From the Desk of Dr. Lenz
Blueberries and Colon Cancer
Recent studies from Swedish investigators suggest that blueberries may prevent colon cancer development. They suggest that blueberries should be eaten with probiotic yoghurt to further improve the benefit.
We have known for many years that antioxidants may have protective effects, but no prospective studies have validated these findings. There is a lot of data showing that colored fruits and vegetables affect cancer development, but so far we have not seen trials proving their effect.
However we know that ongoing oxidative stress is a major part of developing colon cancer. Antioxidants can help the normal cells to defend against oxidative stress. We had big hopes for selenium however it did not show the benefit we all hoped for. However we have learned in recent years that the environment in the colon may be very important.
The presence of good bacteria (probiotics) not only help with your bowel movements and regularity (ACTIVA), but these bacteria may influence the way cancer develops. The interaction of the colon mucosa (linings), bacteria, and potential agents which can cause cancer are very important.
We have started to recommend probiotic yoghurt to all our patients because of this impact on the gastrointestinal tract. How the antioxidants and bacteria interact is unclear but these data suggest that we can change the environment with bacteria and supplements and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
We are a long way to better understanding of how to further reduce colon cancer risk successfully. The exciting new data also suggest that these good bacteria may also impact how cancer behaves if it develops.
EAT your yoghurt with blueberries.
This news article was originally posted on February 17th, 2010 and was accurate at the time of publication. Since then, information may have changed or links may now be outdated. Please call our Answer Line 1-877-427-2111 for the latest information, or talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.
Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on February 17th, 2010
Tags: antioxidants, Preventing Colorectal Cancer
Follow @FightCRC on Twitter
Become a Fan on Facebook
Kait
February 17, 2010 at 10:48am
Very interesting! I wrote a blog post about this subject not too long ago: http://www.colorectal-cancer.ca/blog/?p=383
Thank you for sharing this on Twitter.
Heinz-Josef Lenz
February 17, 2010 at 11:22am
thanks for sharing this wonderful posts with our readers. Heinz-Josef Lenz
Laura Morefield
February 17, 2010 at 1:37pm
Thanks for the helpful information, Dr. Lenz.
I’ve been taking both for awhile on a 3-4 x per week basis. Are you recommending this more frequently?
Also, I usse Kefir instead of ACTIVIA…any significant difference?
jodi Sax
March 13, 2010 at 8:12pm
Hmmmm, probiotics never mentioned to me, I’m quite sure I inquired and suggestion was dismissed….Same with other diet recommendations. FYI.
Heinz Josef Lenz
March 13, 2010 at 11:23pm
Jodi you have been on my blogs forever you just dont remember since your thoughts were occupied hope you are happy with your new oncologists and he can give you what you need
Gary Gardner
March 30, 2010 at 5:12pm
Hi, my partner has been eating Blueberries every day since he was diagnosed with Colon Ca. Since we heard about the benefits of probiotic yoghurt and blueberries he has been having this daily, now he adds in some granola.
Fingers crossed, but he does get comments when he has his blood tests how red and oxygenated his blood is so we consider this to be a positive sign.
Just had surgery on Liver, primary was removed last Sept in the Colon, all very small lesions and tumours, weight increasing steadily all through first batch of Chemo, so good to hear so many developments in this area, keep going