbs can be part of a healthy diet and using them wisely can boost your wellness and wellbeing. If you are aware of your nutrition (including the use of herbs) you should find yourself having to make less visits to the GP than you otherwise would, as your immune system will be boosted and healthy.

 

Echinacea is one of the well-known ones, and is great for boosting your immune system. You can either take Echinacea tablets or there is a tea that you can drink, as well as tea blends.

 

Oregano works as a strong, natural antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal agent, and so is considered one of the most powerful herbs. You can cook with oregano, of course (spaghetti Bolognese is always nicer with a sprinkle of oregano) but you can also put a drop of oregano essential oil into a foot spa every day (unless you are pregnant or breast feeding).

 

Garlic can be used in all kinds of different dishes, and it has a really strong ability to enhance your immune system. Recent studies have shown that garlic also has benefits for the heart, and contains anti-microbial and antineoplastic properties which make it well worth ingesting on a regular basis.

 

Bright yellow turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, and it contains curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant. It also has stomach soothing and antibacterial properties. You can try taking turmeric capsules or drinking turmeric tea or turmeric milk, or of course you can cook with the spice.

 

Reishi mushroom is an oriental herb, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help to strengthen your immune system and has even been known to fight against cancer. Some people think of this as the ‘elixir of immortality’ as it is thought to protect your immune system from bacteria, viruses, pollution, chemicals, toxicity and molds, all at the same time.

Categories: anti, anti-inflammatory, Boost, herb, herbs, immune, nbsp, turmeric

What Foods Should You Eat To Help Boost Your Immune System?

If you want to boost your immune system with diet and nutrition, there are certain foods that you should actively try to eat on a daily basis. If you plan your meals to include these immunity-boosting foods, you should find that your wellness and wellbeing are greatly benefited, and that should stand you in great stead to avoid all the winter bugs that are going to be heading our way before too long.

 

You’ve probably heard all about the idea of taking vitamin C for a cold, but many people only turn to this vitamin when they have already caught the cold, downing orange juice or taking tablets in an attempt to shake off the horrible lurgy. In actual fact, this is the best way to avoid catching a cold in the first place, because it helps to keep your white blood cell count high, and these fight off infection. Unfortunately, your body does not store vitamin C, and you need to keep it topped up on a daily basis. All citrus fruits contain high levels of vitamin C and can easily be included into your diet in the form of fruit salads, fruit to snack on or fruit puddings.

 

Red bell peppers are another great way of getting vitamin C into your body, and not only does this boost the immune system but it also helps to take care of the skin. In fact, red peppers have twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits, and they are also packed full of beta carotenes which help to keep you healthy.

 

When your mother told you that eating up your broccoli would keep you healthy, she wasn’t wrong, either. Broccoli is packed with vitamins and can help to fight off any germ or infection. It is also full of antioxidants, and widely known to be one of the healthiest vegetables that you can possibly eat. The best thing to do is to avoid cooking them much at all so that the vegetable retains all its powers.

Categories: avoid, citrus fruits, daily basis, diet, foods, immune, vitamin

New Cell Discovery Linked to Eczema and Allergies

If your wellness is affected by eczema or other allergies, it may be due to a type of immune cell in your skin. This is according to a new study published this week in the journal Nature Immunology, which has come about thanks to a collaboration among researchers from the University of Sydney’s affiliated Centenary Institute and colleagues in New Zealand, the UK, and the US.

Years ago, a family of cells, known as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), was discovered ago in the laboratory of Professor Wolfgang Weninger, and this new cell type is part of this group. Professor Weninger’s lab has been responsible for developing techniques in marking different cells of your immune system, and tracking them live under the microscope. However, until now the identity of the immune cells has remained a mystery.

According to Dr Ben Roediger, first author on the paper and a research officer in the Centenary’s Immune Imaging Laboratory, this is the first time such cells had been found in the skin, and they are relatively more numerous there. He noted, ‘Our data show that these skin ILC2 cells can likely suppress or stimulate inflammation under different conditions. They also suggest a potential link to allergic skin diseases.’

The researchers contacted Professor Graham Le Gros at the Malaghan Institute in New Zealand, one of the world’s foremost researchers into type 2 immunity (the part of your immune system that deals with infection by parasitic organisms), as they suspected that the cells may be associated with this system. The Professor not only confirmed this suspicion, but also provided a new strain of mouse developed in the United States that provided insight into the function of ILC2 cells.

Roediger explained, ‘Using these mice, we found that ILC2 cells were the major population in the skin that produced interleukin 13, a molecule that has been linked to a number of allergic diseases, including eczema.’ He added, ‘We now have experiments underway in which we are actively looking for the direct involvement of these cells in the sort of skin diseases you would predict based on these findings.’

New Cell Discovery Linked to Eczema and Allergies

Categories: cells, Eczema, ilc2, ILC2 Cells, immune, professor, Research, skin, skin diseases

Exercising: How to Know When Enough is Enough

With spring finally here, you’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from summer. This can make you want to ramp up your fitness training, in order to get beach body-ready, what if you’re putting your wellbeing at risk? How can you tell if your exercise regime is doing more harm than good to your wellness?

Exercising for up to 90 minutes several days a week is usually a good thing for most healthy people, but you are an individual and you need to take into account your fitness level and how your body responds. Overzealous training can actually weaken your immune system and increase your risk of injury and illness, so when you see the following signs, it’s time to ease off the exercise.

Firstly, are you feeling exhausted, rather than energized? You know you’ve gone overboard when you leave the gym ready for a nap. Are you also tucked up in bed because you’re feeling under the weather? If you get ill a lot, this could be a sign that you’re overtraining. When you exercise too much, your immune system becomes suppressed, and this makes it harder to fight off cold viruses.

However, when you are laid out on the sofa, it’s a good time to check your pulse. If your resting heart rate is higher than usual, this is a sign that you need to give your body a rest. Even if you have a mere 10% increase in your resting heart rate, it can signal that your body needs time to recover. Do your legs feel heavy? If a lead feeling in your legs has taken the spring out of your step, they may need a rest. During the recovery time, try stretching, self massage with an arnica anti-inflammatory oil, and warming the muscles with heated pads.

Finally, are you sore all the time? It’s usual, and even a good thing to experience muscle soreness after exercise – how else are you going to know you’ve worked your muscles? However, if you stay sore for more than 48 hours after a workout, you’ve overdone it. You need to ease into exercise, and spend weeks – not days – slowly adding distance or intensity to your workout.

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Exercising: How to Know When Enough is Enough

Categories: body, exercise, feeling, Heart Rate, immune, Muscle Soreness, Overtraining, resting heart, time