What are carcinogens?

Carcinogens are substances which are found in nature or created by humans than can start or help the growth of cancer cells.

Substances that can cause changes that can lead to cancer are called carcinogens. Some carcinogens do not act on DNA directly, but lead to cancer in other ways, such as causing cells to divide at a faster rate, which could increase the chances that DNA changes will occur.

Carcinogens can be classified as genotoxic or nongenotoxic:

• Genotoxic carcinogens – cause irreversible genetic damage or mutations to cells by binding to DNA
• Non-genotoxic carcinogens – do not directly affect DNA but act in other ways to promote cancer growth

The most common carcinogens (cancer-producing) substances are:

• chemicals
• cigarettes
• free radicals
• ultraviolet radiation
• viruses

Important carcinogens facts

• A carcinogen may cause cancer due to genomic instability or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes
• Carcinogens can be classified as genotoxic or nongenotoxic
• Carcinogens cause damage to DNA, or cause cells to divide quicker than they normally divide (thus causing cancer)

Why carcinogens are important

It is very important to understand what carcinogens are in order to avoid them as much as possible to avoid getting cancer and sustain good health (although avoiding all carcinogens is no guarantee to avoiding cancer).

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a part of the female reproductive cycle that only females experience.

The menstrual cycle is the body of a woman’s way of preparing for a possible pregnancy. The menstrual cycle happens once every 28 days (approximately) – although the cycle can vary anywhere from 23-35 days and still be considered to be normal and healthy.

In the first half of the menstrual cycle, the following occurs:

• oestrogen levels rise and the lining of the uterus starts to thicken
• the anterior pituitary gland releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which causes an egg from one of ovaries to mature, preparing for release.
• around day 14 (the middle of the cycle) leutinising hormone is secreted which causes the mature egg to be released from the ovary – which is termed ovulation

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the following occurs:

• the mature egg travels down the Fallopian tubes and into the uterus
• progesterone levels rise, which aid the uterine walls for possible pregnancy
• if a sperm cells fertilises the egg at this time, and the fertilised egg attached to the uterus cell wall, the woman becomes pregnant
• if there is no sperm cell to fertilise the egg, it is either absorbed into the body or is dissolved
• if pregnancy does not happen, the levels of both the hormones oestrogen and progesterone steadily fall
• the uterine wall is shed during menstruation, which occurs at approximately day 28

Important menstrual cycle facts

• The menstrual cycle is the way the body prepares for pregnancy
• Menstruation is just part of the menstrual cycle
• The menstrual cycle lasts from anywhere between 23-35 days
• Many hormones are released during the menstrual cycle and a disruption of these can cause health problems

Why the menstrual cycle is important

Women who are approaching menopause (in perimenopause) can experience an irregular menstrual cycle and thus irregular menstruation. Young girls who have just started menstruating also experience an irregular menstrual cycle too.

The menstrual cycle is necessary to enable pregnancy to occur.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance which is found in all cells of the body. The body can manufacture all the cholesterol it requires for all the processes it is involved in.

Important cholesterol facts

• The body uses cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and help with digestion of food
• Is necessary in creating bile
• Forms every part of every cell

Why cholesterol is important

Cholesterol travels in the blood packaged with a protein (called a lipoprotein) – the type of lipoprotein that is packaged is indicative of heart health.

LDL cholesterol – low density lipoprotein

• Often referred to as “bad cholesterol”
• High levels of LDL in the bloodstream lead to a buildup of bad cholesterol in arteries and this can lead to heart disease

HDL cholesterol – high density lipoprotein

• Often referred to as “good cholesterol”
• HDL gathers up other cholesterol from the body back to the liver to be removed from the body
• High levels of HDL are an excellent indication for reducing the risk of heart disease

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force that the blood exerts against the walls of arteries. The heart beats 60-70 beats per minute and each time it beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, which is when the blood pressure is at its highest and it rests between heart beats, when blood pressure is at its lowest.

