Dandelion Tea for Liver Detox, Healthy Skin & Stomach

Most homeowners don’t realize that the yellow weeds that pop up every spring, and must be kept at bay for months, are actually plants that have a number of powerful health benefits. In fact, humans have been using dandelions in food for much of recorded history.
Dandelion is used for the treatment of muscle aches, loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, gallstones, joint pain, eczema and bruises. It also increases urine production and serves as a laxative to increase bowel movements.
Some people use dandelion to treat infection, especially viral infections and even cancer. It’s also used as a skin toner, blood tonic and digestive tonic.
Dandelion greens can be chopped up and used as a garnish or an addition to a sauce, or they can be eaten raw or cooked to minimize their somewhat bitter flavor. You can also use the dandelion root, stems and flowers to make a delicious and super-healthy tea. Either way, you reap the benefits of this unexpected nutritional plant.

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Dandelion Tea Nutrition Facts

Dandelions are native to Eurasia and North America; the two species, T. officinale and T. erythrospermum, are found as weeds worldwide. The name dandelion comes from the French word dent-de-lion, meaning “lion’s tooth.” Dandelion plants are from the Asteraceae family and part of the Taraxacum species. They look like very small flowers that are collected together into a flower head, or floret.
Many Taraxacum species produce seeds asexually by apomixis, meaning the seeds can be produced without pollination. This is why dandelions are genetically identical to the parent plant.
The leaves of a dandelion flower are typically five to 25 centimeters long. The flower heads are a yellow to orange color; they open in the daytime and stay closed at night. When you break the stem of a dandelion, it exudes a white and milky liquid. When the flowerhead matures, it becomes a white ball that contains many seeds and fine hairs.
It’s safe (and healthy) to eat an entire dandelion. The stem or floret can be eaten raw, boiled or infused into tea. One cup of dandelion greens contains:

• 25 calories
• 42 milligrams of sodium
• 218 milligrams of potassium
• 5 grams of carbohydrates
• 7 percent dietary fiber
• 535 percent vitamin K
• 111 percent vitamin A
• 32 percent vitamin C
• 5 percent vitamin B6
• 10 percent calcium
• 9 percent iron
• 5 percent magnesium 

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10 Dandelion Benefits

1. Protects Bones 

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and dandelions contain 10 percent of your daily value. Calcium is stored in the structure of the bones and teeth. It’s used for nerve transmission, blood clotting, hormone secretion and muscle contraction.
By drinking dandelion tea or eating the greens, you can easily avoid tooth decay, muscle tension and high blood pressure and calcium deficiency.

2. High in Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone and heart health, and can you believe that dandelions contain over 500 percent of your daily value? That makes dandelions excellent at preventing vitamin k deficiency. Vitamin K is the main vitamin involved in bone mineralization and blood clotting — in fact, vitamin K builds bones better than calcium! And it helps maintain brain function and a healthy metabolism.
There is increasing evidence that vitamin K can improve bone health and reduce the risk of bone fractures, especially in postmenopausal women who are at risk for osteoporosis. (1)
Vitamin K also helps with menstrual bleeding because of its blood-clotting capabilities. Recently, it has caught attention for its cancer-fighting properties too. Vitamin K has been shown to be effective as a natural cancer treatment, including reducing the risk of prostate, colon, stomach, nasal and oral cancers. One study conducted in 2014, published in the Journal of Nutrition, that included over 7,000 participants found that vitamin K has the power to significantly reduce the  risk of cancer and cardiovascular mortality. (2)

3. Cleanses Liver

The role of our liver is to produce bile, which helps enzymes in the body break down fats into fatty acids — and to filter and detoxify our blood. The liver also has the amazing ability to break down and store amino acids, synthesize and metabolize fats and cholesterol, store glucose, and regulate our internal functions. The vitamins and nutrients present in dandelions help cleanse our livers and keep them working properly.
Dandelions aid our digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile. Dandelion tea or stems are also good vitamin C foods, which helps with mineral absorption, reduces inflammation and prevents the development of disease. (3)

4. Fights Diabetes

Dandelion tea and juice help people with diabetes by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas and keeping blood sugar levels low. If our pancreas doesn’t produce proper amounts of insulin, or if our cells can’t properly process insulin, it results in diabetes. Because the glucose isn’t properly utilized, it accumulates in the bloodstream and results in high blood glucose or sugar levels.
To fight diabetes naturally, dandelion tea also helps the body remove excess sugar that’s stored in the body — because it’s a diuretic.

5. Fights Skin Infections

The milky white substance that you get on your fingers when you break a dandelion stem is actually great for your skin!  The sap of a dandelion stem is highly alkaline, and it has germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties.
You can also use the sap to relieve itching or irritation from eczema, ringworm, psoriasis and other skin infections.

6. High in Antioxidants

Another important dandelion benefit is its high antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by oxidation. The body uses antioxidants to fight free radical damage, which is very dangerous for the body’s tissues and is connected to cancer and premature aging. (4)
Luckily, drinking dandelion tea helps the body avoid cell damage from free radicals. In fact, a study conducted in 2011 by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Windsor in Canada found that dandelion root extract was effective in killing different cancers as a result of its free radical-fighting abilities. (5)

7. Rich in Fiber

Dandelion tea and greens are high-fiber foods, making them a beneficial aid for digestion and intestinal health. Fiber is responsible for quickly moving foods through the digestive tract, helping it function optimally. Fiber works by drawing fluids from the body to add bulk to the stool.
High-fiber diets also reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes; fiber has the power to lower the risk of some cancers’ help with diverticulosis; and prevent heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones and obesity. Some studies show that women with PMS or those who are menopausal can experience some relief from symptoms with high-fiber diets.

8. Good Source of Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision, neurological function, healthy skin and more. Vitamin A is an antioxidant, so it has the power to reduce inflammation by fighting free radical damage. Just one cup of dandelion greens has over 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, so you can fight premature aging, respiratory infections and vision impairment with just a mug of dandelion tea.
Vitamin A also provides immune support, promotes skin health and helps prevent cancer. For women who are pregnant, getting enough vitamin A is very important, especially during the third trimester. A pregnant woman can even suffer from night blindness if her vitamin A intake isn’t sufficient.

9. Serves as Diuretic

Dandelion root has a natural diuretic effect, allowing your liver to more quickly eliminate toxins. It also helps strengthen the immune system, balance blood sugar levels, relieve heartburn and soothe digestive issues.
Because dandelion helps reduce uric acid and stimulates urine production, it’s beneficial for fighting bacterial infections within the digestive tract and reproductive organs.

10. Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

Dandelion tea can help prevent urinary tract infections, as well as bladder disorders, kidney problems and possibly even cysts on reproductive organs. (6) (7)
A specific combination of dandelion root and leaf extracts of another herb called uva ursi taken by mouth helps reduce the number of UTIs in women. In this combination, uva ursi is used because it kills bacteria, and dandelion is used because of its ability to increase urine flow and fight infection.

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Dandelion Tea History & Interesting Facts

There are many varieties of dandelion, but the common dandelion is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale. In terms of history, the plant is believed to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.
Many people try to get rid of dandelions as they grow in our yards year after year, but the dandelion plant is actually a beneficial weed. It’s helpful when gardening because it brings nutrients to the top of the soil, helping shallow-rooted plants and adding minerals and nitrogen to the soil. It also attracts pollinating insects and releases ethylene gas that helps the fruit ripen.
Another interesting fact — did you know that four dandelion flowers are the emblem of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia? The citizens there even celebrate spring with an annual Dandelion Festival. I’m sure they know about its many health benefits!

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How to Pick and Use Dandelion Flowers

If you pick your own dandelions, make sure to avoid areas where weed-killer may have been sprayed. You don’t want to consume the nasty chemicals found in weed-killer!
Try to pick from an area that is free from pollution, too. You want to look for the younger and tender plants; they’re less bitter. You can also find bunches of dandelion plants in your local health store.
If you plan on using the roots, dig down deep and pull up the entire mass — sometimes it’s attached to several stems. Clean it with water until all of the dirt is removed. You can use the raw root to make tea or roast the root to make coffee.
Once you’re ready to eat your dandelions, make sure to wash them thoroughly. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a week — sometimes wrapping the greens in a damp paper towel keeps them fresh longer.
Dandelion greens can be sauteed, boiled and eaten raw. You can also make your own dandelion tea, which is a healthy alternative to coffee.

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DIY Dandelion Recipes

There are so many ways to incorporate the dandelion plant into your every day meals. One of the best ways to experience all of the dandelion benefits is by making your own dandelion tea. You can make tea with the roots or flowers of dandelions. It’s very easy — steep the root or flowers for 30 minutes in boiling water. You can strain the roots and flowers or drink them up with your tea.
You can also roast the root of your dandelion plant to make a coffee-like beverage. After cleaning the root, chop it in a food processor, use a baking sheet and roast the pieces in an oven at 300 degrees for two hours. Then let it steep in boiling water for 10 minutes before drinking.
For a few ideas concerning dandelion’s detoxifying properties, check out my six-step liver cleanse; consuming dandelion root has the power to improve immune system function and detoxify the body.
Dandelion greens are a great addition to make sauces or dips. For example, try adding 1/2 cup of dandelion stems to my Cilantro Pesto Recipe. Both the cilantro and dandelions are high in antioxidants that fight free radicals, help support the body in detoxification and have antimicrobial properties.
You can add dandelion stems to a ton of salad recipes. It can have a bite to it; some describe it as even a bitter taste, so it would be perfect in hardy mix of vegetables. My Broccoli Salad Recipe is the perfect mix for dandelion. Broccoli and dandelions have plenty of fiber and vitamin C to keep your body running properly throughout the day.
Dandelions are also great with seafood and pasta dishes. The dandelion flower can used as an herb — just to add a little kick to your plate. Try adding a tablespoon of chopped dandelion stems to my Salmon Patties Recipe. This healthy salmon patties recipe is sure to become a family favorite because it’s loaded with healthy omega-3 fats and has a delicious flavor! The added dandelion boosts the health benefits of this already nutritious meal.

Sautéed Pesto Mahi Mahi Recipe

This Sautéed Pesto Mahi Mahi Recipe is healthy, gluten-free, delicious and very easy to make! Add 1/2 cup of dandelion greens, and you have a super nutritious meal.

Total Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 wild caught Mahi Mahi fish fillets
• 1 lemon
• 2 cups fresh basil, sage, cilantro and parsley, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup dandelion greens
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup raw cheese, grated

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine the herbs, garlic, oil and pine nuts in a food processor and process until the mixture is creamy. Pulse in the cheese.
2. Place a skillet with coconut oil over medium high heat until it just starts to smoke. Rub fish on both sides with the above mixture. Sauté fish in pan until fish flakes easily, approximately 3–5 minutes per side.
3. When fish is done, brush both sides with pesto sauce again. Squeeze lemon over the fish and serve immediately.

