Too much of a good thing There's a fine line between prevention and paranoia when it comes
to performing colonoscopies -- and a recent study indicates that
many U.S. doctors regularly cross that line. After a benign polyp is removed, the recommendation for follow-
up colonoscopy is every 10 years for people over 50. But a survey
found that 24 percent of gastroenterologists and 54 percent of
general surgeons are ordering them at a rate of every three to five
years instead. On one hand, it's understandable. We know that 147,000
Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year…and
57,000 will die from it. Still, conducting more invasive testing more often doesn't
necessarily change these numbers. In fact, the American Journal of
Gastroenterology reported last year that people are dying from this
disease at the same rate as they were in the late 1980's. Further, the
number of patients surviving five years after their cancer diagnosis
did not improve, either. My guess is that relying on more frequent colonoscopies provides
a false sense of security -- both for the doctor and the patient --
when what is really needed is a proven prevention and treatment
plan that includes the diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that
could more effectively alter the course of the disease. These are all
critical factors that many doctors don't spend time reviewing with
patients. Instead, they use expensive, invasive procedures more
often than they should and convince themselves they're doing
everything they can. But you can do more. Dr. Wright wrote an extensive article in the
January 2001 issue of Nutrition & Healing on preventing breast,
prostate, and colon cancer. The recommendations are too extensive
to do justice to in this space, but I suggest you take the time to look
it up on the Nutrition & Healing website when you have a minute.
The recommendations are too extensive to do justice to in this space,
but I suggest you take the time to look it up on the Nutrition & Healing
website when you have a minute (www.wrightnewsletter.com -- current
subscribers can download this article for free by entering the username
and password listed on page 8 of your most recent issue). In the meantime, what is more helpful in the intervening ten years
between colonoscopies is the old-fashioned and low-tech stool
sample. You might recall from the 8/9/04 e-Tip (subject line: "The
Bum's Rush") that a simple stool sample will measure your
butyrate level. Without enough butyrate, your colon won't do a
very good job of resisting carcinogens. If your butyrate comes
back normal, you should be in good shape. But if the rate comes
back low, odds are you aren't getting enough dietary fiber or your
digestion is imbalanced in some way, and you should get checked
out. **************************************************************
THE ULTIMATE SMART PILL Now you can restore your memory, sharpness, wit, and wisdom! Despite the power of modern medicine, there's still nothing
that conventional doctors have to offer that can turn you
into an "instant Einstein"... But here's the good news: There are some natural substances
you can safely use to prevent – and even reverse – age-related
memory decline, mental dullness, and lapses in
alertness. Discover the 3 secrets to renewed focus and memory most
doctors ignore! Visit: http://www.youreletters.com/t/70810/2873601/646777/0/
(if you can't open here use the HTML links listed below) **************************************************************
To start receiving your own copy of the Health e-Tips, visit:
http://www.wrightnewsletter.com/etips/freecopy.html
Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to
receive their own copy of the Health e-Tips. ************************************************************** Warm-up exercise Q: With another winter around the corner, I am dreading the
prospect of suffering through the spasms I get in my extremities
due to Raynaud's Phenomenon. Can you suggest any natural or
nutritional protocols that might bring me some relief? JVW: There are two types of Raynaud's Phenomenon -- primary
and secondary -- and the amount of relief you are able to get will
somewhat depend on which of these you have. Primary is when
you have Raynaud's alone, and secondary is when you have it in
conjunction with another disease. As with any disease or condition,
when you uncover the root cause, you have a better chance of
eliminating the symptoms. However, the causes for both of these
are scientifically unknown. Here's what we do know… Primary Raynaud's is often associated with hypoglycemia and
hypothyroidism, so checking for either of these conditions may
shed some light on how to alleviate your Raynaud's. Secondary
Raynaud's is often found in conjunction with other autoimmune
disorders, carpal tunnel, and vascular disorders. A few specific natural treatments you might try (under the
supervision of a nutritionally oriented physician, of course)
include: * magnesium -- preferably delivered intravenously, although an
oral magnesium supplement might also help dilate blood vessels. * niacin -- also helps to dilate blood vessels * gingko biloba -- increases blood flow * essential fatty acids (EFAs) -- decrease platelet aggregation,
which can limit blood flow
A few lifestyle changes that may also make a difference include
keeping your extremities warm and limiting exposure to low
temperatures, stop smoking if applicable, practice stress
management, and exercise regularly. These actions will all help to
control the spasms, and maximize the blood flow you get to your
extremities. **************************************************************
READ YOUR BODY'S WARNING SIGNS Take a Close Look In The Mirror Tonight... Do you see any of these urgent warning signs written across
your body? * Forehead wrinkles
* Cracked lips
* Varicose veins
* Pale tongue
* Weak fingernails
* Earlobe creases To discover how to read your body's secret language...and
prevent - even cure - lurking illness...click below...
read more http://www.youreletters.com/t/70810/2873601/652417/0/
(if you can't open here use the HTML links listed below) ************************************************************
To start receiving your own copy of the Health e-Tips, visit:
http://www.wrightnewsletter.com/etips/freecopya.html
Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to
receive their own copy of the Health e-Tips. ************************************************************** What is...ginkgo biloba? Ginkgo biloba is the world's longest living species of tree: It can
survive for as long as 1,000 years in many cases. With that sort of
longevity, how could it NOT have healing properties? From improved memory function to enhanced sexual function,
ginkgo biloba can remedy a wide range of diseases and conditions.
The Chinese have used it for a variety of ailments for over 5,000
years. Much of this herb's effectiveness comes from the boost it
gives to your circulation. But more recent research suggests that it
also has a high level of antioxidants, which makes it that much
better for you. Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing Sources:
Mysliwiec PA, Brown ML, et al. "Are physicians doing too much
colonoscopy? A national survey of colorectal surveillance after
polypectomy." Ann Intern Med 2004; 141(4): 264-27. Rabeneck L, El-Serag HB, et al. "Outcomes of colorectal cancer in
the United States: no change in survival (1986-1997)." Am J
Gastroenterol 2003; 98(2): 471-477
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