10 Cancer Fighting Foods

The best medicine is prevention!

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month - 5 Things You Should Do / Know Right Now!

Hey Guys, I got this great snippet from a site I read all the time. These guys pull some great stuff together for all things related to colon cancer. 

Drs. Schnoll-Sussman and Lebwohl provide five facts that everyone should know to help reduce their risk of colon cancer.

• Get screened -- it could save your life.
  Screening can detect early cancers as well as polyps before they become cancer. Men and women should begin screening at age 50.
• Screening is done when you feel well.
  Colon polyps and early cancers often cause no symptoms. You could have colon cancer and not even know it. This is why screening -- before symptoms occur -- is essential!
• Know your risk factors.
  Certain risk factors may require screening to be performed at a younger age. These include inflammatory bowel disease, a personal or family history of colon cancer, colon polyps, or certain hereditary conditions that can cause colon cancer, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Ask your doctor about when to start screening if you have any of these risk factors.
• Put down that cigarette and get moving.
  There are a few lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk, such as quitting smoking, avoiding excess intake of red and processed meats, maintaining a healthy body weight, and exercise. Smokers also have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Replace those cigarettes with colorful fruits and vegetables!
• Remember, colon cancer does not discriminate.One in twenty people are diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in their lifetime, and it affects both men and women. While those with a family history of colon polyps or cancer are at increased risk and need to begin screening at a younger age, the vast majority of people who develop colon cancer have no family history of the disease.

You Have Colon Cancer, What's Next?

Learning you have cancer is one of the toughest things you'll go through. Your fight or flight responses kick in almost immediately. Some of us will want to give up, others will want to fight it with every medicine, treatment and pray path possible.

Having to tell your families is brutal. Having to explain it to co-works, friends and other loved ones forces you to relive the pain, but sometimes not knowing what is next is all you can focus on. The Huntsman Cancer Institute provides some wonderful online learning resources.

Here is what they have to say about the staging of Colon Cancer.

If the biopsy shows that cancer is present, the doctor needs to know the stage (extent) of the disease to plan the best treatment. The stage is based on whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues, whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body.

Doctors may order some of the following tests:

• Blood tests: Doctors check for specific substances in the blood that indicate cancer is present. Some people who have colorectal cancer have a high level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
• Colonoscopy: If colonoscopy was not performed for diagnosis, doctors check for abnormal areas along the entire length of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope. Watch our Introduction to Colonoscopy video.
• Endorectal ultrasound: An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum. The probe uses high-energy sound waves bounced off internal tissues or organs in the abdomen to make echoes. The echoes form a picture called a sonogram. The picture can be printed to be looked at later.
• X-ray: An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
• CT scan: Doctors often use CT scans to take pictures of tissue inside the body. An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes several pictures. The pictures may show whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other areas in the body.

Stages of Colorectal Cancer

Stage 0: Cancer is found only in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum. Stage 0 is also referred to as carcinoma in situ.

Stage I: The tumor has grown into the inner wall of the colon or rectum. The tumor has not grown through the wall.

Stage II: The tumor extends more deeply into or through the wall of the colon or rectum. It may have invaded nearby tissue, but cancer cells have not spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Recurrent colon cancer: Cancer that has come back after it has been treated. The cancer may return in the colon or rectum or in another part of the body. 

Read the full article and check out more wonderful resources from The Huntsman Cancer Institute at http://www.huntsmancancer.org/cancer-information/cancer-types-and-topics/colorectal-cancer

Cancer Screening info from cancer.gov

# What methods are used to screen people for colorectal cancer?

Health care providers may suggest one or more of the following tests for colorectal cancer screening:

* Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)— This test checks for hidden blood in fecal material (stool). Currently, two types of FOBT are available. One type, called guaiac FOBT, uses the chemical guaiac to detect heme in stool. Heme is the iron-containing component of the blood protein hemoglobin. The other type of FOBT, called immunochemical FOBT, uses antibodies to detect human hemoglobin protein in stool (13–15). Studies have shown that FOBT, when performed every 1 to 2 years in people ages 50 to 80, can help reduce the number of deaths due to colorectal cancer by 15 to 33 percent (13–15).

* Sigmoidoscopy— In this test, the rectum and lower colon are examined using a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope. During sigmoidoscopy, precancerous and cancerous growths in the rectum and lower colon can be found and either removed or biopsied. Studies suggest that regular screening with sigmoidoscopy after age 50 can help reduce the number of deaths from colorectal cancer (14). A thorough cleansing of the lower colon is necessary for this test.

* Colonoscopy—In this test, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope. During colonoscopy, precancerous and cancerous growths throughout the colon can be found and either removed or biopsied, including growths in the upper part of the colon, where they would be missed by sigmoidoscopy. However, it is not yet known for certain whether colonoscopy can help reduce the number of deaths from colorectal cancer. A thorough cleansing of the colon is necessary before this test, and most patients receive some form of sedation.

* Virtual colonoscopy (also called computerized tomographic colonography)—In this test, special x-ray equipment is used to produce pictures of the colon and rectum. A computer then assembles these pictures into detailed images that can show polyps and other abnormalities. Because it is less invasive than standard colonoscopy and sedation is not needed, virtual colonoscopy may cause less discomfort and take less time to perform. As with standard colonoscopy, a thorough cleansing of the colon is necessary before this test. Whether virtual colonoscopy can reduce the number of deaths from colorectal cancer is not yet known.

* Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)—In this test, a series of x-rays of the entire colon and rectum are taken after the patient is given an enema with a barium solution and air is introduced into the colon. The barium and air help to outline the colon and rectum on the x-rays. Research shows that DCBE may miss small polyps. It detects about 30 to 50 percent of the cancers that can be found with standard colonoscopy (14).

* Digital rectal exam (DRE)—In this test, a health care provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas. DRE allows examination of only the lower part of the rectum. It is often performed as part of a routine physical examination.

Scientists are still studying colorectal cancer screening methods, both alone and in combination, to determine how effective they are. Studies are also under way to clarify the potential risks, or harms, of each test. See Question 5 for a table outlining some of the advantages and disadvantages, including potential harms, of specific colorectal cancer screening tests.

Off topic - diabetic supplies

Take a loot at these guys. DiabetesStore.comThey have diabetes supplies for those of us who suffer from it that are delivered to your door.

I just found these guys and I'm looking into it myself. If you've used them let me know what you think or how it went! I'm excited for something like this.

Colon Cancer screenings ARE COVERED BY MEDICARE!!!

So with all of the hoopla going on and on about Health care reform I decided to investigate weather or not those in the current Medicare System are covered and what type of coverage they receive.

Colon cancer screenings (and there are four types) are the best way to prevent colon cancer. As you'll learn through your own research and discussions with doctors, catching colon cancer in it's early stages allows a lot of time to combat it.

I learned that in Utah Medicare covers a colonoscopy every two years for people with Medicare at high risk for colorectal cancer. There is no age limit. Some high risk factors include, but are not limited to:

• A close relative (sibling, parent or child) has had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp.
• There is a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis
• There is a family history of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
• There is a personal history of adenomatous polyps
• There is a personal history of colorectal cancer
• There is a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Medicare covers a colonoscopy every 10 years for people with Medicare who are not at high risk for colorectal cancer. There is no age limit.

Medicare covers several colorectal cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor about the screening test that is right for you. All people age 50 and older with Medicare are covered. However, there is no minimum age for having a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy: Medicare covers this test once every 24 months if you are at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t at high risk for colorectal cancer, the test is covered once every 10 years, but not within 48 months of a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy.

This is just for people in Utah.

To learn more about coverage in your area visit: http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/Home.asp

When you're on the site you can choose your state and then select "Colorectal Cancer Screening" from the next menu.

Colonoscopy video of colon with Cancer

*This video can make the sqweemish go a bit faint.

This video isn't meant to gross people out or scare people. This is one of the most professional and informational videos I have ever seen. The doctor explains the colonoscopy as its happening and what you (the viewer) are looking at.

Colonoscopies save lives. Live heathly in 2010. Happy New Year!!

Silent Night

Tips for a healthy colon

Here is a free video I found from Bianca James. She is a leading research expert in the Colon health industry. She explains a bit about herself and her work before going into her tips for a good health.

I'm guilty of some of these bad habits!

Worried about a colon cancer screening?

Here Dr. Linda Rabeneck discuss the colon cancer screening procedure. It isn't intimidating or humiliating in the slightest. Don't let fear take your life! Get screened!

Colon Health Tips

Take a look at this pic Good Colon vs Bad Colon! Sad.

This is an article that I borrowed from the kind folks at http://www.colonhealthtips.com/.


This article focuses on the major benefits of a colon cleanse. Colon cleanse improves the health of your colon which results in significant improvement of your overall health and limits the occurrence of constipation and diarrhea.

The main benefit of a colon cleanse is that it removes the toxins that have build up over the years, so the digestive system will be able to function more effectively, which means that more nutrients will be absorbed from the food you eat every day, and a larger percentage of the toxins will be flushed out of your system before they harm your body. So a colon cleanse means improved heath of the immune system and the entire body.

Another benefit of colon cleanse is that helpful in alleviating or preventing constipation. The problem with most Americans is in their daily diet. If you just examine what 90% of us consume everyday, you will be shocked by the amount of toxins contained. The typical foods that we eat such as meats, dairy products, and pre-packaged dinners have a large toxic content and cause constipation. Those foods are also high in fat, refined sugars and preservatives so they are much harder to digest.

The average American doesn't even come close to the recommended daily amounts of fiber that must be consumed (around 30 grams a day). Fiber is important because it helps to aid digestion and move waste through the system. The result of all this is a a lot of toxic waste which becomes encrusted on the walls of the colon walls and hinders elimination.

On the other hand, through regular colon cleansing, this undigestated waste is removed from the internal walls of the colon as well as the hardened fecal mater that is blocking the passageway of the colon. After a procedure like that, the waste can pass quickly and efficiently through the system, preventing constipation. There are cases where patients have lost of weight after a colon cleanse procedure and that is more than welcome because all that's lost is waste, and in some cases it's as much as ten to thirty pounds of stagnant fecal matter.

Additional benefits of colon cleansing include - increased energy levels, improved concentration, clearer skin, better absorption of vitamins and minerals from foods, overall healthful feeling, maximizing the Benefits of Colon Cleansing.

Good news is that it looks like our nation is now entering a more health-conscious phase of thinking so a lot of us are beginning to pay more attention to all these problems at a younger age and that's the best way to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. More and more Americans are starting to test out alternative medicines and change their diet turning to healthy foods.

WUAEVRVKY6HG

Get me summa that Fiver!

Here is some information I dug up on fiber and it's effects on the body.... just kind of interesting and thought I'd pass it along.

So what constitutes fiber? Well you have probably heard it called roughage in the past, but today scientists and the general public use the term fiber. Fiber is a type of un-digestable complex carbohydrate found in plants. Fiber is not considered a food; fiber in itself has no caloric value because the body cannot digest or absorb it. Therefore, high fiber foods have a tendency to be low in fat and are typically low in calories e.g. foods such as fruits and vegetables. Fiber can be divided into two categories according to their physical characteristics and affects on the body: there are the water insoluble ('course' fiber) and muciligenic types. Each form functions differently and provides different health benefits. The insoluble fibers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are not soluble in water.

Muciligenic fibers such as gums, cereals and pectin's are more soluble in water. Our intestines function as our body's own waste disposal system. Food in liquid form moves from the small intestine into the colon for final processing. Here most of the water and minerals are re-absorbed, leaving the semi-solid waste which is evacuated through the rectum. Any breakdown in the intestine's natural cleansing process is accompanied by risks of poor food assimilation and toxicity build-up. Highly refined foods, including sugar and white flour, make us susceptible to intestinal problems such as colitis, constipation, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel (IBS) and Crohn's disease. These types of disorders are rare in parts of the world where native foods provide many times more fiber than the modern highly processed diet we have here in the U.S.

This information was taken from Life-Cleanse.com (check their site out by clicking the link to the right).

What to be aware of when looking at Colon Cleanse companies.

Any company that claims that colon cleansing alone will cause you to lose weight. Colon cleansing can help you look slimmer by reducing bloating, but it is not a one-shot diet remedy. Using colon cleansing products should always be accompanied by a sensible diet and healthy exercise. PureCleanse contains a formula of active ingredients that can help rid your body of toxins. When used as part of an overall lifestyle initiative, it may help you lose weight faster than diet and exercise alone.


Any company that claims their product has been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey or any other celebrity. While Oprah has discussed the potential benefits of colon cleansing on her program, she has not endorsed any specific nutritional product ever.


Any company that claims that colon cleansing can enhance sexual desire, cure cancer or stop male pattern baldness. Colon cleansing can help rid your body of toxins and make you look and feel less bloated.” If the company you are considering purchasing colon cleansing products from makes claims that seem “too good to be true,” they probably are.

Ingredients of the Dual Action Cleanse

I actually saw the tv informercial for this stuff last night. That pitch guy is kind of a goober, but his product is awesome.

Each pill contained a staggering amount of healthy stuff:

•Acacia Gum: Which supports proper digestion and elimination of food.
•Alfalfa Leaf: An insoluble fiber that bulks the stool and helps promote peristalsis.
•Apple Pectin: A soluble fiber that promotes healthy bowel movement.
•Apple Powder: Contains both pectins and lignins. Lignins are thought to act as antioxidants.
•Barley Rice Fiber: Another soluble fiber in the lignin class.
•Beet root: A soluble and insoluble fiber that sweeps and cleanses the colon and digestive tract system.
•Fennel Seed: A long-used herb which eases stomach discomfort and dispels gas.
•Garlic: Which enhances digestive function.
•Guar Gum: A soluble fiber shown to be helpful in regulating glucose levels.
•Gum Karaya: Which supports proper digestion and elimination of food.
•Lactobacillus Acidophilus: An essential bacteria that promotes proper intestinal environment.
•Lemon Peel: A soluble fiber and lemon pectins act as a soft, natural laxative.
•Mint Leaf: A herb traditionally used to support healthy digestion.
•Oat Bran: A healthy staple that is chock full of fiber and can help lower cholesterol.
•Pau D’Arco root: A herb that possesses immune-enhancing properties and may be destructive to certain harmful microorganisms.
•Red Raspberry Leaf: A blood tonic.
•
•Slippery Elm Bark: Another herb for healthy digestion.
•Turnip: Which enhances blood circulation.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The following is an excerpt from an article found on Colonhealth.about.com. Ms Dixon goes through the different types of colon cancer symptoms and how to identify them. This is good reading. BE INFORMED!


What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
By Suzanne Dixon, MPH, RD

Colon cancer can have many symptoms. However, in the early stages, people with colon cancer often have no symptoms at all. This is why regular screening beginning at 50 is an important investment in your healthy future.

Colon cancer symptoms come in two general varieties:

1.Local
2.Systemic

Local Colon Cancer Symptoms

Local colon cancer symptoms affect your bathroom habits and the colon itself. Some of the more common local symptoms of colon cancer include:

•Changes in your bowel habits, such as bowel movements that are either more or less frequent than normal
•Constipation (difficulty having a bowel movement or straining to have a bowel movement)
•Diarrhea (loose or watery stools)
•Intermittent (alternating) constipation and diarrhea
•Bright red or dark red blood in your stools or black, dark colored, "tarry" stools
•Stools that are thinner than normal ("pencil stools") or feeling as if you cannot empty your bowels completely
•Abdominal (midsection) discomfort, bloating, frequent gas pains, or cramps
If you experience any of these for two or more weeks, call your doctor right away to discuss your concerns and arrange for tests to get to the bottom of your symptoms.


