Root Vegetables

The roots of any plant are its anchor and foundation; they are the essential parts that support and nourish the plant. As graduates of the institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, Lisa Wilson and I both had the opportunity to learn about Chinese Medicine dietary theories and other theories like the Energetics of Food. In both these traditions, it is thought that root vegetables lend their “grounding” properties to us when we eat them, making us feel physically and mentally “rooted”, increasing our stability, stamina, and endurance.

Roots are a rich source of nutritious complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of necessary sugars to the body. Instead of upsetting blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods, they regulate them. Since they absorb, assimilate, and supply plants with vital nutrients, roots likewise increase absorption and assimilation in our digestive tracts.

Long roots include carrots, parsnips, burdock and daikon radish. Round roots include turnips, radishes, beets and rutabagas. Long roots like burdock and daikon are excellent blood purifiers and can help improve circulation in the body and increase mental clarity. Round roots are nourishing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and can help regulate blood sugar, moods, and alleviate cravings.

To begin experimenting with food and how it effects your mood and well-being, simply follow the action steps below.

ACTION STEP #1

Try the recipe below for a quick and delicious way to get root vegetables into your diet:

Recipe of the Month: Roasted Root Vegetables

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
1 sweet potato
2 parsnips
2 carrots
2 turnips or 1 large rutabaga
1 daikon radish (or substitute/add in your favorites, like squash)
olive oil
salt and pepper
herbs: rosemary, thyme or sage (fresh if possible)

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Wash and chop all vegetables into large bite-sized pieces.
3. Place in a large baking dish.

4. Drizzle with olive oil; mix well to coat each vegetable lightly with oil.
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.
6. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until vegetables are tender and golden brown, checking every 10 minutes to stir and make sure veggies are not sticking.
Note: Any combination of vegetables will work. Roasting only one kind of vegetable also makes a nice side dish.
ACTION STEP #2

Watch an easy “how-to” video created by my teaching partner Lisa Wilson to see how easy it is to make Roasted Root Vegetables.

Watch Lisa Wilson’s Video of the Month: How To Make Roasted Root Vegetables

ACTION STEP #3

Discover the right foods to heal your body and control your weight by joining our coaching program Weight Loss For Tired People. Enroll by the end of December to get 2009 prices. Prices will be going up in 2010. Classes begin January 12, 2010.

For more information go to the NIHA Nutrition and Wellness Program. Or, for a free consultation to see if the program is right for you, call me directly:
Eve Colantoni (202) 297-3707 or send an email to eve.colantoni@NIHAdc.com

My friend Chad Hamilton of Health By Hamilton recently shared these tips for avoiding the flu. Hope you enjoy and stay well all winter! To contact him directly visit: www.HealthByHamilton.com.

I’d like to preface this by stating that I will not in any way acknowledge Swine Flu/H1N1 in this post.

We all have a hard time making it through the colder months without harboring some sort of critter, attacking invader, virus in our upper respiratory tract. Now, I won’t go into causes and deep explanations, just things you can implement into your daily life that will support you through this season and the looming winter. Now, I won’t inundate you with a long list, but more of a “must have”, if you will.

Food stuffs

• Stock - Chicken, Fish, Ox-tail, Veggie (roots). The base of all home wellness programs for millenia has begun with this simple remedy.
• Kale - Harvested in the colder months, kale’s hearty, dense nature is loaded with vitamins and minerals in a highly agreeable form. Put it in soups and stews,saute it, blend it…just get it in you. Kale has about a trillion times more vitamin C than any citrus fruit - which, by the way, should never be consumed in the winter.
• Root Vegetables - being a seasonal delight right now, this category of our plant world offers the antidote to the cold months. Their warm and grounding nature will bring the fireplace to your plate - bringing the warmth of a blanket to your belly…and soul.
• Miso - added to your stock before serving can boost the already outstanding benefits that reside in your favorite bowl.

Herbs and Homeopathy

• Oscillococcinum - a homeopathic dilution that once began as a duck liver and heart is probably the favorite among all flu remedies. Note: If it’s not the flu, then it doesn’t work. It’s ineffective against the common cold. (The raw material used in Oscillo’ is also used in a few other homeopathic dilutions - and are also a bit more cost effective.)
• Astragalus (Jade Screen) - is an ancient Chinese Patent formula that is in my book the end all of herbal cold and flu remedies. Traditionally taken during the change of season.
• Propolis - the most sterile environment found in nature is the inside of a bee hive. Propolis is a substance that is gathered from tree buds, sap, and other organic matter and then is mixed with a secretion secreted by worker bees which is used to line the inside of the hive. Critters and virus’ cannot inhabit an area where propolis is found. Sold in tincture, get the “thick” variety and drop it down the hatch whenever you feel that first little tickle. Yes, it tastes terrible, don’t be a wimp.
• Reishi/Maitake - I could talk all day about the immuno-modulating benefits of these fungi. You can buy in supplement form or go for the hardcore method and throw into your stock.

