Colorectal Cancer and Weight Loss Surgery

Severe obesity has been known to be associated with life threatening morbidities including Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, asthma, sleep apnea, hypertension and heart disease.

Epidemiological data have consistently demonstrated that there is an increasing evidence of a positive correlation between increased body weight and malignancies of the breast, pancreas, ovaries, esophagus and the colon. In fact, oncologists even suggest a more aggressive screening for cancers in the obese: especially for breast, uterine, and colorectal cancers.

So, is there an association between colorectal cancer and weight loss surgery?

Researchers believe that dysregulation of energy homeostasis is associated with colorectal carcinogenesis, with insulin resistance (the impaired ability to normalize plasma glucose levels inspite of adequate insulin reserves) being the core of these pathogenesis. The alteration of the patient's hormonal milieu due to weight loss therefore may result in a lower incidence of these cancers.

In a study of 1482 women with severe obesity, it was found that those who had not undergone bariatric surgery had a significantly higher cancer diagnosis rate (5.8 versus 3.6 percent) than did the patients who had undergone bariatric surgery. There is clinical evidence to suggest that obese women who undergo bariatric surgery experience as much as a 42 percent drop in the relative risk for developing a malignancy.

In a retrospective study, researchers compared 1,035 morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery with 5,746 patients with the same weight profile who did not undergo the operation. They found that the incidence of diagnosis of colorectal cancer in the first group was 70 percent lower than the second group. The study group also reported a significantly lower incidence of other malignancies in the first group.

Given that obesity affects the body in various ways, a single hypothesis cannot fully explain the result of weight loss surgery on the incidence of colorectal cancer. A possible explanation is that excess body fat is responsible for hormonal imbalances which constitute a major risk factor for colorectal malignancies.

The decrease in body weight, as well the increase in the distal small intestine hormone peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which are secreted by intestinal L cells consequent to weight loss surgery result in an altered metabolic milieu. The chronic low grade inflammation known to be associated with obesity decreases, as does the oxidative stress, resulting in protection from malignancies, including those of the colon.

It is therefore difficult to attribute the decreased risk for cancer to weight loss alone and multiple factors both pre- and post-bariatric surgery have to be evaluated before reaching a conclusion. Another important consideration when considering the impact of weight loss surgery on cancer risk is that diet and exercise have not proven very effective strategies for weight loss in the morbidly obese.

Researchers therefore maintain that even though there are no randomized case control trials to suggest that sustained weight loss through bariatric surgery decreases the risk of death from colorectal cancer, especially in men, who are most at risk for this, weight loss surgery could be protective for colorectal cancer as well as other obesity related malignancies.

Can Colon Cancer Be Prevented?

As the population continues to age more research is done on how to slow down the aging process and get more energy. Everybody wants to look and feel younger. Everybody wants to take better care of themselves.

One of the areas that is often neglected is the colon. My mother died of colon cancer a year ago and it seems that once she was diagnosed her health declined rapidly. Doctors have recommended that you begin annual screenings after the age of 50 but the truth is most people ignore this preventative care until its too late.

When my mom found out about her cancer she was in stage 4, which meant the cancer had already spread to her liver. What pain she endured.

I remember in one of our conversations she said, " I wish I had found out sooner". I wish she had too...

One lesson that I can take from her untimely death is the need for paying attention to my body and listening to my doctor. I also believe that everyone should take better care of their colons.

How do you that? To reach and maintain optimum health your body must successfully eliminate toxins and bodily waste. The colon, lungs, and kidneys are designed to cleanse your body by getting rid of toxins in your intestines, blood, and lymph systems.

The colon can host more than 60 varieties of bacteria that aid in digestion that can turn into disease if toxins are not properly eliminated. It is interesting to note that most people carry 7-10 pounds of extra waste. Can you imagine that? That would explain the bloating and lack of energy.

To get rid of this toxic waste talk to your doctor about colonic irrigation or a cleanse of some sort. I personally recommend Ultra Body Cleanse which has probiotics, natural herbs, and enzymes to help gently cleanse your body's internal organs. Colonic irrigation can be kind of pricey but the Ultra Body Cleanse will give you the same results for just a fraction of the cost. Either way do something to get rid of the waste. Your love ones are counting on you.

