The entire world has been struggling with the COVID-19 epidemicsince the very beginning of last year. Fortunately, there is now hope of getting the situation under control: a vaccine for coronavirus. Scientists started working on developing an effective product as early as January 2020, and in the end it took them less than a year to create the vaccines. Which is precisely what causes the public’s concern. Can the COVID-19 vaccines be safe when they have been produced in such a short period of time? Today’s article provides the answer.
A coronavirus vaccine in Poland.
The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be one of the topics that provoke heated discussions. The following vaccines are now available in Poland:
Pfizer,
Moderna,
AstraZeneca.
The COVID-19 vaccines – are they safe?
Many among the Polish population, however, have doubts as to whether getting vaccinated against coronavirus is worth their while. They mull over the safety of the products and are anxious about possible postvaccination reactions and side effects.
The issue that gives rise to most distress is the short time it took to develop the vaccines. It is often heard that usually the process takes up to several years. It is worth noting, however, that it took the commitment of hundreds of scientists from all over the world to developed the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, the budget allocated to achieving the goal was truly impressive.
And there is one more thing to keep in mind. The COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly because the research teams used a technology that had already been in place. RNA vaccines have been studied for nearly thirty years now. The work carried out in the past involved other coronaviruses, and thus the vaccine production process was available and ready at the very beginning of the pandemic.
Is it sensible to get vaccinated against COVID-19?
Of course it is! As virologists, doctors and scientists around the world assert, all the available vaccines against coronavirus are safe. Each of them was subjected to appropriate clinical tests that have clearly confirmed compliance with the applicable safety and efficacy standards. COVID-19 is an insidious disease; its course varies between patients, and it is dangerous for many of them, as are its complications. Missing out on a vaccination is not worth the risk!
What’s the Polish way to boost one’s immunity during the epidemic?
It would seem that in the time of the epidemic the subject of immunity should become a critical concern. After all, we are bombarded with expert opinions, slogans such as “take care of your immunity”, and advertisements and commercials for one “immunity focused” remedy after another.
In February 2021, a survey was carried out amongst 1115 adult Poles. I would like to share some of the findings below.
The Poles are aware that the immune system is crucial in the battle against viral and bacterial infections. Unfortunately, at the same time they do not realize that a healthy immune system is also essential to protecting oneself against cancer, autoimmune diseases (e.g. Hashimoto, rheumatoid arthritis, MS), and allergies.
Respondents were asked to list factors that adversely affect immunity, and this was where they showed fantastic knowledge and understanding of the issue. They listed stress, physical inactivity, stimulants, poor diet, sleep deprivation, air and water pollution, overuse of antibiotics and highly processed foods.
Unfortunately, we cannot exactly be proud of this result as in fact all of this knowledge is not being turned into action.
More than 60% of respondents do nothing (sic!) for their immunity. They know what lifestyle would be most beneficial to their wellbeing, alas, they’re failing to practice what they preach.
Furthermore, the survey also brought to light a certain confusion of concepts. The covering of the mouth and nose with a mask is named first amongst the ways to boost the immune system, with hand-washing coming in second. Undeniably, those are vital measures to be taken in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, they do nothing for our immune systems. Are we fooling ourselves? “If I wear a mask, I don’t have to do anything else.”
The last finding I would like to share here is a list of immunity-boosting supplements. Nearly 50% of our fellow citizens know about Vitamin D3. That’s probably the effect of an ongoing long-term campaign. Regrettably, only 25% of us know about Vitamin C, with other supplements being mentioned only marginally. Personally, I am shocked that probiotics have not been brought up at all. I think there is a lingering stereotype here that probiotics are a “shield” used during treatment with antibiotics. We are not aware that there are scientifically tested immunogenic probiotics that strengthen the immune system. In my daily medical practice I teach my patients that healthy intestines are a “university of immunology” and health comes from the stomach. I would like this knowledge to become universal across Poland.
Dear Reader, take your time to consider two questions to finish off now.
Firstly, do you know how (through lifestyle changes and supplementation) to improve your immune system?
Secondly, are you going to turn this theoretical knowledge into action?
Stay healthy!
Krzysztof Majdyło, MD
Krzysztof Majdyło isamedical doctor specializing primarily in the treatment of chronic diseases (e.g. Lyme disease), modern diagnostics, and personalized therapies supporting oncological treatment. He trained at the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center in New York with Dr. Richard I. Horowitz, one of the most experienced ILADS physicians in the world. He is the owner and head of the medical team at St. Luke’s Clinic in Gdańsk, where the personalised approach to the patient developed at the Clinic complements other modern supplementation solutions.
We are now one year into “a new life” influenced heavily by Covid-19.
As prospects for a world-wide recovery still seem uncertain, It may now be a good time to look back and assess what happened, as well as to share with you my ideas of what may still happen.
Zahal Levy, MediHelp
The pandemic is a phenomenon that has hit every part of the globe and re-shaped our lives in several ways. It may not even be clear yet how we’ve changed and what we have learnt as human beings and as professionals. The new situation has prompted creativity in all of us and made us adapt to the changing circumstances. We do not have a choice; we shall all need to grow and create a new viable reality.
As for me, just like yourselves, my life has suffered some interruptions of different kinds, and I have done my best to cope with the changing environment. Some of it relates to private issues, but in this article, I would like to share with you some of the actions taken at MediHelp-companies to cope with the situation.
Our new Assistance (customer care) company dealt with diagnosed customers with COVID-19. We did all we could to stand by them, and to adapt the terms and conditions of our existing insurance plans (made before the COVID-19 pandemic) to the new situation. There were cases of hospitalization, medical care and also cases of air ambulance lifts to save lives. As this was going on all through 2020, we had to manage in providing our regular service to our customers. Customers with chronic diseases could continue to get their medical assistance, medical attention and private medical care were claimed for as before. MediHelp and MediSky teams in all countries answered all the requests, and claims were covered with no delays.
At this point, I need to convey a warm word of thanks to our staff, as it has not been an easy time for them. They needed to cope with this extra workload while working from home. The best was done for our customers so they felt everything was being operated as it had been before COVID-19.
We gave our customers the confidence that the new health risk was covered by our policies. We were the first to do this!
Before us, In all Central-Eastern Europe there was no health insurance provider that had announced that they were covering all coronavirus-related issues. Even though at that time we weren’t sure what this move would mean for us and what risks this would entail, we said it very clearly that we cover all Covid-related costs and provide full support to our customers.
I can very proudly say that the rest of the market followed us.
We received a lot of calls from customers about vaccination, questions about where they can get medical care for Covid. Unfortunately, we could not offer them any solutions as in every country where MediHelp companies are present, all assistance and vaccination related to the coronavirus are carried out through public healthcare.
