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Colon Cancer / Colorectal Cancer
Index of Diseases / Health Conditions ... Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices & Household Items
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
With 151,500 cases and 57,000 deaths reported in 2003, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. About 75% of cases develop after age 45. In most cases, the cancer arises from a polyp, an abnormal mass of tissue that develops on the inside wall of the colon or rectum.
Colon cancer risk increases within 10 years after your gallbladder has been removed. Secondary bile salts are carcinogens, so if they accumulate in the colon, the risk for colon cancer increases. Chronic colitis increases your chance for colon cancer.
Early & Unforeseen Symptoms of Colon Cancer
- A cyst on the thin tissue connecting the upper gum to the upper lip (known as frenula). A growth or lump on the frenula signals a colon problem.
- White half moons on the fingers under the nails (known as lunulae). Typically only thumbs have lunulae. If you’ve had them before and then they disappear, this signals a cancer risk. People who have this sign may also feel cold.
- Infants tend to have fine hair on their cheeks which fades as they grow older. However, if adults suddenly grow soft, light-colored hair on their cheeks, this may signal colorectal or lung cancer.
- Bleeding: Dark lines on the nails are early signs of bleeding. When blood shows up in the stool, this indicates that the cancer has progressed to stage 3 already.
According to the National Cancer Institute symptoms might be:
- Change in bowel habits: Diarrhea or constipation.
- Gas pains, cramps or feeling full or bloated.
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Losing weight for no reason
- Nausea or vomiting
These symptoms don’t necessarily indicate cancer. In fact, early cancer does not usually cause pain. It takes about 10 years for a polyp to develop into cancer.
Nutritional Therapies
Vitamin B6:
Article: Vitamin B6 Reduces Colon Cancer
Vitamin D:
Current government recommendations for Vitamin D intake is 400 or 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D. However, researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and Creighton University (CU) School of Medicine found that when higher doses of vitamin D were taken daily, the risks associated with developing several major diseases are reduced by about half. Cedric Garland, DrPH, professor of family and preventive medicine at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center, stated as follows: "We found that daily intakes of vitamin D by adults in the range of 4000-8000 IU are needed to maintain blood levels of vitamin D metabolites in the range needed to reduce by about half the risk of several diseases -- breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes."
Cedric F. Garland, Dr.P.H., cancer prevention specialist at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and colleagues estimate that 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented worldwide by increasing intake of vitamin D, particularly in countries north of the equator.
Vitamin D can affect a colon cancer cell by adjusting everything from its gene expression to its cytoskeleton. Recent research shows that one pathway governs the vitamin's diverse effects, a result which helps to clarify the actions of a molecule that is undergoing clinical trials as a cancer therapy. Vitamin D stymies colon cancer cells in two ways -- it switches on certain genes, and it induces effects on the cytoskeleton. The net result is to curb cell division and cause colon cancer cells to differentiate into epithelial cells that settle down instead of spreading. The recent study is the first to show that vitamin D's genomic and nongenomic effects use one simultaneous pathway and integrate to regulate cell physiology.
(Sources: Science Daily November 26, 2008; Journal of Cell Biology November 17, 2008; 183(4):697-710)
Vitamin E:
A study in 2002 looked at patients with colon cancer "who received a daily dose of 750 mg of vitamin E during a period of 2 weeks. Short-term supplementation with high doses of dietary vitamin E leads to increased CD4:CD8 ratios and to enhanced capacity by their T cells to produce the T helper 1 cytokines interleukin 2 and IFN-gamma. In 10 of 12 patients, an increase of 10% or more (average, 22%) in the number of T cells producing interleukin 2 was seen after 2 weeks of vitamin E supplementation." The authors concluded that "dietary vitamin E may be used to improve the immune functions in patients with advanced cancer." That improvement was achieved in a mere two weeks merits special attention. (3) - Click here for source and for more information
Bran:
Not eating enough fiber triples your prospects of polyps. In a Harvard study, men who ate the most fiber, more than 28 grams a day - had only one-third the rate of polyps of men who at the least fiber, or 17 grams a day. The protective dose is the amount of fiber in one cup of high-fiber All-Bran, Fiber One or 100% Bran cereals.
