Colorectal Cancer Symptoms - Signs of This Disease and 3 Herbs That Can Prevent It!

Today I'm going to talk about the top colorectal cancer symptoms and a few herbs that can really reduce your chance of getting it. If you're not sure what colorectal cancer really is, have you ever heard of colon cancer? They really are the same thing. According to the Colon Cancer Alliance it is the second leading cause of death when it comes to cancer.

In your body you have something called the colon or large intestines. It's main job is to add the finishing touches to digestion. This includes absorbing any water, storing anything of value and eliminating the waste. In the colon there are cells that are constantly dying and being reborn. With a cancerous cell instead of it dying and being reborn like a normal cell, it starts to grow out of control.

The bad news is that oftentimes there really are no symptoms of this disease. Anytime there is a problem in the body one of the most common signs is going to be discomfort. So there might be pains in the stomach or pelvic region. Another sign of this disease could be changes to a person's stools. This could include constipation, diarrhea, bleeding in stools or they can look long and thin sort of like a brown pen. Another sign would be fatigue, losing weight and not being very hungry.

Have you ever heard the expression "kill the monster while it's small?" It definitely applies to cancer because the sooner you discover it; the easier it is to treat. This is why it's a good idea to get screenings so you can catch the disease early before big problems develop. A lot of health experts recommend getting a screening after the age of 50 every 3 to 10 years depending on the results.

Speaking of killing the monster while it's small, how about not getting the monster in the first place? It's not a bad idea right? The best way to prevent this problem is to try to be healthy. This includes things most people already know such as not being overweight, not using tobacco, not abusing alcohol and not eating a very unhealthy diet.

Another idea, which is often overlooked when it comes to cancer is a multivitamin. There are some vitamins such as vitamin D, folate and calcium that really lower the risk of this health problem. Sure you can get vitamins through food, but the truth is that our food isn't the same as it was hundreds of years ago thanks to chemicals.

There are also a few herbs that can really help such as garlic and onions. In one study by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition they looked at men and women from 10 different countries. They found that higher intakes of both onion and garlic were connected to a reduced risk of intestinal cancer.

Another herb to consider is something called ginseng. There was a study in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal. Researchers took mice and split them into 2 groups. Both groups ate a very high fat diet, but one group received 250 ppm of ginseng. The result was that ginseng significantly reduced inflammation of the colon as well as the growth of cancer tumors.

To sum everything up the top colorectal cancer symptoms are.

• Pain in the stomach or pelvis area
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding in stools
• Stools that are thin and long
• Fatigue, weight loss and a loss of appetite

3 Herbal remedies that can help prevent colorectal cancer are.

• Garlic
• Onions
• Ginseng 

By Kevin Whitsitt

The Benefits of Plant Based Protein Powder

Plant based protein powders represent a new popular trend in nutrition. There are many reasons for this, but chiefly among them are the perceived limitations of whey protein and the limited side effects of many of the leading plant proteins. For vegans, these powders are almost essentially to maintaining a healthy diet. Whatever the motivation for using soy, rice, pea or hemp powder, it is important to understand the distinct advantages of each before going out to purchase a particular supplement. All four are generally effective replacements for whey protein, but some of them bring unique attributes that could be the perfect fit for your needs.

Soy Protein Powder

Soy has long been known in the "green" and healthy living community as an effective replacement for most any other protein source. Those who are lactose intolerant, are vegetarians or vegans, or have allergies to certain grains, have turned to soy in order to get the essential protein their body needs. One of the benefits of soy powder are that it is low in fat, something not all protein powders can boast of. Additionally, soy powder is low in carbs, while containing many essential amino acids. Many studies have shown a steady diet of soy protein to lower "bad" cholesterol. This could be an important factor for certain individuals looking to lower their cholesterol effectively. Practically speaking, soy powder is considered to be highly mixable, meaning that it can be integrated well with a wide variety of smoothies, shakes, and added to baking recipes with ease.

