Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which means that the body can store it up and draw on those stores later on if need be. This also means, that you can get too much of it and this can cause problems such as kidney stones, over calcification of bones and teeth, and may cause calcium deposits which can harden arteries.

This vitamin plays a vital role your body and helps it absorb calcium which, as we all know, keep your bones strong. Therefore, getting enough Vitamin D is an important way to ward off osteoporosis as well as joint damage. This vitamin is said to help control back pain and the effects of arthritis. Your body also needs this vitamin to absorb phosphorus.

Recent studies are showing that Vitamin D can be an effective way to protect yourself against colorectal cancer as well as some types of auto immune diseases. Studies are still in the early stage but show promise for this important vitamin.

Getting Enough Vitamin D

The RDA or recommended daily intake of vitamin D for adults is 200 to 400 international units (IU) per day. if you are 50 to 70 years old you want to be at the high end and take 400 IU. individuals over 70 should get 600 IU each day.

These days most milk is fortified with Vitamin D and this is a great source because you will be getting calcium along with your vitamin D and since this important vitamin helps your body absorb calcium it’s a match made in heaven. Other sources include foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids like tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines as well as organ meats, egg yolks, butter and dairy products that have full fat. If you don’t eat enough of these foods, you might consider taking cod liver oil.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Most people have heard of rickets but probably think that this disease is from olden times and doesn’t happen anymore. Unfortunately it’s beginning to show up again and children that do not get enough vitamin D. Symptoms of this disease include soft bones and abnormally developed bones. babies that don’t get enough vitamin D may have a condition where bones don’t harden. The results of these diseases is stunted growth, bowed legs and bone pain.

In older adults of vitamin D deficiency can cause osteoporosis which weakens your bones. it’s important to note that vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestine so any diseases that affect staff such as problems with the gallbladder, intestines, liver or pancreas can block the absorption and lead to deficiencies.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.a2z-vitamin-and-herbs.com where you can learn more about vitamins and herbs and their important role in your health.

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What is Cancer?

Cancer involves the unregulated proliferation of cells resulting in the formation malignant tumors. This type of uncontrolled growth occurs when gene mutations are caused by damaged DNA. Typically, any damaged cells would be destroyed by the animal’s immune system; however, cancerous cells are able to avoid destruction by the immune system and, therefore, continue to grow in their unregulated manner. These cells then form a mass known as a tumor, which can either be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are the cancerous ones, and they can be very aggressive and dangerous.

Types of Cat Cancer

There are so many different types of cat cancer that it’s not possible to discuss all of them here. Cancer can originate in and affect almost all parts of the feline body; however, there are certain types of cat cancer that are more common than others. These include bladder cancer as well as various abdominal cancers which can affect the kidneys, intestines, spleen, and liver. Feline leukemia and malignant skin tumors also affect cats quite frequently.

Causes

In most cases, it’s impossible to identify one or more particular causes of cancer in a feline patient. The potential causes and triggers of this disease are numerous and encompass both genetic and environmental factors. For example, hereditary defects and toxic chemicals can both play a role in the development of cat cancer. Radiation and viruses such as the Feline Leukemia Virus are also known to increase a cat’s risk of developing cancer. With so many potential triggers and contributing factors, the cause of feline cancer in a particular cat will often remain unknown.

Common Symptoms

Since there are so many different forms of cat cancer, the type of the disease that is affecting a particular cat will determine the type of symptoms and warning signs exhibited. For example, excessive drooling and trouble with eating could be signs of mouth cancer while stiffness and difficulty with movement could be symptoms of bone cancer. However, even though the warning signs of cancer will differ with each type of the disease, there are certain symptoms that are common to various forms of cancer. These warning signs include weight loss and loss of appetite, abnormal and firm swelling, a lack of interest in daily activities, trouble with eating, an offensive odor, and unusual stiffness or lameness.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of cat cancer will be reached through an evaluation of symptoms and clinical signs as well as the results of various diagnostic procedures. Since there are so many different types of feline cancer, there are a number of diagnostic tools and tests that may be necessary to confirm and identify a particular case of this disease. Certain tools and tests that may be employed include blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, and CT scans. Once the presence of a particular form of cat cancer has been confirmed, the veterinarian will also need to evaluate the stage of the disease in order to implement an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment

When a cat has been diagnosed as having cancer, the necessary treatment plan will depend on a number of different factors, including the type of cancer present and the stage of the disease. Examples of treatment methods frequently used for various forms of cat cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is part of a holistic health approach to treatment and is often used in conjunction with other treatments. This particular form of therapy involves using a variety of natural supplements to boost the cat’s immune system in order to provide the animal with a greater ability to fight the cancer as well as to withstand other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy. In some cases, treatment for cat cancer will successfully eradicate the disease but, unfortunately, in other cases treatment will only serve to slow the progress of the cancer.

Prevention

Since the potential contributing factors with respect to the development of cat cancer are so numerous, it can be difficult and even impossible to predict and prevent cancer in many cases. Yet, there are certain steps that pet owners can take to help lower the chances of their feline friends developing this terrible disease. Often, a holistic health care approach is very beneficial in this regard. By promoting and protecting your cat’s overall health with a good diet, a healthy living environment, and natural supplements, you will be boosting the strength and function of your pet’s immune system. As a result, your feline companion will have a stronger defense against cancer and all other feline medical problems and will be more likely to live a long and healthy life.

Catharine Wells is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Cat Cancer | Cat Hyperthyroidism | Cat Kidney Disease

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Cancer. The word itself is alarming. It sounds like a death sentence. In many cases, it is. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. The topic of cancer is so large that we will take at least three or four articles to even begin to touch on the main points. Like any other illness, the more you know about it, the better you’ll be able to deal with it. For example, how much did you know about your own health issues before they touched your life personally? What would you have done differently in your life if you knew that it would prevent the problem from happening? Would you have been willing to make the changes? I imagine that you would. You have that opportunity with cancer. In a series of articles, we’ll cover not only the natural health therapies for cancer but the lifestyle changes that help prevent cancer as well.

The increase in the rate of cancer is amazing. A hundred years ago, 1 in 33 people had cancer; today, 1 in 3 people either have cancer or will develop it. Statistics show that one American life is lost to cancer every 45 seconds. There is no other topic in medicine that has such urgency. So, exactly what is cancer? Basically, it is nature gone overboard. Healthy cells stop functioning properly for a variety of reasons and then begin to reproduce damaged copies of themselves. The natural process of cells multiplying becomes accelerated because these new mutant cells are not regulated by the body’s normal controls. In addition, the life span of these cells is not controlled any longer, meaning that cancer cells become virtually immortal.

There are types and stages of cancer. Of the 150 different types of cancer, there are 5 major groups:

• Carcinomas – solid tumors from cells in the surface of the mouth, nose, throat, lung airways, skin, GI tract, GU tract, breast, and thyroid. Lung, prostate, stomach, skin, colon, and breast cancers are in this type.

• Sarcomas – solid tumor from bones, fat, and other soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, abdomen, heart, central nervous system, and blood vessels. These are the most rare and most deadly of solid tumors.

• Leukemias – a blood-borne cancer type characterized by an abnormal production of white blood cells.

• Lymphomas – solid masses of abnormal white blood cells concentrated in the lymph system. Examples of this type of cancer include Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

• Myelomas – rare tumors from antibody-producing or blood cell-producing areas in the bone marrow.

Cancer is often described by what stage it is in. Staging in cancer refers to a scale used to determine amount of cancer, its location, size, and degree of containment. The four different levels listed below describe the stages of cancer.

• Stage I – earliest, most curable stage. Local tumor only.

• Stage II – some spreading of cancer to surrounding tissue and maybe nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage III – involves spreading to distant lymph nodes

• Stage IV – most advanced, least easily cured. Cancer has spread to distant organs.

