Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, a virus or fungi and leads to an infection in either one or both of the lungs. In the United States, Approximately three million people will develop pneumonia each year, with about a half million having to be admitted to a hospital for treatment. Five percent of those who contract pneumonia die from it, making the illness the sixth principal cause of death in the United States (Source: Schiffman). In this article, we look at how nutrition, protein and a well-balanced diet can help in preventing pneumonia infections.

Pneumonia may at first look like a cold which may seem to get progressively worse with symptoms that can include high fever (it may rise as high as 104 degrees). Additional symptoms include shaking chills and a productive cough (sputum is produced with each cough and may be discolored or occasionally streaked with blood). Pain in the chest may develop if the outer area of the lungs (called the pleura) is affected; this pain may be sharp and will be worse during deep breaths, however, the pain is not always present. In some cases, pneumonia can be slower to develop and in other cases there may not be a lot of coughing at all, especially if the infection is away from the larger airways. Children, babies and the elderly may not show any particular signs or symptoms of pneumonia.

Some pneumonia is diagnosed only after an examination by a doctor reveals crackling sounds or coarse breathing in the chest. There may also be breathlessness, wheezing or the breathing sounds may be diminished in certain parts of the chest. A chest x-ray is the definitive way to diagnose the pneumonia, however sputum samples, blood tests and bronchoscopies can typically be ordered as well. The sputum samples can determine what the exact cause of the pneumonia is and determine the course of medical treatment. The blood work can help to determine how serious the infection is and may also provide a clue as to whether it is caused by a virus, bacteria or fungi.

In addition to medication, there are some treatments that may also need to be done. Pleural effusion is the collection of fluid in the pleural space which must be removed by the insertion of a needle into the chest in what is called a thoracentesis. In serious cases, this fluid may need to be removed through a surgical procedure.

Generally speaking, most often the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia is streptococcus pneumonia, which causes a sudden onset of symptoms including shaking, chills, fever and rusty colored sputum. This infection can spread to the blood and does so in 20-30% of cases, with 20-30% of those cases resulting in death.

There are two vaccines that can be used to prevent pneumococcal disease and is recommended for all children under the age of two and certain children between two and four who have additional medical risks to consider. It is also recommended that adults who are high risk for this illness, including the elderly, diabetics, those who have kidney or lung disease, chronic heart, smokers, alcoholics, and those who have had their spleen removed, receive the vaccine.

Antibiotics may be used for bacterial pneumonia, however, it is important that the cultures be completed to be sure that it is bacterial in nature. Another type of pneumonia that will respond to antibiotics is often seen in those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or alcoholism.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium which results in a very slowly developing infection with symptoms that include chills, fever, muscle aches, a rash and diarrhea. This bacterium is commonly found in the summer and fall months and is usually referred to as atypical pneumonia.

There are other conditions that are technically pneumonia variants, including Legionnaire’s Disease and others. Legionnaire’s disease is often caused by water supplies that are contaminated and can be potentially fatal if it is not accurately diagnosed and treated. Pneumonia is only a part of the overall condition, which also includes high fever, diarrhea, slow heart rate, vomiting, nausea and chest pain. This is more typical in smokers, older men and people with decreased immune function.

It is important to keep in mind that pneumonia that is caused by a virus will not respond to any kind of antibiotics. The body’s own immune system typically will fight off the infection on its own, however, it is important that the condition be monitored so that a secondary infection does not develop and worsen the illness.

Fungal infections that lead to pneumonia are very rare in the United States and each have specific types of medications and treatments that are used to eliminate them.

Consideration must be made not only for the type of organism that is causing the pneumonia but where it was contracted before medication can be prescribed. In recent years, several strains of infections have become resistant to the medications that were formerly used to treat them. Of these, methicillin resistant Staph aureus, or MRSA, is the most commonly known. It may be necessary for people with this type of infection to be placed in contact isolation, especially in a hospital or long-term care setting. It is also important to monitor anyone who is coming in or out of your room if you are in a hospital, not only for MRSA but for another of the super bugs called C.difficile. A recent study found that one in five nurse’s uniforms had C.diff on them, as did handrails, waiting room tabletops and other hard surfaces (Source: Farquhar 2010).