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Possible Dandelion Side Effects and Interactions

Dandelions can cause allergic reactions when taken by mouth or applied to the skin of sensitive people. If you’re allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds), you’re likely to be allergic to dandelion. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your health care provider before taking dandelion.
Dandelion might decrease how much antibiotic the body absorbs. Taking dandelion along with antibiotics might decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics. Some antibiotics that might interact with dandelion include ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, norfloxacin, sparfloxacin, trovafloxacin and grepafloxacin.
Taking dandelion might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium because of its diuretic properties. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. There is also potassium in some diuretic pills, so be careful when taking these “water pills” because you don’t want too much lithium or potassium in the body.
Dandelion might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Before taking dandelion, talk to your health care provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver. Some of these types of medications include amitriptyline, haloperidol, ondansetron,  propranolol, theophylline and verapamil.

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From the sound of it, you might think leaky gut only affects the digestive system, but in reality it can affect more.

Use Antiviral Herbs to Boost Immune System & Fight Infection

Did you know that there are more than 400 different viruses that can cause infections, including the common cold, the flu, hepatitis, mononucleosis and HIV?
Today, many people choose to have an annual influenza vaccination, or flu shot, but this is only 80 percent effective because of the mutating strains of the influenza virus; plus, these vaccines educate the immune system in an improper and unnatural manner, and often contain dangerous chemicals and preservatives. Luckily, there are a number of powerful antiviral herbs that boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and fight infections.

Click here to learn the top 10 antiviral herbs you should introduce into your daily routine!

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What Is a Virus?

A virus is a small infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of other organisms. Viruses can infect all types of life forms — humans, animals, plants and microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. They’re found in almost every ecosystem on Earth, and they’re the most abundant type of biological entity.
Viruses have actually been described as “organisms at the edge of life” because they carry genetic material, reproduce and evolve through natural selection, but they lack cell structure, which is generally needed to be considered living.
There are many ways that a virus spreads. In animals, a virus is carried by blood-sucking insects. Some viruses, like influenza, is spread by coughing and sneezing. Viruses like viral gastroenteritis (infectious diarrhea) are transmitted by the fecal–oral route (which is a result of poor sanitation) and are passed from person to person by contact or enter the body through food and water. HIV is one of several viruses that’s transmitted through sexual contact and by exposure to infected blood.
The scary thing about contracting a virus is that antibiotics do not work. Vaccines are also unpredictable, and viruses, including those that cause AIDS and viral hepatitis, evade these vaccine-induced immune responses and result in chronic infections.

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What Are Antiviral Herbs?

Antiviral herbs inhibit the development of viruses. They can be used to treat infections without caution because they’re harmless and typically cause no or few side effects. Many antiviral herbs boost the immune system, which allows the body to attack viral pathogens. This can be even better than attacking specific pathogens, which antiviral drugs are designed to do, because pathogens mutate over time and become less susceptible to treatment.
Not only do antiviral herbs fight viral infections, boost the immune system and work as flu natural remedies, but they have a number of other health benefits, such as cardiovascular, digestive and anti-inflammatory support.

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Top 10 Antiviral Herbs

1. Elderberry

Elderberry has a long, rich history of use for medicinal benefits by numerous cultures. It fights infections including influenza, herpes, viral infections and bacterial infections. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that elderberry can be used as a safe treatment for influenza A and B. This is due to its efficacy on all strains of influenza virus that were tested, the clinical results, its low cost and the absence of side effects.
Most every part of the elderberry can be used — the flowers, bark, roots and leaves are often used for their amazing health benefits. So discover elderberry benefits for your health today.

2. Echinacea

Echinacea has become one of the top-selling herbs of all time; that’s because regular use of echinacea is beneficial for immune support and overall health. There is considerable evidence suggesting that phytochemicals in echinacea have the capacity to reduce virus infections and tumors. This powerful herb contains a compound called echinacein that inhibits bacteria and viruses from penetrating healthy cells. This greatly reduces the chances of contracting any type of infection while consuming echinacea.
Some more echinacea benefits include its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve skin problems, treat upper respiratory issues and improve mental health.

3. Calendula

The flower petals of the calendula plant, which is sometimes called pot marigold, have been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century. This antiviral herb has high amounts of flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from being damaged by free radicals; it also fights viruses, inflammation and bacteria. The dried petals of the plant are used in tinctures, ointments and washes to treat infections, burns, wounds and heal cuts fast.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ear drops containing calendula are sometimes used to treat ear infections in children, and scientific studies have found no side effects.

4. Garlic

Experiments have shown that garlic — or specific chemical compounds found in garlic — is highly effective at killing countless microorganisms responsible for some of the most common and rarest infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, thrush and herpes. Because of its antiviral properties, garlic can be used to treat eye infections and as a natural ear infection remedy.
Some more raw garlic benefits include its ability to reduce the risk of cancer, control hypertension, boost cardiovascular health and fight hair loss.
To make a garlic oil infusion at home, crush garlic cloves and add them to a carrier oil (like olive oil). Let the mixture sit for about five hours, and then strain the bits of garlic and keep the oil in a  jar with a lid. You can also swallow a raw clove of garlic; you might need to cut it in half if it’s too large. Bite down once to release the allicin; then swallow with water like a pill.