Rice Protein Powder

Rice protein powder is a relatively new addition to the plant based supplement powder market. One of the first benefits users tend to notice is the markedly lower retail price. This is because rice is a generally cheaper plant protein ingredient. While it does not have as much protein per serving as some of the other powders, rice protein is great in that it delivers complete amino acids that have not been broken down in the production process. Like soy protein, rice is easy to digest. People who have had issues digesting the other nutritional supplements may wish to try rice powder to alleviate some of these symptoms. It is also another great protein to easily mix with drinks and baking recipes.

Hemp Protein Powder

While hemp may conjure up images of marijuana smoking teenagers, this plant based supplement serves a very different purpose when utilized as a protein supplement. Many users state that hemp powder has a noticeably better taste than any of the other alternatives. While this should not be the first factor to consider, it can make the difference when all other factors are equal. Hemp protein is a whole food source, rich in fat, but the good kind of fat. The high fat levels can be a turn off for some potential users, but it is important to make the distinction between good and bad fats. Hemp is also extremely high in amino acids and other hard to get nutrients such as zinc, iron, and magnesium.

Pea Protein Powder

Pea powder may seem like an unlikely source of protein, but the split pea has been know for its protein packed life giving vitality for centuries. In addition to being highly soluble and relatively affordable, pea protein has been proven not only to lower blood pressure but to improve kidney function as well. Most of the commercial protein powders contain over 25 grams of protein per scoop which is considerably more than many soy and rice powders. Bodybuilders also point to the fact that pea protein has over 5 grams of BCAAs which helps accelerate muscle building.

All of these plant based supplements are remarkably effective, yet often go unnoticed in favor of the highly commercial whey powder. The reality is that these protein powders are just as effective as whey protein powder. While they are great for vegans and those with allergies, plant based proteins are a perfect option for virtually any person in any situation.

By Owen Alexander

7 Habits of Healthy Eating - The Chinese Way

This article offers 7 time-tested habits of healthy eating according to traditional Chinese dietary therapy - habits that YOU can incorporate into your daily life starting NOW. While some of these habits or principles may contradict what you've learnt or been told consider this - traditional Chinese dietary therapy has developed and been refined and trial-and-error tested on literally millions of people over at least 2500 years. Simply put, what works is still in use today - what doesn't was discarded long ago. You don't need to be Chinese or even eat Chinese food. So, start applying some or all of these habits before your next meal and see for yourself.

7 Habits of Healthy Eating

1. Eat at fixed, regular times: Your body likes and responds to regularity, not just in mealtimes, but sleeping and working too. If you doubt this, next time you take a long trip notice what it does to your eating, sleeping and bowel habits. For optimum health and vitality it's important to establish and maintain regular meal times, sleep times and bowel movements.

2. Eat mainly cooked foods: According to Chinese dietary therapy your meals should primarily be cooked and eaten warm. Raw vegetables and fruits, when eaten excessively, cool and weaken your digestive system, causing such problems as bloating, watery stools and lack of energy. Cooking is regarded in Chinese dietary therapy as a kind of pre-digestion process that makes it easier for digestion to occur. Cold, raw foods on the other hand require more digestive power to break them down. Suitable cooking methods are steaming and stir-frying as they cook quickly and lightly while still retaining nutrients.

3. Eat slowly, chew well: Digestion begins in your mouth - eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly before swallowing ensures smooth, complete digestion. Also, don't eat when angry or emotionally upset as it greatly impairs digestion - wait till you calm down, or skip the meal entirely.

4. Don't overeat: Be kind to your digestive organs and bowels and stop eating when you are 70-75% full. Overeating impairs your stomach and intestines causing indigestion, bloating, sluggishness, constipation, putrefaction, gas, weight gain and other problems.