It is important then to make sure that you are doing everything that you can to stay healthy, especially during the cold and flu season or for those who are at high risk for infection. Those who are in weakened health, including those who are being treated for autoimmune conditions, using chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions, have chronic diseases, smoke or come in regular contact with those who may have pneumonia, should have the vaccine as directed. Healthcare workers are especially encouraged to have this vaccine.

In addition to getting the vaccine, there are other things that can be done to protect yourself from the pneumonia infections, such as eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, getting enough rest each night and exercising at least thirty minutes every day. It is also important to make sure that you are managing the sources of stress in your life.

Part of a well-balanced and healthy diet can be protein supplements, especially those that you can stash in a gym bag on your way to exercise.

Making a protein supplement your between-meal snack can be a great way to not only ensure that you are getting enough protein (which is vital to a strong immune system) but that you are not starving yourself between each meal. Profect is not only convenient because of its unique packaging, but is also a beneficial part of a healthy diet. Each serving has 25 grams of protein, 100 calories and 100% RDA of vitamin C, with zero carbs and zero fats. Profect is also available in a number of flavors and strengths as well. There is an all-natural version of this protein supplement as well, called Proasis.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright

Cancer is the general name for well over 200 different diseases, each with some common traits that can affect virtually every part of the body, including the organs. These common traits include abnormal cell division, the tendency to be invasive and the tendency to spread from one area to another. Cancer is typically named for the body part or organ where it is first discovered or can be named for the kind of tissue in which it arises.

- Adenocarcinomas: found in glandular tissue

- Sarcomas: connective tissue

- Adenosarcomas: both connective and gland tissues

- Leukemias: blood cells

- Lymphomas: lymph nodes

- About 85% of all cancers are solid tumors.

(Source: Ammer 2005)

In women, reproductive cancers (breast cancer or pelvic area cancers) make up about half of all cases. In women, lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer-related death, followed by breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. The earlier that a cancer is found, the better the prognosis. There are a number of tests that should be done, especially for certain risk groups, with recommendations given for these tests. In addition, there are some dietary suggestions that the American Cancer Society suggests as being beneficial to reducing cancer risk. In addition, nutrition during the treatments of cancer (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) is also very important.

Cancer - Warning Signs to Watch For

While these warning signs are not perfect by any means, it is important to not only know them, but also to pay heed to them and have them checked by a doctor if you notice any of the following:

- A change in bowel or bladder habits

- A sore that does not heal

- Unusual bleeding or discharge

- A thickening or lump in the breast or anywhere else

- Persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing

- Changes in a wart or mole

- A nagging cough or an unusually hoarse voice

(Source: The American Cancer Society)

Not all cancers will present with all or even with any of these warning signs, as some cancers are silent and will grow without any kind of hint at all. Prostate cancer, for instance, can lay dormant in the body for decades. Many men who die from other causes may have actually had prostate cancer without ever having known it. It is important for men to be tested for prostate cancer regularly, however, the preferred course of treatment is to wait and see. There is no actual medical intervention if there is no physical impairment or if the cancer is not invading other structures at the time of its discovery.

Testing Schedules for Cancer

There are a number of screening tests that the American Cancer Society recommends for those without other risk factors. Those who do have an increased risk, including a family history of particular cancers, should follow the guidelines established by their own physician.

These guidelines:

- Sigmoidoscopy (preferably flexible) should be done for both genders starting at age fifty and should be repeated every 3-5 years.

- Fecal occult blood test (checks for bowel cancer) should be done for both genders starting at age fifty and should be done yearly.

- Digital rectal exams for both genders, starting at age forty, should be done yearly.