5. Astragalus Root

Astragalus root, another powerful antiviral herb, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and its main use is to boost the body’s immune system. Scientific studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent the common cold or flu.
A 2004 study evaluated the effects of astragalus on herpes simplex virus type 1 and found that the herb has obvious inhibiting efficacy. Another study published in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal concluded that astragalus is able to inhibit the growth of coxsackie B virus in mice. Astragalus also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is used on the skin for wound care. It’s also one the seven adaptogen herbs to lower cortisol.

6. Cat’s Claw

The bark and root of cat’s claw have been used by South Americans for centuries to treat health problems including fevers, stomach ulcers, digestive conditions and dysentery. Cat’s claw works as a natural arthritis remedy and treats ulcer symptoms as well.
Cat’s claw has antiviral properties, and it’s used as a herpes natural cure. Early studies are researching its effects on HIV as well.
This powerful herb is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. It’s used to treat digestive problems such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and leaky gut syndrome. The best way to consume cat’s claw regularly is by making an herbal tea with a tablespoon of the herb in eight ounces of water.

7. Ginger

Ayurvedic medicine has praised ginger’s ability to boost the immune system before recorded history. It believes that because ginger is so effective at warming the body, it can help break down the accumulation of toxins in your organs. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system, our body’s sewage system. Ginger prevents the accumulation of toxins that make you susceptible to viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Medicinal ginger health benefits also include working as a natural remedy for nausea, pain alleviation, anti-inflammatory properties and improving diabetes.

8. Licorice Root

Licorice is emerging as a prominent player in the search for treatment and prevention for diseases like hepatitis C, HIV and influenza. The Chinese Journal of Virology published a review that confirms the antiviral activity of licorice root due to its triterpenoid content. Another 2010 publication notes licorice’s antioxidant, free radical-scavenging and immunostimulating effects.
Some more licorice root benefits include:

• Sore throat remedy for fast relief
• Cough natural remedy
• Protection against leaky gut signs and symptoms
• Heals adrenal fatigue
• Pain relief

9. Olive Leaf

The olive leaf has antiviral properties, giving it the ability to treat the common cold and dangerous viruses, including candida symptoms, meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis; it also treats dental, ear and urinary tract infections and is a natural treatment for shingles.
Research shows that olive leaf extracts effectively fight against a number of disease-causing microbes, including some viruses that cause influenza and other respiratory infections. The powerful compounds found in olive leaves destroy invading organisms and don’t allow viruses to replicate and cause an infection. In fact, the olive leaf is so beneficial to our health that treatment with olive leaf extracts reversed many HIV-1 infection-associated changes in a study done at the New York University School of Medicine.

10. Oregano

Medicinal grade oregano is distilled to extract the essential oil and preserve its healing compounds; in fact, it takes over 1,000 pounds of wild oregano to produce just 1 pound of oregano oil!
Oregano oil benefits are proving to be superior to some antibiotics, without the harmful side effects. That’s because oregano contains two powerful compounds, carvacrol and thymol, that have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s the carvacrol  that reverses viral infections, as well as allergies, tumors, parasites and disease-causing inflammation. Doubting the power of this antiviral herb? Well, there are over 800 scientific studies that reference carvacrol and its amazing health benefits!

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How to Use Antiviral Herbs

Herbal Tea

Teas are a great way to get the antiviral benefits of herbs every day. Steep one tablespoon of herbs in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Ginger, for example, is great in an herbal tea after dinner. It aids digestion and fights viruses. Echinacea, for example, is a popular herbal tea that’s sold in most food stores, so the work is already done for you.

Herbal Infusion

Herbal infusions are stronger than teas because they require a larger quantity of herbs. To make your own herbal infusion, steep a cup of antiviral herbs in water for about 7 hours. Keep the infusion in an air-tight jar, and drink it cold or heated. Because the infusions are strong, don’t drink more than one cup a day.

DIY Herbal-Infused Oil

An infused oil is when you heat the herb in a carrier oil for several hours. You can use the oven to heat the mixture, or try leaving it in a hot and sunny place for 12 hours. Use about 1/2 cup of antiviral herbs (you can use one herb or a mixture), and add it to 1 cup of coconut or jojoba oil.
If you heat the mixture in the oven, it should be in an oven-safe dish for 3 hours at 200 degrees. If you decide not to use the oven, put the mixture in an air-tight jar and let it sit in a sunny place for about 12 hours. Once the herbs are infused into the oil, drain the leaves and keep the oil in a jar. You can use the oil topically to alleviate pain and kill infections.

Essential Oils

Many of these herbs are sold as essential oils; make sure to purchase organic and pure essential oils from a reputable company. To use essential oils benefits like their antiviral properties, diffuse 3–5 drops in your home, add 2–3 drops to warm bath water or mix 1–2 drops with a carrier oil and apply the mixture directly to the skin. Massaging essential oils into your feet, abdomen and chest is useful when fighting a fever or flu symptoms. If you are new to this natural remedy, use my Essential Oils Guide to get you started.