Customers who were in a foreign country or who got stuck somewhere could count on us to get all medical help that they needed at any location. Customers could call us 24 hours a day – either during office hours, or outside them through our emergency lines. We have managed to maintain our very good response times for paying claims or to arrange guarantees of payments to medical centres around Europe and elsewhere. We have all the infrastructure to assure that no technical glitches would thwart a customer in obtaining medical care through our system at any time.
Naturally, taking good care of our employees was also an important task. As we began to see that our teams were experiencing difficulties dealing with family issues and illnesses at home, full support was offered to them and the choice to work either from home or in the office was and still is offered. We reassured our teams that their decision will in no way jeopardize their status at work.
Working from home means that our employees must work with the same efficiency as before. That was not always easy. But we could see how we adapt and accept during calls or zoom meetings seeing the face of a little kid, a cat or a dog wandering around the house. We accepted all these with a smile as these are all reflections of the beauty of life.
I am proud to say that we haven’t laid off any staff in these extraordinary times.
We have not reduced their workload and we have not cut their salary either. On the contrary: we have taken on new employees to strengthen our offices, customer service and sales.
We are aware that the future is still not clear, and that the coronavirus is not behind us yet. We have started working on new insurance plans and creating adaptations to the new situation. There will be changes in the medical environment and further underfinancing of the health systems. Our national health systems will find it hard to provide medical care to all its citizens, so it is a call for MediHelp to work on some new features and service platforms which will help us adapt to the new and on-going changes in the world.
MediHelp has reached an agreement with a company affiliated with MasterCard, and all our customers will soon receive a debit card with which they will be able to pay their claims. It means that if you are our customer, you will have a debit card loaded with “MediHelp money”, so you can pay your medical expenses with our money in real time. You will no longer need to wait until we pay your claim. There will be no such thing as a ‘claim’ (valid for small and medium size claims which are the majority of the paid medical events).
MediHelp customer will be able to share your invoice on a message, and we shall load the money on your MediHelp-Card, which is in your possession, so you will be able to pay the medical provider on the spot. We are practically entering a new world with this development.
Wait… there is more…
We are building the MediHelp Academy. The MediHelp Academy is an academic online platform for insurance education, divided into zones. There will be space where our employees will be able to study Health-Insurance and about the national health systems. We shall help them understand the profession we are in.
Insurance brokers, alternatively, will be able to learn how to sell, and train their employees.
There will also be a zone for visitors, where people from all walks of life will be able to enter the Academy and gain an understanding of what the problems are in the health system in their own country. For those who are interested in protecting their family or their employees, there will be easy access to our insurance plans.
Last, but definitely not least, we are going to introduce a new medical device: an ECG the size of a credit card, with which our customers will be able to transmit their ECG results via their mobile phone in real time. A doctor on the other end will be able to immediately check the results of the ECG and provide a first opinion about their condition. It will cost, of course, but it will provide the customer the luxury of being able to instantly submit an ECG readout and then get medical advice without leaving their home. It will be a worldwide coverage.
As you can see, despite all the difficulties and challenges COVID-19 has brought into our lives, MediHelp has not stopped developing and progressing. We have been working and will continue to do so to ensure that our customers feel there is an increasing value for the money they have invested in their health through the insurance plans of MediHelp.
Finally, I would like to wish you all wishes for the coming Easter holidays, and wishes for good health.
INFECTIONS CAUSED BY THE NEW CORONA VIRUS COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS SARS-COV-2) SCIENTISTS ARE STILL SEARCHING, AND A LOT IS STILL UNKNOWN. WE SEE ONLY THE “TOP OF AN ICEBERG” AND NOT THE TOTAL EXTENT.
The research priorities focus now on epidemiology (how the transmission is, how factors cause the infection), the diagnostics (how to detect and find the true extent of the virus’ spread), and at this point, how is the best practices of managing the illness. Parallel intensive research on pathology and virulence, therapy and vaccination are going on.
Currently the testing capacities aren’t adequate. It will take weeks until we have adequate testing capacity. If screening is carried out, procedures would also have to be used which permit reliable detection.
Professor Lipsitch of epidemiology and director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics stated that “recent modeling suggests that most countries’ screening procedures for travelers miss two-thirds of people with COVID-19 symptoms”.
With infected people symptoms such as fever, dry cough, runny nose and fatigue, as well as breathing problems, sore throat, headache and body aches and chills have been reported. Some suffer from nausea and diarrhea. The symptoms of the disease vary widely, from asymptomatic courses to severe pneumonia with lung failure and death. This is all relatively unspecific with symptoms that can also be attributed to other diseases. There are numerous infected people who have no symptoms so far and will not get sick either. We don’t know at this state how the virulence and severity for the healthy people is.
So, we don’t know how many people are already or will be infected. But it’s seems to be a serious infection on the global few and (probably or maybe?) more dangerous than normal flu. The good news is, that the more people who have contact with the virus over time, probably the more immunity will result. This is mainly because the virus genetics does not change (so far it looks like this).
Note: The discovery of new virus variants reveals some very virulent and highly damaging viruses, but fortunately also some viruses that are less harmful and some against which immunity develops. The corona virus variant, which had caused SARS infections (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in China at the end of 2002 and 2003, was not harmless, but it disappeared absolutely in May 2004, even without a vaccine being developed, and the diseases or organ damage could only be treated symptomatically.
We don’t have vaccines for very many viruses, but there are various viruses or new discovered virus variants, where the absolute majority of those, who are already infected, are still undetected because the majority probably have unspecific uncomplicated symptoms – and of course are not tested in this way.
So, with the new Corona variant, we don’t know with certainty how many people are or will be infected and how many develop a serious illness after infection. This is difficult to estimate and evaluate this well at the current state, because global too few people have been examined yet respectively not so many have been infected so far that one could say this statistically for the entire population (for the healthy persons outside the risk groups). As the number increases, this will be easier to assess. As usual, the risk group will be particularly more affected; these are the older or immunodeficient people and those who have not been healthy before.
GROUPS OF RISK
Due to the higher number of cases, at this state it is only possible to give somewhat better assessments for China so far.According to the WHO, four of the five (80%) of the registered infections so far have been mild. In some of the patients, the virus can lead to a more severe course with breathing problems and pneumonia.
From the data from China, the highest risk for a serious disease and even death is seen for people over the age of 60 and people with underlying diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory, liver and kidney diseases and cancer. Most of the deaths occurred in China in the over 80 ages (men more often than women).
According the previous data (of the WHO), the disease appears to be comparatively rare in children and then to be mild. Also, pregnant women do not appear to have an increased risk of developing a serious illness.
Especially immunocompromised people (sick and elderly) should be particularly careful.
Important measures
It is very important to take the hygiene of the hands seriously (consequent handwashing and disinfection if necessary) and to avoid the close contacts to potentially infected (that means first to people with respiratory diseases).
As long as the infection chains are not known sufficient, caution should also be exercised where more infections can occur in public places (these are the same sources as e.g. for flu).