Tracie Davis is a successful internet marketer who takes pride in helping her clients attain optimum health and wealth. Not only is she knowledgeable in how to live a healthy lifestyle, she can also teach you how to make a serious income online.

Can Yogurt Fight Gastrointestinal Ulcers?

Recently, in a report presented at the 237th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, it was revealed that there is a new yogurt which appears to have the ability to fight the bacteria responsible for gastritis and stomach ulcers.

In the report, which was based upon the result of human clinical studies, Japanese researchers claimed that ingesting the yogurt is comparable to the effects of innoculation by a vaccine for both conditions.

Yogurt Facts

Yogurt, a fermented milk product, has long been known to be a healthy source of calcium, protein and various other nutrients. Currently, many brands of yogurt contain probiotics (i.e., certain types of bacteria believed by many alternative and allopathic practitioners to have beneficial impacts on many digestive issues).

This new kind of yogurt may represent a unique approach to fighting stomach ulcers. It is perhaps the latest product in the ever growing, "functional food," market, which now generates some $60 million in annual sales. Indeed, stomach ulcers affect some 25 million people annually in the United States alone.

The study's coordinator, Hajime Hatta, a chemist at Kyoto Women's University, in Japan, had this to say: "With this new yogurt, people can enjoy the taste of yogurt, while preventing or eliminating the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers."

Researchers are hopeful that the new yogurt, which is already available in Japan (under the name "Dr. Piro"), Korea (under the name "Gut",) and Taiwan will soon be on the shelves in the United States.

Stomach Ulcers

Most stomach ulcers are now known to be caused by a bacteria, known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by overuse of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the past H. pylori ulcers have been effectively treated and eliminated with antibiotics and acid suppressants; however, for millions of poverty-stricken people who suffer from H. pylori ulcers, such treatments may simply be unavailable.

Research has linked childhood H. pylori-induced ulcers to more serious health problems like malnutrition and impaired growth. Scientists have long been at a loss to find a more economical and accessible way of treating these bacteria.

IgY-urease

In the study, Hatta and colleagues point out that H. pylori appears to depend upon a protein known as urease to attach itself to and infect the lining of the stomach. The researchers used classic vaccine-creation techniques in their efforts to thwart the effects of the urease protein, injecting chickens with urease, and allowing the chickens to produce antibodies to the protein. The researchers harvested the antibody, IgY-urease, from the eggs of the chickens, postulating that the consumption of yogurt containing IgY-urease might help to prevent the bacteria from adhering to the lining of the stomach.

The study consisted of a group of 42 people, all of whom suffered from H. pylori ulcers, who were segregated into 2 groups, one group was fed 2 cups daily of untreated yogurt and the other group was fed yogurt containing the antibody. At the end of the 4-week study, urease levels in the latter group had decreased significantly.

Yogurt and Ulcers

Ultimately, although the yogurt appears to be somewhat less effective than antibiotics in treating H. pylori ulcers, it is certainly more accessible and can be eaten every day. The antibody has no effect upon the taste of the yogurt.

Researchers cautioned, however, that since yogurt is a dairy product that also contains egg yolk, those with an allergy to dairy or eggs should not consume this new "anti-ulcer" yogurt. Furthermore, unlike antibiotics, which once taken, can permanently eliminate the problem, the yogurt must be eaten on a consistent basis. So, it would appear that unless an individual wishes to avoid use of an antibiotic, it might well be more beneficial to partake of the permanent solution than to commit to use of a product for the duration of one's lifespan.

HNPCC - A Hereditary Cancer Syndrome

HNPCC stands for Hereditary Non Polyposis Colon Cancer - HNPCC is a hereditary syndrome that is caused when a person inherits a mutation in one of five different genes. HNPCC is also called Lynch Syndrome, after Dr. Henry Lynch who realized that it was a separate disorder from other hereditary colon cancers. HNPCC is not a form of cancer, rather a syndrome that puts people at high risk for colon cancer. If people born with HNPCC do not undergo regular screening beginning at an early age, they have an 80% chance of developing colon cancer. This type of cancer (HNPCC) accounts for 5-6% of all colon cancers.

How is HNPCC Inherited?

