What is leukemia?

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Overview of leukemia

Leukemia, more accurately called aberrant leukemia (also known as uncontrolled leukemia), is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells in the body’s immune system. Abnormal white blood cells are genetically altered and cannot grow and function normally like normal white blood cells.

Leukocytes are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for preventing infection and protecting the body from harmful agents. In the case of abnormal white blood cells, the division and growth of white blood cells become uncontrolled. This leads to an uncontrolled increase in white blood cell counts and a depletion of normal white blood cells.

Leukemia can cause many symptoms and affect the body’s immune function. Common symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, fever, recurring infections, and bleeding and easy bruising. It is important that diagnosis and treatment of leukemia be performed by medical professionals who specialize in cancer, such as hematologists-oncologists.

Causes of leukemia

The main cause of leukemia is not completely understood. However, there are a number of factors that have been identified that are associated with the development of this disease. Here are some known causative factors:

1. Genetic jealousy: Some cases of leukemia have genetic factors. People who have close relatives (parents, siblings) with leukemia are at higher risk of developing the disease.
2. Cancer-causing agents: Exposure to cancer-causing agents may increase the risk of leukemia. This includes toxic chemicals such as benzene, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals in the work environment, tobacco, and radiation.
3. Weakened immune status: Diseases such as myasthenia gravis, immunodeficiency, and use of immunosuppressive drugs can increase the risk of leukemia.
4. Genetic abnormalities: Some cases of leukemia are linked to genetic abnormalities. Gene variations can cause an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells, leading to the development of leukemia.
5. Environmental effects: A number of different environmental factors, such as air pollution, drinking water, and food, can also contribute to the development of leukemia.

It should be noted that leukemia can develop from a complex interaction between many different etiological factors. Some cases have no clear causative factors identified.

Signs of leukemia

Leukemia can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, depending on the stage of the disease and individual factors. Here are some common signs of leukemia:

1. Fatigue: Unexplained and persistent fatigue can be a sign of leukemia. You may feel tired even after getting enough rest.
2. Weakness: Weakness and weakness is a frequent symptom. You may feel unusually weak and for no apparent reason.
3. Fever : Unexplained and persistent fever may be a sign of leukemia. Fever may come and go irregularly.
4. Recurrent infections: People with leukemia may become susceptible to infections and have frequent recurring infections. They can get throat infections, pneumonia, diabetes and skin infections.
5. Easy-bruising bleeding: You may have easy-bruising bleeding that leads to bruises on the skin for no apparent reason or after minor impacts.
6. Swollen pelvis: Swollen pelvis in areas such as the neck, armpits, elbows and pelvis can be a sign of leukemia.
7. Weight loss: You may lose weight in an unexplained way, despite eating normally.
8. Respiratory symptoms: Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dry cough, unexplained cough or rapid fatigue when performing physical activity may appear.
9. Digestive system signs: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite may appear.

If you have any of the above signs or symptoms, consult your doctor for an accurate examination and diagnosis.

Good foods for leukemia

Maintaining a healthy diet and providing adequate nutrients can support the health of people with leukemia. Here are some foods that may be helpful:

1. Fruits and vegetables : Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and fiber, providing vitamins and minerals important for the immune system. Prioritize fruits and vegetables with bright colors such as pineapples, kiwis, oranges, plums, tomatoes, carrots, and dark green vegetables such as mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, and mustard greens.
2. Protein-rich foods : Protein is an important ingredient for cell regeneration and growth. Choose good sources of protein such as chicken, fish, eggs, beans, peanuts, chia seeds and quinoa.
3. Nuts : Nuts are high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds are good choices.
4. Beans : Beans provide protein, fiber and B vitamins. Black beans, chickpeas, soybeans and soybeans can be great additions.
5. Types of healthy fats: Healthy fats from olive oil, peanut oil, almond oil, salmon, and mackerel can provide energy and support cell function.
6. Milk and dairy products: Fat-free milk and dairy products such as yogurt, soy milk, and almond milk can provide essential protein and calcium.
7. Water : Drink enough water to maintain water balance in the body and support metabolism.

However, each person may have different nutritional requirements. It is important to consult with your doctor or nutritionist to create a diet that is appropriate for your individual health status and leukemia treatment.

Foods to avoid for leukemia

When you have leukemia, there are some foods that should be avoided or limited to limit factors that can negatively impact your health. Here are some foods to avoid:

1. Foods high in saturated fat : Foods such as fatty red meat, animal fats, butter, cream, cheese and foods made from them can increase the risk of obesity and cancer-related problems.
2. Foods high in sugar: Sugar and products containing sugar such as sweets, carbonated soft drinks, cakes, ice cream, and jam can increase the risk of obesity and affect the development of cancer cells.
3. Processed foods: Processed foods such as bacon, sausages, cured meats, fried and grilled foods can contain carcinogens such as nitrites and amines.
4. Foods high in sodium : Foods high in sodium such as MSG, canned products, condiments and some types of sausage may be linked to an increased risk of cancer.
5. Foods containing preservatives: Foods containing preservatives such as canned foods, processed foods and packaged foods can increase the risk of cancer.
6. High-heat processed foods: Foods processed at high temperatures such as fried, grilled, and greasy foods can create carcinogens such as organic aromatic amines and acrylamide.
7. Alkohol : You should limit or avoid drinking alcohol and other alcoholic beverages, because it can increase the risk of cancer and harm the liver.

Note that each person has different nutritional requirements, and it is important to consult with a physician or nutritionist to create a diet appropriate to your individual health status and treatment. leukemia.

Medicines to treat leukemia

Leukemia is a malignant disease of the leukemic system, and treatment depends on the stage, type and characteristics of the disease. Here are some leukemia medications that medical professionals may use:

1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs such as anthracyclines (such as daunorubicin and idarubicin), cytarabine, thioguanine, etoposide, fludarabine, vincristine and dexamethasone. Types of chemotherapy can be used individually or in combination to attack and kill cancer cells.
2. New cell-generating drugs: Drugs such as hydroxyurea can be used to stop leukemia cells from making new cells.
3. Antibiotics : Sometimes, antibiotics are used to treat or prevent infections related to leukopenia during leukemia treatment.
4. Antinuclear drugs: In some cases, antinuclear drugs such as rituximab may be used to treat B leukemia.
5. Bone marrow transplant: For some patients, a bone marrow transplant may be performed to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.
6. Blood transfusion: Blood transfusion can be used to provide necessary blood components such as red blood cells, platelets, and coagulants.

In addition, leukemia treatment may also include X-ray treatment and other methods such as stem cell and monoclonal antibody treatments. However, the decision about specific medications and treatments depends on the patient’s health condition and the opinion of the specialist doctor.

Oriental medicine and herbal medicine to treat leukemia

Currently, no oriental medicine or herbal medicine has been proven to cure leukemia. Conventional leukemia treatment is based on modern medical methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplantation and anti-cancer drugs developed and proven through clinical research.

Although there are a number of herbs and traditional remedies used as adjunctive therapy for cancer treatment, their effectiveness and safety have not been proven through large and formal clinical studies. The use of oriental and herbal medicines should be done under the supervision of experienced medical professionals and should be tailored to each specific case.

If you are interested in using oriental medicine or herbs during leukemia treatment, discuss and consult with an oriental medicine practitioner or someone who specializes in complementary medicine to ensure safety. Complete and effective during treatment.