Important measures for the personal protection as well as the protection of other persons against the infection with respiratory infections.
In addition to frequent hand washing (good hand hygiene) is helpful:
if you have some symptoms, first contact the doctor by phone,
stay at home from work when you are sick
contact the hospital straight away if you are seriously ill
be careful coughing and sneezing – in the crook of the elbow
and keep a minimum distance (approx. 1 to 2 meters) of suspected persons
avoid contamination through the hands, no hand should be given in greetings
if possible, avoid public places where many people come together very closely (e.g. buses or trams, etc.)
reduce travel to and from stricken areas – reducing or avoiding travel by plane, ship, etc., if not necessary
it can help to wear a mouth-nose protection by coughing and sneezing person, also by person with fever, (e.g. a surgical face mask)* to reduce the risk of infecting other people with droplets (protection of other people, but no secure protection!). For optimal effectiveness, it is important that the protector is properly seated (i.e. constant worn close-fitting) and changed when wet.
For your own protection against infection from airborne transmission (by other coughing or sneezing people) only special virus protection masks help, which then must be changed several times a day. Such will be needed in medical practices or hospitals. *a normal mask (surgical mouth and nose protection mask) may reduce your own infection, but there is no evidence for this (by information of the WHO); so a special virus mask is different to this.
Of course, the topics of preventive medicine count here, because health means much more than the absence of illness – in other words, a very potent immune defense, which is determined by many factors of an optimally functioning organism, is important for the health anyway.
So, in addition to hygienic precautions – minimize massive contacts with sources of infection, the motto is to live healthy to strengthen the immune system :
in terms of good balanced nutrition (see the recommendations in the context of healthy nutritional composition – Issue food pyramid)
avoid pollutants – especially avoid smoking – also passive smoking, and of course other pollutants,
Closing schools and events or workplaces where larger groups can come together can help and is to be considered to affected areas for the first phases of virus’ spreading. But this should be made consequently (often more than possible) and it’s difficult to decide how long it is necessary, because the usual time of incubation may not be sufficient. It is currently assumed that the incubation period can be up to 14 days, according to the WHO it is on average 5 to 6 days.
When get kids back to school and people back to work? There may be severe economic losses or other burdens on normal medical care that must be guaranteed for other reasons.
The goal of such restriction like quarantine or closings, is to flatten the infection curve, which slows down the spread; and the systems – especially the health facilities can be better adapted to the supply bottlenecks.
However, with a highly virulent virus that remains asymptomatic in many people experience has shown that this cannot reliably prevent the spread. Spread usually runs unless immunity develops in the population or another reason weakens or eliminates the virus. As the SARS example from 2004 showed, the pandemic has ended even without a vaccine. Usually when enough people will have been infected or vaccinated, the rising immunity in the population slows the epidemic.
Public health managers just want to slow down the spreading in this first phase and improve the chance over the time, to have a vaccine, or to be able to better estimation, where the infection is rather harmless or where it has to be rigorously precaution.
It will not be sustainable that you try so rigorous for long time to close facilities and cancel events where a lot of people can meet – this is only for limited time possible.
It’s a serious thing and seems to be more dangerous than normal flu, but we still don’t know several facts about it. So far it shows that most people won’t get serious sick, we certainly don’t need to have to panic as some are doing now.
Digitisation undoubtedly has a huge impact on people’s health and physical fitness. New technologies translate into the improved quality of life of millions of people, and they affect the entire healthcare sector and its employees.
As far as medicine is concerned, the last 100 years were a time of great achievements. The evolution of hygiene practices, discovery of penicillin and introduction of mass vaccination programs are all successes for which we should be grateful to our predecessors. It is generally accepted that only at the beginning of the 20th century life expectancy was less than 50 years. In 2019, the figure for European Union states stands at over 64 years for women and 63.5 for men.
The modern technologies currently named as those that could potentially revolutionize our healthcare include genomics, 3D printing and telemedicine. The following article is aimed at presenting news on specific technological advancements which in the future will perhaps become a part of our daily life.
Genomics is a field of science that, with the help of increasingly modern computers having ever greater computing power, enables us to study DNA in detail. This gives us the opportunity to personalize medical treatment, which in turn significantly improves the effectiveness of the therapies applied. Genome analysis enables us to achieve an in-depth identification of individual predispositions, diseases, limitations and talents. Genome sequencing is one of the most effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
Telemedicine is increasingly often presented as an alternative to “face-to-face” doctor consultations. Mobile technologies enable us to take some weight off the healthcare system, decrease the number of visits to the doctor and thus shorten the queues. However, telemedicine is of greatest importance to communities without access to medical facilities. A remote health assessment means an opportunity for the poorest and most deprived to take advantage of healthcare services. Telemedicine equipment enables medical staff to monitor the patient’s health on an ongoing basis and carry out preventive tests and check-ups, and give patients access to their test results without having to appear at a medical facility.
Cellular engineering enables us to “grow” miniature organs using a patient’s DNA. Different treatments are then tested on them. The ability to observe the effects of treatment at cellular level gives specialists an insight into what works best before a patient actually undergoes a given therapy. Currently, cellular engineering finds a wide range of applications in the treatment of burn wounds and other injuries.
Big data has been used in medicine for several years now. Access to ever greater data resources means it is possible to carry out more thorough comparative analyses of patient cases. Collating and comparing data on people having similar lifestyles, professional background and even DNA enables us to better understand associated health risks and how they might affect different treatment. Access to a huge amount of data enables scientists to choose the best medication. Sharing data between pharmaceutical companies has recently led to a significant discovery. It was proven that desipramine, an antidepressant, might potentially be used in the treatment of lung cancer.
3D printing is a technology the use of which in treatment of various diseases is becoming more and more probable. Using DNA, we can now develop personalized organs such as lungs, liver and bones. This will certainly affect the status quo for many patients, for whom the only rescue is to have an organ transplanted from a donor. Low-budget solutions that have significantly affected the lives of many people are prostheses, in particular prosthetic arms created for children. Manufacturers rarely offer children’s prostheses. The costs are significant and the prosthetic device has to be changed frequently because of the owner’s growth. The printing of a 3D prosthesis costs up to a maximum of $150, while manufacturer prices start at $9,000.
The role of social media and online forums in the assessment of doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities is immense. Patients are increasingly often looking for opinions on specific places and specialists expressed by other Internet users through social media and online surveys. This information is also used by healthcare professionals to identify any issues within the healthcare system. Social media allow the spread of information in near real-time, thus forcing healthcare professionals to react quickly.
Medical robots allow surgical operations to be carried out with a great level of precision and reduce the time required for recovery following a surgery. They really shape the entire process. For example, surgical operations performed in the past by a three-person team can currently be carried out by one single doctor controlling the robot. The use of this technology affects the quality of treatment.