Parents with HNPCC have a 50% chance of passing the HNPCC gene to each of their children. Individuals who do not inherit the gene cannot pass it to their own children. Unfortunately, some individuals with HNPCC do not have an affected parent. These individuals, who are the first to have the condition, are referred to as having a new altered gene mutation. Once they acquire the mutated gene, they can pass this HNPCC gene to their children.

What Causes HNPCC?

The cause of HNPCC is caused by damaged genes. Specifically, there have been genetic markers identified which is reflective of micro satellite instability. The DNA mismatch repair genes have been identified as HMSH2, HMLH1, HPMS1, and HPMS2. If you have been identified as having HNPCC, then one or more of these genes will show micro satellite instability. Patients with HNPCC usually develop colon cancer at an earlier age than the general population. There is a propensity for right-sided lesions.

How is HNPCC Diagnosed?

HNPCC is diagnosed usually after one or more family members develop colon cancer. The family history is examined to see if there is cause and effect. This is usually accomplished by genetic counseling. The primary method that doctors and genetic counselors determine if you have HNPCC is by looking at the types of cancer and age at which cancer developed in you or your family.

If the genetic counselor you or your family does have HNPCC, the next step usually involves looking at tumors from people in your family (if they are available). If the tumors suggest that there is a detectable genetic error predisposing your family to HNPCC, the next step is a genetic test to try to identify the error. If someone in your family is found to have an error in one of the genes associated with HNPCC, then other family members can be tested for the same error to find out if they too have inherited the predisposition to HNPCC.

What Can I Do?

If you suspect you might have HNPCC, the best things you can do are research your family history and then meet with a genetic counselor. An ideal method is to create a flowchart of your family history going back 3 or more generations. List the relatives and determine if any of them had colon cancer, and if they had died from the disease. Then schedule an appointment with a genetic counselor to review the information. She will ask additional questions and determine if a genetic test is recommended. If someone in your family has recently been diagnosed with the cancer, then they are an ideal candidate to have the test performed. They will need to provide a tumor sample.

Colon Cancer Prevention through Screening

If your family has a history of colon cancer or you have the HNPCC gene, then you must get screenings done earlier than the general population, and more frequently. The standard method is colonoscopy. With colonoscopy, the doctor will examine the colon and small bowel with a flexible fiber optic camera. The doctor will search for small growths called polyps. If any are encountered, they will be removed during the procedure and sent for biopsy. Polyps are benign when they first develop but will eventually evolve in cancer if left undisturbed.

Final Thoughts

Depending on your family history, you could have a colonoscopy beginning at age 20. The general population is recommended to have a colonoscopy at age 50 and every 5 years thereafter if no problems or family history of cancel is evident. The frequency and age to start will need to be decided with consultation with your family and your doctor. If you have any symptoms such as dark purple colored stool, blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, consult your doctor immediately. It could mean the difference between life and death.

William writes articles for various topics. His family has a history of colon cancer and was tested for the HNPCC gene. His specialty is dog health but he has various other interests. You can visit his newest websites at John Deere Snow Blower and Toro Snow Blower.

Tips in Preparing For a Colonoscopy

You finally made the decision to get a colonoscopy. Good job! Whether it is due to the abdominal pains, rectal bleeding, your age, or having a family history of colon disease, this procedure is an excellent way to find out if your colon is in good working order. The following are useful things you can do whilst preparing for a colonoscopy:

1. Since you will not be able to drive after the exam, make preparations for a close friend or relative to take you to and from the clinic. it would make no sense for you to drive there since you can't drive after the screening. Since you will be sedated during the procedure, you want someone who will be able to help you afterward.

2. Provide the doctor with a detailed report of your medical history, explicitly stating all the medicines you have taken in the past as this will determine the amount of sedatives you will need during the operation as well as painkillers. This is especially important if you have been taking blood thinners or insulin, as the process usually starts with an injection in a blood vein. Additionally, it is advisable that a week before this screening, all dosages of aspirin products must be stopped. Other supplements including iron must also be paused.

3. There should be lots of intake of fluids about a week before the exam. Refrain from milk, acidic or citrus juices such as orange juice. Other liquids such as coffee, tea, fruit juices and water are okay. If you are taking this screening test in the summer and feel the need for a popsicle a few days before the exam, you can have one but be sure to check that it has no cream or frozen fruit.

