Colon cancer is epidemic. There are 148,000 new cases in Americans each year. Invasive cancer is difficult to treat. While prevention includes screening for polyps, you can also fight it with a good diet. But now there is evidence that two nutrients can fight it off as well as anything I am currently aware of.
Researchers discovered the nutrients amazing preventive abilities while studying a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This is a genetic problem that causes hundreds of polyps in the colon. Polyps can eventually develop into colon cancer.
The study followed five people with FAP. They all had their colons removed during conventional surgery. The researchers gave the patients 480 mg curcumin and 20 mg quercetin three times daily for six months. Then they evaluated the size and number of polyps in their small intestines and rectums.
The number of polyps decreased in all five by an average 60+%. And the size of those that remained decreased by 51%. There were no side effects from the supplements.
This was a small study. However, its results are compelling. Here, five people with extremely high risk for colon cancer saw their risk decline substantially. And all they did was take these two cheap and common supplements.
If these nutrients can help genetic cases of colon cancer, imagine what they can do for the rest of us. Both nutrients are powerful flavonoids. They reduce inflammation and the effects of toxic chemicals. So they would be very effective for anyone worried about colon cancer.
Ive had terrific results through the years with extremely high doses of vitamin A (100,000 IU daily — work with your doctor when taking a dose this high) and folic acid (five mg, three times daily) supplements. They really help keep polyps from coming back. But I now tell my patients to take curcumin and quercetin as well.
One final note: If they can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, I think these nutrients should also reduce the risk of other cancers. So they should be part of everyones regular daily supplement regimen. You can find them at any health food store.
Ref: Cruz-Correa, M., D.A. Shoskes, et al. Combination Treatment With Curcumin and Quercetin of Adenomas in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol., 2006, June 4.