Fatty Fish:
An study conducted by the Catholic University of Rome discovered that patients who ate fish oil exhibited a suppression of precancerous colonic cell growth in as little as two weeks. This is new evidence that fish oil interferes with the cancer process in an incredibly short time. In 90 percent of the fish oil group, cell proliferation dropped an average of 62 percent. Furthermore, the researchers detected the slowdown in cancer cell growth within only two weeks. The fish oil doses were fairly high - equal to eating eight ounces of mackerel a day. But Dr. Blackburn indicated that such "loading" on fish oil is necessary at first to correct a longtime deficit in the oil. After that, lower amounts may be sufficient to keep the cells from going haywire. Many authorities believe that regularly eating small amount of fish effectively prevents polyps and colon cancer.
Apples & Apple Juice:
Research has demonstrated that both apple pectin and polyphenol-rich apple juice components actually enhance biological mechanisms that produce anticarcinogenic compounds during the fermentation process. The research, published in the April 2008 issue of Nutrition, notes, “apples are a major source of natural fiber and of low molecular weight plan polyphenols in the Western diet.” The researchers conclude, “Pectin-rich apple products can thus be expected to exert anticarginogenic effects in the colon.”
Using human fecal matter as the test substance, German researchers Dr. Dieter Schrenk, M.D. and his colleagues hypothesized that the compound butyrate could be increased in the presence of apple pectin and apple juice extracts. The research notes, “Butyrate not only serves as a major nutrient for the colon epithelia but is also thought to play an important role in the protective effect of natural fiber against colorectal cancer.” The laboratory tests performed by Schrenk found that by the increased production of butyrate via the addition of apple components, histone deacetlyases (HDAC) were inhibited. With slowed production of HDAC, there would be significantly less growth of precancerous and tumor cells.
Cruciferous Vegetables:
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, are said to be your best bet to prevent colon cancer. In a study lead by Dr. Greenwald, eight out of nine "case-control" studies declared crucifers, including cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, to be the best bet to prevent colon cancer. A large study at the University of Utah School of Medicine showed that men who ate the most cruciferous vegetables had a 70 percent lower risk of colon cancer than those who at the least of such vegetables.
Calcium:
Dr. Cedric Garland, director of the cancer center at the University of California at San Diego, noted that men who drank a couple of glasses of milk daily over a twenty-year period were only one-third as prone to developing colon cancer as nonmilk drinkers. Dr. Garland estimates t hat 1,200 to 1,400 milligrams of calcium per day might prevent as much as 65 to 75 percent of colon cancers.
Vitamin D:
According to Dr. Cedric Garland, vitamin D blood levels can predict colon cancer risk. He examined 25,620 blood samples collected in Maryland in 1974 for vitamin D content. Then he compared colon cancer rates over the next eight years. He concluded that those with high blood levels of vitamin D were 70 percent less likely to develop colon cancer.
- Please click here for more information on Vitamin D related research and information.
Link between exercise and colon cancer risk:
Physical activity may reduce the risk of colon cancer. A sedentary lifestyle accounts for as many as 14 percent of all colon cancer cases in the United States. According to study co-author Elliott Coups, of the Division of Population Science at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Cheltenham, Pa, individuals who get a lot of exercise have a 30 percent to 40 percent lower risk of developing colon cancer. But their analysis of survey data from 1,932 adults who answered questions about colon cancer risk found that only 15 percent said they used physical activity as a way of reducing their colon cancer risk. The findings were published in the August issue of Patient Education and Counseling. Sedentarypeople can greatly benefit from starting a modest exercise program, such as gardening or walking two to three hours a week, according to Dr. Edward Giovannucci, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health. "Sedentary people should first set such moderate, achievable goals. More benefits could accrue from higher levels and more intense exercise, such as jogging, running or tennis. To some extent, more may be better, but it is important to note that a little is much better than nothing," Giovannucci stated.