Take care of yourself.

Holistic reversal of aging and fine lines around the eyes?

I am a 30 year old woman and am begining to show some signs of aging around my eyes mostly.
Do you believe that a holistic approch including: better skincare, diet, exercise, supplements and lifestyle would be enough to reverse these early signs of aging? And if so do you have any tips?

The skin under the eye is thinner than the rest. Hence blood passing through veins under it gives it a blue tinge which appears as dark under eye circles.

Also the skin under the eye is more vulnerable to sun tanning than the rest of the skin on the body elsewhere.

Rubbing or scratching the eye too tends to darken the skin under it.

Medication causing the blood vessels to dilate allow increased blood flow through the veins which shows under the eyes the most, in the form of dark under eye circles.

Lack of nutrition causes discoloration of the area under the eyes.

Lack of sleep or excessive fatigue causes skin to turn pale and as it does so, the blood under the skin below eyes shows more as a dark patch than anywhere else on the body.

The same do the pregnancy and menstruation to show the dark under eye circles more pronounced than anywhere else on he body.

Age seems to sag the skin, drooping the eyelids - both upper and lower; and generating bags over there, making dark under eye circles even more pronounced.

But there is a way that not only lifts-up the drooping eyelids, removes the excess eyelid skin along with the excess fat-tissue, removes dark under eye circles, and turns back the eyelids that have gone turned-in or turned-out; but also gets a total face-lift for you without going for an anti aging eye cream or an anti wrinkle eye cream, or any surgical procedure.

Just open your eyes FULL in their TOTAL WIDTH by putting a slight smile on your lips, and you will have got it!

And then this is the way you should always open your eyes while you are awake.

Scott Bryant: What is an HLC? holistic lifestyle coach nutrition diet fitness

Many women have to deal with the pain and anguish that infertility can bring to their lives; it is, for many women, a very important issue that can make the difference between happiness and unhappiness and a battle that is worth fighting until the end.

The many fertility treatments and cures available in the market range from natural to chemical ones, and although some are more efficient than the others, many people today recur to the ancient Chinese Medicines.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is composed by acupuncture, Phytotherapy and Moxibustion and it has been used to cure infertility for centuries. Acupuncture and infertility are definitely a good match and this traditional medicine has proven to be very helpful in fertility treatments. The theory behind Chinese Medicine is that a disease is caused by an unbalance in the elements that rule our internal organs; according to the acupuncturists, our body is composed by energy channels, or meridians, that are responsible for the energy flow in our organs; each meridian has its respective acupuncture points, referring to particular organs.

The laws of the elements in acupuncture teach us that wood, water, fire, earth and metal are the five main elements that exist in nature and in our bodies as well; they rule our organs, our spirit, our energies and when one is in over-abundance or lacking, unbalances are caused in our acupuncture meridians, points and thus, in our organs.

Acupuncture and infertility are a well-known association for those who study infertility’s natural treatments because of its efficiency in curing this condition.

For the acupuncturist, the infertility can originate from a varied number of factors but the treatment passes from correcting the energy unbalance that was generated in the women’s internal organs. One must be careful before doing acupuncture treatments because there are certain acupuncture points that when stimulated can cause miscarriage so make sure you are not pregnant or ovulating when you perform your acupuncture treatment.

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin and they barely cause any discomfort, although there are certain points that can be a little painful, it is a rather easy treatment to endure.

It is safe and many fertility clinics recommend that you start your needle action around three months before the insemination takes place, if you are looking to have an artificial insemination done in a clinic. In case you’re all in for the natural treatments, just make sure you get a certified acupuncturist to help you so he will know the perfect timing when to or when not to treat you.

A traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture treatment will also include herbal medicines; a big part of this ancient medicine is Phytotherapy, which consists in using herbs and derivate to make medicines that will help, once again, balance the five elements that rule your body. Those have also proven efficient in treating infertility.