Why do some people get cancer and others don’t? What is the trigger that turns these healthy cells into mutants? What causes cancer? There are at least 33 contributing causes, according to various researchers. Each of these factors could be an article in itself so I’ll just provide you with the list for now. With this information, you can easily research these contributing items to increase your cancer knowledge. The factors that can contribute to cancer are:

1. Sunlight

2. Nuclear Radiation

3. Pesticide/Herbicide Residues

4. Industrial Toxins

5. Polluted Water

6. Tobacco and Smoking

7. Chronic Electromagnetic Field Exposure

8. Hormone Therapies

9. Immune-Suppressive Drugs

10. Irradiated Foods

11. Food Additives

12. Mercury Toxicity

13. Dental Factors

14. Chronic Stress

15. Depressed Thyroid Action

16. Intestinal Toxicity and Digestive Impairment

17. Parasites

18. Viruses

19. Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies

20. Nerve Interference Fields

21. Toxic Emotions

22. Blocked Detoxification Pathways

23. Chlorinated Water

24. Fluoridated Water

25. Ionizing Radiation

26. Geopathic Stress

27. Sick Building Syndrome

28. Free Radicals

29. Cellular Oxygen Deficiency

30. Cellular Terrain

31. Oncogenes

32. Genetic Predisposition

33. Miasm

Now that we have a little background knowledge on cancer, we will begin to cover a wide range of clinically proven natural health therapies that can be helpful for people with various forms of cancer. Each of these types of complementary medicine has a wealth of scientific research available for review, thanks to the ongoing research of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, each of the therapies is currently available through physicians with outstanding medical backgrounds. The bottom line is that all of the cancer therapies that I will discuss in the next few articles are valid and have been documented in scientific literature.

In upcoming articles, we will explore the use of the following methods for cancer therapy supported by scientific evidence:

• Nutrition – Dietary changes and Anti-Cancer Nutritional Supplements

• Anti-Cancer Herbal Supplements

• Innovative Anti-Cancer Substances

• Physical Support Therapies – Detoxification, Biological Dentistry, Water Therapy, Heat Therapy, Bodywork/Therapeutic Massage/Exercise, Qi Gong

• Energy Support Therapies – Electrodermal Screening, Magnetic Therapy, Light Therapy

In closing, please remember that early detection and prevention is the key to beating cancer. Here are the 8 Early Warning Signs for Cancer. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, contact your physician immediately.

1. A Lump in the Breast or Testicles.

2. A Change in a Wart or Mole.

3. A Skin Sore or Sore Throat that Does Not Heal.

4. A Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits.

5. A Persistent Cough or Coughing Blood.

6. Constant Indigestion or Trouble Swallowing

7. Unusual Bleeding or Vaginal Discharge

8. Chronic Fatigue

If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this article, you can contact me through my website at www.JerryRyanPhD.com or email me at DoctorRyan@JerryRyanPhD.com.

Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. is a Natural Health Coach who teaches individuals and group classes on the scientifically documented benefits of natural health techniques. He is also an internationally published author and has been a guest speaker at such places as NIKE World Headquarters. For more information, his website is http://www.JerryRyanPhD.com

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Let’s begin with a brief review of our anatomy. The prostate gland is located around the bottom portion of a man’s bladder and is positioned behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. The prostate’s primary function is to produce most of the fluids in semen. Tiny ducts within the prostate convey this fluid to the urethra, the channel that drains urine from the bladder. This fluid is then released through the penis during ejaculation.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. It’s estimated that by age 50, up to 1 in 4 men have some cancerous cells in the prostate gland. By age 80, the ratio increases to 1 in 2. So, your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age. The average age at diagnosis is 72.

Prostate cancer also is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. Yet unlike other cancers, you’re more likely to die with prostate cancer than you are to die from it. On average, an American man has about a 30 percent risk of having prostate cancer in his lifetime, but only about a 3 percent risk of dying of the disease.

The risk of prostate cancer is dramatically higher among blacks, intermediate among whites, and lowest among native Japanese. However, this increase in risk may be due to factors other than those associated with race. Studies have shown a link between levels of testosterone and prostate cancer risk, with black men having the highest levels.

Symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent urination, inability to urinate, blood in urine or semen, or painful ejaculation. Frequent low back pain, burning urination or a weak urine flow are also very common.