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Antiviral Herbs Recipes

A great way to get herbs into your everyday diet is by adding them to a smoothie. My Cilantro Ginger Smoothie Recipe helps your body detoxify and soothes inflammation. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Another great option is my Alkalizing Juice Recipe that has a knob of garlic; this is a great way to fight viral infections and boost your cardiovascular health.
I recommend you try making herbal teas at home. They’re easy and full of health benefits. You can use ginger or licorice root in place of turmeric — just follow my Turmeric Tea Recipe and add a teaspoon of the herb of your choice or 1–2 drops of an essential oil or oil infusion.
Don’t miss an opportunity to add these powerful antiviral herbs to your meals. They can be thrown onto so many meals throughout the day, and it’s worth it! Try my Veggie Omelet that calls for garlic and oregano — two antiviral herbs that fight infections.
An easy way to add these herbs into your diet is to throw them in healthy soups! Choose from my 49 Healthy Soup Recipes; you can add 2–5 drops of an essential oil, herbal infusion or oil infusion to any of these soups. They boost the flavor and health benefits.

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Possible Side Effects & Interactions of Antiviral Herbs

If you use infusions or essential oils, remember that the products are extremely potent and should not be taken for a long period of time. If you use these natural remedies for their antiviral properties, do not consume them for more than two weeks. Giving yourself a break between long doses is important. If you are pregnant, be cautious of using essential oils and reach out to your health care provider before doing so.
Some of these antiviral herbs interact with medications, so read up on an herb before you begin consuming its extract or essential oil.

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Whether you’re in pursuit of essential oil mastery or you want to build an essential oil business, this is a must-see presentation. Plus, I’ve set aside a half hour to answer your questions.

50% of all colon cancer cases are preventable

By Dr. Mercola
Colon cancer has been in the news as of late after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded in late 2015 that processed meat can cause colorectal cancer in humans, classifying it as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Colorectal cancer, which includes both cancers of the colon and rectum, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. (not including skin cancers). In 2016, it’s estimated there will be more than 95,000 new cases of colon cancer (and more than 39,000 cases of rectal cancer) diagnosed.
Your colon, also known as your large intestine, plays an incredibly important role in your health. As food passes through your colon, liquid and salt are removed to prepare it for elimination.
Aside from helping to form, store and eliminate waste, your colon contains billions of bacteria, a healthy balance of which is essential for optimal health.

Many Cases of Colon Cancer Are Preventable

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., but, like many types of cancer, it is often preventable.
Research published in Pharmaceutical Research suggested that only 5 percent to 10 percent of cancer cases are due to genetic defects, while the rest are linked to environment and lifestyle factors.
The researchers estimated that up to 35 percent of cancer-related deaths may be due to diet, another 30 percent due to tobacco, 20 percent due to infections and the rest due to other environmental factors including exposure to radiation, stress, physical activity levels and environmental pollution.
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also stated that about one-third of the most common U.S. cancer cases are preventable through a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.
In the case of colorectal cancer, the percentage that could be prevented via these lifestyle factors rises to 50 percent.

Top Tips to Prevent Colon Cancer

Today can be the day you start making healthy changes to lower your risk of this potentially deadly disease. Top steps include the following.

1.Eat More Vegetables and Some Fruits
Vegetables contain an array of antioxidants and other disease-fighting compounds that are very difficult to get anywhere else – like magnesium.
Results from one meta-analysis indicated that for every 100-milligram increase in magnesium intake, the risk of colorectal tumor decreased by 13 percent, while the risk of colorectal cancer was lowered by 12 percent.
The researchers noted magnesium’s anti-cancer effects may be related to its ability to reduce insulin resistance, which may positively affect the development of tumors.
Beyond magnesium, plant chemicals called phytochemicals can reduce inflammation and eliminate carcinogens, while others regulate the rate at which your cells reproduce, get rid of old cells and maintain DNA.
Vegetables are also one of the best forms of dietary fiber. Studies have repeatedly shown that people with higher vegetable intake have lower rates of cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables may be particularly beneficial due to the sulforaphane they contain. Sulforaphene, a naturally occurring derivative of sulforaphne, has been found to suppress growth of colon cancer-derived tumors, for example.
If you’re healthy, consuming some fruit in moderation may also be beneficial. According to one study, dried plums (i.e. prunes) may lower your risk of colon cancer by building your gut bacteria.
2.Eat More Fiber
Dietary fiber has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, particularly incident colorectal adenoma and distal colon cancer. Further, for every 10 grams of fiber you add to your daily diet, your risk of colon cancer decreases by 10 percent.
A 2005 study similarly revealed that dried plums “favorably altered … colon cancer risk factors” in rats, possibly due to their high content of dietary fiber and polyphenolics.
Fortunately, if you follow the tip above and eat more vegetables, you’ll naturally be eating more fiber from the best possible source — vegetables. Psyllium seed husk, flax seeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds also provide valuable sources of soluble and insoluble fiber.
3.Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. In one study published in the journal Gut, people with higher blood levels of vitamin D were less likely to develop colorectal tumors.
This may be because vitamin D is beneficial for your immune system, which in turn may help to limit the growth of cancerous tumors. According to the researchers:

“Evidence suggests protective effects of vitamin D and antitumour immunity on colorectal cancer risk.

Immune cells in tumour microenvironment can convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] [vitamin D] to bioactive 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, which influences neoplastic and immune cells

… High plasma 25(OH)D level is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer with intense immune reaction, supporting a role of vitamin D in cancer immunoprevention through tumour–host interaction.”

