Calcium with magnesium and vitamin D will protect your colon!

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR COLON WITH CALCIUM?

About 10 years ago researchers found a link between calcium and colon health. The very early research findings indicated that calcium carbonate supplements may help prevent colorectal adenomas (Baron et al., 1999). And later on other programs reported likewise results (Wu et al., 2002 & Baron et al., 2007). However, in 2008 new research has indicated that the colon benefits likely depend on combining calcium intake with magnesium and vitamin d!

• Calcium & vitmain d

Earlier this year scientists from Emory University in Atlanta and the University of Minnesota (American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting) presented new colon research studies which Epidemiological studies supporting vitamin D and calcium for protection against colorectal cancer (colon cancer).

• Calcium & magnesium

Only a few weeks ago scientists from Vanderbilt University found that low ratios of the minerals calcium and magnesium were associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer (Natraingredients.com).

MORE COLON NEWS RESOURCES:
Colon research with colonoscopies
The benefits of colon irrigation

About the link between red meat and colon cancer!

IS READ MEAT ALWAYS UNHEALTHY?
THE ANSWER IS A SIMPLE: ‘NO!’

First, one should not try to deny the link between the consuming of red meat and colon cancer. For, though the results vary, various studies from around the world have confirmed the link between red meat and colon cancer.

A special notification should be made to a 2005 study (M.L. McCullough, et al) which followed more than 500,000 men and women from 10 European countries. The results of this study indicate that people who eat mostly red and processed meats have a higher risk of colon cancer than those who ate merely other meat (poultry). And in 2007 as study (J. Meyerhardt, et al) was presented which indicated that in colon cancer survivors a diet of high read meat and fatty foods also rises the risk for a reoccurence of the cancer!

Second, studies have also indicated that the portion of red meat consumption does matter.

For example, eating two 4-ounce portions a week should be safe – however likely only when combined with a healthy lifestyle!

Third, a diet which includes a higher intake of other meats (poultry, chicken, and turkey) and fish might actually reduce the risk for colon cancer.

McCullough described this as follows:

“Those consuming higher amounts of poultry and fish, especially for the long term, had about a 30% lower risk of developing colon cancer compared to those who did not eat much poultry and fish, … People who had red meat two to three times as often as white meat had about a 50% higher risk of developing colon cancer.”

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRASS-FED MEATS & GRAIN FED MEATS!

The National Academy of Sciences of USA has accepted the so-call ‘CLAs’ (conjugated linoleic acid) as the only natural fatty acids which exhibite consistent antitumor properties. Interestingly, beef together with whole milk and dairy derivatives, are almost the only sources for ‘CLAs’ family! Eynard & Lopez (2003) have pointed out that this could implicate that regarding the risk for colon cancer there might be a large difference between the consumption of GRASS-FED meat (lean beef) and GRAIN-FED meat (fat beef)!!

A SIMPLE ADVICE

A healthy red meat diet advice to maintain the health of your colon could include the following 3 advices:

• You should not eat only red meat, use poultry and fish as well!
• If you’re a burger lover: ‘one burger a day, could send colon cancer your way!’
• Compensate your red meat intake with a healthy lifestyle: don’t smoke, watch your weight, take time for physical activity, limit your alcohol use, strive for high fiber intake, and a daily asprine could be helpfull as well!

MORE COLON NEWS:
The latest news related to your colon

A healthy colon with fiber rich food!

WHAT MAKES FIBER-FOOD HEALTHY FOR YOUR COLON?

First, what really you should about fiber foods is that – unlike other food components such as fats, proteins or carbohydrates — fiber isn’t digested by your body.

Other food breaks down in your body and will likely be digested. However, fiber foods pass virtually unchanged through your stomach + your small intestine, before ariving into your colon.

Second, there are 2 types of fibers:

1 – ‘Insoluble fibers’: this type of fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system, so this type of fiber can benefit those people who benefit to those who struggle with constipation. Examples of food including ‘insoluble fibers’ are: whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, seeds and many vegetables (+ juices).

