Hello as someone with extensive bowel disease I was wondering if there are any known supplements that one can take to help delay/avert bowel cancer. As I understand it many of us face a much higher chance of developing bowel cancer because of our crohns and colitis, I have heard that folic acid can be useful. Thanks Karl vB
Supplements to delay/avert bowel cancer
- Thread starter karlvb
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Hi Karl. 
I don't know of any off the top of my head but if you're going to supplement anything it would be good to know if you're low or deficient in anything first by having blood work done. Even a regular general practitioner can test all of your vitamin levels. http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Vitamin-and-Mineral-Deficiencies Some vitamins can be harmful if you have too much of them. "For instance, too much vitamin C or zinc could cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Too much selenium could lead to problems including hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and mild nerve damage." http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/effects-of-taking-too-many-vitamins
Another way to help prevent and catch bowel cancer early on is by having tests done regularly such as colonoscopies. I know you said that you don't think your GI is very useful but they may at least be able to perform regular tests and cancer would show up in the biopsy. You can get your test results from their office and read them for yourself. Also one thing I haven't asked you yet is if its possible for you to seek out a different GI, one you feel more comfortable with?
I don't know of any off the top of my head but if you're going to supplement anything it would be good to know if you're low or deficient in anything first by having blood work done. Even a regular general practitioner can test all of your vitamin levels. http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Vitamin-and-Mineral-Deficiencies Some vitamins can be harmful if you have too much of them. "For instance, too much vitamin C or zinc could cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Too much selenium could lead to problems including hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and mild nerve damage." http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/effects-of-taking-too-many-vitaminsAnother way to help prevent and catch bowel cancer early on is by having tests done regularly such as colonoscopies. I know you said that you don't think your GI is very useful but they may at least be able to perform regular tests and cancer would show up in the biopsy. You can get your test results from their office and read them for yourself. Also one thing I haven't asked you yet is if its possible for you to seek out a different GI, one you feel more comfortable with?
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Hi Karl
I'm from Wellington my supplements are folate, vitamin d. I also take berocca daily for vitamin b. I have crohns in my small bowel so I am crap at absorbing stuff. It's hard here to get the b12 injection. I keep trying, may get some oral instead. I get my bloods done monthly and track them on excel so I can try an be proactive with my supplements etc
I'm from Wellington
my supplements are folate, vitamin d. I also take berocca daily for vitamin b. I have crohns in my small bowel so I am crap at absorbing stuff. It's hard here to get the b12 injection. I keep trying, may get some oral instead. I get my bloods done monthly and track them on excel so I can try an be proactive with my supplements etc
"People with low folate intake are at increased risk for certain types of cancer. A diet rich in vegetables and enriched grain products containing this vitamin are recommended by some experts in cancer prevention. (See our separate document, Folic Acid, for more information.) Grain products have been enriched with folic acid for more than a decade, and there is now some concern that folic acid supplements may increase the risk of certain cancers." http://www.cancer.org/treatment/tre...ne/herbsvitaminsandminerals/vitamin-b-complex
Thought I'd share a little more info. Its best to not blindly supplement so have your vitamin levels tested first.
Thought I'd share a little more info. Its best to not blindly supplement so have your vitamin levels tested first.
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vitamin d calcium and magnesium
whole grains, and berries like blueberrys and raspberrys(anthocyanins), many studies show all these things play a huge role in bowel cancer/intestinal health.
vitamin d and calcium have been show to slow the growth rate of epithelial cells so that if they become damaged, they can more easily be controlled by the immune system.
not having ibd!!!
whole grains, and berries like blueberrys and raspberrys(anthocyanins), many studies show all these things play a huge role in bowel cancer/intestinal health.
vitamin d and calcium have been show to slow the growth rate of epithelial cells so that if they become damaged, they can more easily be controlled by the immune system.
not having ibd!!!
Selenium (Methylselenocysteine, or better forms) plus Vits C/E/A seem to be the perfect combo to prevent many cancers: colon/breast/prostate/esophageal. Unless you eat rather healthy food from mineral rich fields, you're unlikely to overdo it--but it is possible if already supplementing. Maybe supplement every other day?
See the excerpted citations in the lower parts of the article:
http://www.naturalnews.com/016446_selenium_nutrition.html
See the excerpted citations in the lower parts of the article:
http://www.naturalnews.com/016446_selenium_nutrition.html
Hi Karl
I'm from Wellington
You should do the shot yourself once a month. I didn't think I could do it, but you know what? It's so easy and the needle is thin so it doesn't really hurt at all. I do it in my thigh.