There is another condition of the prostate known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. This is basically an enlarged prostate with no cancerous lesions. Symptoms for this condition are similar in many respects to prostate cancer. For example, Prostate-Specific Antigen or PSA levels can become elevated in both BPH and prostatic cancer.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the three most common approaches to treatment of prostate cancer. The selection of which method is used depends largely upon the extent of the disease. With the surgical removal of the prostate, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis similar to that of menopause in women. This problem is most often handled by using hormone replacement therapy postoperatively. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements have also been shown to be helpful in reducing this type of bone loss.

Natural measures for the prevention of prostate cancer include chemoprevention, changes in diet and lifestyle, and hormonal prevention. Chemoprevention is the use of specific natural or man-made drugs, vitamins, or other agents in order to reverse, suppress, or prevent cancer growth. Several agents, including difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), isoflavonoids, selenium, vitamins D and E, and lycopene have shown potential benefit according to studies. Further tests are needed to confirm this.

The herb, saw palmetto, was once thought to be the best natural supplement for prevention of prostate cancer. Recent studies lead researchers to believe saw palmetto to be much less powerful in its preventive effect.

A diet high in fat, especially animal fat, may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. So, reducing red meat, cheese and other dairy products, salad dressings, and gravies is a good step. Increasing the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in some studies. Adding soy products such as tofu and soy milk can be helpful in regulating hormonal balance. Exercise, even just plain old walking, has been shown to reduce the incidence of prostate and of practically all other cancers.

Since prostate cancer has a link to testosterone levels, studies are underway to discover the role of certain drugs, such as finasteride, that reduce the amount of male hormone as preventive agents for prostate cancer.

If you think you have experienced any of the symptoms listed in this article, check with your health care provider. Early detection of prostate cancer is very important in managing its damaging effects.

If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this column or to suggest ideas for an article, you can contact me my website.

Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. is a Natural Health Coach who teaches individuals and group classes on the scientifically documented benefits of natural health techniques. He is also an internationally published author and has been a guest speaker at such places as NIKE World Headquarters. For more information, his website is http://www.JerryRyanPhD.com

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We all have questions and concerns about our pets. This article is about cancer in dogs and hopefully answers any pet health questions you may have.

1. Skin – Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. All skin tumors should be examined by your veterinarian.

2. Breast – Fifty percent of all breast tumors in dogs and 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your pet between 6 and 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this type of cancer.

3. Head & Neck – Cancer of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. A mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficult eating are signs to watch for. Many swellings are malignant, so early aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling may occur.

4. Lymphoma – Lymphoma is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A virus causes most of these cancers in cats. Chemotherapy is frequently effective in controlling this type of cancer.

5. Feline Leukemia Complex – The feline leukemia virus is contagious among cats and will occasionally cause true cancer. There is no proof that it is contagious to humans. While a great deal of research is ongoing, no consistently effective treatment is presently available for virus-positive cats.

6. Testicles – Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testes. Most of these cancers are curable with surgery.

7. Abdominal Tumors – Tumors inside the abdomen are common. It is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss and abdominal enlargement are common signs of these tumors.

8. Bone – Bone tumors are most commonly seen in large breed dogs and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent lameness and swelling of the leg is an early sign of disease.

Common Signs of Cancer in Pets

* Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow

* Sores that do not heal

* Weight loss

* Loss of appetite

* Bleeding or discharge from any body opening

* Offensive odor

* Difficulty eating or swallowing

* Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina

* Persistent lameness or stiffness

* Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Many of the above signs are also seen with noncancerous conditions but still warrant prompt attention by your veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.

Each cancer requires individual care. Your veterinarian may use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy to effectively treat cancers. Combination therapy is commonly employed.

What is the Success Rate?

This depends strongly on the type and extent of the cancer as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers can be cured, and almost all patients can be helped to some degree. Your veterinarian will have a better chance to control or cure your pet’s cancer if it is detected early.

For answers to your dog health questions, visit the author’s website and check out her recommended reading section: http://dogadditions.com and visit her dog blog at http://dogadditions.blogspot.com
Get the newsletter for a happy, healthy dog at: doginfo@getresponse.com

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