Diet & Exercise Expert Amy Thomas shares Diet & Exercise management news and commentary at MyDietExercise.com. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240 http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240 http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/32739/nutritional Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:48:00 -0400 Amy Thomas The medical use of steroids is constantly reexamined because the agents have numerous side effects. While popular media coverage highlights concerns regarding their risks, steroids do have a multitude of beneficial properties and are often a key component in the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. If your doctor has recommended steroids as a part of your cancer therapy, it's important to understand that he or she is doing so because... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/32739/nutritional http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/30057/life-diet Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:19:09 -0400 Amy Thomas While for most people the primary goal of eating and drinking is to sustain energy and life, the goal of nutritional care for those with advanced cancer is quite different. Advanced cancer usually refers to cancer that can no longer be cured, and care of someone at this end stage is typically aimed at preserving the dignity and quality of life. The purpose of eating and drinking shifts from life-prolonging to life-enhancing, and recognizing... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/30057/life-diet http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/28267/diarrhea Mon, 19 May 2008 15:03:43 -0400 Amy Thomas Diarrhea can be one of the more uncomfortable and embarrassing complications of cancer. We've all had it - enough said. People with cancer are prone to frequent loose or watery stools for many reasons. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transplant, and stress can all lead to diarrhea, and certain types of cancer can cause diarrhea directly. In addition to causing social and physical discomfort, uncontrolled diarrhea can be a... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/28267/diarrhea http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/27664/constipation Mon, 12 May 2008 18:07:05 -0400 Amy Thomas Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States, affecting more than 4 million Americans and accounting for more than two million visits to the doctor each year.  While the groups most often affected are women and adults over age 65, constipation is also a significant problem for people with cancer. Contributing factors include dietary and activity patterns, anatomic considerations, pain medication,... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/27664/constipation http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/25834/probiotics Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:30:33 -0400 Amy Thomas What are probiotics, who should take them, and where do you find them?   Interest in the reported health benefits of probiotics has grown in the past decade, and researchers continue to investigate how the supplements can treat or prevent specific illnesses. Probiotics are well-recognized for their ability to calm bowel inflammation in certain diseases, particularly viral diarrhea, and they're also helpful in reducing the incidence... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/25834/probiotics http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/24245/pass-meat Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:00:00 -0400 Amy Thomas I'm not much of a meat eater, and I try to avoid processed meats. But now and then I'll order a steak for dinner or grab a hot dog for my kids. I definitely enjoy barbeque in the summer. I'm in good company. In fact, Americans eat more red meat than most, with a reported average of 36 ounces per week. But while a modest amount of red meat can be a great source of nutrients, larger portions pose a serious health... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/24245/pass-meat http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/24244/cancer Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:57:00 -0400 Amy Thomas Vegetable nutrients are said to have a number of beneficial properties-antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-carcinogenic-but research backing the anti-carcinogenic properties of vegetables has been conflicting, particularly in the matter of breast cancer. Last week in the news, we heard the results of a new study suggesting that a diet rich in certain veggies can lower the risk of breast cancer. Should women flock to... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/24244/cancer http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/20922/chew-part-2 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:05:00 -0500 Amy Thomas Have a mouthful of trouble? Mucositis may be the name of your pain. Mucositis refers to the swelling and ulceration in the lining of your mouth and gastrointestinal tract resulting from cancer treatment. This dreaded complication affects almost all patients undergoing high dose chemotherapy and nearly 80% of those receiving radiation to the head and neck. Mucositis causes altered taste perception, significant pain, and difficulty swallowing; and... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/20922/chew-part-2 http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/20376/chew-part-1 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:30:00 -0500 Amy Thomas Dealing with dry mouth during cancer treatmentMouth watering is a term used since the late 18th century to describe salivation at the thought, sight, or smell of food-for good reason. Our body produces saliva when we prepare to eat, making it easier to chew and swallow and initiating the process of digestion. Salivation also influences the taste of food and protects us against cavities and gum disease. It's a function that typically goes... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/20376/chew-part-1 http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/20143/friend-foe Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:08:00 -0500 Amy Thomas For the past decade we've heard all about the amazing benefits of antioxidants; as a result many of us try to incorporate into our diets the recommended deeply colored fruits and vegetables chocked full of anti-aging, heart-healthy, and life-prolonging metabolites. But recently, the all-healing properties of antioxidants are in question, and some scientists now suggest they may increase the risk of cancer and cause harm in people being... http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/26240/20143/friend-foe