http://www.care2.com/greenliving/preventing-colon-cancer.html
Preventing Colon Cancer
Q: My mother died from colon cancer, so I get regular colonoscopies. I’ve had several polyps removed already. What more can I do to help prevent the disease?
A: This is an issue of great personal concern for me, as my father died of colon cancer at a young age. I’m happy to hear that you’re already taking the most important step for prevention and early detection: Getting regular screenings.
Since there’s evidence that lifestyle plays a role in colon cancer, be sure to eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, with as much fiber as possible—and keep your consumption of red meat and other saturated fats to a minimum. One recent study showed that people who get the most exercise are less likely to develop colon cancer, so amping up your workout routine is another great idea.
Vitamin D is thought to play a role in prevention, and there’s some interesting new research on calcium. One study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute looked at people with a history of nonmalignant polyps. Those who took 1,200 mg of calcium daily had a 17 percent lower relative risk of polyp recurrence. Talk to your doctor about whether supplementing with calcium makes sense for you.
Learn more:
Can Exercise Prevent Colon Cancer?
Get Healthy from Head to Toe
Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.
Got a health question for Dr. Brent? E-mail him at drbrent@care2.com.
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add your comment »I would like to know if mild to moderate dysplasia in the rectum can be eliminated with the help of diet, exercise, and natural supplimentation. I would do whatever it takes to prevent anal / rectal / colon cancer from forming. Getting rid of dysplaysia would be an important start.
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thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner
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What are the best colon cleanse remedes? I see many out there and some are very expensive- out of my budget. I just wonder what the best ones are.
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Considermaking sauerkraut for eating fresh or freezing rather than processing. I believe it prevents colon cancer and might even reverse it. I make three huge batches each fall from my own cabbage having discovered a liking for sauerkraut, previously ignored, especially after reading of its benefit,
love,
David
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Regular colonoscopies? Sounds great -- if your health insurance pays for them or you can afford the co-pay.
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I just came across your article. I've been wondering if I'm getting enough Vit. D. I take Calcium with D and have for years. I'm not sure it's enough and I prefer most of my veggis raw. We've cut back on red meat, but I'm not getting enough exercise.
Thank you for this timely reminder for me to get out and exercise more.
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