Treatment And Medication Options For Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer treatment almost always starts with surgery. Most women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer will have an operation to remove the tumor, or at least as much of it as possible.
If the cancer is diagnosed early , the operation may be limited to removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, a procedure called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, as well as the uterus . Depending on the cancer and the stage, some women who want to preserve their fertility may be able to keep one ovary and fallopian tube, and their uterus.
More extensive surgery may be necessary for cancers that have spread, assuming the patient is healthy enough to withstand it.
Surgery is important for staging the cancer determining how advanced it is in order to settle on the best treatment and make a prognosis.
Remedies For Stomach Bloat
Sometimes a simple diet change might be all you need. Sticking to foods that are high in protein or complex carbohydrates can help. Drink plenty of water and stay away from carbonated drinks. Making your meals last longer can help keep you from overeating so be sure to try eating slower and chewing your food more.
Another remedy is to try, in place of three meals a day, eating more frequent, smaller meals. This prevents the bloating that typically follows large meals.
Check For A Food Intolerance Or Allergy
Occasionally, a wheat allergy or lactose intolerance results in a lot of undigested food that can be acted on by bacteria and cause bloating, says Dr Chopada.
If you want to reduce bloating consider food intolerances, says Claire. The most common intolerances are lactose , fructose , wheat and gluten, and eggs. You can do this by cutting out food you think you might be intolerant to and seeing how your body reacts. If you arent sure, find a specialist who can test you, she advises.
Over the counter medications like Deflatine tablets can help, adds Dr Chophada.
Drinking enough water can actually reduce bloating, rather than cause it.
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Causes And Risk Factors Of Uterine Cancer
While the exact cause of uterine cancer has not been determined, experts have identified certain factors that put women at higher risk:
- Age
- A history of irregular menstrual periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Use of Nolvadex to treat breast cancer
- A family history of uterine cancer, colon cancer, or ovarian cancer
- Beginning menstruation before age 12 and menopause later than average
- History of infertility or never having been pregnant
- Having endometrial hyperplasia, an abnormal overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus
- Radiation therapy to the pelvic region
Bad Eating Habits = Bloating
Its no surprise that bad eating habits can contribute to bloating. Overeating or eating too quickly can cause that stuffed feeling because your digestive system slows down, trying to process a large or fast intake of food. When you talk while eating, drink through a straw or chew gum, you swallow air that can go into your digestive system, causing bloating.
Processed foods, such as hotdogs and chips, also can create bloating. Many processed foods are high in sodium, which makes your body retain water and can cause your stomach to feel bloated. Sugary foods and snacks break down in your body and can make you gassy.
Even what you drink can upset your stomach. Carbonated beverages like beer and soda contain bubbles with carbon dioxide, a gas that releases into your stomach.
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You Forgot About Fiber
Another reason fiber is such an important nutrient it can stop bloat in its tracks, as it’s what bacteria need to maintain a healthy microbiome, Dr. Eugenio says. A healthy microbiome helps create a happy GI tract, which means less bloating. Unfortunately, your diet may not include enough of the stuff: A 2018 study of more than 9,000 people found that 58% of womens calories came from ultra-processed foods, which often lack quality fiber sources.
Bloating that’s related to constipation can be especially helped by fiber. When is in the colon, it absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool, Dr. Eugenio says. People can have a more complete evacuation when they have more fiber in their diet.
Whole foods like kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are your best fibrous options, Dr. Eugenio explains, but if youre struggling to get the recommended amount , you may want to consider supplements. One fiber that’s really good for the digestive tract is acacia senegal, Dr. Eugenio says. Its derived from the gum of an acacia tree and has a prebiotic effect, and you can get it over the counter.
Youre Swallowing Too Much Air
Inadvertently swallowing too much air when you eat or drink, a condition known as aerophagia, may cause bloating and belching, Dr. Fisher says, So drinking through a straw or having carbonated beverages are things that tend to contribute to upper GI bloating.
Eating too fast and chewing gum may also cause you to ingest too much air, adds Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian in the Good Housekeeping Institute. Try your best to slow down when you eat, properly chew your food, and make sure youre staying hydrated throughout the day, she says.
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Dyspepsia Or Upset Stomach
Dyspepsia is also called upset stomach or indigestion. It is a condition characterized by a painful or burning feeling in the upper abdominal region or stomach.
The most common dyspepsia symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, cramping in the stomach, a growling stomach, nausea and vomiting, gas and belching, constipation, diarrhea, and a burning sensation in the stomach or upper abdomen.
What Can Be Done
Over-the-counter medications or a prescription from your doctor might help. Look for a medication containing alpha-D-galactosidase. It has an enzyme that breaks down indigestible sugars in vegetables and beans.