Cancer Nutrition
- Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables:
Concentrate on anticancer cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, as well as high-antioxidant berries. Cauliflower, for example, is loaded with nutrients that are essential for keeping the immune system strong. One study found that eating just four servings of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, a week slashed the risk of dying from ANY medical cause by 26%! (From "The Doctors Book of Food Remedies," page 149).
- Click here for information on organic foods -- a listing of the most and the least contaminated food items, as well as handling tips.
- A special group of vegetables called cruciferous vegetables have excellent cancer fighting properties.
- Research suggests that these cruciferous vegetables contain a kind of phytochemical known as isothiocyanates, which stimulate our bodies to break down potential carcinogens. They work by preventing the transformation of normal healthy cells into cancerous cells. Some examples of cruciferous vegetables are:
- Arugula, Bok choy, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, Collard greens, Daikon, Kale, Kohlrab,i Mustard greens, Radishes, Rutabaga, Turnips, Watercress
- Research suggests that these cruciferous vegetables contain a kind of phytochemical known as isothiocyanates, which stimulate our bodies to break down potential carcinogens. They work by preventing the transformation of normal healthy cells into cancerous cells. Some examples of cruciferous vegetables are:
Many cruciferous vegetables also contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol. This compound is said to reduce the risk of hormone dependent cancers such as prostate, breast and ovarian cancer.
- Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is a natural chemical that stimulate our bodies to produce enzymes and destroy carcinogens. This substance is particularly rich in broccoli sprouts and about 20 to 50 times richer in mature broccoli.
- Green Tea:
Ppowerful antioxidants shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents.
- Turmeric:
The No. 1 anticancer spice and a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Add 1/4 teaspoon at the end of cooking to almost any food.
- Ginger:
Ginger possesses two cancer-inhibiting compounds, 6-gingerol and 6-paradol, and it lends a warm, pungent twist to dishes, especially fish (click here to find the best and the worst fish to eat) . For the most benefit, choose fresh over pickled whenever possible; simply peel, shred, and mince the root into foods
*Note: Ginger can decrease blood clotting and should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders.
- Organic whole grain:
Whole grains are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants, vitamins, trace minerals, fiber and lignants.
Rye is a rich source of lignans, a class of phytoestrogens (plant compounds that help protect against the harmful effects of excess estrogen). Whole Rye protects against heart disease and hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate malignancies
Raw Food: Max Gerson, M.D. Dr. Gerson used a mostly raw food and fresh vegetable juice diet for cancer patients with remarkably good results. He also used substantial quantities of vitamin supplements. His entire program is set forth in a tremendously valuable book entitled The Gerson Therapy, by Charlotte Gerson and Morton Walker (2001) NY: Kensington Publishing Corp. (featured to the right)- Immune-enhancing Maitake Mushrooms
Wakame is high in iodine, which may be more effective at killing cancer cells than many common chemotherapy drugs.
Spirulina has strong anti-cancer properties. Tests have discovered that Spirulina supercharges the immune system for better disease resistance and increased fertility. Studies also indicated that it increases metabolic rate, promotes the beneficial types of digestive tract flora, has strong anti-cancer and anti-viral properties, reduces serum cholesterol, protects against kidney damage and has radio protective effects. The National Cancer Institute has announced that sulfolipids in spirulina are remarkably active against HIV. You can buy it in pill form or as a powder.
- Seaweed:
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Other Cancer-fighting Foods:
- Apples: Rui Hai Liu, Associate Professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, isolated ne cancer-fighting compounds - triterpenoids - in 230 pounds of apple peel and tested their efficacy in combating cancer-cell growth in the lab. "They all show very potent anticancer activities and should be studied further," Liu says. According to previous research at Cornell, whole apples also possess cancer-fighting flavenoids and phenolic acids, but with this new evidence of the power of the peel, it's more important than ever to shop for organic applies -- because more pesticide residues exist on the peel.
- Nuts are highly valued for its anti-cancer and heart-protective properties.They aid in insulating and storing food for the body and are necessary for the normal utilization of the fat-soluble vitamins.
- Aloe vera has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties as well as lowering high cholesterol, and boosting oxygenation of the blood.
- Garlic: The National Cancer Institute is currently researching it for its anti-tumor properties.