Regular sun exposure, use of a high-quality tanning bed and/or supplementation with a vitamin D3 supplement can get your vitamin D levels into the optimal range of 50-70 ng/ml. You’ll need to monitor your levels to be sure you stay within this target range.
4.Avoid Processed Meats
Processed meats are those preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or the addition of chemical preservatives.
This includes bacon, ham, pastrami, salami, pepperoni, hot dogs, some sausages, and hamburgers (if they have been preserved with salt or chemical additives) and more. Particularly problematic are the nitrates that are added to these meats as a preservative, coloring, and flavoring.
The nitrates found in processed meats are frequently converted into nitrosamines, which are clearly associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. AICR warns that “there is no safe threshold” for eating processed meats.
5.Be Knowledgeable About Red Meat Consumption
Research suggests that people who eat the most red meat (in one study this was five ounces a day) have a 24 percent greater risk of colorectal cancer than those who eat the least.
Red meat is likely not the problem in and of itself, however, but the way it’s cooked, and the source it comes from, likely play a role. Grass-fed beef, for instance, contains cancer-fighting compounds.
On the other hand, it’s known that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, can have a detrimental impact on healthy gut bacteria and is carcinogenic. CAFO animals are typically fed grains contaminated with glyphosate.
Red meat cooked at high temperatures (such as barbecued or fried) may also contain carcinogenic cooking byproducts like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
When it comes to meats, I recommend eating organically raised grass-fed meats only and cooking them only lightly (rare, not well-done). For the record, I believe most people need some animal protein to be optimally healthy, but most eat far more protein than is necessary (or healthy).
6.Exercise
There is convincing evidence that regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer. One study revealed that physically active men and women have about a 30 percent to 40 percent reduction in the risk of developing colon cancer compared with inactive persons, for instance.
For starters, exercise drives your insulin levels down, and controlling insulin levels is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risk. It’s also been suggested that apoptosis (programmed cell death) is triggered by exercise, causing cancer cells to die.
Exercise also improves the circulation of immune cells in your blood. The job of these cells is to neutralize pathogens throughout your body, as well as destroy precancerous cells before they become cancerous. The better these cells circulate, the more efficient your immune system is at defending itself against infections and diseases like cancer.
7.Maintain a Healthy Weight and Control Belly Fat
A number of studies have linked obesity to an increased risk for about a dozen different cancers, including cancer of the colon. In a 2014 study that analyzed data from more than 5 million people over the age of 16, every 11-pound increase in body weight was associated with an increased risk for 10 types of cancer.
If you’re overweight or obese, even small amounts of weight loss can lead to significant benefits for your health. In terms of cancer prevention, losing excess belly fat is particularly important, as belly fat is linked to an increased risk of colon cancer regardless of your body weight.
8.Limit Your Alcohol Intake and Quit Smoking
Both excessive alcohol intake and smoking are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. When it comes to alcohol, I generally define “moderate” alcohol intake (which is allowed in the beginner phase of my nutrition plan) as a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce beer or 1 ounce of hard liquor, with a meal, per day.
As you progress further in the nutrition plan, I do recommend eliminating all forms of alcohol. If you’re a smoker, you can find tips for quitting here.
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9.Eat Garlic
Garlic has been shown to kill cancer cells in laboratory studies, as well as shown promise when consumed via your diet. One study showed that women who regularly ate garlic (along with fruits and vegetables) had a 35 percent lower risk of colon cancer.
Those who consume high amounts of raw garlic also appear to have a lower risk of stomach and colorectal cancers. Furthermore, among people with inoperable forms of colorectal, liver, or pancreatic cancer, taking an extract of aged garlic for six months helped to improve immune function, which suggests it may be useful for helping your immune system during times of stress or illness.
When you add raw garlic in your diet the fresh clove must be crushed or chopped in order to stimulate the release of an enzyme called alliinase, which in turn catalyzes the formation of allicin.
Allicin, in turn, rapidly breaks down to form a number of different organosulfur compounds. So to “activate” garlic’s medicinal properties, compress a fresh clove with a spoon prior to swallowing it, chop it finely to add to a salad, or put it through your juicer to add to your vegetable juice.

Should You Have Routine Colonoscopies Starting at 50?

Men and women over the age of 50 at average risk of colorectal cancer are typically advised to get screened either by flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or by colonoscopy every 10 years. But are these screening tests safe and necessary? I’m over 60, and I’ve never had a colonoscopy and have no plans of ever getting one.
While I believe they can be valuable as a diagnostic tool, I feel confident that with my diet (which includes daily amounts of raw turmeric) and lifestyle it’s highly unlikely I would develop colon cancer.
But for many people who are at higher risk, colonoscopies may be an effective strategy. Colon cancer grows very slowly, and it’s one of the top leading cancers that kill people, so early detection is important. You could opt for an annual guaiac stool detection test — which checks for hidden blood in your stool — but this test produces many false positives, and the latest evidence suggests this test doesn’t work very well.
Another alternative is to get tested by flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years. It’s similar to a colonoscopy but uses a shorter and smaller scope, so it cannot see as far up into your colon. On the upside, it’s associated with fewer complications. Ultrasounds have also proven to be of value. Overall, visual inspection is the most reliable way to check for colon cancer, and this is what a colonoscopy allows your doctor to do.
If polyps are found in their early stages, your doctor can simply snip them off right then and there. So a colonoscopy is not only a diagnostic tool, it can also serve as a surgical intervention. They take a picture of the polyp, clip it, capture it, and send it to biopsy. It could save your life, and it’s definitely something to consider. However, be aware that about one in every 350 colonoscopies do serious harm. The death rate is about one for every 1,000 procedures.
Further, about 80 percent of endoscopes are cleaned using Cidex (glutaraldehyde), which does NOT properly sterilize these tools, potentially allowing for the transfer of material that could easily lead to infection. Asking what solution is used to clean the scope is a key question that could save your life. Make sure it’s been sterilized with peracetic acid to avoid potential transfer of infectious material from previous patients.

