Cancer Symptoms: Signs Your Body Pain Is Due Could Indicate Cancer

What you need to know about pain associated with cancer

Cancer is a chronic illness that is treatable if detected early. However, there are no specific signs or symptoms that could indicate cancer. In many cases, cancers are detected when they're already in an advanced stage, making it difficult for the doctors and medical professionals to treat.

Body pain can indicate cancer. However, they're not an early symptom, but signal that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body including the nerves and the organs. In such circumstances, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to alleviate the pain and would investigate the location of the pain.

However, how much pain you feel or experience depends on several factors including what type of cancer you have, how advanced it is and the area where it is located. Most people are aware of cancer pain that are acute and chronic, but there are types of cancer pain that you probably haven't heard about.

Types of cancer pain

Somatic: Somatic pain is the most common type of pain experienced by patients with cancer. It is characterized by an aching, throbbing or cramping pain that is localized intermittent and constant.

Neuropathic: Neuropathic pain is another type of cancer pain caused by nerve damage from either the cancer itself or due to treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery. This type of pain is identified by a burning or tingling sensation.

Visceral: Visceral pain constitutes 28% of cancer-associated pain. Viscera refers to the internal organs inside a cavity of the body such as the chest, abdomen or the pelvis. Any pain in such areas is called visceral pain. In terms of cancer, when the tumor puts pressure on one or more of these organs, it can lead to a throbbing pain.

Acute and chronic pain: An acute pain is usually caused by an identifiable activity such as an injury and is usually short term, which means it can come and go from time to time. On the other hand, chronic pain can linger on for months.

Signs of cancer pain

According to Mayo Clinic, pain associated with cancer can be "dull, achy, sharp or burning". It could also be "constant, intermittent, mild, moderate or severe."

"Pain could happen if the cancer grows into or destroys nearby tissue. As a tumor grows, it can press on nerves, bones or organs. The tumor can also release chemicals that can cause pain," the health body explains.

Factors that can help your doctor understand your pain

It is imperative that you contact your doctor if you have sharp, persistent pain, pain that is recurrent and interferes with your daily routine. In order to help your healthcare provider understand your pain and diagnose your condition, here's what you need to be prepared with.

- Severity of your pain

- The location of the pain

- What type of pain you have (Is it sharp, dull, stabbing, achy?)

- Is there something that increases the pain?

- What makes the pain worse or better?

- Pain relief measures you have taken and what has helped?

How much pain you have may depend on a wide range of factors including the type of cancer you have, the location, the stage of cancer you are in and whether the disease itself or the treatments have damaged your nerves.

Symptoms of cancer you must not ignore

Here are some cancer symptoms you should not ignore.

- Extreme fatigue

- Bleeding and unexplained bruising

- Unexplained weight loss

- Sudden growth of lumps

- Skin changes

Treatment

Cancer pain can be treated. Depending on the intensity of your pain, your options may vary. Doctors may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers, medications derived from opium or other prescription medications.

You can also undergo a nerve block procedure which could stop pain signals. Additionally, there are integrative therapies such as a massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, relaxation exercises, meditation and hypnosis.

Fruit juice is not your foe: Study names the one beverage that lowers blood sugar levels within 3 hours

Fruit juices are not recommended for diabetes patients due to the high sugar and low-fibre content that can spike blood glucose in no time. However, according to a new study, there is a particular variety of fruit juice that can mitigate blood sugar within a few hours.

Key HighlightsType-2 diabetes is a state wherein the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body becomes resistant to the hormone thereby restricting cells from absorbing glucose efficiently and raising blood sugar levels.Although rich in nutrients, fruits are high in fructose as well – naturally-occurring sugars – that are also likely to spike blood sugar levels.GI index defines the rate at which food breaks down and enters the bloodstream in the form of sugar.

Type-2 diabetes is a state wherein the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body becomes resistant to the hormone thereby restricting cells from absorbing glucose efficiently and raising blood sugar levels. Characterised by insulin resistance and spiking blood sugar levels, type-2 diabetes can be detrimental to health if not managed timely. For better management of the condition, experts recommend following a no-sugar and low-carbohydrates diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, essential minerals, vitamins, and complex carbs.

