|  | Cancer | Colon Cancer

What is an Herbal Treatment for Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is the most common cancer of the digestive track. It mainly affects older people and there may be a genetic link. Since tumors can grow quite large without obstructing the bowel, the cancer can go undetected for quite a while and is not usually diagnosed until it has spread. There are many natural treatments that complement the standard course of treatment.

  1. Causes

    • Colon cancer is closely linked with a high-fat and low-fiber diet. Animal fat restricts oxygen available to the good bacteria in a healthy colon. When deprived of oxygen, the bacteria produce toxins. The lack of fiber slows down the rate at which toxins leave the body through the stool. Other possible causes are heredity, calcium deficiency, and chronic diarrhea and constipation.

    Symptoms

    • The most notable symptom of colon cancer is blood in the stool. In addition, there may be a change in bowel habits, pain in the abdomen, acid stomach, and muscle tension and twitching in the stomach.

    Beneficial Herbs

    • Astragalus in the form of fluid extract stimulates immune cells that combat cancer. Take at least 900 mg daily of enteric coated garlic capsules to stop tumor growth. Consuming kelp quickens the passage of food through the intestines and helps remove toxins from the body more quickly. Lentinan enhances the effects of interferon treatment and can only be given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional. Polysaccharide kureha (PSK) helps reduce the spread of colon cancer to the lymph nodes, peritoneum, lungs and the liver. Take 6,000 mg daily. Soy isoflavones contain a compound that has been shown to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. Take 3,000 mg daily. Turmeric activates the p53 gene, which is responsible for killing cells with damaged DNA.

    Herbs to Avoid

    • People with colon cancer should avoid aloe vera. Some scientists believe that aloe vera laxatives may contribute to colon cancer.

    Additional Recommendations

    • For those who have gone through treatment, eat a diet rich in fiber to help prevent a recurrence of the disease. Aim for at least 20 grams of fiber daily. Omega 3 fatty acids activate the p53 gene and have been shown to increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs Platinol, Adriamycin and Oncovin. Eat two to three servings of low-fat dairy fortified with vitamin D. The kidneys change it into a hormone that kills colon cancer cells. Be sure to take 1,200 mg of calcium daily. It combines with toxins and keeps them from being absorbed by the digestive track.

Colon Cancer - Related Articles