15 More Simple Cancer Prevention Tips

Cancer doesn’t typically develop overnight, which means you have a chance to make changes that can potentially prevent cancer from developing in the first place. Most of us actually carry around microscopic cancer cell clusters in our bodies all the time.

Herbs That Detox Your Body Naturally

 

8 Herbs That Detox Your Body Naturally

It is ALWAYS the perfect time of year to cleanse your body of unwanted toxins and get rid of the excess waste and heaviness that may be bogging you down.

Feeling fatigued, bloated, lacking energy, experiencing hormonal imbalances or skin disorders can all be attributed to an overburdened liver.

There are many beneficial herbs that are incredibly detoxifying and help to support the liver and kidneys in flushing waste from the body. Many of these can be found right outside your door and in the garden!
Here are 8 detoxifying herbs you can include during the spring that help to eliminate toxic buildup from your system and renew your health.

1. Dandelion

The great thing about dandelion is that the flowers, leaves and roots support the health of your entire body. The bright yellow flowers contain high amounts of antioxidants and flavonoids, which are all great for supporting the liver and renewing cells. You can add the flowers to a pot of water and simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes to make a sweet tasting, detoxifying tea.
Dandelion leaves are an important part of a detox because of their diuretic action, and unique because they do not leach out potassium, an important electrolyte mineral. The nutritious leaves are a good source of vitamins A, B, C and zinc. Although dandelion can be bitter, it’s the bitterness that helps to stimulate the liver and gallbladder, thereby improving digestion.

2. Red Clover

By far one of my favorite herbs, red clover is incredible for cleansing the blood. The flowers have the ability to carry waste out of the bloodstream, making this herb a valuable part of a detoxification protocol.
Red clover is also a powerful tonic, helping to assist in toxin breakdown within the lymphatic system. Its expectorant properties are also great for individuals needing lung support. However, make sure to do your research, as red clover is only appropriate in certain forms and amounts.

3. Stinging Nettle

Nettles help to support the kidneys in eliminating waste and, along with your liver, your kidneys serve an important role in detoxification as well. Beware of picking this herb with your bare hands. It stings and can leave tiny little bumps on your hands and arms. But not to worry, it lasts only temporarily, but is very itchy!
You can enjoy the leaves of this herb by steaming them and adding them to a salad. You can also enjoy nettles in a soup by boiling them with vegetable broth, garlic and onions, then pureeing it. It’s a light and nourishing soup that is rich in iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important nutrient needed to support the different phases of liver detoxification.
You can often find this herb available as a tea. Due to having mildly energizing benefits and supporting the liver and kidneys, it is a great morning tea that can help to kick-start detoxification in the a.m. and supply your body with vital nutrients.

4. Burdock Root

Although this may not be the tastiest of herbs, it is an incredible blood cleanser and loaded with detoxifying nutrients, such as folic acid, vitamins C, E and magnesium. Burdock is also a diuretic, helping to expel toxic buildup in your blood and eliminate it through your urine.
Burdock is a strong herb and it would be advised to include this once you have gone through months of detoxification protocols. It has a very strong affinity for the liver and works extremely well to eliminate toxins, therefore it can make you feel quite ill if other detoxification pathways are not optimized.
Burdock is also great for supporting the adrenals, helping to balance blood sugar. It also contains antimicrobial compounds.

5. Cilantro

This strong-tasting herb is most often used to chelate heavy metals like mercury from the body. You can enjoy it in salads, soups, smoothies or fresh-pressed juices. You can also find this available in tincture form, but do consult with an herbalist before taking it, as it can be quite potent and strong. A heavy metal detox does require guidance and support.

6. Ground Ivy

Speaking of heavy metal detoxers, ground ivy is great for removing lead and other heavy metals, making it a valuable herb to include in a detox formula. This herb is also a great diuretic, helping to eliminate waste and toxins from the kidneys.

7. Milk Thistle

This herb is most widely used for liver detoxification and is readily available. Milk thistle can help to regenerate liver cells and provides vital nutrients for the liver in helping it to expel toxins and metabolic waste. It also helps to produce bile, which assists in supporting digestion.

8. Neem

This wonder herb is commonly found in natural dental products due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties, making it a great addition to any detoxification regime. Neem is also great at purifying the blood and helping to rid the body of unwanted metabolic waste.
Detoxification can be an intense process. Be sure to start out with the right support and guidance and with small doses. Teas are gentle and can be a great supplement for anyone wanting to start a detox protocol.
After you’ve supplied your body with the right nutritional support and nutrients, you may then want to consider incorporating some of these more potent and detoxifying herbs to increase the health of your detoxification pathways and renew your overall health.

