November 12, 2013
There has been a lot of talk regarding pizza and its link to cancer prevention, specifically esophageal cancer prevention. While this new finding is quite exciting to pizza fans, it needs to be carefully explained, as all pizzas are not created equal when it comes to esophageal cancer prevention.
Silvano Gallus, PhD is an epidemiologist at the Instituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” in Milan, Italy and lead researcher of a study which focuses on the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet: “Does pizza protect against cancer?”
Gallus stated in a recent article from WebMD that “Italian pizza is less than 50% crust, 20% tomato sauce, 20% mozzarella cheese, and 4% olive oil” and continued that Italian pizza “is very different from fast-food pizza.”
In fact, you can sometimes even find more than triple the amount of calories and fat in an American pizza than one found in a Pizzeria in Italy. “Traditional Italian Pizza” has a thin crust which is made from flour, yeast, water, olive oil (and nothing else) and topped with tomato sauce and a small serving of mozzarella.
This “fast-food pizza” found in America has a thicker crust made with refined carbohydrates, added preservatives, unhealthy oils and fats, and much heavier toppings. Gallus notes in the article that those refined carbohydrates have also “been directly associated with cancer of the upper digestive tract and colorectal cancer.” Gallus stated that there is “limited information on the potential influence of pizza and cancer risk.”
However, lycopene which is found in cooked tomatoes and olive oil has been proven to have the potential to not only reduce the risk but to also slow the growth of some cancers.
The study showed “regular pizza eaters had 34% less risk of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, 59% less risk of esophageal cancer, and 25% less risk of colon cancer.” So it seems that in actuality, certain types of pizza which are low in fat, high in nutrient may help you lower your risk of esophageal and other cancers. This is not surprising given the research conducted regarding the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
Want to make your own Italian thin crust pizza at home? Check out this great recipe from Walks of Italy’s website: How to Make an Italian Pizza: The Simple, Step-by-Step Guide
To read WebMD’s full article, “Pizza Prevents Cancer?” Click here
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
November 5, 2013
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is among a handful of risk factors associated with the development of esophageal cancer. Many experience heartburn, with too many experiencing heartburn on a regular basis. If not treated properly, heartburn can be very damaging, leading to a number of diseases, including esophageal cancer.
November is ‘GERD Awareness Month’! Our friends at The Miriam Hospital published an article regarding GERD and “What you need to know!”
Brett Kalmowitz, MD, gastroenterologist at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital says: “Heartburn or acid indigestion is the most common symptom of GERD.” Kalmowitz further explains that “heartburn is a burning chest pain that begins behind the breastbone and moves upward to the neck and throat. It can last as long as two hours and is often worse after meals. Lying down or bending over after a meal can also contribute to heartburn.”
Raising awareness for GERD is such an important step in the fight against esophageal cancer. Remember to share this post with your friends, family and social media sites, too! Use the links at the bottom to post, tweet, email and pin directly from this page.
To read The Miriam Hospital’s full article, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), click here.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
October 7, 2013
Finding recipes that the entire family can enjoy can be difficult. Especially when it comes to finding a meal that is both healthy and delicious. Here is a “Meatless Monday” inspired recipe that our Vice President Christina makes for us on a regular basis and we love it!
One of the main ingredients in this recipe is ‘quinoa,’ which is a delicious, gluten-free, whole grain. Just one cup of cooked quinoa contains 8.14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. It is also cholesterol free and has a low-fat content of only 222 calories in one cup.*
If you decide to try this recipe at home, share a photo with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
Buon appetito!
Quiona Stuffed Peppers:
- 1 1/2 cup of quinoa
- 3 cups water (or you can substitute low-sodium chicken broth)
- 6 medium peppers, color of your choosing.
- 1/2 jar of tomato sauce (12 oz)
- 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Olive/cooking oil spray
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Rinse quinoa in water.
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add quinoa, stir, cover and then turn the heat to low and cover for 15 minutes.
- Cut the tops off of the pepper and remove all of its seeds and interior.
- Spray a baking dish with olive oil and place the peppers (empty side facing up) into the dish. (Slice the bottoms of the pepper to even them out if they fall over. Be careful not to cut too deep into the pepper which will cause the contents to spill out.)
- In another dish, mix the cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, crushed garlic, chopped onion, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. (Add a sprinkling of parmesan or Romano cheese for additional flavor!)
