Cancer is the name given to any illness caused by the abnormal growth of cells in your body. It is difficult and complex to identify what actually causes this disease however many things are known to increase risk of development including tobacco use, certain infections, radiation, lack of physical activity, poor diet and obesity. Diet, physical inactivity, and obesity are related to approximately 30–35% of cancer cases. There are more than 200 types of cancer. Bowel /Breast / Lung / Prostate cancer are the most common of the illness. Other cancers include: Mouth / Stomach /Testicular.

New research shows over 40 per cent of people in the UK are unaware that eating a poor diet may increase their risk of developing cancer.

Foods to Avoid: recommended by Dr’s of Naturopathic Medicine, Holistic Practitioners and Raw food advocates:

Dairy products / Fried foods / Processed meats / Red meats / excess Salt / excess Sugar.

Dr Peter J D’Adamo author of: “Eat Right 4 Your Type” “The Eat Right Diet” and “Live Right 4 Your Type”, suggests that across the world there exists in humans several different blood types and that each flourishes on a different diet. Some people prefer vegan diets some people prefer meat based diets. In any event, everyone is responsible for, their own health and wellbeing and should acquire advice from suitably qualified professionals.

Candida (fungus): low level genus of yeasts. Many species are harmless hosts of humans however other species, or harmless species in the wrong location, can cause disease. Candida Albicans can cause infections such as (candidiasis or thrush) in humans.

Candida are common on normal adult skin [12] and albicans is part of the normal flora of the mucous membranes of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and female genital tracts which cause no disease.

Antibiotics promote yeast infections, including gastrointestinal candida overgrowth, and penetration of the gastrointestinal mucosa (the most inner layer of the stomach) this causes yeast and other unwanted particles to be absorbed into the body. [6]  Many people are under the impression that only women get genital yeast infections. Regardless of gender, prolonged antibiotic use increases your risk of a yeast infection. Also, sufferers of diabetes or impaired immune systems, such as those with HIV, are more susceptible to yeast infections. [7] [8] Oral candidiasis is common in elderly denture wearers. [13]

Candidiasis treatment: “Threelac” recommended by Holistic Practitioners.

Parasites major groups of parasites include protozoans (organisms having only one cell) and parasitic worms.

Each of these parasites can infect the digestive tract, and sometimes two or more can cause infection at the same time. About 85 per cent of people may have parasites during their lives.

Intestinal parasites are parasites that populate the gastro-intestinal tract in humans and other animals. [1] They can live throughout the body, but most prefer the intestinal wall. Means of exposure include: ingestion of undercooked meat, drinking infected water, and skin absorption. A parasite is an organism that feeds off another organism, called a host.

Parasites can get into the intestine by going through the mouth from uncooked or unwashed food, contaminated water or hands, or by skin contact with larva infected soil. When the organisms are swallowed, they move into the intestine, where they can reproduce and cause symptoms such as:

                          • Abdominal pain

                          • Bloating or wind

                          • Constipation or diarrhea

                          • Digestive discomfort

                          • Fatigue

                          • Fever

                          • Headaches

                          • Nausea

                          • Skin problems

                          • Vomiting

Children are particularly susceptible if they are not thoroughly cleaned after coming into contact with infected soil that is present in environments they may frequently visit, for example, sandboxes and school playgrounds. People in developing countries are also at particular risk due to drinking water from sources that may be contaminated with parasites that colonize the gastrointestinal tract.

The hookworm is a parasitic roundworm that lives in the small intestine of its host, for example cat, dog, human or other mammal. Two species of hookworm commonly infect humans:    back to quick links

• Ancylostoma Duodenale predominate the Middle East, North Africa and India.

• Necator Americanus predominate the Americas, Sub Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, China and

  Indonesia.

Hookworms: are much smaller than the larger Roundworm (Ascaris Lumbricoides). There is belief that hookworms infect more than 600 million people worldwide.

Trematode Intestinal Fluke: affect blood / intestine / liver / lungs / pancreas.

Roundworm: the most common intestinal parasite, affects appendix / intestine / liver / lungs / lymph nodes / pancreas

Tapeworm: affect blood / kidneys / liver / lungs / spleen.

