Immune-boosting Foods: Citrus Fruits

Grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons and limes are all excellent sources of ascorbic acid, the form of vitamin C found in plants. As a component of food, this nutritional superstar has myriad immune functions, including enhancing the movement of phago¬cytes, boosting NK-cell activity and building and maintaining mucous membranes and collagen, a tissue that plays a vital role in wound healing.

Vitamin C is also required for the manufacture of hormones that help the body deal with stress and it helps convert toxins to water-soluble substances that can be excreted by the body. But it's just one of more than 100 phytochemicals that citrus fruits contain. Both oranges and grapefruit are also loaded with naringenin, which is thought to work against HIV infection and tumour formation.

The oil in citrus rinds contains Iimonene, which researchers think helps enzymes to deactivate cancer-causing substances in the body. Iimonene may also encourage tumours to shrink by slowing down the rate at which the cells divide.

The proof: Contrary to popular claims, vitamin C cannot cure the common cold or make cancer patients live longer. Even so, its importance for health can't be disputed. Many studies have found an unmistakable correlation between low levels of vitamin C in the blood and increased risk of cancer, especially cancer of the oesophagus, mouth, pancreas and stomach. Just by adding a small amount of lemon peel to their diets, participants in one US study appear to have lowered their incidence of skin cancer by as much as 34 per cent.

Put citrus fruits to work: Most animals manufacture their own vitamin C, but humans have lost their ability to do so. Since the body doesn't store the vitamin (any excess is eliminated through the urine), try to get a little bit every day. (There is no benefit in taking large doses of supplements.) To benefit from limonene, add a twist of citrus peel to your drink.

Immune-boosting Foods: Garlic

Garlic fans adore the bulb's pungent flavour and so should health seekers. Several of the same chemicals that contribute to garlic's intense flavour also appear to help block cancer by preventing the formation of some carcinogens that damage DNA. Garlic may also stimulate an increase in the production of the immune-system chemicals interleukin-2, tumour necrosis factor and interferon gamma — the same substances that are used by doctors in some cancer dierapies that are based on manipulation of the immune system. 

The proof. Fresh garlic juice can kill various microorganisms. Small studies have hinted at its effectiveness in promoting human health. Some studies even suggest that eating lots of chopped garlic may lower the risk of colon and stomach cancer by up to 35 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. The reduction in stomach cancer among garlic eaters suggests that the tasty bulb contains compounds that stop the growth of ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori bacteria, since gastric ulcers have been identified as a strong risk factor for stomach cancer. 

Put garlic to work. How much garlic do you need to eat to harness its healing powers? Generally, benefits have been observed in people who eat 5 to 18 g (about two to six cloves) of raw or lighdy cooked garlic a week. (Overcooking can destroy the beneficial enzymes.) Add garlic to stir-fries; toss it in sauces, stews and soups; or opt instead to use its close cousins - shallots, onions, chives or leeks. Be wary of garlic pills; some contain few active ingredients, so fresh garlic is best. Also, although some folk remedies involve applying crushed garlic directly to the skin, don't, as it could be too strong for you and would cause severe irritation.

P/S: After chopping garlic, let it sit on the kitchen bench for about 15 minutes before cooking. This allow ample time for its various health-protective substances to form. Heat stops this important process.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

--A rapidly progressive, degenerative disease of the upper and lower motor neurons characterized by atrophy of the hands, arms, legs, and, eventually, the entire body. Seventy percent of individuals die within 5 years of diagnosis.
 
Causes and Incidence
The etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unknown, but proposed explanations include genetics, metabolic disturbances, and external agents. Although the incidence worldwide is 60 to 70 people per 100,000, with large clusters of cases in the western Pacific, the incidence in the United States is only about 5 in 100,000. The disease usually occurs in men between 40 and 70 years of age.
 
Disease Process
Patterns of degeneration occur in the brain and spinal cord. The anterior horn cells deteriorate, resulting in denervation of muscle fibers. Atrophy of the precentral gyrus and loss of Betz's cells occur in the cortex. Motor neurons are lost in the brainstem, although neurons that control the sensory and urinary sphincters are spared. The corticospinal tract and large motor neurons in the spinal cord also atrophy.
 