- Scoop equal parts of the above mixture into each pepper.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove aluminum foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes. (You can add some additional tomato sauce or olive oil to keep the peppers moist.)
*Source: vegetarian.about.com
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
September 6, 2013
There are certain foods that can cause acid reflux. With Football season upon us, the temptation to indulge in some favorite game day snacks can unfortunately lead to uncomfortable heartburn attacks.
The best way to avoid heartburn caused by these foods is to, well, avoid them. Enjoy your football party without suffering from acid reflux. Remember, if left not properly treated, heartburn over-time, can lead to esophageal cancer. No pun intended.
While some items on the list may cause more heartburn in some than others, it is best to keep a food journal to keep a record of what causes your acid reflux to spike.
Heartburn triggers:
-Beer, wine, spirits and carbonated beverages.
-Hot and spicy foods.
-Fatty, fried and greasy foods.
-Tomato based foods, garlic and onions.
-Chocolate and caffeine
-Citrus based fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemon, etc..
-High-fat meat and dairy products
Heartburn sufferers should also remember the following tips:
-Avoid eating a few hours before bedtime.
-Do not lay down immediately after eating.
-Moderate exercise can help acid reflux but avoid rigorous exercise.
-Wear loose clothing. Avoid tight clothing, especially clothes that are tight around the mid-section of your body.
-Some acid reflux sufferers have felt relief by drinking alkaline water.
To view a list of foods that can possibly fight acid reflux, check out Health.com’s article by clicking here.
Heartburn can be serious. As always, we suggest talking to your physician or Gastroenterologist about your acid reflux.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Leave a Comment » | The Salgi Foundation - Esophageal Cancer Awareness, Early Detection & Research | Tagged: acid reflux, acid reflux disease, cancer, disease, esophageal, esophageal cancer, food, football, gerd, health, healthy., heartburn, heartburn sufferer, heartburn symptoms, nutrition, reflux., sports | Permalink
Posted by salgiblogs
August 28, 2013
The American Gastroenterological Association issued an article regarding the importance of maintaining a healthy diet to reduce the risk of Esophageal Cancers. The September issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology stated that one’s entire diet should consist of healthy foods and nutrients.¹
They further stress that a Mediterranean diet which originated from southern Italy, Spain, Greece and neighboring lands. The diet consists of a low consumption of meats and a higher intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, olive oil, red wine and dairy.²
Read more HERE about the correlation between a healthy diet and risk associated with esophageal cancer.
Source: American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Leave a Comment » | The Salgi Foundation - Esophageal Cancer Awareness, Early Detection & Research | Tagged: awareness, cancer, diet, esophageal, esophageal cancer, exercise, fit, fitness, food, foods, health, healthy., heartburn, nutrition, obesity | Permalink
Posted by salgiblogs
August 20, 2013
Obesity is one of the major risk factors associated with esophageal cancer and a slew of other diseases. It has recently been reported that Mexico has taken first place among nations with the highest obesity rate and bumped The United States to second place. However, obesity rates are not only on the increase but attributing to more fatalities than previously imagined.
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Journal Science Editor, Kristine Novak, PhDs reports in her latest article” US Deaths from Obesity Underestimated” that new findings reported in the American Journal of Public Health has shown that the epidemic has been greatly “underestimated.” She writes that a new study says “obesity kills far more US men and women than previously believed.”
To read more of this article and to find out why obesity related deaths are not better calculated, click here .
Source: “US Deaths from Obesity Underestimated.” Story by: Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor, AGA Journals
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Leave a Comment » | The Salgi Foundation - Esophageal Cancer Awareness, Early Detection & Research | Tagged: acid, acid reflux, acid reflux disease, cancer, diet, disease, esophageal, esophageal cancer, exercise, fit, fitness, gastroenterology, gerd, health, healthy., heartburn, lifestyle, nutrition, obesity, reflux disease, reflux. | Permalink
Posted by salgiblogs
August 7, 2013
We have some left over t-shirts from our 2nd Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run last June.
If you or someone you know is interested in a t-shirt for a $10 donation, contact us today! www.salgi.org/contact
As always, your charitable contribution will aid our cause and generate funds for esophageal cancer research!
We have some 2nd Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run t-shirts left over! Get yours today!
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Posted by salgiblogs
August 6, 2013
We would like to take a moment to express our gratitude for all of the support, encouragement and love that we have received since inception. There are many obstacles that we have had to face and most certainly will still encounter. With your love and support we can continue to keep raising awareness, encouraging early detection and funding research for esophageal cancer in hopes of a cure!