You should always consult with your doctor and arrive at your acupuncturists with blood testes and all the medical information you can give him; make sure he is a certified practitioner with a good background; if that’s the case he will help you out in this fight against infertility and overall will make you feel better and balance the energies in your body. Acupuncture and infertility are being more connected than ever and you can attribute that to its success over the centuries.

If you like this article and would like to receive more great information on Using Acupuncture to Cure Infertility, visit the website at http://NaturalInfertilityCure.com.

Five Element Theory

When Herb gardening, first and foremost you must have a plan before you begin your endeavor. This is the first deadly sin herb gardeners commit consistently. You can grow an herb garden for cooking, or medicine or beauty. Choose which one will fulfill your needs, or have beds or containers for all three. If you are a beginner it is best to start off with just one so that you are not overwhelmed. You want this to be fun and creative, not a job you grow to hate.

The best way to come up with a plan is to concentrate on a theme. Then narrow it down to a sub-theme. Most people grow culinary herbs so let’s start there. If you love French cooking plant the herbs that you will be using in your meals. French herbs are savory, marjoram, thyme, oregano and rosemary. Add some parsley and bay and you have the perfect bouquet garni to add to your soups or stews.

If you prefer classic Italian fare you should plant Italian parsley, marjoram, thyme, oregano and sweet basil. You can cook some great pasta dishes with these herbs.

After you have settled on your theme do a little research as to what herbs are available. You should come up with a list that has the absolutely essential herb, the herbs that would be fun to have and the ones that are really not necessary. Then check with your local nursery or online for availability. Again, if you are just starting out you should keep the list to between five and say ten herbs.

On to the next deadly sin that herb gardeners commit. You must have the perfect spot for your herbs to thrive. Consider the herbs needs-they must get four to six hours of sunlight daily. The soil needs to drain well and your garden should be where you can harvest your crop easily. If you have pets keep that in mind when picking your spot. You should mix in a lot of organic material to improve the soil whether it is in the ground or in containers.

The third deadly sin is to use the wrong planting method. You really have to work the soil with compost and bone meal before you even consider any planting. Carefully work through the root ball to encourage new growth. Be sure to water the roots well before planting to give them a good start. Herbs like basil should be pinched off to help them achieve a bushy plant.

You must know the needs of your herbs. Bad maintenance of the plants is the fourth deadly sin. On a regular basis you must water, prune and feed your herbs. Talk to the people at your nursery center to get advice on fertilizing your herbs. Never spray them with toxic chemicals if you find snails, aphids or beetles on the herbs. Here again, your nursery center can help you out. Here is a homemade recipe that will keep the pests out:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

The fifth most deadly sin is to fall madly in love with your plants. You need to cut your herbs. Harvest them at regular intervals. If you have an abundance of the herbs freeze them or dry them. A great way to use them is to make vinegars or oils, even soaps and bath preparations.

Don’t get too high tech or overanalyze the situation. The whole purpose here is to connect with the earth. This is the sixth deadly sin of herb gardeners. Work the way nature does. Use natural products, work the soil, and keep it simple.

And, drum roll please, the seventh deadly sin is to not know as much as possible about each herb you have planted. Take the time to do the research. With just a little effort you will become quite knowledgeable and face it, it is the only way to approach herb gardening. Don’t beat yourselves up if you make a few mistakes, just learn from them. The whole point is to have fun with your herb gardening and to make some great meals.

Happy Herb Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Container Gardening and Herb Gardening You can read more of her articles at Article Bazaar

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Herb Gardening and the Seven Deadly Sins

Easy Fun Vegetarian “Whey and Vegetable Stew”

As the world changes, people are becoming more and more conscious about their physical appearance and their overall health. Knowing that obesity can affect not only their lifestyle and social lives but their total well-being as well, people who are overweight are now determined to seek for solutions that can lead then back to leaner and healthier physique.

Since people are what they eat, one of the most popular weight loss aids today is indulging into weight loss diets. Aside from trying rigorous exercises, enrolling in various weight loss classes and programs, enduring routine workouts, and even trying different weight loss products, having a weight loss diet is one of the effective eats of losing weight.

EATING AND EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS DIETS

People often associate weight gain with food intake. This is the reason why more and more of them take dieting as the ultimate solution to weight loss. Although it is a fact that eating greatly affects weight gain, it is not the sole reason why people become overweight. Other factors like the nutritional content of the food they eat, eating behavior and patterns, nutrients required by the body are the major reasons why people become obese.