Tablets or capsules containing simethicone can also help alleviate symptoms of upper abdominal bloating. If you’re a tobacco user, it’s a good reason to quit because it has been linked to heartburn, bloating, and other digestive problems. Fortunately, bloating is a very common affliction, and most people can find a remedy at the pharmacy. Other measures, such as a change in diet, the frequency and times between meals and a change in habits are all you’ll need to do to avoid bloating.
When to Worry
Usually, temporary bloating is very common and nothing to worry about. However, if the condition persists on a regular basis, or bathroom problems are a constant battle, there might be more serious medical conditions causing your discomfort, so you’ll need to consult your physician. There could be a physical obstruction in the stomach or small intestines, and if diagnosed by your health care provider, may need to be surgically corrected. Many people already know that gas-inducing foods can cause gas, but what most people don’t suspect is an underlying chronic disease or cancer that could also be the cause.
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Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is fat buildup in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption. Instead, elements of metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, particularly if excess fat is carried around the midsection, make a person more likely to develop this condition.
When inflammation and liver cell damage occur along with fat in the liver, its called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis . If NASH progresses, it can lead to cirrhosis.
NAFLD typically causes no symptoms. The most effective form of treatment is weight loss.
What Else You Can Do About Bloating
If eliminating or reducing consumption of hard-to-digest foods doesnât solve your frequent bloating problem, there are over-the-counter medications that might help. Look for a pill or liquid containing alpha-D-galactosidase, an enzyme that breaks down indigestible sugars in beans and vegetables. Tablets or capsules containing simethicone can also help alleviate symptoms of excess gas.
If youâre a smoker, intestinal distress may be one more reason to quit. Smoking has been linked to bloating, heartburn, and other digestive problems.
Fortunately, bloating is rarely a symptom of serious trouble. For most people, the most effective prescription for bloating is simple: control portion sizes, go easy on fats, and eat slowly enough to give your body time to signal when youâve had enough. These sensible remedies should keep you from feeling overstuffed and bloated.
Show Sources
Grabitske, H. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,âGastrointestinal Effects of Low-Digestible Carbohydrates,â 2009 vol 49: pp327-360.
Joanne L. Slavin, PhD, RD, professor of food science and nutrition,University of Minnesota.
American College of Gastroenterology:Belching, Bloating and Flatulence.
MedicineNet.com: Intestinal Gas .
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You’re Eating Too Much For Dinner
If you eat your largest meal of the day in the evening hours, you might be ingesting more calories overall, which could potentially lead to weight problems and bloating, per an April 2015 study in Nutrition.
“Eating a large meal at night is a recipe for feeling uncomfortable,” says Rusha Modi, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California. “At night, the natural function of the circadian rhythm slows down our gut’s ability to move internal contents, like food and waste.”
When this happens, coupled with a large meal, it’s quite common to feel bloated, he says.
Fix it: To avoid filling your plate to the brim during the evening hours, Gans recommends not skipping any meals throughout the day.
If you find yourself ravenous at dinner, she also suggests eating a late-afternoon snack, so you’re better able to control portion sizes later on in the evening.
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Black Americans And Ovarian Cancer
While ovarian cancer is more common in white women, studies show Black American women who have this type of cancer dont survive as long. Although there have been advances in treatments, not all racial groups have benefited equally when it comes to survival.
For instance, between 1975 and 2016, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer increased from 33 percent to 48 percent in white women but decreased from 44 percent to 41 percent in Black women.
Though the exact causes for these disparities arent known, some evidence has suggested that socioeconomic factors, such as access to healthcare, may play a role.
Researchers are currently conducting studies to try and understand more about why this discrepancy exists.
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When To Talk To Your Health Care Provider
Bloating can be normal, but it can also be a sign of serious conditions. Its important to keep track of what foods cause you to feel bloated, but also note if you experience other symptoms that have accompanied bloating.
If you notice a drastic change in weight or changes in your bowel movementssuch as changes in color or consistencyyou need to tell your provider that as well, as they can be signs of an underlying condition, Hoffman said. If you ate too much and are having trouble digesting your food, then you know that was the likely cause of your bloating and cramping, but if its come on suddenly with a healthy diet, you should err on the side of caution and visit your provider.
What Is Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention
Ovarian cancer refers to the out-of-control growth of cells in the ovaries, two glands that are essential for sexual reproduction and womens health. Ovarian cancer affects an estimated 1 in 78 women in the United States.
In the female anatomy, there is one ovary to the left side of the uterus and one to the right that produce eggs as well as the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
If a woman is fertile, her ovaries release eggs into the fallopian tubes, which serve as passageways to the uterus.
Recent research, including a study published in October 2017 in the journal Nature Communications, has suggested that for many women, ovarian cancer originates in the fallopian tubes. This important finding may point the way to new strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
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Why Does My Stomach Get So Bloated
Bloating. It’s that uncomfortable, overly full, sometimes even painful feeling in your stomach that makes you want to take a nap until the sensation passes. Bloating even can make your stomach look swollen or feel hard to the touch. Although women often feel bloated for a few days or weeks before their period, anyone can have occasional bloating.
