Vegetarians and Colon Cancer

When I read this article, I was shocked! Because most people assume, vegetarians are healthy people. Actually, when I went through my professional training, I learned this is not true. It was something I realized, very quickly. But it is still something, that many people believe.

This study, was still shocking to me. Vegetarians are at a higher risk, for developing colon cancer? You always hear how meat, red meat consumption in particular, is linked to colon cancer. So how in the world, could vegetarianism, be linked too?

Well, it goes back to that thing called "inflammation." Which is bad, for a number of health issues. A leading cause, for many diseases. In this study, unsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, seem to be the trigger.

While I was working and going to college, we'd study many things like this. A positive, to going to a university, that focused on agriculture. One that worked closely, with our food consumption, in the United States. And you'd be shocked, by how many studies we'd do, that would find similar things.

Most diseases that we studied, were studied at the cellular level. Meaning that we'd study how the body's cells, reacted to different situations. What made, our cells change? And how did they change? What would happen to a cell, when it was influenced, by an outside trigger. Like diet, food additives, pesticides, disease, inflammation. Most of the time, we were looking for triggers. Because the links, between certain diets and diseases, were already established. We wanted to know, how and why things happened.

In my opinion, a well balanced, healthy diet is still supreme. Eliminating any food group, has risks associated with it. Yes, I practice Meatless Mondays. And try to keep my sugar consumption, relatively low. I just find this study, to be extra shocking.

At the end of the day, it is your right, to eat whatever you'd like. But just don't forget that fiber! Think about keeping most of your plate, packed with colorful fruits and vegetables. But it's still important, to eat protein. This study, is just another example of that. ❤❤❤

Coffee and Colon Cancer

If there is one thing, that you should know about my Daddy, he was a coffee drinker. Through and through. My entire family is. Really. I was once, a coffee addict too. But my Dad, he had us all beat! So when I came across this article, it sort of made me chuckle.

You see, you have a 26% lower risk of developing colon cancer, if you drink 1-2 cups of coffee daily. If you drink 2.5 cups or more daily, your risk is lowered 50%. It doesn't matter if it's caffeinated, or decaffeinated coffee. Just the amount.

In short, after all the other risk factors, associated with colon cancer, daily coffee consumption helps. Drastically. It makes me think, I should be incredibly grateful to my Dad's coffee addiction. Although he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, his 4-6 cups of coffee, every single day...probably bought us some time.

And although this is a relatively small study, it does bring hope. Hope that there are things, that we do daily, that somehow protect our bodies. That give us, the slightest hope, that we can beat this beast. So coffee, Thank You! I'm sure, you gave me just a little more time, with my Daddy! ❤❤❤

Benefits of Aspirin

Aspirin is used, in many ways, to prevent disease. In fact, both of my parents, have taken a daily dose. It's something that most people, don't really think of.

My Mom has taken aspirin, for a few years now. A recommendation, from her doctor. My Dad, took aspirin, in his last year or so, of life. It had to do with other medications, that he was taking. It didn't add much, to the daily medications, that he was already taking. And the cost was minimal.

I say this, because the benefits are great. Outstanding really! I'd been hearing about a connection, between aspirin and gastrointestinal cancers, for over a year now. From a colleague. In fact, it was recommended to me, to begin the daily low-dose, aspirin regimen.

After reading this article. And reading through the original article, from the JAMA, I'm convinced.  A 19% drop, in colorectal cancer. And a 15% drop in gastrointestinal cancers. That is amazing! It gives someone like me, some hope. I'm a high risk individual. But most insurance companies, and doctors, don't believe I should be screened for...another 12+ years.

Aspirin, will never take the place of a colonoscopy. But there is significant research, and evidence, that it helps. And if it helps, why not try it? Especially, if you are someone with a family history, of colon cancer.

Just remember, always talk it over with your doctor first. There are also risks, involved with taking aspirin. And your total health, should be considered. But for me, and I'm assuming many individuals, the benefits, outweigh the risks. I know, what I'll be adding to my morning routine. ❤❤❤

In the Genes?

Interesting. That's what I thought, as I read this article. Makes me wonder about a lot of different things. Especially, over the last few months. I've researched a lot of different areas...associated with colon cancer.

And now, what I'd always thought...seems to be backed up. With a little research. Don't get me wrong. There is still much to be researched, and studied.

But for me, it just solidifies the importance, of colonoscopies, screening, and knowing your history. Yes, it is very important to live a healthy lifestyle. But equally as important, is knowing your history. Knowing the chances of a possible cancer. And staying on top, of all those things.

I just find it intriguing, that the mutation of the APC gene, was found in an 18th century mummy. Goes to show, just how important our "Family History," really is. Did it cause colon cancer? We don't know. But it was there.

Can you imagine, all those years ago...having this mutation? This early research, doesn't really prove what causes modern day colon cancer. Much like, "What came first? The chicken? Or the egg?" But we know have a better understanding, of the importance, of screening. ❤❤❤