Archive for February, 2009

Colon Cancer and Nutrition

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Colon Cancer also known Colorectal cancer. Colon cancer 2nd most deaths for cancers in the US. Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year.Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.

Colon cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached a relatively advanced stage. Thus, many organizations recommend periodic screening for the disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Polyps of the colon and rectum are almost always benign and usually produce no symptoms. They may, however, cause painless rectal bleeding or bleeding not apparent to the naked eye. There may be single or multiple polyps. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter. Polyps with atypia or dysplasia are also more likely to progress on to colon cancer. The risk of cancer is much higher in sessile villous adenomas than in pedunculated tubular adenomas. Cancer is found in 40% of villous adenomas, as compared to 15% in tubular adenomas.

Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer. Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual patient’s staging. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don’t have much contact with the lining of the intestine. High-fiber foods are also rich in phytonutrients, which appear to protect against several forms of cancer. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer. There is certainly just as much buzz about folate and colorectal cancer prevention as there has been about calcium. The jury is still out on antioxidants and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

Colon Cancer Treatment and Nutrition Tips

1. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.

2. Radiotherapy may be recommended Treatment fot colon cancer.

3. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster.

4. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer.

5. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results.

6. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol.

7. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

Are Digital Hearing Aids better than Analogue Hearing Aids?

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

How do they differ?

Analogue hearing aids use a amplifier to raise all sounds by a certain amount, which can be adjusted by a simple volume control. The problem with this is that hearing loss is rarely equal over the range of pitches and by raising the volume to hear speech, we will be raising the level of background noise as well. Difficult!

In fact many of us have been put off wearing a hearing device for just that reason. The latest digital hearing instruments from manufacturers like Phonak, Oticon and Resound can be set not to enhance background noise, and to just concentrate on hearing speech, which is what hearing aids are designed to do. This means that digital hearing aids are much better for more difficult types of hearing loss, and for hearing in background noise.

The newest digital hearing aids are also great at suppressing those unwanted sounds, incorporating features such as wind suppression and feedback cancellation. These two features can alone substantially improve one’s listening experience. Really for anyone wearing an analogue hearing aid they should try and listen to the benefits of these latest devices because the benefits really are incredible and must be experienced.

Its sometimes considered a cliché to hear customers who are wearing the latest devices, comment that “it really has changed my life”, or “i can hear birdsong again”. But its really anything but a cliché and it is only when we are able to experience these amazing new advances in hearing health that we can truly see at the benefits they deliver.

If you’ve got an analogue hearing device, or even if you just think you’ve got a hearing loss, look for free hearing tests from a local hearing audiologist and ask for a demonstration of digital hearing aids. It really is as simple as that, and anyone who is concerned about their hearing or currently wearing the older analogue style should go and have a look for themselves.

Home Colon Cleanse- Don't Make These 3 Big Mistakes

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Are you considering a home colon cleanse? If so, you have plenty of company! With celebrities such as Oprah endorsing colon cleansing, the American public has really caught on to the procedure. Many individuals report fantastic results, while others make critical mistakes that affect their progress.

Generally speaking, colon cleansing is a relatively easy procedure to follow. It certainly is much easier than enduring an invasive and expensive colon irrigation. Up until fairly recently, many individuals thought colonics were their only option to cleanse the colon.

While basically a simple procedure, here are 3 mistakes to avoid with a home colon cleanse:

1) Failing To Continue Cleansing After The Initial Cleanse.

Probably THE biggest mistake individuals make is not cleansing on an ongoing basis. Unfortunately, with many individuals, the same mechanisms that created the need for a cleansing initially, have not been eradicated.

The process of accumulating impacted fecal matter begins immediately after the cleanse is completed. This process can be radically decreased with improvements in diet.

Most experts agree that the colon should be cleansed approximately every 3 months. However, the frequency depends on each individual, and should be discussed with a professional.

2) Not Completing The Full Term Of The Cleanse.

Most cleansings take approximately 3 weeks. During the initial stage, natural herbs, etc., are taken that promote elimination. Individuals may experience relief from constipation during this stage.

The second stage lasts longer than the first stage, and promotes healing and purification of the colon. Some individuals fail to complete this stage. This may interfere with the long term benefits.

3) Not Drinking Enough Water

During most cleanses, individuals are encouraged to drink at least 64 ounces of water. It is especially important to drink a full glass of water when swallowing cleansing capsules. During the cleanse, toxic materials are literally being flushed from the colon, and ample water is essential for the process.

So, Is a home colon cleanse right for you?