- Pap tests (which checks for cervical cancer by looking at cervical cells) should be done for all women who have become sexually active or have reached the age of 18. There is some controversy over how often the pap smear should be repeated, with the doctors suggesting that it be done every year until there have been three normal tests in a row and then every two years. The insurance industry is suggesting that the testing interval be every two to three years if there are no abnormalities found. Each woman’s doctor should be allowed to make the decision for these tests individually. In addition, the HPV test may be better than the standard pap smear at catching cervical cancer in its earliest and therefore most treatable period. (Source: Seppa 2009)

- Pelvic exams for women, with two different guidelines: for women ages 18-40, it should be done every 1-3 years and for those over 40, every year.

- Endometrial tissue samples should be done for the first time after a woman has reached menopause. The doctor will define how often this should be done for women who are considered to be at high risk.

- Breast self exams should be done by women at home every month once they reach the age of 18-20. The doctor should show the woman how to do this correctly. There are also charts online that you can print out and follow until you are comfortable with the best procedure. (A tip: doing your breast exam in the shower is the easiest way to do it, because the soap and water allows your fingers to glide over your skin in a much smoother way.)

- Mammography should be done starting at age 50 and repeated every 1-2 years, unless the woman is deemed high risk.

Dietary Suggestions to Reduce the Risk of Cancer

There are several foods that the American Cancer Society recommends as being beneficial to reducing the risk of developing certain cancers. These foods are:

- Soy or dried beans. Both contain plant estrogens, which may reduce the risk of certain pelvic cancers as well as breast cancer.

- Tomatoes, carrots and red peppers. These are rich in vitamin C as well as carotenoids, which may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

- Greens and cruciferous vegetables. These may reduce the risk of lung, colon, rectal, stomach and esophageal cancers. They may also play a role in reducing additional cancers, including breast, bladder, pancreas and larynx cancers.

- Garlic, onion and leeks. These contain allium compounds that may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

- Olive oil. It may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

- Milk and milk products. They may reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers

- Salmon and other oily fish. They may reduce one’s overall cancer risk.

Food combinations to try as well:

- Ground flaxseed (provides fiber, lignans and plant-sourced omega 3’s) plus berries, cottage cheese or soybeans may reduce the risk of breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. To try these, mix a handful of berries and a tablespoon of ground flaxseed into a serving of low fat cottage cheese.

- Olive oil and vegetables (provides phytochemicals, omega 3’s and vitamins and minerals) may allow for better nutrient absorption as well as protection for some cancers. To try these, make a stir fry of your favorite veggies, using a small amount of good quality olive oil to fry them.

- Tea and tofu (provides anthocyanin, proanthocyanin and catechin as well as soy protein) may stop cancer before it starts. To try these, using your favorite flavor of tea (white, green, black, red or herbal) and silken tofu, make a bubbly and creamy dessert. Brew the tea and then allow it to cool to room temperature. Soften and blend the tofu until extra creamy, stirring in the tea (about a cup to 1 cup of the tofu). Toss in berries for flavor, or choose raw almonds. Spoon into dessert cups and serve as is or refrigerate for a slightly firmer texture.

- Low fat dairy products plus Vitamin D fortified foods that provide calcium both and Vitamin D may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

(Source: Magee, RD. 2008)

The Need for Protein

In addition to the foods that are recommended by the American Cancer Society and other experts, protein is beneficial in dealing with cancer for a number of reasons. First, it plays a large role in the immune system, primarily because antibodies are proteins. Second, a number of the essential amino acids that are provided by protein foods and supplements are beneficial to the immune system as well. Finally, protein helps the body to stay strong and healthy overall, and makes it more able to handle the rigors of cancer and cancer treatments. Profect, from Protica, is a great source of protein (with 25 full grams of protein per serving) and is one of the most portable ways to take your nutrition with you. It also has all of the Vitamin C that you need for the day, as well as 10% of B vitamins.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for immunodeficiency patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright