Lower Colon Cancer Risk

Since 90 percent of colorectal cancers are related to a poor diet, changing the diet and adding special dietary supplements hold great promise in controlling this disease. Here are 10 of the most effective: • Quercetin. This compound inhibits many cancers — especially colon cancer — by blocking cancer-dependent enzymes, slowing cancer-cell division, and stimulating the spontaneous death of cancer cells (apoptosis). Normally, quercetin is oil-soluble, but special water-soluble forms are available. The oil-soluble form can be mixed with fish oil or extra virgin olive oil and taken with meals. Take 250 mg two to three times a day. • Vitamin D3. Take 2,000 IU a day. To learn more about vitamin D3, read my special report "Vitamin D's Hidden Role in Your Health." • Hesperidin. This flavonoid, found in oranges and other fruits, has been shown to powerfully inhibit colon and breast cancers. It can also be purchased as a supplement. Take 250 mg two to three times a day with meals. • Curcumin. This extract from the spice turmeric is also oil soluble, so mix it with your fish oil or extra-virgin olive oil. Studies have shown that curcumin is one of the more powerful cancer inhibitors, especially for colon cancer. Take 250 mg twice a day with meals. You can also use turmeric in food recipes. For more information on how to use spices to protect yourself against cancer, read my report "Cut Your Cancer Risk by Spicing Up Your Diet.'' • Silymarin (milk thistle extract). Studies of human colon cancers implanted in rats have shown strong beneficial effects from silymarin. It also improves detoxification and protection of the liver and brain. Take 200 mg a day either on an empty stomach or with a meal. • Vitamin E (natural form). The gamma form of vitamin E has been shown to inhibit colon cancer by several methods, including inhibiting cancer growth, preventing normal cells from transforming into cancer cells, and reducing COX enzymes. Recent studies have shown that anything that increases the cell signaling molecule PPAR decreases the risk of colon cancer. Gamma-E does just that, as does DHA. Take 800 IU daily. • Mixed carotenoids. These can be purchased as a supplement containing a mixture of the carotenoids: alpha and beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, canthoxanthin, and others. Carotenoids have anticancer effects on a number of cancers, especially colon, cervical, lung, and breast cancers. Take 25,000 IU daily. • White tea. Comes as a drinkable tea, just like green tea. The difference between the white and green varieties is that white tea has far less fluoride and aluminum and a higher concentration of anticancer substances such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has been shown to significantly suppress colon cancer. Drink two cups of strong white tea twice a day. (Green and white tea can improve your health in many ways. To learn more, read my report "Miracle Tea.") • DHA. This omega-3 fatty acid is a component of fish oil. Most DHA supplements are mixed with another omega-3, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which thins the blood and suppresses the immune system. Pure DHA supplements are available. Take 1,000 mg a day. • Selenium. Studies have shown than selenium, especially when taken with vitamin E, suppresses colon cancer. Combining selenium with vitamin C in a buffered form (1,000 mg twice a day) also enhances the anticancer effectiveness. Take 200 mcg of selenium daily.