5. Don't drink cold drinks: Consuming cold drinks especially iced ones at any time, but particularly with food, is very bad for digestion. The digestive process requires heat to break down what you eat and drink. Cold is, by nature, slowing and contracting - therefore cold drinks, and very cold foods like ice cream, slow and impede digestion, causing digestive upsets, abdominal pain and discomfort. Instead, drink warm water or green tea. Warm-hot water helps flush out toxins and green tea prepares your digestive system for food. Drink a cup of green tea 10-20 minutes before you eat - this is particularly beneficial if you know you'll be eating heavy foods like meat, or fried foods. Drinking green tea after meals also benefits digestion.

6. After meals take a slow walk: Whenever you leave a restaurant in China the staff thank you for coming then say, "man zou", meaning, "walk slowly". A slow, leisurely stroll after meals for 10-20 minutes facilitates digestion and nutrient absorption. Rubbing your abdomen with one palm on the other in slow circles around your belly button in the direction of your colon also helps digestion. This is also an excellent preventative and remedy for digestive disorders. Do it while standing still, or while taking a slow, leisurely stroll.

7. Do the Ab Lift: If you're looking to lose weight, exercise before breakfast. As you haven't eaten for maybe 10-12 hours, your body relies on its fat stores for energy. One exercise that is highly recommended before meals, and especially before breakfast, is the Abdominal Lift. It's easy to do and takes a couple of minutes only. Basically, it involves using your abdominal muscles to lift your abdomen up and towards your spine, and holding, then gently releasing it. The Ab Lift can also be done an hour after meals to help digestion, absorption and elimination.

By Matthew Scott

Folklore With Regards To Fruit Therapy

Potato:There was an Irish proverb: Be eating one potato, peeling a second, have a third in your fist and your eye on the fourth.

Spinach: In ancient times, spinach juice was used as a cure for conjunctivitis and defective vision; a cure for anemia, weakness and low vitality.

Carrot: In medieval times, it was believed that carrot juice improves eye sight; it was also used as a cure for loose teeth; bleeding gums, anemia, scurvy and rickets.

Beet root: In dark ages, beet juice was used for dissolving fibroid tumours in the uterus, in the bones and in the stomach. Its juice was also used as a cure in fevers, bronchitis, cough and cold.

Tomato: Tomato is neither a vegetable nor a fruit but botanically it is considered a berry. In ancient times, half-ripe tomatoes were used as a remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. It was also called 'love-apple'.

Cabbage: In ancient times, cabbage juice was used as a cure in gastric or peptic ulcers. Its juice was found to be very useful in all sorts of stomach or liver troubles. For this reason, ancient people ate only boiled cabbage with salt.

Margosa: In dark. ages, margosa (neem) leaf juice was used as a cure for fevers, skin diseases and boils.

Holy basil (tulsi): In ancient times, holy basil leaf juice with honey and liquorice was used as an effective remedy in malarial fevers, bronchitis, cough and cold.

Pumpkin: In medieval times, pumpkin seed were used as a cure for prostate gland disorders, impotency, sterility and leucoderma.

Peppermint: In dark ages, peppermint oil was used as a cure for flatulence, nausea and gastralgia.

Rhubarb (pies): In ancient times, rhubarb root juice was used as a purgative.

Apple: In medieval times, apple juice was regarded as a cure for anemia, low vitality, and general debility. Ancient people believed in the proverb: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Fig (dumur): In ancient times, figs were used as an effective remedy for menorrhagia, diabetes and sore throat.

Anise: In medieval times, the dried seeds of the anise plant were used to relieve flatulence and were considered as a remedy for worms, stomachache,

vertigo, giddiness and nausea. They were also used to increase the breast milk of nursing mothers.

Cherry: In ancient times, it was believed that six cherry kernels a day prevented the formation of kidney stones. It was also used as a cure for appendicitis.

Cloves: In medieval times, the dried, aromatic immature flower buds of the evergreen clove tree were used as a breath sweetener, a comfort for the heart and stomach; a remedy for nausea, colic, flatulence and diarrhea.

