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Is Itching a Risk Factor for Cancer? |
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There are many reasons for itching. Something is irritating your skin. It could be something you came in contact with or some waste product or toxin trying to work its way out of your body. There could be an infection in the skin. Many people itch when they get too stressed out or worn down. In response to such skin stressors your mast cells may release histamine (an irritant chemical), that magnifies the itching response. Maybe your immune system has gotten riled up, and IgE antibodies are locking in some sort of inflammatory skin problem that itches. Researchers have now identified an itch-specific gene signal in your spinal cord, and without it you don’t feel itching regardless of the irritant. Interestingly, too much of this gene signal is involved with cancer.
Scientists have long tried to figure out the involvement of nerves in various sensations such as itching and pain. Up to this point no nerve pathway has ever been identified that is itch specific. In the new research scientists were able to demonstrate that specific neurons that display the gastric-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) are responsible for itching. When these neurons were destroyed in mice then they felt no itching but did feel pain.
One goal of prevention is to get itching problems under control. Nutrients like quercetin help settle down mast cells. Numerous nutrients help restore skin integrity, including squalene. Oftentimes your skin is being punched in the nose by internal toxins trying to get out, stress, infection, or contact irritants. Fixing any digestive issue is of paramount importance, as pancreatic stress could be a real weak link. Zinc is vital for pancreatic health, as are essential fatty acids. Violating the Five Rules of the Leptin Diet really stresses out your pancreas and digestive systems, and following them helps reduce such stress.
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