This Explanation of Cancer Will Blow You Away! -VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAQ0AV_n-w&feature=youtu.be

Information

In this incredible interview from 2009, Andreas Moritz explains how cancer starts in the body. He also explains why the immune system often leaves cancer cells alone as well as what the cancer is actually trying to do to protect the body. http://www.ihealthtube.com

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Transcript

Raena Morgan:  It’s believed that the immune system protects us against cancer.  Has your research indicated otherwise Andreas?
Andreas Moritz:  The immune system is always there to keep the body free of contaminants.  We have things like microphages that devour waste products, toxins, you know chemicals get, basically converted into harmless matter.  And they are mostly circulating in the lymphatic system.  So the immune cells that are there to first of all, make sure that the body is toxin free.  If that is no longer possible because of organs such as the liver, the large intestine, the lungs and the kidneys and the skin, they become overtaxed with toxins, they’re no longer eliminating them as quickly as they’re generated, then the body is basically forced to start accumulating elsewhere.  And that means in the tissue fluid surrounding the cells.  And the lymphatic system has little ducts, they’re little capillaries that are draining away.  It’s like vacuum away, like a vacuum.  Sucking up all the harmful ingredients and metabolic waste products, and converting them, detoxifying them in the lymphatic system, using the immune system’s arsenal of weapons.
When there are simply too many toxins created, usually in the gastrointestinal tract, that then make their way into the lymphatic system, then the immune system gets tired of constantly battling those poisons and they can no longer be removed.  And that’s where the body starts accumulating toxins.  So the first line of defense, the immune system, is working at trying to keep, you know, the body healthy.
Morgan: But it gets overloaded.
Moritz: And then eventually, when the suffocation occurs, when the cells can no longer breathe enough oxygen, they don’t get enough nutrients, and they will have to mutate into cancer cells to maintain some kind of functioning or to draw the poisons away, like mushrooms pulling the poisons from the soil of the forest, in order to keep the rest of the forest healthy.  So in nature, we have similar situations.  In our body, we do the same thing if we become contaminated.  And then the immune system will make sure that it doesn’t attack those cancer cells, those particular types of cancer cells.
Morgan: It won’t?
Moritz: No, it won’t.  Because they’re… when you look at a tumor, 60% of the cells in the tumor are actually white cells.  White blood cells.  That are immune cells that are not doing anything to get rid of or kill the cancer cells.  Typically a healthy body will kill millions of cancer cells per day.  Because when you turn over 30 billion cells you always have some of them that are cancer cells.  And the immune system immediately takes care of them.  There are different ways to do that.  Some cells, killer cells, they drill holes into the body of a cancer cell and it explodes and it is gone.  And then the debris is also removed.  So there’s no problem for the immune system doing that in a healthy person.  But once you have suffocation building up in the body, it’s a totally different ballgame.
The immune system will be informed by the cancer cell, there’s a protein produced by a cancer cell that attaches itself to the surface of the cancer cell and says ‘don’t touch me.’  An immune cell is recognizing that and says ‘ok, I’m not gonna touch you.’  So it leaves the cancer cells alone.

Morgan: It’s a protein?
Moritz: Yes, it’s a particular protein that is getting to the surface of the cancer cell, and it says ‘don’t touch me.  I’m, you know don’t do anything to me.  I’m on your side.  I’m a helper cell.  I’m a cancer cell that does a good job.  If you kill me, then I won’t be able to do that job, that dirty job in cleaning up the environment.’  So the immune system is very, very cleaver.  It’s just in medicine, in conventional medicine we think that the body is stupid.  They think it makes so many mistakes, 44 thousand different mistakes.  There is no such thing as a mistake.  Even a genetic mistake, that is something that is a compensation mechanism.  It prevents a much more serious disaster that otherwise would happen.  So it’s important to take it into perspective that there’s wisdom behind every action that the body is producing, and it’s not that the body is just incapable and we need to rescue it.  The healing always has to take place in the body, by the body.  We cannot do that for the body.  We can set the preconditions for the body to heal, and that is our job and that is the responsibility of every person.  And sometimes we need a little help, someone telling us what to do.  But in real effect, the body has to do the job of healing itself, there’s no other way.
Morgan:  That’s very interesting now that you say the immune system backs off.

Moritz: Yes.
Morgan: At a certain point when it can’t cleanse the body any longer.
Moritz:  Yes, when it is, basically passing on the responsibility of doing the dirty job that the lymphatic system and immune system is no longer capable of, then the body will have to take recourse to cancer cells.  And most of the contamination starts in the digestive system.  Undigested food is the greatest source of poisoning the body.  Bacteria that decompose the undigested food produce amines, nitrousamins, cadavarines, putrescine, poisons that are so poisonous, if you smell it outside, there is fermenting, rotting food.  Or an animal that is run over and a couple of days later you pass by and you smell that stench.  That is the poison that we create in our body.  So the body will have to defend itself against those poisons because they are absorbed into the lymphatic system from the intestines.  The intestines are very protective of themselves.  They don’t want this thing to… that stuff to go through into the rectum area and cause damage, severe damage to the rectum.  It wants to make sure that the worst poisons are absorbed into the lymphatic system where the poisons can be neutralized in some way or another.  If they are initially dealt with by the immune system, or if the immune system is not capable of breaking them down, then they start… they are surrounded by fat cells or they are absorbed by fat cells.  And that requires an increase of fat growth in the body.  Or they are absorbed or surrounded by fluids that are then increasing the fluid content in the body which we call swelling or weight gain.
And so the weight gain begins in the gastrointestinal tract, mostly in the belly button area where there is a lymph center which is called cisterna chyli.  And that is the largest lymph vessel system we have in the body.  And that begins to become ademic as it tries to deal with the poisons and that’s what you call ‘oh, I’m getting a tummy.  I’m starting to get fat.’  And then it starts spreading to other parts of the body until the whole body is basically accumulating fat cells and fluids and water, lymph fluid, which just shows just how contaminated the body is.