Author: Michael Smith, MD

A nutritional strategy that’s grounded in science is your key to prevent colon cancer. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

#1–Polyphenols

Polyphenols are plant-based, People With Cancer
, nutrients loaded with powerful antioxidants. Toxins, like pesticides, enter our bodies from the foods we, People With Cancer
, eat and damage the cells lining the colon wall.

If the toxins damage the cells DNA this can lead to cancer. A diet rich in plant-based polyphenols (antioxidants) prevents the cellular damage caused by food toxins.

High concentrations of polyphenols are found in:

1. Red Grapes & Buckwheat

Red grapes and buckwheat are loaded with polyphenols. One in particular, called resveratrol, protects the colon by activating DNA-protection genes. Eat whole grain breads fortified with buckwheat.

Freezing red grapes is a nice cold treat on hot summer days.

I also suggest supplementing with a whole grape extract containing 50-100 mg of resveratrol.

2. Green Tea

Drink green tea! It’s load with ECGC, another powerful polyphenol. Laboratory studies have shown that green tea may inhibit colon cancer growth. The problem is that you would have to drink, People With Cancer
, 15 to 20 glasses a day.

Instead, take a supplement of green tea with high levels of ECGC.

#2–Herbs & Spices

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to support digestive health. Colon cancer research has recently uncovered amazing protective effects with the tumeric spice and garlic:

1. Turmeric Spice

The active nutrient in turmeric is called curcumin. Add turmeric to soups, marinades, pastas, eggs, and meats.

It has a subtle sweetness and nutty flavor. If you have a family history of colon cancer, consider supplementing with a turmeric extract that contains 200-400 mg of curcumin.

2. Garlic

Cooking with garlic not only tastes good but also protects the cells lining the colon. I add garlic to just about everything I eat. But that’s probably not enough. A high quality supplement containing 20-30 mg of allicin, the most important part, is the only way to fully benefit from garlic.

#3–Vitamins & Minerals

All the vitamins and minerals are important for disease prevention. However, the two big ones are listed below:

1. Vitamin D

In 1990, the peer-reviewed medical journal, Lancet, was the first to link vitamin D to the risk of developing colon cancer. They reported that you are 5 times less likely to develop colon cancer with high blood levels of vitamin, People With Cancer
, D.

They also noted that relying on sunlight and dietary sources for vitamin D wasn’t enough.

The conclusion was to supplement with vitamin D. Most people will need to take around 2000 units/day. Check a blood level first and than talk to your doctor about the right dose for you.

2. Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral found in legumes and nuts. In 2004, the University of Arizona found that people with high blood levels of selenium had a 34% less chance of developing colon cancer.

But it’s hard to get enough selenium from your diet. A supplement providing 200 mcg/day is suggested.

Summary

A nutritional strategy for preventing colorectal cancer includes plant-based polyphenols, herbs and spices, vitamin D, and selenium. I started my program with red grapes, garlic,, People With Cancer
, and a vitamin D supplement.

For more information, read Life Extension’s colon cancer protocol.

Dr. Michael Smith is an integrative medical doctor and staff physician for the Life Extension Foundation, the world’s leading authority on health and wellness.

Source: ezinearticles.com