Ginger: In ancient times, raw ginger was used as a breath sweetener; an aid to digestion; a cure for toothache and bleeding gums, and as a strengthening agent for loose teeth and weak eyes.

Black-pepper (kalajira): In medieval times, the black-pepper was used as a cure for toothache. It was also used as a preventive drug in blood dysentery, scarlet fever, small-pox, leprosy, typhus, cholera and plague.

Garlic: Ancient people believed that garlic was a powerful charm against evil eye, demons, witches and vampires. In ancient Rome, the garlic was dedicated to Mars, the god of war. Medieval people used garlic as a cure for heart-attack, cancer and tumour. Garlic was believed to be sure remedy for all sorts of ailments in the body. It was also regarded as 'heal-all' vegetable. Externally garlic juice was applied to insect bites, scorpion stings, and even to dog bites. In old age, it would be very difficult to keep the body fit and active by drugs. If one takes a few cloves of fried garlic daily and a glass of musumbi juice the morning, one will remain free from all sorts of diseases. Medical experts gave us this valuable advice.

Onion: In ancient times, onion was used as an effective cure for insomnia, sunstroke, heat-stroke, headache, and travel sickness. Externally its juice was applied to insect bites and scorpion stings.

The ancient people used to eat raw onions at supper time in order to get sound sleep. If anyone eats fried garlic at supper time, he will surely get a very sound sleep.

Bitter-gourd (karela): In ancient times, raw bitter gourd juice was used as an effective remedy for diabetes, eye troubles, jaundice, skin eruptions, liver troubles and stomach disorders.

Lady's finger (dheras, bhindi): In ancient times, raw lady's finger was used as remedy for impotency,' sexual frigidity, sterility.

Musumbi (lime): In medieval times, musumbi was regarded as a 'miracle fruit'. They treated this fruit as a 'heal-all' fruit. Musumbi juice was used as a very effective and sure remedy in diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, diabetes,

cirrhosis of liver and all sorts liver troubles. It was also used as a specific remedy for heart-­attack and thrombosis. Musumbi juice was also used as a sure remedy for anemia, fever, bronchitis, general debility, small-pox, prostate gland disorders, kidney disorders and uterine troubles. Ancient people treated this fruit as all-purpose medicine.

Sabeda: In ancient times, sabeda was used as a cure for anemia, general debility, low vitality, lassitude, general weakness, headache, and travel sickness. They believed that this fruit was a sure remedy for impotency, sexual sterility, frigidity, etc.

Orange (narangi): In olden days, orange juice was used as an effective remedy for fever, bronchitis, cough and cold, low vitality, lassitude, general debility, anemia, general weakness, impotency, sterility, kidney disorders and prostate gland disorders.

Lemon (nimbu): In ancient times, lemon was regarded as a miracle fruit. It was used as.an effective remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, flatulence, indigestion, dyspepsia, cirrhosis of liver, diabetes, dropsy, and intestinal troubles. It was also used as a cure in eye troubles and kidney disorders.

Plantain (kela): In medieval times, green plantain flower (mocha) juice was treated an effective remedy for menorrhagia. Boiled green plantain was regarded as an effective remedy in diarrhea and dysentery.

Liquorice (jastimadhu): In ancient times, liquorice with honey and ginger was used as a powerful remedy in fevers, bronchitis, cough and cold.

Tamarind (imli): In medieval times, ripe tamarind pulp was used as a remedy for loss of memory, bilious vomiting, loss of appetite and travel sickness.

Papaya: In ancient times, ripe papaya was used as an effective remedy for all sorts of stomach troubles. Green papaya was used as a vegetable in diarrhoea and dysentery.

Marmelos: In ancient times, ripe marmelos was used as a cure for diarrhea and dysentery. A few slices of marmalade of marmelos will be very useful in diarrhea and dysentery.

By Alien Goms