- Brown Rice: Anti-diarrheal and contain anti-cancer protease inhibitors.
- Beans: High in fiber, reduces cholesterol and regulates blood sugar levels. Bean consumption has been linked to lower cancer rates.
- Cod Liver Oil
- Apples (breast and colon cancer)
- Beet Juice and Powdered Form: Early research in Hungary indicated that beet juice and its powdered form slowed the development of tumors. Heinerman reports that Alexander Ferenczi, M.D., observed beets aiding cancer patients and performed studies that indicated that beets may help animals fight cancer
- Cranberries (lung, cervical, prostate, breast and leukemia cancer cells)
- Eggs (breast cancer)
- Fish (breast cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) - click here to find the best and the worst fish to eat ... Alternatively: Fish Oil Supplements (i.e. Cod Liver Oil - some lemon-flavored cod liver oils are pleasant to take)
- Flaxseed
- Grapes (prostate, lung, liver and breast cancer)
- Lemons & Limes (cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon)
- Mushrooms ... Mustard Greens
- Olive Oil (instead of other oils - breast & colon cancer)
- Oranges (protection against skin, lung, breast, colon, stomach and mouth cancers)
Cancer-fighting Supplements:
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C may help chemo and radiation kill cancer cells while protecting your healthy cells from harm. Dosage: at least 1 gram daily, taken with meals in divided dosages.
- Beta-carotene:
This carotenoid may decrease treatment side effects and improve your chance of surviving cancer. Ideally you want to get beta-carotene from yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, which also contain thousands of bioflavonoids and numerous other carotenoids -- but supplemental beta-carotene still benefits you, too. Dosage: 20 to 30 mg daily, taken with meals in divided dosages, or eat as many fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables as your digestive system tolerates.
- A World Without Cancer - The Story Of Vitamin B17 57 Minutes
Here is the full text:
G. Edward Griffin marshals the evidence that cancer is a deficiency disease - like scurvy or pellagra - aggravated by ... all » the lack of an essential food compound in modern man's diet. That substance is vitamin B17. In its purified form developed for cancer therapy, it is known as Laetrile.
Why has orthodox medicine waged war against this non-drug approach? The author contends that the answer is to be found, not in science, but in politics - and is based upon the hidden economic and power agenda of those who dominate the medical establishment.
With billions of dollars spent each year on research, with other billions taken in on the sale of cancer-related drugs, and with fund-raising at an all-time high, there are now more people making a living from cancer than dying from it. If the solution should be found in a simple vitamin, this gigantic industry could be wiped out over night. The result is that the politics of cancer therapy is more complicated than the science.
- Selenium:
A daily supplement of 200 microgram of selenium, has been shown in a large placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study -- the most prestigious type of scientific study of nutrients and drugs -- to cut the death rate from cancer in half.
Specifically, a large group of people who were given each day a yeast tablet enriched with 200 micrograms (mcg) of selenium had only half the number of deaths from cancer over a seven year period as a similarly large control group who were given a daily yeast tablet containing no selenium.
Yeast tablets enriched with 200 mcg of selenium are readily available at pharmacies as well as health stores across the U.S. for about $5 or so for a bottle of 50 to 100 tablets -- only 10 cents or less per day.
The results of this dramatic study were published in the medical profession's own journal: The Journal of the American Medical Association. Nevertheless, most doctors pay no attention to the results. Selenium (at 10 cents per day or less) has been shown in a large clinical study to cut the death rate from cancer in half and nobody tells the public about it.
- Coenzyme Q10:
- Essential for the production of energy in cells, it may help contain or inhibit tumor growth.
- Folate for Breast Health:
- Postmenopausal women who eat foods high in folate, such as leafy greens and legumes, like chickpeas and lentils, have a lower risk of breast cancer. (Source: "High Folate Intake as Associated with Lower Breast Cancer Incidence in Postmenopausal Women ..." by U. Ericson et al, Am J. Clin. Nutr. 8/07).
- Other Cancer-fighting Supplements:
- Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate, and Lycopene.
Chemotherapy
Selenium Cuts Death Rate from Cancer in Half!
Could it be that easy to cure cancer?
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