Fast Facts about Leukemia
- Leukemia is a blanket term that describes four types of cancer of bone marrow and blood cells.
- Leukemia is equally common in children under 15 and adults over the age of 55
- A family history with Leukemia increases the chances of the diseases.
- People suffering from chronic leukemia may not notice any symptom until a blood test is conducted.
- After every four minute, someone in America is diagnosed with blood cancer
- After every 10 minutes, someone n America dies from blood cancer
Leukemia is an umbrella term used to define four different kinds of cancer of blood cells. Leukemia cells begin to form in the bone marrow and drives out the healthy blood cells that a body needs to survive and develop. Some kinds of Leukemia are common in children while the others are more common in adults. The abnormal cells refuse to die and over time they take over the healthy ones. At most times, Leukemia can be controlled and treated with the survival rate ranging from 60 to 70% but depends various factors.
There are four kinds of Leukemia;
Acute and Chronic:
Acute leukemia worsens rapidly and weakens the patient severely. Chronic leukemia on the other hand progresses slowly and is difficult to be diagnosed.
Lymphocytic or myelogenous:
Lymphocytic affects the white blood cells whereas myelogenous affects the other types of cells like red blood cells and platelets.
Leukemia is mostly caused by intense exposure to radiation, or certain chemicals such as Benzene.
Symptoms
People who suffer from Leukemia end up with a non-existent immune system and may contract various other diseases which often serve as symptoms. They include:
- Anemia
- Frequent bleeding from the gums, nose and other parts
- Weigh loss
- Bruising
- Sudden and unexplained fevers
- night sweats
- swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pain in bones and joints
- Purplish patches on the skin
- Small red dots on the skin
- Swelling and pain on the left side of the belly
The treatments of leukemia include radiation therapy and stem cell transplant.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps manage Leukemia, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing Leukemia and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for Leukemia. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your doctor before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with Leukemia:
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is known as the queen of herbs and is a perennial plant, native to China, Korea and Japan. Often combined and matched with other herbs, it is being used as a medicine for centuries. Dong Quai is very effective for use in blood related diseases. It has anti-tumor, anti-tuberculosis and neuroprotection capabilities.
Artichoke
Artichoke is abundant with nutrients, minerals and photochemical. The polyphenol-type antioxidants present in artichokes makes it a preventive medicine for leukemia. The rutin, quercetin, and Gallic acid found in artichoke are effective in restraining the growth of leukemia cells in a body as well as supporting the process of apoptosis, i.e. cell death.
Red Raspberry
Red Raspberry is abounding with minerals, and vitamins iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin C, and potassium. Consuming red raspberries slows down the growth of leukemia cells in a human body because of the ellagitannins present in them.
Maca
Maca root is known with a scientific name of Lepidium meyenii. It is a plant found in Peru and is being consumed for centuries by the people of Andes for treatments of HIV/AIDS and leukemia among other diseases. Anti-carcinogenic properties found in Maca have proved to be very active in protecting cells against cancer as well as fighting cancer cells. It not only saves a person from contacting the fatal diseases but also protects people who have a high chance of contracting it.
Cinnamon Bark Oil
Cinnamon Bark oil has the ability to fight cancer cells. A research conducted by USDA researchers backs up the fact Cinnamon has properties to not just inhibit the growth of cancer cells but also to triggers the process of apoptosis. The research showed that Cinnamon successfully reduced the growth of leukemia cells.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing Leukemia, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.