4. As your doctor will also prescribe a special drink for you, be sure to get your daily intake of this so as to aid in the process of elimination of fecal matter, making the colonoscopy much easier for both you and the doctor. Try drinking it cold after being refrigerated as it tastes a lot better this way.

This goes hand in hand with staying away from solid foods on the day of your test as well as the day before. Stick to foods like soup, porridge and mash potatoes for example. It is also advisable that you stop drinking water on the day of your exam as your colon needs to be empty for a perfect examination.

5. Pack a bag with an extra change of clothes on the day of your exam in case of any unpreventable accidents that might occur.

These steps provide a sure way for you to be ready for your colonoscopy screening. All in all, don't be nervous as this test only lasts for approximately 20 minutes and is not painful. By following all these suggestions for the examination, you will undoubtedly make the procedure a lot faster and much easier.

Depending on the results of your colonoscopy, you may find that you need a colon cancer procedure. For more information on what a colon cancer operation entails, be sure to visit my site.

Prevention is Better Than A Cure

The last 12 hours haven't been exactly great for me - but that's OK.

This morning I had a colonoscopy. For those of you who don't know what that is - here goes: It involves having a long soft tube inserted into the bowel to check for any cancerous polyps, what are polyps? (A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane).Why did I have this done? There is bowel cancer in my family. My mother's mother died of bowel cancer, my father's father died of it. My mother is a bowel cancer survivor, as is my Father.

Pretty heavy stuff eh?

So 24 hours ago I stopped eating - the previous 12 hours I couldn't eat anything that would stay in my body longer than 24 hours - my diet for that day was chicken, white rice, white bread - hard for me as I'm a healthy eater, I enjoy eating brown bread, brown rice - but you see those things are known as 'whole foods' which whilst good for your body they are not 'cleared' out of the system in time for the colonoscopy. Yesterday I was only allowed fluids and then come 5pm I had to drink the 'prep'. Now I'd be lying if I said the 'prep' was nice, it isn't - in all honesty by the time you have taken the 3 litres (mixed with water) it is pretty disgusting. The object of the 'prep' is to 'empty' your bowels. Not pleasant but hey if doing this is going to help the doctors find any pre-cancerous polps I have in my bowel then Im happy to go through it. After I only had to have this done every 3 years - its now 5 yearly.

So I had my preparation, it wasn't pleasant and I had my colonoscopy, which incidentally is really not that bad compared to the preparation., No its not great but hey there's bowel cancer in my family - so I think it's a small price to pay in order for the doctors to detect any signs I have early and treat it - so I don't have to die of bowel cancer as my grand mother did and my grand father.

So if you have cancer in your family, whatever type of cancer that be; and they recommend testing or 'screening' you for it.

There are many ways of reducing your chances of getting cancer, which I recommend you look into, especially if its any type of cancer runs in the family, but one way is screening, whether that be colonoscopy, mammogram etc..

I would strongly recommend you opt to be screened. It is far better to face the fear....get screened than to run from it and then find out when its possibly too late that you have cancer.

Start 2010 Off Right With a Colon Cancer Screening

Vigilance is the key to maintaining good health, and if you are over the age of 50, or turn 50 this year, it's important to consider an appointment for a colonoscopy. Obtaining a colon cancer screening when you enter the age of highest risk is essential in ensuring you maintain good health for years to come. Colon and colorectal cancer, when diagnosed in its earliest stages, can be treatable and patients can enjoy a high rate of survival. However, if you do not allow a gastroenterologist to give you a clean bill of health you could do your body more harm than good.

With 2010 still in its infancy, why not make your first health resolution a trip to your local gastroenterology clinic? While a colonoscopy is a slightly invasive procedure, it will provide you with some peace of mind and fascinating insight into the current state of your health. Outwardly, you may feel and look fine, but should a scope pick up on anomalies in your large intestine you just may find it necessary to take measures to keep your healthy on all counts.

When you meet your doctor to plan your procedure, you can expect some instructions on preparing for your colon screening. It's important to know exactly when to take the GoLytely solution and when to stop eating and drinking before you have your colonoscopy done. In order for your gastroenterologist to gain a clear picture of your colon's status, it must be as clear as possible. GoLytely, often prescribed for the process, works to clean out your colon. It may not be a pleasant tasting way to begin your new year, but once you receive the thumbs up from your doctor that you are fine, you likely won't mind so much!