By now, people should have realized that losing weight is not an overnight thing. They should know by now that eating less through improper dieting can make it harder for them to lose weight. Wanting people to be more educated in proper weight loss diets and effective means of losing weight, nutritionists and experts continue to research on various subjects to prove that having a proper weight loss diet can be the solution to lose weight safely.

Through the years, many weight loss diets and programs have emerged. Majority of these promote the achievement weight loss through the simple process of burning calories.

One of the most popular weight loss diets today is the Atkins Nutritional Approach. This specific weight loss diet has become one of the most after weight loss diets out there because it allows a person to eat satisfying amounts of delicious and nutrient foods while customizing the program to specific individual needs, tastes and preferences. This weight loss diet works by stabilizing a personÂ’s blood sugar, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides levels while addressing other obesity-related conditions.

Bill PhillipsÂ’ Eating For Life, on the other hand, is a plan that is based on four primary ingredients such as food, amount, combos, and times. By encouraging the intake of right foods, balancing the right amount, matching right combinations, and eating at the right time, this weight loss plan will lead to the formulation of the right recipe to satisfy the bodyÂ’s needs. Since it the diet plan aims to provide a balanced, healthy, satisfying, and effective way of losing weight, the person who is into it will be able to reduce body unwanted fats, gain energy, and can have that youthful glow.

While the former focuses on formulating the ultimate weight loss formula, the Blood Type Diet says that losing weight can be achieved by matching the bodyÂ’s biological profile through blood type. This specific weight loss diet believes that since people have individual needs, they should eat the foods that their bodies require.

For people on-the-go and do not have much time to indulge into healthy and freshly-prepared foods, the NutriSystem can be the perfect weight loss diet for them. Since this weight loss diet deals with managing diet through prepackaged foods, by providing a list of prepackaged meals monthly. Although this is perfect for busy people who would want to lose weight, experts say that this weight loss diet plan may not encourage effect.

No matter which of these weight loss diets you plan to do, bear in mind that food is quite important for the bodyÂ’s overall well being. It is a must that you become particular about the food you eat because it will determine the success and failure of your weight loss attempts. Aside from focusing on weight loss diets, learn to practice healthy lifestyle by eating and exercising properly.

Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.sayyestolosingweight.com http://www.aperfectharmony.com or http://www.a-1hypnosis.com.

Dr. Peter D’Adamo/ The Blood Type Diet: Type O

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosalie_Moscoe

Nutrition is the process of assimilating food for the growth and repair of worn tissue. It is also the science and study of proper balance within the diet to promote health.

The dictionary defines Holism as the “theory that the fundamental principle of the universe is the creation of wholes i.e. complete and self-contained systems from the atom and the cell by evolution to the most complex forms of life and mind.” It also defines Holistic Medicine as “a system which treats the whole person, physically and psychologically, rather than simply treating the whole part.” Thus, holistic nutrition looks at the total person, their dietary intake including supplements and lifestyle, and on prevention and the use of non-toxic, natural therapies. The goal is to ‘do no harm.’ Then with the use of natures healing power address the needs of the whole person. Nutrition is fundamental to the practice of Holistic Medicine. Correct diet is the foundation for other therapies and generally makes them unnecessary.

Western society has overcome the problem of infectious disease due to public health measures. Although, we have eliminated infectious disease, hospitals and mental health clinics are swamped and society is fragmented and ill-at-ease. We have replaced infectious disease with degenerative diseases.

By definition, evolution ensures that all living things which exist today are well adapted to their environment provided that they live according to the forces which shaped their evolutionary development—this definition does not translate to nutrition. According to the Macrobiotic philosophy it was by eating whole cereal grains as the principle food that man[kind] developed his superior intellect. Use of fire for cooking allowed man to change his food which in turn allowed man to become more flexible and adaptable and therefore the most successful species.

It was the abandonment of this traditional way of eating in favor of our modern (Western) diet which has led to most of the illnesses prevalent in modern society.

Macrobiotic nutrition has proven that if we return to a diet based on whole cereal grains, vegetables and fruit with animal products, rather than our present reliance on animal products, refined/chemically engineered foods, and sugar, we can regain our physical and mental health.

Thus, Macrobiotic nutrition establishes Principles of Natural Health Care:

· Good health is a natural state

· The body works to maintain balance and heal itself

· Acute illness is a manifestation that the body is struggling to heal itself

· Chronic illness is a sign that healing has failed

The Seven Essential Components for Macrobiotic nutrition are found in these food categories:

Carbohydrates - whole grains, (no wheat) beans, vegetables, seeds, fruits;

Proteins - beans, bean products, fish, seeds, nuts, meat, eggs, dairy;

Fats and oils - cooking oils, nut butters, nuts, seeds, butter;

Minerals - salts, sea vegetables, vegetables, fish, meat;

Vitamins - vegetables, fruits, sea vegetables;

Enzymes - fermented foods, raw vegetables and fruits;

Water - spring water, vegetables, fruits;

Using the description of disease development, we can readily understand the need for change. For convenience the description is described as three distinct phases but in practice the stages meld into each other with no clear division.

Development of Disease - Stage 1

By definition there is an imbalance between intake of, and requirement for nutrients. In theory this could be a deficiency but in our modern society it is more likely to be an excess.
There may be a loss of appetite or the person becomes a fussy eater; most people over-ride this by eating ever-more tasty processed foods.

The excess may be stored as fat (nature’s way of providing for lean times which no longer exists).

Avoid the mistake of thinking that if a person is lean they are not overeating. Instead of storing excess, the body may work to maintain a balance by eliminating the excess (Principle 2 above)

This creates one or more of the following symptoms:

· Increased physical activity, boisterousness (diagnosed as ADHD — pharmaceuticals are prescribed)

· Persistent hair loss (diagnosed as genetic baldness)

· Dry, scaly skin

· Itchy skin

· Occasional vomiting—(diagnosed as 24-hour flu or an exotic name du jour)

· Occasional diarrhea

· Discharges from orifices – eyes, genital system

· Tooth tartar

· Unpleasant body odors

· Strong-smelling urine, urinary crystals

· Bad breath

These are warning signs of improper elimination rather than true illness. They show that the body is making adjustments to maintain its healthy status. If only one of these symptoms is present this is a warning that changes to the lifestyle - especially diet - are needed.

Development of Disease - Stage 2
If imbalance between intake and requirement persists, the build-up of wastes will eventually lead to impairment of the major organ systems. If the organs of elimination are affected this will accelerate the process of deterioration.

In time, (days/months depending on the individual) signs of true illness will appear. At first these tend to be physiological in nature rather than as a result of degenerative changes in the organ systems:

· Signs of inflammation e.g. Pancreatitis, hepatitis, joint swelling,

· Abnormality of the immune system – allergy/intolerance, susceptibility to infection

· Hormonal imbalance – false pregnancy, abnormal oestrus, thyroid problems

· Rheumatism/arthritis

Development of Disease - Stage 3

As the build-up of waste products continues, the major organs will begin to fail. Signs of organ failure may not appear until 75% of the organ function is lost. At this stage the person is in danger—e.g. Kidney or Liver failure; Diabetes; Malignant tumors.

This description provides a framework for the categorization of all the disease conditions we experience. Using this we can form a holistic view of what is happening in the body and offer a prescription for action.

For example:

1. Idiopathic epilepsy (idiopathic—cause unknown).
Holistically this is a discharge of excess energy (Development of disease Stage 1). Therefore management would require a low protein, low fat, and chemical free, high in complex carbohydrate (unrefined grain). The amount of food needs to be kept low to meet but not exceed needs.

2. Pan-osteitis (bone inflammation) I include this, not because it is common but because it is comparatively unusual. What causes it? Without the benefit of holistic thinking we wouldn’t know where to begin. But we can see that as generalized inflammation it fits neatly into the category of Stage 2 of the Development of Disease; control and prevention become obvious.

People who practice a Macrobiotic food plan experience:

-physical appearance, vitality and energy comparatively 15-20 years younger;

-no prescriptions or seldom use over-the-counter medications;

-seldom experience headaches—if they do, it can be linked to a specific issue, which is corrected naturally;

-less of the so-called ‘aging’ symptoms;

-their weight is low to moderate on the scale for height and body build;

-seldom experience colds, flu or allergies.

It is your decision to create your health—choose well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_M._Neddermeyer,_PhD

Depression does not only let you feel sorry for yourself, but also it can make you see, hear things, and think illogically. They are not losing their minds, but rather they are what you call people with psychotic depression. Approximately over 20 % of people who are admitted to the hospital for depression state suffer from what is called psychotic depression. On top of the depressive symptoms of depression, psychotic depression also include some psychosis features such as hallucinations, seeing and hearing things that arenÂ’t present or delusions, irrational thoughts and fears, which most patients with mental condition are suffering from.

The difference between psychotic depression and other mental condition, such as schizophrenia, is that although they are experiencing the same symptoms, which are the hallucination and delusion, the ones with psychotic depression usually know that the thoughts theyÂ’re having arenÂ’t exactly real. In other words, they may suffer from these symptoms, but also they are well aware that those are not true. The main reason why this type of depression is difficult to diagnose is because sufferers of this condition maybe ashamed or embarrassed about what they are going through and therefore would choose to hide them instead.

Having a single occurrence of psychotic depression can increase your risk of bipolar depression, recurring episodes of psychotic depression, and worse – suicide. That is why you should be aware of possible symptoms of this type of depression. Here are some of the symptoms of psychotic depression that anyone may experience:

Anxiety

Agitation

Psychosis

Physical immobility

Constipation

Intellectual impairment

Insomnia, and more

Since there are worst scenarios of how things will turn out with psychotic depression, immediate attention and treatment should be given to the patient. The treatment for this type of depression may take a longer stay in the hospital and close follow up by a mental health professional to keep track of the recovery progress. Anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications have been known to effectively alleviate the symptoms and are still widely used, but natural remedies can also be taken into consideration to help speed up the recovery. The natural remedies I am referring to include proper diet, which requires eating anti-depression food, daily intake of multivitamins and anti-depressant vitamins, such as B vitamins; exercise; avoid foods that can aggravate your condition, like coffee and sweets.

Treatment is very effective for people with psychotic depression condition. Usually within a year, one can recover from this sickness, but needs to continue medical follow-ups. Also, be aware that if symptoms of psychotic depression has been experienced and determined, proper treatment must be established as in other major depressive illnesses; otherwise, risk of suicide is great.

Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of popular and comprehensive Overcome Depression blog. For more articles and resources on Depression related topics, visit his blog at:

=>http://overcome-depression.blogspot.com/

Pan 31 & Ron Donaldson discuss diet and depression

Colon cancer is one of the most diagnosed forms of cancer in the United States. Although colon cancer has the highest incidence in people with ages over 50, the disease can also be developed by young adults and even children. Despite the fact that it can occur in both sexes, colon cancer predominantly affects the male gender. In most cases, colon cancer is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate treatment.

According to the factors that lead to the development of colon cancer, there are two main types of the disease: hereditary colon cancer, which occurs due to genetically inherited physiological abnormalities of the large bowel; and acquired (sporadic) colon cancer, which occurs due to inappropriate diet and unhealthy lifestyle.

Oncologists claim that acquired colon cancers have an unpredictable pattern of progression, usually evolving latently. Unlike hereditary colon cancer, acquired colon cancer can be very difficult to diagnose. The presence of acquired colon cancer in patients is usually discovered long after the disease becomes serious, rendering medical treatments and therapies ineffective in overcoming it.

While most people with underlying hereditary predispositions to colon cancer canÂ’t effectively prevent the occurrence of the disease, healthy people can avoid colon cancer by following a proper diet and by making lifestyle improvements. Research results indicate that the leading cause of acquired colon cancer among the American population is obesity, followed by physical inactivity and the excessive intake of red meat and other meat products that are rich in saturated fats. Doctors claim that by reducing the consumption of processed meat and by increasing the intake of fiber-rich foods, one would be able to decrease the chances of developing sporadic colon cancer or colorectal cancer by up to 50 percent. Doctors also inform that people who exercise regularly and maintain a normal body weight are very unlikely to develop colon cancer.

In order to minimize the risk of developing colon cancer, one should reduce the intake of saturated fats, proteins and simple carbohydrates (foods containing sugar), in favor of unsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates and fiber-rich foods (fresh fruits and vegetables). Doctors state that margarines, cooking oil and processed foods considerably add to the risks of colon cancer and thus they should be avoided from any diet.

To completely eliminate meat products from oneÂ’s diet can be very frustrating. However, this is rarely necessary. In small amounts, properly cooked meat products donÂ’t increase the chances of developing colon cancer. A healthy diet can include low-fat meats, as long as they are prepared through other methods rather than frying. Instead of frying the meat, consider broiling, grilling, steaming or roasting it. This way, you will be able to eliminate unhealthy fat, the substance that greatly contributes to the development of colon cancer.

For more resource on different colon cancer subjects please click this link http://www.colon-cancer-center.com. You can also find valuable information about stage3 colon cancer or even about colon cancer diet

Diet and Cancer Prevention