2 – ‘Soluble fibers’: this type of fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material, which can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Examples of food including ’soluble fibers’ are: oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, juices of fruits, carrots, barley, rice, pasta, breads, bagels, muffins, psyllium and other cereals.

Third, the major benefits of ‘high-fiber diets’ are: constipation prevention, lower risk of digestive conditions, lower blood cholesterol levels, control of blood sugar levels (fibers slow down the absorption of sugar!), and weigh loss (Fiber fills you up! It takes more space in your stomach and small intestine so you may eat less!).

TWO MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING FIBERS:

• There are plenty of good reasons to eat a fiber-rich diet, however it is not likely that eating fibers will lower your risk for colon cancer. This is indicated by a pool of 13 colon cancer studies, which was publised in the 2005 Dec. 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• You should also be aware that the word “fiber” is somewhat of a misnomer. For, many of the so-called dietary fibers are not fibers at all!!

A healthy colon with fruits & vegetables!

WHAT FRUITS & VEGETABLES HELP FOR A HEALTHY COLON?

In general, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is a simple but effective way to keep your colon clean and healthy. It prevents not just colon problems but a whole host of problems that can be traced back to a dirty and malfunctioning colon.

FRUIT

Fruit is definitely one of the top colon cleansing foods, especially when eaten raw and (ideally) with the peel! Fruit is packed with fibers, vitamins, antioxidants and many other beneficial and detoxifying substances.

Some of the most colon-friendly fruits are apple (best is to eat it with the skin), blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, prunes, figs and dates, pears and avocados. Other colon-friendly fruits are: kiwis, mangos, oranges, tangerines, papaya, plums, raisins and strawberries.

VEGETABLES

Like fruits, vegetables are full packed fiber bombs, including vital nutrients. Some of the top list healthy colon vegetables are: green peas, snow peas, spinach, Swiss chard, potatoes with their skins(!), beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, corn, Brussels sprouts, rhubarb, turnip, parsnips and winter squash as well! Other healthy vegetalbe options are: eggplant, bean sprouts, sweet potatoes with their skins, bok choy and artichokes.

One word of warning: green peas, beets, broccoli, carrots, parsnips, turnips and winter squash are the ‘notorious’ prime culprits for causing gas.

PROTECTION AGAINST COLON CANCER?

Over the past few years numberous colon researchers have studies this question in men and women. Some studies have indicates that there is a positive effect that fruits and veggies may reduce the colon cancer risk, especially in men. However, the results remain undecided since quite some studes have not confirmed the answer with a ’significant’ result.

By the way, there are many foods that cleanse the colon that can be easily integrated into a day-to-day diet. You don’t need to visit speciality food stores and you don’t need to increase your food budget either! Don’t forget to eliminate foods and drinks that are bad for the colon, and check a reliable source before making a significant change to your diet.

8 Steps to get a healthy colon!

8 SIMPLE STEPS TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY COLON!

Today, many people are aware of the importance of using healthy foods, but often they don’t think about cooking for their colons at all. Lynn Goldstein from the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health, has assembled her key tips to aquire a healthier colon:

• 1 – Consume a rainbow of fruits and vegetables!
Vegetables and fruits of all colors are loaded with vitamins, anti-cancer, and immune-system-strengthening properties!

• 2 – Fiber rich food!
Fibers are found in plant foods only: while using whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta and rice; don’t forget to use enough water!

• 3 – Choose non-red meat!
Be aware that it is easy to limit your red-meat intake to special occasions like for example: the summer barbecue or a great steak restaurant

• 4 – Choose non-processed meat of lean proteine!
The healthiest lean protein sources are: poultry, fish, eggs, soy products, beans, and whole grains.