Begin 2010 right. Consult with your doctor about a colonoscopy screening.

What Colon Cancer Symptoms Are Found During Screening?

Colon cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the colon and the formation of tumors from these cells. Despite the presence of polyps in the human large intestine, presentation of colon cancer symptoms at an early stage is very low. In some cases, it may not even manifest symptoms. Today, colon cancer is the second leading malignancy in the United States and the fourth worldwide. The combination of these facts gives rise to the importance of colon screening methods aimed at determining early stages of colon cancer.

There are a number of screening methods available for colon cancer detection. These tests are done alone or in combination with other tests in order to distinguish colon cancer from other intestinal diseases. Hereunder is a list of these screening and detection procedures.

Digital Rectal Examination

A routine part of physical examination, digital rectal examination (DRE) examines the lower portion of the rectum for tumor and polyp growth. This test is done using a lubricated gloved finger inserted inside the rectum to feel for anomalous growths. This test is also capable in ascertaining prostate cancer in men.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The American Cancer Society recommends FOBT to be done yearly in combination with sigmoidoscopy. FOBT is statistically noted as being 24% effective in finding colorectal cancer by itself. There are currently two types of fecal occult blood test, these are the Guaiac FOBT and the Immunochemical FOBT. The Guaiac FOBT utilizes the chemical, guaiac, to detect the presence blood protein hemoglobin in fecal samples by checking for traces of Heme. Heme is an iron-containing component of hemoglobin. Immunochemical FOBT uses antibodies to check stools for human hemoglobin. According to studies, FOBT when performed annually reduces colorectal deaths by about 15 - 35%.

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a test wherein a lighted instrument, the sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the rectum and lower colon to examine the area. Precancerous, cancerous and other abnormal growths can be detected during this test, and these growths can be removed and biopsied. Statistics show that when done in conjunction with FOBT, the sigmoidoscopy helps in detecting about 76% of colon tumor growths among individuals in the 50s-80s age range.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscope is a lighted instrument used to examine the colon and rectal area for abnormal growths. During a colonoscopy, abnormal polyps or growths can be traced, removed and biopsied. Colonoscopy can examine areas missed by a sigmoidoscope mainly due to its longer reach. Before colonscopy is performed a thorough cleansing of the colon is carried out and patients are sedated.

Double Contract Barium Enema (DCBE)

In DCBE, air is introduced into the colon and the patient is given an enema filled with barium solution to help outline the colon for an array of x-rays. In conjunction with colonoscopy, DCBE helps in detecting about 30-50 percent of colorectal cancer cases. However, DCBE may miss smaller polyps according to research.

Computerized Tomographic Colonoscopy

As called Virtual Colonoscopy, the test is accomplished with the use of a special x-ray equipment to generate photographs of the colon and rectum at different angles. These photographs are then assembled by a computer to produces an image detailing the large intestine and showing polyp growth and other abnormalities. Like standard colonoscopy, it is necessary to perform a thorough cleansing of the colon. However, since this test is less invasive, it is less discomforting and does not require sedation.

Despite the presence of these tests, it was reported that about 44% of adults within the 50s-80s age group have undergone routine screening raising colorectal cancer incidence. Let us not be afraid to undergo cancer screening, we must realize that early detection is tantamount to survival from cancer.

For further reading about colon cancer detection, treatments, and symptoms read some of material that I have published.

Don't Fall Victim to Colon Cancer, Identify the Early Warning Signs and Find out about Symptoms and Treatment Options Today. Visit Symptoms-of-Cancer.com today and find more information about how to identify Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon and Liver Cancer - 2 Deadly But Preventable Diseases

The point of this article is not to discuss which of these two cancers are more dangerous, but in fact to build awareness of these two diseases, so that we as adults can make the necessary precautions by living a healthy life and lessening the chances of developing either or both of these two life-threatening illnesses. The first part of the discussion will concentrate on a leading cause of cancer deaths, having a cancerous liver.

