Foods to avoid and treatment options for mycosis fungoides

Foods to avoid and treatment options for mycosis fungoides

Mycosis fungoides is a rare form of T-cell lymphoma that develops on the skin. This chronic condition is normally diagnosed among adults over the age of 50. The infection spreads gradually and the lymphocytes affect white blood cells, which may result in the formation of lesions over the skin. Here is a brief overview of the medications, treatments, and changes in food regime that can help manage the condition of mycosis fungoides.

Top foods to avoid for mycosis fungoides are

Bell peppers
These peppers are loaded with compounds like capsaicin, solasodine, and maltol. Studies show that interactions with such compounds while exploring mycosis fungoides treatment options can have a negative impact on the outcome of the treatment.

Margarine
Margarine is a type of processed substitute for butter. But many such processed foods are made up of polyunsaturated fats and contain active compounds like lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids. Like the compounds found in bell peppers, these active ingredients can interfere with the medications and treatment of mycosis fungoides.

Amaranth
This nutritious gluten-free grain is rich in micronutrients, proteins, and fibers. However, amaranth should be avoided for consumption in any form for mycosis fungoides due to its natural composition that may affect treatment outcomes.

Coriander
Coriander’s organic and chemical composition can also interfere with the effective treatment of certain types of health problems and hence generally avoided.

Note that mycosis fungoides is a type of cutaneous t-cell lymphoma categorized under Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. So, several nutritional changes are generally influenced by treatment options for similar conditions. Since there are multiple stages involved, one must make regular adjustments in foods to eat and avoid reducing the risk of cancer progression. Treatment options for mycosis fungoides will vary on the basis of the stage of development. Common options include,

Photodynamic therapy
Doctors use a laser combined with certain medications to target cancer cells directly on the skin. The medication is injected into the area and a laser beam is used to activate the steroids that destroy cancer cells in the region.

Radiation therapy
If the cancer is spreading quickly, high-energy x-rays are used to destroy the infected cells. for mycosis fungoides, Total Skin Electron Beam radiation treatment is suggested.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of targeted medicines to search and destroy cancer cells when injected into the bloodstream or applied as a topical patch.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is done to boost the body’s immune response to fight off cancer cells. for mycosis fungoides, Interferon immunotherapy treatment can help slow down the extent of tumor growth.

Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy also involves the use of medications to destroy affected cancer cells directly. For example, corticosteroids for relieving inflammation, retinoids for slowing growth of cancer cells, lenalidomide for killing abnormal blood cells, and certain types of inhibitors may be suggested among mycosis fungoides treatment options.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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Nutritional dos and don’ts for breast cancer prevention

Of all the known types of cancer, one of the most commonly diagnosed types in women is that of the breast. This cancer type can be caused by a defect in one's DNA as well as genetic mutations. While the occurrence of this condition is common among women, it can be rarely seen in men too. Herein, we discuss which nutritional changes can affect one's vulnerability to breast cancer and the medications prescribed for treatment. Foods to eat Certain foods can improve one's overall wellbeing and reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and other such diseases in the long run. Some such beneficial foods are, Leafy green vegetables Such vegetables contain important antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These nutrients fall under the category of carotenoids and are known to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Fatty fish Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, selenium, and important antioxidants. These nutrients protect the body from damage and help in repairing old ruptured cells. Thus, foods made with fatty fish can offer cancer-fighting benefits when included in one's meal routine.   Foods to avoid Certain foods can potentially increase one's risk of developing breast cancer. Eliminating or reducing the frequency of consumption of such foods should be a top priority for preventing this condition. Two such foods one must eliminate are, Alcohol Alcoholic beverages contain a large number of toxins that are detoxified by the liver. Such a process strains the liver quite a bit and, subsequently, increases the risk of one developing breast cancer. Processed foods Processed foods contain a large number of artificial additives that help preserve these foods for a longer period of time. And the copious addition of sugar and salt only makes things worse. The consumption of foods like cured meat, bread, and cheese could lead to obesity, consequently increasing the risk of developing breast cancer.   Medications  Prompt and effective treatment for breast cancer is normally carried out with the help of certain medications. And one such medicine is Neulasta, which is the brand name of a medication called Pegfilgrastim. This medication promotes the production of healthy white blood cells and fights off infection caused by chemotherapy. There are several FDA-approved biosimilars available in the market as an alternative to Neulasta, such as Fulphila This medication is an injectable form of Pegfilgrastim. Fulphila is produced by Mylan and is prescribed to patients who have non-myeloid malignancies and have been receiving anti-cancer medicinal treatment. Medications used for chemotherapy compromise the immune system and make one vulnerable to infections. Such infections can be addressed by the prescription of Fulphila. Nyvepria Nyvepria is another injectable biosimilar of Neulasta. It is synthesized by Pfizer and potentially helps reduce the risk of infection posed by febrile neutropenia. Such issues may be experienced by cancer patients who take myelosuppressives.

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