If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms – you could consider intestinal parasitic infestation.

(for information only) Black Walnut (Green Hulls Juglans nigra) Tincture a natural parasite eliminator has been used for centuries as herbal medicine. It is antiparasitic and easy to medicate. We welcomed the surprisingly successful results. Nature’s Answer alcohol free, holistically balanced fluid extract.

Any decisions or actions taken are care of your own choice.

Ringworm

“What causes this condition?”

Contrary to its name, Ringworm is a common skin infection due to a fungus. It is not a worm. Children are particularly susceptible however it may affect people of all ages. There are many bacteria and fungi that live on your body some are useful whilst others can cause infection. Ringworm occurs when a type of fungus called tinea grows and multiplies on your skin. Often, there are several patches of ringworm on your skin at once.

Skin areas affected:

• Beard  tinea barbae

• Body   tinea corporis

• Feet    tinea pedis    (also known as athlete’s foot)

• Groin  tinea cruris    (also known as jock itch)

• Scalp  tinea capitis

Ringworm is highly contagious it spreads easily from one person to another. You can catch ringworm if you touch someone who has the infection, or if you come into contact with items contaminated by the fungus; combs / unwashed clothing / shower or pool surfaces. It is also transferred from pets that carry the fungus. Cats are the most common carriers.

The fungus that cause ringworm flourish in moist, warm areas and is more likely where you are often wet, for example, sweating. It also occurs from minor injuries to the skin, scalp or nails.

“What are the symptoms of this infection?”

• Itchy red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze.

• Patches tend to have sharply defined edges.

• Red patches are quite often redder around the outside with normal skin

  tone in the centre. It may look like a ring.

• If ringworm affects your scalp you will have bald patches.

• If it affects your nails, they will become discoloured, thick and may split

  and crumble.

“How do I treat it?”

You should first consult your General Practitioner, Dr of Naturopathic Medicine, or Holistic Practitioner – particularly individuals with specific and/or ongoing medical requirements.

• Do not wear clothing that rubs against and irritates the affected areas.

• Keep your skin clean and dry.

• Use medications as prescribed by your GP, Dr of Naturopathic Medicine or Holistic Practitioner.

• Wash sheets and night clothes every day whilst infection is present.

In cases of severe ringworm, reoccurring or lasts for a long time, ringworm on your scalp and in your hair. First consult your GP, Dr of Naturopathic Medicine or Holistic Practitioner.

You may need medicines such as antibiotics to treat skin infections from streptococcal or staphylococcus aureus that are caused by scratching affected areas.

“How can I prevent ringworm infection?”

• Avoid touching pets with bald spots.

• Do not share clothing, combs, hairbrushes, headgear towels or any other personal grooming item.

• Clean all combs, hairbrushes and personal grooming items thoroughly after each use.

• Shampoo on a regular basis.

• Wash all clothing, towels thoroughly.

• Keep your skin and feet clean and dry.

• Wear sandals or shoes at gyms and swimming pools.                 back to quick links

Lyme Disease

“Is spread through the bite of the blacklegged tick”

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi – blacklegged ticks carry these bacteria as they pick them up when they bite deer or mice that are infected with Lyme disease. Humans can get the disease if bitten by an infected tick.

“How do I get Lyme disease?”

• Outside activities increase tick exposure for instance hiking, hunting or gardening

   in areas where Lyme disease is known to occur.

• Walking through long grasses.

• In your own back garden where mammals / rodents such as mice may be

  present.

• Having pets that may bring ticks into the home.

Tick bites and Lyme disease – facts

In most cases ticks must be attached to its host for 24 – 36 hours to spread bacteria into the blood. Blacklegged ticks are very small and difficult to spot. Most people that are bitten by a tick do not get Lyme disease.

“How would I know I’ve been bitten?”

There may develop a bulls eye shaped rash, you may find a flat or slightly raised red spot at bite site. Usually there is a clear area in the centre which can be quite large and expands in size.

Left untreated Lyme disease can spread to the brain, heart and joints.