Technological advancement is noticeable in nearly all areas of life. We are therefore not surprised by either the new solutions that are already applied at hospitals and other facilities or those that are only talked about for now. Perhaps in the future modern technologies will enable us to extend our life expectancy by maybe even a dozen years.
It is estimated that as many as 18 million people developed cancer in 2018 only. A cancer diagnosis turns the world upside down for the patient and their family. An illness as serious as this leaves no room for errors. Which is why it is worth obtaining the so-called medical second opinion.
According to the World Health Organization, millions of people worldwide die each year because of incorrect medical treatment. The WHO data shows that as many as 40% of patients globally are subjected to suffering and harm while in outpatient care. In turn, as far as hospitals are concerned, the figure stands at 10%. Medical errors are made in many areas, including misdiagnosis, prescription of unsuitable medication and referrals for unnecessary treatments.
MEDICAL SECOND OPINION – WHAT IS IT?
A medical second opinion gives you an additional medical consultation on your diagnosis and treatment plan. Time, correct diagnosis and putting together the most effective treatment plan possible are of essence when fighting a disease. It is not unreasonable to have doubts as to your treating physicians’ credibility immediately after being given the diagnosis or during treatment.
When faced with an illness as serious as this, you want to be certain that the diagnosis given was correct and the actions taken were suitable. Alas, the statistics show that one in eight oncological patients is misdiagnosed. An error like this prevents patients from receiving personalized therapy.
A medical second opinion will give you an insight beyond the standard information available through the state healthcare system. You will be able to learn about the latest diagnostic methods and up-to-date therapies that can be applied, thus becoming able to carefully manage your treatment. Moreover, reliance on an independent source of knowledge will enable you to assess your treating physicians’ competence, as a result of which you will be able to ensure that you are provided with proper care.
It is important that as part of your medical second opinion you seek comprehensive information on the different advanced therapy options available in Poland and abroad. This is the only way to make certain that you are provided with the most effective treatment. If you are diagnosed with a rare type of cancer or told that there are no effective therapies available to you in Poland, a medical second opinion will help find a solution for this difficult situation.
MEDICAL SECOND OPINION WITH MEDISKY
All MediSky insurance holders are provided with a guarantee that, when necessary, they will be able to seek a medical second opinion and consult the best specialists around. MediSky gives you the opportunity to directly contact international oncology opinion leaders and scientists.
All MediSky customers obtain the right to use the services of NESA, an oncological advisory board that brings together leading specialists from as many as 57 countries. Many of NESA’s members are oncological surgery experts and scholars of a variety of related disciplines.
The NESA platform gives all of MediSky customers access to NESA expertise. Patients are able to submit medical reports and other documents relating to any oncological condition for review and seek a medical second opinion. This is a service created by MediSky specifically for its customers to provide them with the assurance that the diagnosis given to them is correct and that suitable treatment is planned and undertaken.
It is estimated that at the moment cancer is the second leading cause of death in Poland. It is most likely that in a few years’ time it will move to the first position on that inglorious list. Approximately 160 000 people are given the cancer diagnosis each year, out of which nearly 95 000 die. 175 000 Poles will be given this diagnosis by 2025.
With cancer—irrespective of the type or the stage of advancement—time is key in treatment of the disease. The earlier a diagnosis is provided and the sooner treatment begins, the higher the chance of achieving a best possible outcome. Unfortunately, the Polish state healthcare system frequently fails in this respect.
As per the policy objectives set by Poland’s Ministry of Health, a maximum of 8 weeks should pass between the patient coming to see a doctor and a diagnosis being provided. However, the cumulative average time for cancer diagnosis exceeds this limit, with patients sometimes having to wait in line for months to begin their therapy.
Statistics say that the level of healthcare expenditure is of enormous consequence as far as the effectiveness of treatment is concerned. Amongst the 27 EU states, Poland holds a distant 24th position here. Countries with a high level of healthcare expenditure are successfully treating as many as one-third of cancer patients more than those with the lowest expenditure.
STATE-OF-THE-ART TREATMENT STILL ONLY AVAILABLE ABROAD
Doctors admit that Poland’s state healthcare system fails to provide cancer patients with access to the latest therapies available. As stated by the Alivia Foundation— which analyses data collected from the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia), the National Cancer Registry (Krajowy Rejestr Nowotworów) and the Agency for Healthy Technology Assessment and Tariff System (Agencja Oceny Technologii Medycznych i Taryfikacji) —it is only in the case of malignant ovarian cancer that treatment provided in Poland meets the latest medical standards. This means that patients undergoing treatment for the remaining 99 diseases classed as cancer are still forced to make do with the now somewhat outdated therapies.
A 2017 report by the Supreme Audit Office (Najwyższa Izba Kontroli) revealed that up to 70% of cancer drugs are not available to patients in Poland. This mainly refers to the state-of-the-art therapies.
On average, innovative cancer drugs become available in Poland as late as 2 years following their introduction to the market. For the sake of comparison, patients in Germany will usually have to wait for them for up to 3 months, while in Austria it will be up to 5 months.
Even when a given medication is included on the list of reimbursable drugs, its availability in Poland tends to be much lower than in the remaining EU states. This is mainly due to the fact that the very restrictive rules on who—and to what extent—is eligible to use them are set by the Ministry of Health as opposed to consultants.
CANCER INSURANCE POLICIES ARE THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
Cancer treatment means expenses of a mammoth scale. For instance, one monthly chemotherapy cycle applying drugs for lymphocytic leukemia represents a cost of as much as PLN 80 000. It is not surprising then that the vast majority of patients rely on treatment funded by the National Health Fund.
This is the reason why cancer insurance policies are becoming increasingly popular—they cover the cost of treatment at medical facilities (state-run and private) located in Poland and across Europe. Treatment abroad means access to the latest therapies and drugs for the insured person.
This in turn translates into a better prognosis and a greater peace of mind, which can be additionally improved by undergoing therapy with a psychologist—also funded under the policy.
MediSky cancer insurance coverage is provided under three different policy options, each of them ensuring access to treatment by the best consultants in Poland and abroad.
In addition to doctor consultations, the insured person has access to—without incurring any extra cost—laboratory tests, cancer surgical treatment, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
According to research, health is one of the most important values in life for the Poles. Widespread accessibility of knowledge, growing popularity of engaging in regular exercise and sports and following a balanced diet mean we are all becoming ever healthier.
However, there are certain diseases that keep the majority of the population awake at night. The IBRiS Market and Social Research Institute was commissioned by the Santander Consumer Bank’s Health Academy to draw up a report on the most feared health problems.
What are we most scared of? Respondents most often named the following diseases:
67.5% – cancer,
40% – stroke,
20.8% – coronary artery disease,
17.9% – diabetes,
12.2% – depression,
11.4% – atherosclerosis,
11.1% – hypertension,
3.6% – obesity,
2.4% – rheumatism.
WHO AND WHAT DO WE BLAME FOR GETTING SICK?
Another interesting question put forward in the study was: What are the main causes of lifestyle diseases? This particular group includes: atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and hypertension. The responses provided show that the Polish population’s health awareness is now evolving. The contributing factors named most frequently were stress and poor diet. One in three respondents stated that air pollution was most at fault, while physical inactivity came only fourth.
THIS IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH…
The position occupied by cancer on the list is not in the least surprising, but cancer is actually not the cause of the highest number of deaths in Poland or worldwide. As reported by the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS), members of the Polish population usually die because of cardiovascular diseases. The mortality rate for this disease in the country is up to as much as 70% higher than in other EU states. Still, it is comforting to know that the number of deaths resulting from cardiovascular diseases is dropping. Professionals attribute this to the fact that people are attaching increasing importance to disease prevention, living active lives and changing their poor eating habits.
The factors leading to cardiovascular diseases include overweight, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, lack of regular physical exercise, and alcohol abuse. There is not much we can do about our genetic predispositions, however we can easily eliminate most risk factors.
WE UNDERESTIMATE THE MOTHER OF ALL DISEASES…
Interestingly, obesity rarely appeared in the respondents’ responses (only 3.6% of people are afraid of it the most). However, this grave metabolic condition is not to be underestimated. Doctors warn that it can lead to a number of complications, and it contributes to development of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases – it is like a snowball for our bodies. It is not by accident that it is called “the mother of all diseases”.
Epidemiological data show that the issue of excess weight (overweight and obesity) already affects more than half of the adult Polish population. 68% of men and 53% of women in Poland are overweight. Obesity, which is a consequence of increasing overweight, is already affecting 25% of the population. Predictions for the future are very alarming. Should the Polish population fail to change its lifestyle, 30% of men and 26% of women in our country will suffer from obesity by 2025.
This is also an issue that affects children. As many as 44% of boys and 25% of girls are overweight, while 13% and 5% are already obese, respectively.
TREATMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY…
Even if the growing awareness of the need to keep a healthy lifestyle is noticeable, we are still waiting to see its positive effects at a larger scale. Our population as a whole is afraid of numerous diseases, however, at the same time we tend to belittle the early symptoms. Meanwhile, the introduction of a balanced diet, regular physical activity and preventative measures could positively affect a great many conditions.
Facing the challenges that come with an aging population and increasing morbidity, the state-run healthcare system can be extremely inefficient. We are already dealing with record-breaking length of queues to consultants, not to mention the waiting lists for surgical procedures and operations. And yet another factor that contributes to the sorry state of the state-run healthcare system is the shortage of available consultants.
This is where the private health insurance sector can be of assistance. Policyholders are able to use the services of consultants without restrictions and avoid queues.
MediSky International has introduced an innovative solution to the Polish market, which guarantees that those covered by our insurance have access to medical assistance in any chosen facility in Poland and other states across the European Union. This is what distinguishes the product from other health insurance options available to Polish customers. Access to treatment in foreign facilities may prove necessary for a number of medical conditions and whenever a given surgical procedure or operation cannot be performed in Poland.
DO YOU OFTEN EAT EGGS OR EGG-PRODUCTS?
RESEARCH SHOWS - THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION IS QUITE COMPLEX
Prof. Dr. Werner Seebauer is, Dean of Studies – Association of German Preventologists, Head of Preventive Medicine Department of Institute of Transcultural Health Sciences (European University Viadrina) and Head of Preventive Medicine – NESA (The New European Surgical Academy).
Since 2000, prof. dr. Werner Seebauer worked only in preventive medicine, after ten years spent at the Frankfurt University Hospital. He is also involved in the medical professionals training for nutrition and prevention.
MediHelp International, together with LAMP Insurance, and in collaboration with NESA has created the NESAcard based on the wish to offer access to high standards medical services to patients all over Europe.
This way, MediHelp contributes to the medical science development and is actively involved in the international social responsibility advocacy.
RESEARCH SHOWS - THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION IS QUITE COMPLEX
RESEARCH SHOWS - THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION IS QUITE COMPLEX
Yes, cholesterol can be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and various other afflictions. However, the risk depends on many different factors, like the type and modification of the cholesterol, the interaction with other fats and carbohydrates. Moreover, as in many cases, the dose determines the risk. So, let us take a more differentiated approach to some of the factors.
We have to look at different types of fat, especially saturated and trans-fats, oxidized cholesterol, because these have the significant risks for such diseases.
Also, carbohydrates (“fast carbs”) when rapidly absorbed and not adequately metabolized (in interrelation with physical activity) can lead to cell alterations (glycated cell end-products) which can further negatively influence various dysfunctions and disease risks, with diabetes being one of them. Physical activity is crucial and indispensable for a good metabolism of fat and carbohydrates and healthy functions (homeostasis) of the organism.
More details on carbohydrate related problems will be covered in a further newsletter.
HOLISTIC VIEW
For all biological processes of a well-functioning organism, it is important to consider as many factors as possible contributing to personal health.
One example: In the metabolism of cholesterol and the absorption of numerous nutrients, the micro flora of the digestive tract plays a role. Probiotic bacteria (lactobacillus strains) can assimilate cholesterol under intestinal conditions with healthy fiber rich food, leading to the excretion of nonmetabolized cholesterol and other lipid molecules decreasing cardiovascular disease risks [Tamaro-Duchesneau 2014].
For a holistic view on the interaction of many important biological factors – such as the detoxification systems, the immune system and various epigenetics factors – all should be considered for a healthy organism.
FIRST, SOME BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT EGGS
Yes, one large egg has about 190 – 200 mg of cholesterol, all of which is in the yolk (egg whites contain no cholesterol) — this makes the egg yolk one of the richest sources of dietary cholesterol.
But in total one average egg (58g) contains a moderate portion of about 5,8g fat (approximately a teaspoon) and only the smaller part of those fats – the saturated fats – imply risks; one average egg has about 1,8g of saturated fats; most are monounsaturated (2,2g) and polyunsaturated (0,81 g).
Our diet should not contain too much saturated fats. The guideline for the intake of saturated fatty acids is between 7% and 10% of the total energy supply (with a balanced diet that does not lead to obesity). Sources of saturated fats are mainly meat and dairy products, but also coconut- and palm oil (aspects of coconut oil will follow in another newsletter).
Trans-fats: you should avoid them completely. They play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease. The risky trans-fats come from hydrogenated vegetable oils, produced through industrial processing of plant oils, to create a firmer and more durable fat (e.g. for baking or deep-frying).
The good news is that eggs contain no trans fats. Thus, the risks are particularly posed by baked goods and fried products treated with such processed fats; together with the consumption of too much saturated fats from meat and dairy products and the increased use of palm oil by food industry, we can easily reach too high amounts of unhealthy fats in our daily food.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FATTY ACIDS AND THEIR RELATION TO EACH OTHER
The type of fatty acids (FA) is also crucial Polyunsaturated fatty acids – like omega- 3-FA and omega-6 FA – are essential in our nutrition. However, the relation between the two types is a potential risk generator.
Omega-6-FA should not exceed 5 times more in relation to the omega-3-FA. The typical western diet tends to contain 14 to 25times more omega-6 – than omega-3-fatty acids.
Chicken egg has over 200% more Omega 6 than Omega 3, thus being an unfavorable quantitative ratio. Overall however, calculated on 100g egg this is not so much (1,15g Omega-6-FA). If you pay attention and your other foods do not contain too much of omega 6, the egg does not matter.
To reduce omega-6 FA in your food you should limit the animal fat – except fish fat, which contains more omega-3-FA – which is good. In addition, various vegetable oil can have an unfavorable ratio between Omega-3 and Omega-6. It is advisable to use mainly canola-, olive-, linseed- and nut-oils.
OXIDIZED LDL-CHOLESTEROL – HIGH RISK FACTOR
Oxidized LDL-cholesterol is a high-risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and other serious chronic diseases. Oxidized forms of cholesterol are generated quite easily – through uncompensated oxidative stress (this is stress for the cell membrane and the genes – resulting in DNA breaks), which can be caused by numerous environmental factors (pollutants, etc.), but also by an unbalanced diet and processing-related toxins.
You should check your oxidized LDL-Cholesterol levels (e.g. MDA-LDL) in your blood regularly by visiting your doctor. Oxidative stress also plays a key role in the development of cancer, Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.
VALUABLE PART OF FOOD
Eggs can be a valuable contribution in a balanced diet
Eggs contain good quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals.
For an ovo-vegetarian diet, eggs are a good source of vitamin B12. Eggs are also a good source of Choline, Biotin (Vitamin B7) and Vitamin A; moreover, in case the hens were specially fed, also for some carotenes. (The healthiest eggs are Omega-3 enriched eggs from hens that are fed with special natural food and/or raised on a pasture).
Eggs are a good source of choline. Even if Choline is widely distributed in foods (good sources are also meats, cruciferous vegetables and legumes) the US Nutrition Survey NHANES, 2003–2004 showed that by a usual diet – which in western countries like the US is often unbalanced – only about 10% of the people had sufficient intake. For older children, men, women and pregnant women, the usual intakes were far below the recommended daily dose.
THE COMPOSITION MAKES THE MEAL AND THE DOSE DETERMINES THE EFFECTS
There is a big difference whether you eat scrambled eggs with tomatoes and spring onions together with whole-wheat bread and a vegan spread, or if you eat fried eggs with bacon or cheese and a white toast with sausages (the last-named dish increases the risks). Pancakes or muffins of white flour, together with a lot of butter and syrup, marmalade bread, or highly sweetened breakfast cereals can cause a higher risk than the scrambled eggs with healthy side dishes.
Limit the amount of the risky dishes and consume them only occasionally, if this kind of food is a pleasure for you. It should only be a small part of your diet. Notice, that eggs are often used additionally in processed foods – in the kitchen in pancakes, cookies, crème dishes and cakes – and especially in the food industry as a binding, loosening and thickening additive, in noodles etc.
It is recommended not to consume more than 6 eggs (the yolks) per week, especially if you have difficulty to control your total and LDL cholesterol and your oxidative stress. Also, be cautious if you have diabetes and general risks for heart disease. For people with such diseases, it may be safer to limit the consumption to no more than three yolks per week. [Hu FB 1999; Shin JY 2013].
In any case, if you have such disease or not, the right combination of eggs with vegetable food may be a much better choice than food with lots of sugar, even more so if there is too little physical activity.
However, the breakfast can be in the sweet version, if it is composed of healthier ingredients, like whole grains (oats etc.), (dried) fruits and nuts. There is convincing evidence that the combination of whole grains with fruits and plant protein sources like nuts and seeds reduces cardiovascular risk and overall mortality, especially when compared to red meat or eggs. [Song M. 2016]
Cholesterol can have a risk - depending on some factors you should know
The main risk factors from the diet in this context are: saturated fats, trans-fats and oxidized LDL-cholesterol (differently to LDL-Cholesterol), but also fast carbs
Your cholesterol levels are more influenced by the body’s production in the liver, with the disease risks coming from the saturated and trans fats you eat. A substantial part of the risks also comes from the rapidly absorbed carbohydrates (sugars), when they are insufficiently metabolized.
An estimated 30% of the population has problems introducing cholesterol in their diet and increasing their blood cholesterol by nutrition sources. When they eat food containing cholesterol, their risk LDL-cholesterol levels rise more than in the case of other people.
You should have blood tests done and know your triglyceride and cholesterol level, especially the amount of oxidized LDL-cholesterol, which reflects the main risk. Knowing the Omega-3-FA value in blood cells is helpful as well as knowing your blood glucose, modified hemoglobin and other glycated cells levels, which can clarify your personal need to change your lifestyle (especially your diet).
For a healthy diet, it is safer to keep the intake of eggs moderate (6 egg yolks per week), or lower (3 egg yolks per week) for people with some health risks like metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular or diabetes risks. s This is also recommended if the personal diet contains too much risky fats (such as saturated fats and trans fats, presented above) and/or too much risky types of carbohydrates (fast carbohydrates from added sugars to products, white flour products and maybe also potatoes).
The healthiest eggs are Omega-3 enriched eggs, or eggs from hens that are fed with special food and/or raised on a pasture.
As we see – eggs are not the best and not the worst choice in your diet – in the right food combination they can have a valuable contribution.
Prefer plant-based protein options when possible -or eat only the white of eggs, if you have already a lot of saturated fat intake (from meat, milk products and processed products like baked goods containing butter and eggs, or coconut- or palm-oil)
For everyone it is important, to reduce the oxidative stress. For this you need lots of phytochemicals in the natural matrix of vegetal food, which are the most potent antioxidants (protective substances).
Also, it is beneficial to consume more omega-3 fatty acids (such as those in fish – however fish without pollutants).
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR DOCTOR
As shown, only one quarter of egg fat consists of saturated fat, which increases cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, the amount of dietary cholesterol does not always automatically correlate with the cholesterol in the blood (there is only a weak correlation). Moreover, it is important to pay attention to modifications in cholesterol caused by oxidative stress. Abnormal cholesterol metabolism with high oxidation has serious cellular consequences (cytotoxic) that leads to endocrine disorders such as cardiovascular and other diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to measure certain bio-markers for the risks (e.g. predictive biomarkers of concomitant atherosclerosis) [Seo HS J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2015]
Atherogenesis is strongly associated with cholesterol in macrophage and oxidized lipids. Research also shows a pathogenic factor in the lipid metabolism in liver and intestinal cells (where the cellular oxidative stress was ≈3.5-times higher than in macrophages) and the cholesterol biosynthesis rate was increased by 9- to 15-fold, respectively [Rosenblat Biofactors. 2015]. This plays an important key role alongside other risk factors.
Moderate egg consumption – up to one egg per day – is not associated with increased heart disease risk in healthy individuals (Study results from nearly 40,000 men and over 80,000 women). [Hu FB JAMA. 1999]. For most people cholesterol in food has a smaller effect on blood levels of total cholesterol and harmful LDL cholesterol than does the mix (quality) of fats in the diet. The most cholesterol is produced by one’s own liver [Hu 1999; Fernandez Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2006; / Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012; Shin Am J Clin Nutr. 2013].
A higher increase in plasma cholesterol following egg consumption is seen in circa 30% of the American Population (hyper responders). About 70% of the population shows a mild increase or no alterations in plasma cholesterol. [Fernandez 2006]
Although eggs increase LDL-Cholesterol, studies show that eggs change the LDL particles from small, dense LDL to large LDL. Large LDL may have a lower risk for heart disease. [Campos H Vascular Biology. 1992; Lamarche B Circulation. 1997]. However, it is at the same time important to restrict the fast carbohydrates in the diet [Mutungi G J Nutr Biochem. 2010; Blesso CN Metabolism. 2013]. The restriction of the fast carbohydrates probably is the most important factor in this case. Such intervention of carbohydrate restriction with protein sources other than eggs can have more benefit, because for people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes risks it is also recommended to keep the consumption of eggs moderate.
Fatty acids structure additionally plays an important role While the trans fatty acids (e.g. trans C-18:1 forms from animal fats, but especially from the industrially hydrogenated trans-fatty acids from plant oil) significantly increased the fat oxidation, the Cis-binding forms showed significantly less oxidation (cis C-18: 1 occurring in canola oil or olive oil).
The naturally trans-fats (not industrial hydrogenated) such as in yogurt seem to not exhibit the same risk.
Recent research of the Canadian Centre for Agri-food Research in Health and Medicine and the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences has now identified a potentially cardio-protective role for a sub-category of trans fats, produced by ruminant animals like cows, goats, sheep, etc. Therefore, trans fats from dairy products seems to pose no risk [Ganguly R Food Chem Toxicol. 2015].
The mechanisms in the liver and intestinal cells are very complex, due on the one side to the oxidative stress on fatty acids, low-density lipoproteins, glucose and proteins increases the risk, and on the other side compensation through antioxidant protection systems which plays an essential protective role (antioxidants from thousands phytochemicals found in the nutrition, endogen generated glutathione etc.). In addition, there are further risks such as the inflammatory factors on the arterial endothelium (e.g. lipoproteins such as LpPLA2) and by systemic pro inflammatory cytokines (silent inflammation).
There is convincing data showing evidence that oxidized LDL-cholesterol plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and plaque’s instability. Oxidized Cholesterol produces significantly more free radicals (strong pro-oxidant effects with risk for uncompensated oxidative stress), and it has cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic effects. Thus, it increases arteriosclerosis and thrombosis risks, not only cardiovascular risks.
The oxidized cholesterols are involved in the development and progression of neurodegenerative processes, diabetes and various organ dysfunctions. In addition, the detoxification of alcohol is affected, with increased risk of ethanol intoxication, respectively.
Do you often participate with friends in the grill season? Are you wondering if red meat increases the risk of disease? Cancer, rheumatism and other chronic inflammatory diseases? Does it depend on the quality, type and method of preparation? Discover the answers provided by Prof. Dr. Werner Seebauer in this article.
Prof. Dr. Werner Seebauer is, Dean of Studies – Association of German Preventologists, Head of Preventive Medicine Department of Institute of Transcultural Health Sciences (European University Viadrina) and Head of Preventive Medicine – NESA (The New European Surgical Academy). Since 2000, prof. dr. Werner Seebauer worked only in preventive medicine, after ten years spent at the Frankfurt University Hospital. He is also involved in the medical professionals training for nutrition and prevention.
MediHelp International, together with LAMP Insurance, and in collaboration with NESA has created the NESAcard based on the wish to offer access to high standards medical services to patients all over Europe. This way, MediHelp contributes to the medical science development and is actively involved in the international social responsibility advocacy.
While there are always media reports about the discovery (meta-analyses from study data) that red meat increases cancer risks (especially colon cancer), this is a well-known fact for many years and one has to make precise distinctions. The dose (amount and frequency of use) as well as the form of preparation always plays a decisive role.
It should also be emphasized that the human organism has defense and repair systems that can compensate the “pollutants” within certain limits. These systems are in turn dependent on the total food intake and especially the adequate supply of phytochemicals from our vegetarian food sources. To explain it simply: the more healthy food (legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, spices and kitchen herbs) we consume, the better “less healthy” food ingredients can be compensated.
So, the key question is to keep the consumption of red meat in special forms of preparation within certain limits and to eat more healthy veggies.
The risk is higher for sausage products; and, above all, for the roasted, grilled or fried over-salted or cured meats, which pose a greater risk. Better is the lean meat of poultry and fish. Fish is also preferable because the omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA) have a positive effect. Consumption of fish reduced the risk of colorectal cancer (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1997 – p906).
Red meat contains protein structures against which the human organism forms antibodies and thus activates the immune system. Poultry meat and fish do not contain these protein structures. Activation of the immune system does not necessarily require disease-triggering processes, but in addition to other defense reactions, there is more potential for inflammatory responses and uncompensated oxidative stress (i.e. malignant cell degeneration or damage to cells and gene structures that the organism needs to repair).
The device is: less red meat, not too roasted or fried and less processed meat (sausage etc.).
HOW MUCH MEAT?
Overall, for risk reduction it is the recommendation to consume less meat: an adult should not eat more than 40 to about 90 grams of meat per day (the German Society of nutrition recommends a maximum of 300 to 600g per week).
That’s about per week:
3 ½ meat burgers (130g / piece);
or 3 fried sausages (150g / piece);
or 4 -5 portions of Bolognese meat sauce with spaghetti (100g / portion);
or 2-3 Wiener Schnitzel (200g / piece);
or 2-3 pieces of rump steak (200g / piece);
or 3-4 döner kebab (100-150g / portion).
In addition, it is important to reduce the animal fats that form arachnidonic acid and can increase inflammatory processes.
WHAT IS „READ MEAT“?
Red meat is all meat except poultry and fish.
White meat of pork is also considered red meat Red meat means not only the visibly distinctively red meat. It is also the relatively bright pork. When processing (roasting), one often no longer recognizes the type of meat exactly.
Summary: higher risk for red meat of cow, steer, pork, veal, sheep, lamb and goat. Especially cured is meat is riskier: such as pork sausage, ham, bacon, sausages, “Kassler” meat and Vienna sausages. On the other hand, it is quite possible to grill lean meat, especially low-fat poultry meat.
REASONS OF RISK ASSOCIATIONS AND COMPENSATION POSSIBILITIES!