• 5 – Don’t forget your calcium intake!
Not only for healthy bones: calcium reduces the risk for colon cancer. Calcium is included in: milk, yoghurt, cheese, dark green vegetables, soy and tofu products, canned salmon and sardines, low-fat dairy products, almonds, and fortified foods such as orange juice.

• 6 – The importance of vitamin D!
Vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D can be found in cooked salmon/mackerel/sardines, fortified milk, and eggs. And most important for your vitamin D intake … get outside! Vitamin D is derived especially from sunlight!

• 7 – Drink at least 1 to 2 liters water each day!
However, be aware that for example a kidney disease or congestive heart failure may require a restriction in your fluid intake!

• 8 – Don’t forget your excercise & physical activity!
‘Thirty minutes of exercise a day will keeps the doctor away!’

How to recognize a healthy colon!

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY COLON!

The human colon usually doesn’t get a large amount of attention. However, your colon is very important to the health and proper cleansing of waste materials in your body. The following points may be helpfull for you to find out if you have a healthy colon:

• Constipation? Two bowel movements a day is the ‘average’ standard.
• Pain? It is not normal at all to suffer on pain in your bowel on a daily basis.
• Fatigue? Sometimes the direct cause can be related to the processes in your bowel.
• Bad breath? Combined with a restless bowel the cause may be found in your colon.
• Acne? Beyond puberty the cause can likely at least partly attributed to colon problems.
• Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that may be caused by a lack of fiber in the diet.
• Do you have a balanced diet?: In general a diet of fiber and raw foods helps clean the walls of the colon.

Spas and health care often offer tempting specialized products and procedures. However, the best is to consult your doctor (general practitioner) before using any of these therapies.

GET YOURSELF A HEALTHY COLON:
• The major benefits of colonic hydrotherapy

Anatomy of the colon!

THE ANATOMY OF THE COLON!

The colon includes the following 7 aspects (sometimes 8 ) of the large intestine (see also the picture below):

• The cecum is positioned in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen inside your belly. The cecum connects the small intestine to the large intestine. The biological function of the cecum is not very specified. The word ‘cecum’ comes from the Latin ‘caecus’, meaning ‘blind’ – which refers to the fact that the bottom of the cecum is a blind pouch (a cul de sac) leading nowhere, a.k.a. the ‘appendix’.

• The ascending colon is positioned on the right side of the abdomen. The ascending colon is about 25 cm long. The ascending colon is responsible for absorbing water and salts.

• The hepatic flexure connects the ascending colon to the transverse colon. It is the longest part of the colon. The transverse colon is also responsible for absorbing water and salts.

• The descending colon is the part of the colon from the splenic flexure to the beginning of the sigmoid colon. The descending colon is the last track of the colon used for absorbing water, salts, nutrients and vitamins.

• Finally, the sigmoid colon is (usually) positioned between the descending colon and the rectum. This aspect of the colon is named after it’s S-shape. The walls of the sigmoid colon are muscular, and contract to increase the pressure inside the colon, causing the wastes to move into the rectum.

• (The redundant colon is a variation on the normal anatomy of the colon occurs when extra loops form. The presence of a redundant colon has no direct major health consequences (volvulus is rare). An indirect health consequence can be that use of a standard colonoscopy is sometimes impossible.)

* Source: Wikipedia: colon anatomy

A short review of the colon in the human body!

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE COLON?

The colon (also called: ‘large bowel’ or ‘large intestine’) can best be described as the final portion of the digestive system. The colon is preceeded by the small intestine. The major function of the colon is to extract water, salt and some vitamines from solid wastes before the wastes are eliminated from the body. After the colon wastes only pass the rectum and the anus before the wastes leave the body.

The colon is a coiled, tubelike organ which measures about 1.5 meters in length. The colon includes in respective: the cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, transverse colon, splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and sometimes the redundant colon.

A Healthy Colon!

This blog presents colonic tips, advices, research & colon news items which could help you to get a healthy colon. You can visit the homepage AHealthyColon.WordPress.com to find the latest reports related to colon health!