Again, thank you!
2nd Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run – Warwick City Park- Saturday June 15, 2013
…in hopes of a cure!
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Posted by salgiblogs
August 1, 2013
Recently, RefluxMD published an article on their website regarding the “silent” reflux disease. To learn more about Laryngopharyngeal reflux, more commonly known as LPR, click here.
As always, speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health.
Thank you to RefluxMD for sharing this important information regarding LPR!
An astounding 40% of Americans have reflux disease, manifesting as 22% gastroesophageal reflux disease and 18% extraesophageal / laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR). This means about 1 out of 5 people suffer from LPR symptoms. (Ylitalo Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Jul;131(1):29-33)
You may be familiar with this variant of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that doesn’t play by the same rules as your typical case of acid reflux. LPR is different from traditional acid reflux because it affects the more sensitive lining of the upper esophagus, larynx, and pharynxInstead of the common reflux symptoms of heartburn, nausea, and regurgitation, patients with LPR often notice less traditional symptoms like sore throat, hoarseness, post-nasal drip, and chronic cough.
The difficulty diagnosing LPR
Many of the symptoms of LPR can be mistakenly attributed to other causes like pre-existing asthma, allergies, laryngitis, or upper-respiratory infection, making the task of accurately diagnosing LPR a real challenge for even an experienced practitioner. Adding to the difficulty is the lack of accurate testing tools for LPR. To date, the most common testing methods have been the use of a laryngoscope to conduct a visual exam of the area and pH monitoring of the lower esophagus. The challenge with these tests is their lack of accuracy, with nearly 80 percent of LPR patients showing “normal” results through laryngoscopy, and 70 to 80 percent of patients showing “normal” results through esophageal pH monitoring.
Restech pH probe: A new tool for diagnosing LPR
A recent issue of Gastroenterology and Hepatology features an interview with Dr. Michael F. Vaezi that reveals a promising new technological development for the accurate diagnosis of LPR. Dr. Vaezi, the Director at the Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders, explains that the biggest issue with the current pH testing methods for LPR is the lack of accuracy in dmeasuring acid in the upper esophagus.
According to Dr.Vaezi, the recently introduced Restech pH probe is unique from other pH probes in that it’s able to sense both liquid and vaporized forms of reflux, making detection more likely. Other innovative features of Restech’s device are its microsensor and light emitting diode, which guides the rapid and accurate placement of the sensor in the back of the patient’s mouth.
“A recent study conducted by my colleagues and I suggests that this device has increased sensitivity compared with a traditional pH catheter and that it may detect more reflux in patients with LPR,” said Dr. Vaezi in the G&R interview.
Though Dr. Vaezi notes in the interview that future studies are needed to better determine the accuracy of the device, the new Restech pH probe is already helping practitioners diagnose their patients LPR.
Post-diagnosis: Developing an LPR treatment plan
If you are diagnosed with LPR, it’s important to work with your physician to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. The anatomy of the throat, voice box (larynx), and trachea are delicate, and especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of reflux. By learning to manage your symptoms through sustainable lifestyle choices and treatment options you’ll be taking steps towards improving your quality of life.
Here are some suggestions to help manage LPR symptoms:
- Increase your liquid consumption to stay hydrated but avoid acidic carbonated beverages
- Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and antihistamines
- Rest your voice and limit loud or prolonged speaking or singing.
- Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke
– See more at: http://www.refluxmd.com/learn/resources/2013-07-19/4048/putting-lpr-test#sthash.1SFr7IFw.dpuf
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Leave a Comment » | The Salgi Foundation - Esophageal Cancer Awareness, Early Detection & Research | Tagged: acid, acid reflux, acid reflux disease, barrett's, barrett's esophagus, cancer, diet, disease, esophageal, esophageal cancer, esophageal cancer awareness, esophagus, exercise, fit, fitness, gastroenterology, gerd, health, healthy., heartburn, lifestyle, nutrition, obesity, reflux disease, reflux., silent reflux | Permalink
Posted by salgiblogs
July 30, 2013
Congratulations to our Vice President and Co-Founder! GoLocalProv has named her one of the ’25 Coolest People of Providence’ in 2013.
To read the full article and view the other “cool” Rhode Islanders on the list, click here.
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Posted by margaritasalgi
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation 