Ashley Mateo

Brain cancer comes in two varieties: Primary tumors, which start in the brain and rarely spread, and secondary tumors, which start elsewhere in the body (typically the lungs or breasts) and spread to the brain, says Adilia Hormigo, M.D., Ph.D., director of neuro-oncology at the Mount Sinai Health System and associate professor of neurology, medicine and neurosurgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Over time, brain cancer can impact surrounding brain cells to seriously compromise brain function. And while that's true of all brain tumors, malignant or benign, cancerous tumors are more likely to spread throughout the brain, and quickly, according to Hormigo. That's why malignant tumors require aggressive treatments, typically including surgery, radiation, and/or <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19939983/what-is-chemotherapy-like/" id="3d490bec-4dca-34ea-ad29-4469b63c547b"> chemotherapy </a> , she says.

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The thing is, your doctor doesn't routinely screen for brain cancer, and, currently, no widely agreed upon screenings even exist, according to the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html" id="0266729b-5ea8-3609-a90c-51b8e81dac81"> American Cancer Society </a> . So it's up to you to keep tabs on your health and understand the most common brain cancer symptoms. If you have any symptoms that could indicate a brain tumor, you should go to your primary care doctor or internist as soon as possible, says Hormigo. They can guide you to the right specialist.

Here, seven brain cancer symptoms you need to know about.

This shouldnt come as a surprise, but, yes, headaches could be a sign of a brain tumor, and potentially a cancerous one. Were not talking garden-variety headaches from <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19914200/how-to-prevent-dry-eyes/" id="28bfa23d-2f12-3073-a268-3f267e19ebdb"> staring at a screen too long </a> , though.

If you suddenly have severe headaches or if youre experiencing nausea or vomiting with your headaches, you should seek attention from a doctor, says Hormigo. While nausea also accompanies <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19967136/natural-migraine-remedy/" id="f4eb735a-d641-30bc-a4ec-bf0a9dcd1b06"> migraines </a> , it's never a bad idea to get yourself checked out just in case, especially if your migraines are new or worsening.

<h1> Related: 'My Headaches Turned Out To Be Brain Cancer </h1>

When youre having a seizure, that means something in the electricity of the brain isnt right, says Hormigo, explaining that cancerous tumors, by pressing on the brain cells around them, can cause electrical signaling problems.

It is possible that you could have a seizure disorder, which is categorized by recurring seizures, rather than a tumor, but experiencing even one seizure means that you need to get to the doctor STAT, she says.

Watch Maria Menounos talk about what it's like to have a brain tumor:

Obviously, there are a lot of reasons a person could feel nauseous, but persistent queasiness without any apparent explanation is a big red flag.

If youre someone who never feels ill like that and it comes on suddenly and sticks around, especially if youre over 40, you should seek attention, says Hormigo. That's especially true if your <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19922291/reasons-for-nausea/" id="146a682e-4166-3ab5-a2b4-a90b182f2e9a"> nausea </a> is accompanied by the other brain cancer symptoms on this list.

With brain tumors, the symptoms sometimes depend on the area of the brain where the tumor is located, says Hormigo. So if a tumor happens to be behind your eye, that could compromise <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19925977/mistakes-messing-with-your-eyes/" id="1fd6353d-9073-3073-af65-5e15a77e9891"> your vision </a> .

One of the classic situations I see is a driver causing a car accident because something is messing with their visual field, she says. So pay close attention to your eyesight and get your eyes checked out regularly. (Preferably every year.) A brain tumor could cause blurry vision, double vision, and loss of vision, and even cause floating shapes or spots to appear, she says.

<h1> Related: This Model Lost A Leg To Toxic Shock SyndromeAnd Now She Might Lose The Other </h1>

Brain cancer in other areas of the brain can manifest physically as well, and can often throw off <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19966507/how-to-balance/" id="9387df2b-cfc5-3d06-aac2-9160ac25d842"> balance </a> and motor control. If you feel a weakness or numbness on one side of your body or have trouble dressing, it could be related to a tumor in a certain location, says Hormigo, noting that there aren't many other explanations for extreme or sudden changes in balance and coordination.

We can all get a bit "out of it" when we're overloaded with work, not <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sleep/" id="738c731f-50be-33f9-ad89-f57be1f0533a"> sleeping </a> well, or getting low on blood sugar. But if you have trouble finding the right word, or your friends notice you calling things by the wrong names, you need to talk to your doctor about having a brain scan, she says.

Severe forgetfulness and confusion (think: above and beyond losing your keys) are other warning signs that the wires are crossed in your brain, potentially due to a tumor.

<h1> Related: 6 Warning Signs Of Stomach Cancer That Have Nothing To Do With Pain </h1>

The frontal lobe is the area of your brain that controls your personality, so brain cancer could literally turn you into a different person.

People can actually notice odd behaviors or changes in behaviors with a tumor, says Hormigo. Ive seen people after treatment who have said, I was getting so cranky. Now Im back to being a nice person!

7 Brain Cancer Symptoms Every Woman Should Know

Brain cancer: Thats a really scary term. Luckily, theres a less than 1 percent change youll develop a malignant brain or spinal tumor in your life, according to the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/about/key-statistics.html" id="f45bfc67-d3f5-36ec-ab00-a2ebdee8638c"> American Cancer Society </a> . Still, the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/about/key-statistics.html" id="7c40b522-55c3-339e-a5f7-6f36a29d098b"> ACS </...

7 Brain Cancer Symptoms Every Woman Should Know About

But because Crohns is a form of immune dysfunction, its also considered a systemic diseaseone that can affect other parts of the body, too, explains Sashidhar Sagi, MD, a gastroenterologist at <a href="https://iuhealth.org/" id="56d93565-15b5-3554-a63e-fe5cd77305aa"> Indiana University Health </a> . Symptoms that show up outside of your GI tract are called extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), and that they occur in 25 to 40 percent of people with inflammatory bowel disorders.

EIMs can impact your skin, joints, liver, and your eyes. In fact, as many as 12 percent of people with Crohns disease experience minor to serious eye complications, according to <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ecco-jcc/article/10/3/239/2462512" id="d53d8336-20ce-30db-a8db-7e1878128ceb"> a </a> published in the Journal of Crohns and Colitis.

PSA: This Common Bowel Disease Can Harm Your Eyes

<h1> Wait, how can Crohns impact my eyes? </h1>

Crohns is an autoimmune disease, and autoimmune diseases occur when the bodys immune system has been sensitized to attack normal body tissues, explains Nathan Hamburger, MD, an ophthalmologist at <a href="https://www.uchealth.org/locations/uchealth-yampa-valley-medical-center/" id="ea79c76c-44d3-332a-aae5-381f7a2ac2d3"> UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center </a> . Theres enough similarity between the tissue in the digestive system and some tissues found in the eye that the immune system will attack both.

According to Sagi, there are three eye conditions associated with Crohns disease:

<ul><li> Episcleritis: This develops when the tissue between the clear and outermost layer of the eye becomes inflamed. Symptoms include redness, mild pain, and sensitivity to touch. </li><li> Uveitis: This develops when the tissue underneath the white layer of your eye becomes inflamed, resulting in redness, light sensitivity, pain, and blurred vision. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to glaucoma and vision loss. </li><li> Dry eye syndrome (aka keratoconjunctivitis sicca): This occurs when tear glands become inflamed and cause white deposits to form in the cornea. Symptoms may include itching, burning, or infection. Keratopathy, a type of corneal disease, may also develop. </li></ul>

<h1> So, how can I keep my eyes healthy? </h1>

While these conditions are rare, the best way to prevent Crohns-related eye problems is to work with your gastroenterologist to ensure your getting the proper treatment, Hamburger says.

Yearly eye exams are also vital, as they can help ensure youre not developing undiagnosed problems, Hamburger says. Early detection can be a game-changer in terms of both successful treatment and preserving healthy vision.

<h1> What should I do if my eyes start bugging out? </h1>

If youre having a Crohns flare and notice any problems with your eyes (such as blurred vision, pain, redness, or dryness), see a doctor immediately, Sagi says. In many cases, getting the symptoms under control can be enough to resolve eye issues. Depending on the problem, your doc may also prescribe steroid eye drops, topical vasoconstrictors, or even vitamin A supplements.

Even if you dont suffer from the cramps, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that typically come with Crohns disease, you probably know that Crohns is a chronic inflammatory bowel diseaseas in, it affects the gastrointestinal tract.

Why Yearly Vision Exams Are *SO* Important If You Have Crohn’s

When Crohns is activeas in, youre currently experiencing symptomsyou may have abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. These symptoms can cause loss of appetite and make it hard to absorb nutrients, which puts you at high risk for malnutrition, explains gastroenterologist Jason Rubinov, MD.

Unfortunately, no diet has been proven to manage or prevent any inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), says Arielle Leben, RD, of NYU Langones Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, but some tweaks, like the ones below, can ward off symptoms and flares, making living with itand staying healthyeasier.

<h1> 1. Eat a bunch of little meals. </h1>

Consuming a lot of food at once stresses the GI tract and triggers a gastrocolic reflex, contractions in the colon that cause a bowel movement, Leben says. Sometimes for people with Crohns, the reflex is accompanied by pain, cramping, or diarrhea. Smaller, more frequent meals wont stimulate that reflex as intensely.

Eating less in one sitting also gives the body additional time to digest food, which improves nutrient absorption, says Courtney Schuchmann, a registered dietitian at the University of Chicagos Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Since people with Crohns dont always absorb nutrients very well, this is a big plus.

<h1> 2. Minimize your insoluble fiber intake. </h1>

High Angle View Of Fruits Against Blue Background

While all fiber helps the GI tract regulate digestion, insoluble fiberthe kind that keeps things movingcan actually intensify symptoms during flare-ups. Many patients with Crohns disease suffer from strictures, or narrowings within the intestines that develop when chronic inflammation leads to scarring, explains Rubinov. As a result, [certain] high-fiber foods have a difficult time moving through these narrowed areas, which can lead to worsening of symptoms and blockages.

When your Crohns is active, cut out foods with insoluble fiber like nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetable skins, and whole grains, which pull water into the gut. As a result, food digests more quickly, which can lead to diarrhea or the worsening of diarrhea. Instead, choose eats with digestion-slowing soluble fiber like oatmeal, skinless potatoes, applesauce, and nut butters, the <a href="https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/legacy/assets/pdfs/diet-nutrition-2013.pdf" id="b6a7bcbf-e885-3edf-a7bd-b5a976da4389"> Crohns &amp; Colitis Foundation </a> recommends. These foods absorb water in the gut, slowing down the digestion of the food thats stored there, which can help to ward off diarrhea.

Certain high-fat foods are difficult to digest and may aggravate Crohns symptoms, including diarrhea and gas, Rubinov explains. So say no to fried foods, fatty cuts of meat (like steak and ribs), and creamy sauces, which can increase the frequency of bowel movements, says Schuchmann.

Instead, reach for plant-derived fats, such as avocado, nut butters, coconut, and olive oil. A diet rich in these foods actually changed the gut microbial composition in mice enough to reduce inflammation in the small intestine, researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine .

Close-Up Of Hand Holding Ice Cream Against Pink Background

In some cases of Crohns, inflammation in the small intestine impairs lactase activity and causes lactose intolerance, Leben says. Lactose intolerance is another GI disorder with symptoms like cramping, pain, bloating, excess gas, and diarrhea. Dairy products with a high-fat content were most frequently reported to worsen perceived Crohns symptoms, one study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association .

Some people with Crohns may need to totally avoid high-lactose products, such as milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. Still, most should be able to tolerate low-lactose dairy products, such as hard cheeses (like Parmesan and Romano) and lactose-free milk or yogurt, Schuchmann says.

<h1> 5. Steer clear of spicy foods . </h1>

Some fiery foodswere talking cayenne pepper, chili powder, and hot saucesas well as garlic and onion, can increase cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, Rubinov says. Spicy foods also increase stomach acid, which can be an irritant and lead to worsening symptoms.

That doesnt mean that food has to be bland, though. Ginger, for example, can add flavor, while easing inflammation, Leben says. Another flavorful option: turmeric. It contains curcumin, which has actually been shown to alleviate IBD symptoms, according to published in the journal PLoS One. Fresh or dried herbs such as basil and oregano, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla extract can also flavor things up without destroying your insides.

Sugars are carbohydrates that pull water into the gut, which can cause diarrhea, explains Rubinov. And, when broken down, many of these sugars are fermentable, which leads to increased bloating and gas symptoms. But before you switch over to sugar-free products, know this: Artificial sweetenerssugar alcohols like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitolare even worse, and may cause gas, bloating, abdominal cramping, or diarrhea, Leben says.

The bottom line: Real sugar is the best bet, but portion control is key. The American Heart Association that, in general, women consume no more than six teaspoons, or 25 grams, of added sugar per day. Aim not to exceed that limit, and spread your intake out throughout the day to keep your stomach happy.

<h1> 7. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! </h1>

Diarrhea already sucks like whoa. On top of that, it puts you at risk of dehydration and a loss of electrolytes, says Leber. So if you have Crohns, its especially important to drink plenty of water, 100-percent fruit or vegetable juices, and electrolyte drinks like Gatorade.

You may also need an over-the-counter rehydration solution, like Drip Drop, Pedialyte, or Ceralyte, to replenish your sodium, potassium, magnesium, and glucose stores, says Schuchmann. Again, Stay away from sugar-free beverages with artificial sweeteners that can exacerbate diarrhea, she adds. And avoid caffeinated beverages, which have a diuretic effect. (Sorry, coffee drinkers.)

A final note: Remember that every body is different, and people have different nutritional needs. Working with a dietitian can help you curate a diet thats specific to your IBD characteristics and symptoms.

Tame Annoying Crohn's Flares With These Diet Tips

Diet doesnt cause Crohns diseasedoctors dont actually know the culprit behind the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)but what you eat (or dont eat) can majorly impact how your body deals with it. Thats because Crohns affects the gastrointestinal tract, the part of the body that digests food, absorbs energy and nutrients, and expels waste.

7 Diet Tips That Can Help Manage Crohn's Symptoms And Side Effects

\"All the kids in my family had to do martial arts until we got a black belt.\"

Her karate kid past came in handy when she took on the role of Psylocke in X-Men: The Apocolypse three years ago. Psylocke is one of the most badass characters in the whole X-Men universe, Munn says. When I got on set, the stunt double for me was very athletic but she had never done fighting in her life. So <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a19996257/olivia-munn-weight-loss-body-image/" id="92110608-022e-3954-aee6-77fd5a675aa2"> I trained every day for six or seven hours </a> and I did all of my own fight scenes.

Watch Munn participate in a different type of fight scene when she <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a28065259/olivia-munn-vegan-ice-cream/" id="8fef18ff-af3b-3a9d-af81-0df164dd2698"> taste tests vegan ice creams </a> :

To better portray the telepathic ninjas kickass skills, Munn started <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a20703444/olivia-munn-x-men-workout/" id="3edf5e85-0ebf-364f-aa2e-9e3bcc1d4366"> working with trainer Karine Lemieux </a> from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DaxGym/?fbclid=IwAR3d2hILCsVl1-7H-pT3ROVCeJTMZsw_gm3nC96fxW53X43d97bFdXHkdI4" id="bbca22fc-96b4-35da-aee3-211f56c340b4"> DAX </a> , a martial arts-based gym in Montreal. What I love about training Olivia is that its never about losing weight, says Lemieux. Its about being healthy and feeling strong. She loves the challenge.

And you better believe martial arts-inspired training is intense-even if it doesnt always feel that way.

Unlike with endless squats and sit-ups, you just don't feel that you're working out, says Lemieux. But you will get the same body benefits (or maybe even more), because youre combining strength work with <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a27395974/how-to-become-more-flexible/" id="7f580476-f3ed-3057-a2f6-d05936e84d47"> flexibility </a> and mobility training, which keeps your body and joints in peak condition. Another bonus? Even beginners feel like they've earned a black belt in badasser-y after only a few lessons.

The Kickass Way Olivia Munn Stays In Shape

When it comes to fashion and accessories, no doubt actress <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a27269996/olivia-munn-go-fug-yourself-tweet/" id="12a48dc0-3c75-3e43-a5fa-d560887b816f"> Olivia Munn </a> has plenty of options at her disposable. But during <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a28122121/olivia-munn-times-up-alternative-therapies/" id="967f51ba-2be6-3fa7-a5df-263bf59e45e6"> her interview for the July cover story of </a> <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/...

Olivia Munn Grew Up An Actual Karate Kid—And Has The Black Belt To Prove It

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Ashley Mateo

Articles written by the author

7 Brain Cancer Symptoms Every Woman Should Know About

Why Yearly Vision Exams Are SO Important If You Have Crohn’s

7 Diet Tips That Can Help Manage Crohn's Symptoms And Side Effects

Olivia Munn Grew Up An Actual Karate Kid—And Has The Black Belt To Prove It