What makes your stomach feel like a balloon has expanded inside? Bloating usually happens when gas temporarily builds up in your stomach or intestines. When youre bloated, you may notice that you burp or pass gas frequently, and find that releasing that air brings you some relief. Bloating also occurs when your digestive system slows down and you don’t have regular bowel movements.
What Is Bloating What Does Feeling Bloated Mean
Why am I so bloated? Abdominal bloating or “feeling bloated” is a very frequent and familiar symptom most people have experienced at some time in their lives. There are many reasons you may feel bloated. Most causes are simple, harmless, and easily treatable with over-the-counter or home remedies. Very rarely, abdominal bloating is caused by something more serious, leading to a rapid worsening of uncomfortable symptoms.
The definition of “bloated” is swelling or distension, and it usually refers to abdominal bloating, which is a distended belly. Bloating may be accompanied by burping , gas , abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. People sometimes refer to abdominal bloating as a “bloated stomach” or “bloated belly.”
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Avoid Rapid Weight Gain
Rapid weight gain is linked to bloating for several reasons.
First, a buildup of fat in your stomach area may constrain your bowels, increasing tension and contributing to bloating. Additionally, fat may have inflammatory effects, contributing to hypersensitivity in your gut .
Finally, unwanted weight gain may cause you to focus attention on your stomach area, which may increase your perception of bloating .
If you have overweight or obesity and are experiencing bloating, trying some healthy strategies for weight loss such as exercise and limiting portion sizes may be beneficial.
Summary
Rapid weight gain may contribute to bloating by increasing bowel tension, inflammation, and mental focus on your stomach area. Conversely, weight loss may help reduce these effects.
You Have A Gut Disorder
Functional gastrointestinal disorders happen when the GI tract doesnt appear to have anything wrong with it, but youre still experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Its a situation thats actually very common in the United States, Dr. Eugenio says.
For example, 25 to 45 million people in the U.S. have IBS, which affects the colon, reports the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Diseases. And functional dyspepsia, which affects the stomach and is otherwise known as indigestion, affects nearly 32% of the population, according to a 2004 study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Bloating is common with both of these disorders, although youll usually experience other symptoms alongside it, Dr. Eugenio says. Upper stomach pain or feelings of fullness paired with bloating may be indicative of dyspepsia, for example, whereas lower abdomen cramping and a change in bowel habits could point to IBS. Both are worth speaking to your doctor about, and treatment can include diet changes, psychosocial therapies, and other lifestyle changes, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Of course, your doctor will want to rule out other potential causes first, like colon cancer, pancreas disorders, or liver disease, so its important to open up about any and all symptoms youre experiencing.
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You’re Eating Dinner Too Close To Bedtime
After you eat a meal, your body needs time to digest. It can take several hours for the food to empty from your GI tract, notes one April 2014 study in Neurogastroenterology and Motility, especially if that meal was on the larger side and was particularly fatty.
“If we eat late and then head to bed, this may cause some maldigestion, as stomach acid can creep into our esophagus and cause heartburn and burping,” Adams says. “As foods are digested while we sleep, the inactivity of our body may delay digestion a bit. This can increase the gases produced during digestion and cause nighttime or early morning bloating.”
Fix it: The most obvious fix? Do your best to ensure you have ample time between dinner and lights out, so your body can comfortably digest. Sitting upright after a meal for at least two hours before getting under the covers can help reduce abdominal distention , says Keri Gans, RDN, registered dietitian and author of The Small Change Diet.
You’ll also want to make sure you include some physical movement into your day. One of the best ways to speed up digestion is through exercise. In fact, physical activity may even improve symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome , per a January 2015 study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.
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Emily, who has more than 40,000 followers on Instagram, turned to social media for help.
After sharing a picture of her bloated stomach one of her followers suggested she try a YorkTest food intolerance test.
The £24.99 FirstStep test gives an overall indication of whether a person is food sensitive or not.
After that, a Food& DrinkScan Programme, which starts at £299, analyses IgG reactions to 208 food and drinks – form common ingredients like cows milk, gluten and egg, to foods such as kale and quinoa.
I had already done some research around food intolerances so decided to give YorkTest a go, she said.
My results came back within 10 days and showed I was intolerant to egg white, egg yolk, cows milk, goats milk, and I had a borderline intolerance to yeast and beef.
Emilys previous diet had included salads, jacket potatoes with various toppings, and cup-a-soups.
Even though I thought I had been changing my diet I was still eating a lot of these foods because eggs and milk can be hidden in all sort of things, she added.
After eliminating the problem foods from her diet for 12 weeks, Emily has dropped eight and a half pounds.
Shes also back at the gym and often eats out with family and friends.
I felt amazing from day two, she recalled.
I described to the nutritional therapists what I would normally eat, so for breakfast I would have natural yoghurt and berries. And they were really good at suggesting things I could eat instead.
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