Systemic Colon Cancer Symptoms

Systemic colon cancer symptoms are those that affect your whole body, such as weight loss, and include:

•Unintentional weight loss (losing weight when not dieting or trying to lose weight)
•Loss of appetite
•Unexplained fatigue (extreme tiredness)
•Nausea or vomiting
•Anemia (low red blood cell count or low iron in your red blood cells)
•Jaundice (yellow color to the skin and whites of the eyes)
If you experience any of these for any length of time, even a few days, call your doctor right away to discuss your concerns and arrange for tests to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

What Should I Do if I Have Colon Cancer Symptoms?

Call your doctor so he or she can set up an appointment to see you. During the appointment your doctor will take a medical history, collect blood samples for testing, and schedule you for follow-up tests, if needed.

Many people are afraid of colon cancer screening. They worry that it will hurt and that it is embarrassing. Your doctor and nurse have performed hundreds, and in some cases even thousands, of these procedures. There is nothing to be embarrassed about and remember: Even your doctor and nurse undergo these same tests to take care of their own health.


Preparing for Colon Cancer Tests

If you are worried about preparing for your colon cancer tests, ask your doctor about how best to get ready for any procedures. There are different medications for clearing your colon of stool to ensure a good screening. There is no reason to suffer in silence!

Excerpt from an article found on www.mayoclinic.com

Regarding Colon Cleanse for detox purposes:

" If you choose to do colon cleansing, be sure to take these simple precautions:

- Check with your conventional medical providers first, especially if you take any medications or have any health problems.

- Make sure your colon-cleansing practitioner uses disposable equipment that hasn't been previously used.

- Get a list of specific herbal ingredients and amounts in any colon-cleansing products you use — some herbal supplements can cause health problems.

- Beware of broad or inflated claims that colon cleansing will cure an illness or improve your health.

- *****Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids while undergoing colon cleansing to prevent dehydration.*****

If you are considering colon cleansing because of constipation, consider trying these steps first to relieve constipation:

■Drink plenty of fluids, including water
■Eat a diet rich in fiber"

This was taken from an article on the MayoClinic's website. The excerpt has some good things to think about. Colon cleanse' obviously right for everyone nor are they neccessary for everyone. Based on my research there are real benefits to a colon cleanse. Remember that you need to stay well hydrated while doing a cleanse.

Check out some colon health product reviews from an independent source

I found http://www.colonhealthadvice.com/ while doing some research this morning on colon health. These guys appear to have reviewed every colon health product and probiotic in the industry. Check em out.

Do your own research, make your own decisions and live a healthy informed life.

Katie Couric discusses the Prevention and Treatment for colon cancer

Improving Your health with a Healthy Colon

The following excerpt if from an article published in By: Dr. Edward F. Group III
Updated: April 23, 2009

"Dr. John Harvey Kellogg was a famous surgeon and the creator of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. He was also one of the earliest and most famous believers in the need to maintain the health of the colon. Dr. Kellogg believed that the root of most health problems originated in the bowel. This is why he developed a bran cereal that would help people improve the functioning of their colons.

An unhealthy colon is one in which fecal matter has been allowed to build up on its walls and within its cells. Over time, this fecal matter becomes encrusted in the colon, blocking its openings and slowing down the passage of stools. This fecal matter then continues to build up for days, weeks, months, and even years, putrefying and then poisoning your entire system. And as Dr. Kellogg suggested, poor health in the colon can lead to the development of a number of other conditions. Illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, colds, influenza, arthritis, and allergies are all examples of diseases that have been associated with a toxic colon. In fact, in most cases, the severity of a disease can be linked directly to the level of toxicity in the colon.

Improved overall health is one of the most significant benefits of colon cleansing. By removing the toxins that have built up over time, colon cleansing allows the digestive system to function more efficiently. More nutrients are absorbed from food, and toxins are flushed out of the colon before they have a chance to harm our health. This improves the health of the immune system and the entire body. "

Find the right colon cleanse for you http://tinyurl.com/yhkst2n