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers

• systolic pressure – this is the pressure when the heart pushes blood out into the arteries (when the heart beats)
• diastolic pressure – this is the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats

Blood pressure measurement is written as one number above or before the other, with the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the bottom. For example, a blood pressure measurement of 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is expressed verbally as “120 over 80.”

Important blood pressure facts

• Blood pressure varies constantly due to many factors such as body temperature, diet, emotional stress, posture, exercise, health and medication/drugs
• High blood pressure is called “the silent killer” because is has no apparent symptoms
• Many people with high blood pressure do not realise they have this conditions
• A high salt diet affects blood pressure by increase it

Measuring blood pressure

Measuring blood pressure is vitally important as high blood pressure does not often have any symptoms until it is too late and the person has a heart attack or stroke.

Blood pressure measurements for adults (mmHg):

The table above shows the different blood pressure measurement for adults over 18 years of age.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that neutralise or destroy free radicals (oxidants) that are naturally created in the body when cells in the body burn oxygen to produce energy. Free radicals are also produced by pollution, stress, smoking, excessive exercise, drinking alcohol and other factors. Antioxidants are found abundantly in fresh fruits and vegetables especially, but also in some grains, seeds and herbs. Antioxidants contribute to good health by reducing the levels of free radicals in the body.

There are many antioxidants, the most common ones are:

• Betacarotene
• Selenium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc

Besides the above vitamins and minerals, there are many herb and other nutrients which are also potent antioxidants.

Important antioxidants facts

• Antioxidants stop free radical damage to our bodies, especially to the DNA of our cells
• Fresh fruits and vegetables have an abundance of antioxidant nutrients
• Nuts, grains, some meats, poultry and fish also contain antioxidants
• Antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer
• Antioxidants slow down ageing
• Antioxidants have a protective effect on the heart
• Antioxidants act as stabilisers by preventing the breakdown (oxidation ) of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as essential fatty acids in oils and in the body

Why antioxidants are important

Antioxidants are important because they reduce the amount of free radicals in the body. Free radicals can clog arteries and contribute to cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. Free radicals also cause ageing to be accelerated.

By reducing the amount of free radical, antioxidants reduce the effects they produce and reduce any potential cellular damage that may otherwise occur.

Our bodies need a constant supply of antioxidants in our diet to counteract the effects of free radicals that are produced every day, from a variety of sources.

What are allergies?

An allergy is an excessively exaggerated immune response or reaction to a substance that is generally not harmful to most people.

Allergic reactions can vary from a mild one to the very severe. Interestingly, some children grow out of their allergies, while others do not.

People with allergies are often sensitive to more than one substance. The most common substances that often cause allergic reactions are:

• Food
• Insect stings
• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Medicines
• Mould spores
• Pet dander
• Jewellery
• Chemicals
• Plants
• Cosmetics

Important facts about allergies

• Allergies are quite common in the general populace
• Some people experience allergies so severe that they are life threatening and require medical intervention in order not to expire
• Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, which if left untreated could mean the person may die (adrenaline is usually the first line of treatment for people with anaphylaxis)
• Both genetics and environmental factors play a role in whether or not a person will get allergies at any time in their life
• Some medical conditions such as eczema and asthma, are linked to allergies

Why allergies are important

Allergies can cause the following symptoms:

• runny nose
• sneezing
• itching
• rashes
• swelling
• asthma (this is a more serious allergic reaction)

The part of the body that is in contact with the allergen is what has an impact on the symptoms that develop.

• Food allergies can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps
• Allergens that are breathed in, can cause a blocked and itchy nose, itchy throat, excessive mucous, coughing and even wheezing
• Drug allergies often affect most of the body and can have a whole variety of symptoms
• Allergies to plants and cosmetics, often cause a skin rash on the site of application

Symptoms of allergies vary among person to person in their severity. Even at their worst, allergies generally will not kill you, although they will make you feel bad. However, some people can experience a really rare and extreme allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) which is very much life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is normally treated with adrenaline.