When it comes to following a low or no-sugar diet, fruits are the most controversial condiment. Although rich in nutrients, fruits are high in fructose as well – naturally-occurring sugars – that are also likely to spike blood sugar levels. And fruit juices are not recommended for diabetes patients due to the high sugar and low-fibre content that can spike blood glucose in no time. However, according to a new study, there is a particular variety of fruit juice that can mitigate blood sugar within minutes. Keep reading.

Can fruit juice lower blood sugar levels?

According to a study published in the journal Elsevier, the short-term effects of pomegranate juice on blood sugar levels were explored. Experts assessed the effect of juice intake on blood sugar in type-2 diabetes patients three hours after ingestion. The direct effect of fresh juice was demonstrated in the study. The blood samples of 85 participants with diabetes were taken after a 12-hour fast and then one and three hours after intake of 1.5ml of pomegranate juice per kilogram of body weight.

The results demonstrated a dip in blood sugar levels and even insulin resistance in type-2 diabetes patients three hours after juice ingestion. The effect was more potent in patients who had low blood sugar levels at the start. Although the results were similar for both men and women, it was less effective in elderly patients.

Are there other ways of lowering blood sugar levels?

For better management of blood glucose levels, it is recommended to go for low-glycemic index (GI) foods – foods that do not raise blood sugar levels drastically upon consumption. This defines the rate at which food breaks down and enters the bloodstream in the form of sugar. Some of the most common high GI foods include refined sugar, processed foods, desserts, sugary carbonated drinks, potatoes, white bread, and white rice. On the other hand, low GI foods include whole grains, oats, vegetables, and complex carbs like oats.

Additionally, getting ample workouts – two and half hours of exercise – every week can help with diabetes management.

The symptoms of type-2 diabetes to watch out for

Before going for a blood sugar analysis, watch out for the following signs to evaluate your risk of type-2 diabetes:

Frequent urination Unexplained weight loss Wounds that don’t heal easily Itching around private parts Excessive thirst Exhaustion

This dry spice from your mum's masala box helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar

Key Highlights

• Often used in tadka, tej patta is famed for its fragrance, flavour and medicinal properties
• Diabetic patients often struggle with fluctuating blood sugar levels that often go abnormally high
• Consuming 1-3 grams of bay leaves per day for a 30-days period helped in lowering blood sugar

New Delhi: Modern day lifestyles have caused several health disorders and conditions that warrant urgent attention. With more people developing obesity, diabetes and bad cholesterol levels, the incidence of health problems has grown drastically over the years. And while pharmacists and physicians continue to offer medical support for relief from symptoms, only a few turn to natural remedies like introducing diet alterations. And in an Indian household, where the kitchen is without a doubt the most fragrant corner, one never realises how the solution to spiking blood sugar and cholesterol can be managed with just some basic ingredients – some of them hidden in the spice box.

The box of health benefits

Your mum’s spice box could be small, yet special trove of treasure full of flavours and even health benefits. The little contains within that contain essentials like salt, turmeric, coriander, cumin and even amchur also house dry spices like black peppercorns, cloves, green and black cardamom and other masalas that enhance the flavour and nutrient profile of your meals that include vegetables, curries, pulaos and meat. While these spices are blessed with properties of better immunity and metabolism, there’s one that regulates blood sugar and cholesterol like no other – tej patta (bay leaf).

Often used in tadka, tej patta is famed for its fragrance, flavour and medicinal properties. Enriched with essential minerals, tej patta houses vitamin A and C, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium. And for those struggling with diabetes and cholesterol, a touch of this spice could work wonders. Several studies published over the years reveal how much bay leaf intake can impact blood sugar levels.

Tej patta for blood sugar management

Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops over time and often goes unnoticed. When you consume too much of refined or simple sugars that break easily into the bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin to regulate the same. However, over time, your body can become either insulin resistant or the pancreas might fail to produce the required amount – thereby resulting in diabete

Tej patta for cholesterol

A heart-friendly spice, bay leaves contain organic compounds like caffeic acid and rutin that strengthen capillary walls and regulate cholesterol levels – increase good cholesterol levels and eliminate bad cholesterol levels.

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