Liver Cancer

As the name suggests, liver cancer is a disease in which a class of cells show uncontrolled abnormal growth in the liver, often times leading to death if there is no early detection to start the treatment process. There are two types of cancer of the liver. These are a primary liver cancer and a secondary liver cancer. Simply put, the primary liver cancer originates in the cells of the liver while with the secondary cancerous liver, the cancer developed in another part of the body, spreading to the liver, infecting its walls and causing turmoil. (Late stage colon cancer, for instance). Now this is a serious condition as the liver is a vital organ and a part of the digestive system. This process cannot take place properly if the liver is not in good working condition. The liver has many jobs within this process including decomposing red blood cells, storing glycogen, detoxification, hormone production as well as producing urea and amino acids, which are essentially the building blocks of the body.

All in all, this can be prevented by reducing one's intake of alcohol, even to nil if possible. The use of illegal drugs via injections, having unprotected sex which may cause Hepatitis C and smoking are also not recommended. Undeniably, if you start to experience symptoms of abdominal enlargement, loss of appetite, vomiting, drastic unintentional weight loss, tiredness and jaundice then visit a doctor ASAP! Now let us take a look at colon cancer.

Colon Cancer

Cancer of the colon is a disease that results in abnormal growths on the inner linings of the colon. The colon is the tube at the end of our digestive system which is more commonly known as comprising of the large intestine. It is needed in the digestive and excretion process to store foods that will be expelled from the human body. Common symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, presence of blood in your stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, a black stool, weight loss and an overall loss of appetite. All things considered, there a few treatment options available for colon cancer including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. With surgery, the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes are removed; with chemotherapy, medications are administered to kill microscopic cancer cells (in conjunction with the surgery) while radiation therapy given before or after the operation, seeks to particularize the cancer to the rectum.

All in all, we should all try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, having an intake of the right foods and liquids while refraining from harmful substances such as cigarettes and alcohol in excess. Be proactive in taking care of your colon and liver today and you will live a much longer life!

Colon Cancer - How to Reduce the Risk

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the US. According to the American Cancer Society's most recent estimates, there were over 108,000 cases of colon cancer and almost 41,000 cases of rectal cancer in 2009, causing almost 50,000 deaths.

Overall, the lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer is about 5.3% or 1 in 19. Men are slightly more likely to have it than women.

According to a study from the December 2009 issue of International Journal of Cancer, if you want to reduce your risk of colon cancer you need to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and drink more tea and red wine. The authors followed a group of 120,852 men and women who were 55-69 years old at the beginning of the study. Every participant filled out detailed dietary questionnaires, indicating how much of different types of foods and beverages they consumed. The reason for the study was to see if there was a link between diet and cancer and also whether certain types of food could reduce cancer risk.

This study lasted about 13 years, during which time,1,444 men and 1,041 women developed colon or rectal cancer.

After analyzing the diet of people with and without cancer, the researchers found that higher flavonoids and catechins intake was associated with a reduced incidence of rectal and colon cancer.

Flavonoids, also called bioflavonoids, include many different substances that are sometimes collectively referred to as Vitamin P. They are found in large amounts in plants, such as fruits and vegetables. They are also known by another name - phyto-nutrients. Literally hundreds of these have been identified and many more are still being discovered.

Catechins are types of bioflavonoids that have a slightly different chemical structure.

All bioflavonoids have anti-oxidant activity, which means that they have the ability to neutralize dangerous free radicals that are generated by the body as a result of normal metabolic activity. They also have general health-enhancing and anti-cancer activity.

All fruits and vegetables have a variety of bioflavonoids. Tea, grapes, red wine, dark chocolate are also very rich in catechins and other bioflavonoids. Red wine has a lot of resveratrol, a bioflavonoid that has been linked to reduced cancer risk, plus many other important substances.

So the lesson is to include fresh fruits, vegetables, berries and other plant-based foods in your diet. It is not only good for preventing cancer, but also for reducing the risk of other diseases, including heart disease.

Michael Teplitsky, MD has been practicing alternative and holistic medicine for over 20 years. He has treated thousands of patients using nutrition and nutritional supplements. His book Nutrition and Your Health explains complex and confusing nutritional concepts in an easy to understand layman language. Please visit the http://www.CommonSenseHealthGuide.com to get the book, a Free Report 7 Health Myths That Can Hurt You, health news, and other valuable information.