When heated – and especially when searing – carcinogenic (cancer-promoting) substances can form Not all reasons for the risks of red and processed meat are well known. It is probably not just the protein structure and the type of fats. The iron content, the formation of carcinogenic amino and nitrous compounds (ATNCs apparent total N-nitrous compounds) may also play a role. The clearest evidence for risk is related to the method of cooking.
Red meat could increase the oxidative stress via the increased iron content with added cell damage and cell degeneration on the intestinal mucosa. Other negative factors could be the increased use of cattle fattening hormones and genetically modified feed.
Many data on the studies came from the US, where relatively large amounts of grilled beef are consumed. In the context of the preparation type, especially in case of grilling with the excessive searing or burning of fats, more carcinogens are formed (potentially cancer-promoting substances – polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] benzopyrene, heterocyclic aromatic amines [HAAs] and other carcinogenic and mutagenic substances). However, these can occur in all types of meat! The highest concentrations are registered when a strong browning or even charring occurs (even with white meat).
The potentially carcinogenic PAHs are generally produced in foods by preparation involving heating or smoking; e.g. when grilling, roasting and baking, while drying in direct contact with open flame or flue gases. When grilling, this happens especially when fat or meat juice drips into the charcoal and the meat is smoked. A bluish smoke contaminates the food. Even inhaling this smoke increases your body’s exposure to these pollutants. You also should not glaze the grilled meat with beer as it can also cause PAHs.
The marinade, as well should not drip into the embers. Therefore, the marinade should be used with the appropriate grill system – in barbecue bowls, or with vertical grill systems. The heat source should be well-glowing and not-smoking; and the meat should be turned often or steadily (rotating is best). Both beer and suitable marinades can help on other conditions (see below).
In the muscle meat of fish PAHs can also penetrate, but they are rapidly degraded and cannot accumulate so much.
When charcoal grilling, 10-times the amount of PAHs (benzopyrenes) is produced in the outer layer of the grilled food, and as much as 200-times more when roasted over a wood fire. It must be emphasized that certain multifactorial causal complexes are risk-increasing, because in some South American countries, where also a lot of red and grilled meat is consumed, the increase in colorectal cancer risk could not be determined to the same extent.
Marinating the meat before grilling proves to be very favorable under certain conditions. The marinade should not drip into the embers and cause smoke (see topic above).
When meat has been marinated with herbs, oils and essences (mustard, horseradish, etc.), significantly fewer pollutants were detected as a result of grilling. Here the phytochemicals (“secondary plant substances”) from the marinade compensate very probably (and thus prove to be helpful for the detoxification). For example, a marinade of olive oil (from first cold pressing – extra virgin), vinegar, garlic, mustard, lemon juice reduced the heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) by up to 99%; and spice combinations even in low doses with garlic, sage, thyme and oregano significantly reduced these pollutants. Even low concentrations of mustard or soy condiment show a significant reduction in the harmful effects of PAHs. Among other things, garlic is very effective against carcinogenic nitrosamines. Black beer (Ale) was also able to lower the pollutant concentration.
In a study at the university in Honolulu, Hawaii, where various home-made marinades (Teriaki marinade or Turmeric-Garlic marinade) and commercial barbecue sauces were tested on beef steaks to observe the pollutant development during grilling, the results showed in the self-made marinades a up to 67% lower pollutant production (HAAs) compared to commercial barbecue sauces (honey barbecue sauce).
Study Sources: Salmon CP, Knize MG, et al.: Effects of marinating on heterocyclic amine carcinogen formation in grilled chicken. Food Chem Toxicol, 1997 May;35(5):433-41. Nerurkar PV, Le Marchand L, Cooney RV: Effects of marinating with Asian marinades or western barbecue sauce on PhIP and MeIQx formation in barbecued beef. Nutr Cancer. 1999;34(2):147-52. 13 RULES FOR A HEALTHY BARBECUE (GRILLING)
Certain rules should be followed when grilling to ensure healthy eating:
Do not fry or roast the meat too hot. The harmful substances are mainly produced at temperatures of 130 degrees Celsius and above.
Use an electric or gas grill if possible. For charcoal, let it soak well before the meat comes on the grill, because smoke and an open fire (flames) can contain many pollutants (PAHs), transferring them onto the meat.
Charcoal or charcoal briquettes are to be preferred. The burning of paper, resinous wood or pine cones causes more pollutants (PAHs). Lacquered or glazed wood or wood from furniture and other origins should never be used for barbecuing.
Use lean or only slightly fat-containing meat and marinate it for 24 hours in advance in home-made marinades (made from precious oils, herbs and spices). If you have a most common grill, dab off the marinade from meat well before grilling. If the meat is placed in a dish or foil on the grill, or if the marinade does not drip into the embers (using a vertical grill), you can leave more marinade on it. But beware: salt and lemon juice should not be on the aluminum tray or aluminum foil as they can dissolve metals. Stainless steel bowls would be better. It is best to make the marinade yourself because you can prepare it without apprehensive additives and you can also assess better the quality of meat and fish. Often, commercial barbecued sauces did not show the mentioned defensive effects compared to self-made marinades with oil and herbs, garlic and other Spices. Some additives can themselves be harmful.
Highly recommended is a grill with side fire exhausts (vertical grills) or incandescent rods at the side. Fat can not drip into the embers.
Never char your grill food.
You should cut off burnt pieces generously, because they contain very high amounts of toxins (HAAs).
If you do not have a vertical grill, use a grill bowl to prevent fat or marinade from dripping into the embers.
Attach the grill grate up (or away from the vertical grill) so that the fire flames cannot touch the food being grilled.
Avoid cured meats such as pork chops, bacon, “Leberkäse”, “Wieners” (sausages), generally sausages.
Recommended is non-cured fish and poultry meat (especially chicken breast), as opposed to the likes of beefsteak, high rib, neck chops, ground meat. If you grill sausages, then take white and yellow sausages but generally use rather little sausage amounts or use them.
Steaming is healthier than barbecuing! This also concerns vegetables.
Eat the meat with plenty of vegetables and salad, as well as spicy pastes (mustard, horseradish, etc.) – you should generally have a diet that is high in phytochemicals.
This is followed by another newsletter. Pickled meat products (sausage or “Kassler” meat) contain nitrite pickling salt, which produces nitrosamines when exposed to heat, which can cause gastric and esophageal cancers.
It is estimated that as many as 18 million people developed cancer in 2018 only. A cancer diagnosis turns the world upside down for the patient and their family. An illness as serious as this leaves no room for errors. Which is why it is worth obtaining the so-called medical second opinion. 
It is estimated that at the moment cancer is the second leading cause of death in Poland. It is most likely that in a few years’ time it will move to the first position on that inglorious list. Approximately 160 000 people are given the cancer diagnosis each year, out of which nearly 95 000 die. 175 000 Poles will be given this diagnosis by 2025.