Symptoms 
 
Early
Weakness, cramps in the hands and forearms
 
Midcourse     
Fatigue; dyspnea; slurred speech; dysphagia; asymmetric spread of muscle weakness to the rest of the body; spasticity; fasciculations; hyperactive deep tendon and extensor plantar reflexes
 
Late 
Paralysis of vocal cords; paralysis of chest muscles, necessitating ventilatory support
 
Potential Complications 

The end stage of ALS can be complicated by disuse syndrome, contractures, skin breakdown, and aspiration pneumonia.
 

Diagnostic Tests 
 
Clinical evaluation  
Any of the above manifestations; motor involvement unaccompanied by sensory abnormalities
 
Electromyography
Fibrillation, positive waves, fasciculations, giant motor units
 
Blood
Possible elevation in creatinine phosphokinase
 
Spinal tap
Elevated total protein; normal cell and IgG concentrations
 
Computed tomography scan
Normal until cerebral atrophy  late in disease
 
Myelogram
Normal; spinal cord atrophy late in disease
 

Treatments 
 
Surgery  
Cricopharyngeal myotomy to alleviate dysphagia; tracheostomy; esophagostomy/ gastrostomy
 
Drugs   
Muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen) to control spasticity; tricyclic antidepressants to control saliva; phenytoin to reduce cramping
 
General            
Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength; occupational therapy for activity of daily living support; speech therapy to aid communication; splints for neutral joint alignment; leg braces, canes, walkers to aid ambulation; nutritional support/tube feedings; cardiac monitoring; mechanical ventilation; counseling for individual and family; respite care or placement if family is unable to provide care.

Alzheimer's Disease

--A chronic, progressive, neurologic disorder characterized by degeneration of the neurons in the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures, resulting in irreversible impairment of intellect and memory.
 
Causes and Incidence
The cause is unknown, although theories involving genetic links, neurotransmitter deficiencies, viruses, aluminum poisoning, autoimmune disease, and viruses have been advanced. Alzheimer's disease is the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly in the United States. Approximately 3% of individuals over 65 years of age show signs of the disease; the proportion climbs to 20% in those over 80 years of age. The incidence is higher in women.
 
Disease Process
Selective neuronal cells, primarily those involved in the transmission and reception of acetylcholine, degenerate in the cerebral cortex and basal forebrain, resulting in cerebral atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes, with wide sulci and dilated ventricles. Senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are present. The basic pathophysiologic processes accompanying the brain damage are unknown.
 

Symptoms 
 
Early     
Short-term memory loss, impaired insight/judgment, momentary disorientation, emotional lability, anxiety, depression, decline in ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLS)
 
Midcourse         
Apraxia, ataxia, alexia, astereognosis, auditory agnosia, agraphia, prolonged disorientation, progressive memory loss (longand shortterm), aphasia, lack of comprehension, decline in care abilities, insomnia, loss of appetite, repetitive behavior, socially unacceptable behavior, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia
 
Late    
Total dependence in ADLs, bowel and bladder incontinence, loss of speech, loss of individuation, myoclonic jerking, seizure activity, loss of consciousness
 

Potential Complications
The end stage of Alzheimer's disease invites complications commonly associated with comatose conditions (e.g., skin breakdown, joint contractures, fractures, emaciation, aspiration pneumonia, infections).
 
Diagnostic Tests
Definitive diagnosis can be made only through autopsy. 
 
Clinical evaluation     
Any of the above manifestations  after depression, delirium, and other dementia disorders (e.g., head injury, brain tumor, alcoholism, drug toxicity, arteriosclerosis) have been ruled out; family history
 
Mental status  examination  
Decreased orientation, impaired  memory, impaired insight/ judgment, loss of abstraction/ calculation abilities, altered mood
 
Computed tomography/magnetic  resonance imaging
Brain atrophy; symmetric, bilateral, ventricular enlargement
 
Electroencephalogram
Slowed brain wave activity,   reduced voltage
 

Treatments 
 
Surgery
None
 
Drugs        
Medications for treating specific symptoms or behavioral manifestations (i.e., antidepressants, stimulants, antipsychotics, sedatives); experimental drugs include cholinergic, dopamine, and serotonin precursors; neuropeptides; and transcerebral dilators
 
General      
Structured, supportive, familiar environment; orientation and cueing program for daily tasks; safety program; family support and counseling; respite care; institutionalization when home care is no longer possible.