“Teflon-Coat” Your Colon Against Cancer

If you’re not worried about colon cancer, it may be time to start.

Rates have doubled in adults under 50 in the past 30 years, making it the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men under 50.

But older adults are still most at risk, with about 60 percent of colon cancer patients over 70.

I could rattle off plenty of reasons why… obesity, poor diet, lack of activity, and the increase in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Catching it early is great—but wouldn’t you rather never get it in the first place?

Now, in a breakthrough study, scientists have uncovered a simple, inexpensive supplement with the power to “Teflon-coat” your colon against this deadly cancer.

We’ve learned a lot about gut health in recent years. Instead of simply being responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption, your gut plays a crucial role in your immune system, metabolism, mental health, and overall well-being.

Now, according to a recent study, the solution for colon cancer could lie in the gut as well.

A double-blind, randomized trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that magnesium supplementation has a powerful, unique effect against colon cancer.

It turns out that magnesium supplementation increases bacteria in the gut that make vitamin D. Even better, this increase in vitamin D directly inhibits the development of colon cancer.

In other words, magnesium can transform your gut bugs into cancer fighters.

This is just one piece of the magnesium puzzle.

Previous research has found that magnesium supplementation also increases blood levels of vitamin D in in those who are deficient.

This provides critical cancer protection because high vitamin D levels can slow cancer growth, help kill off abnormal cells, cut off blood supply to tumors, and reduce inflammation.

With power like this, it’s no wonder vitamin D has been linked to a lower risk of multiple cancers—including colon cancer.

The only bad news here is that most Americans are deficient in magnesium (and vitamin D). Fortunately, that’s an easy fix.

The two primary ways to boost your levels are through food and supplements.

Most recommendations suggest aiming for 300 to 400 mg of magnesium daily. However, the research linking magnesium to a reduced colon cancer risk typically recommends slightly higher levels, ranging from 350 to 500 mg per day.

The best food sources include leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and legumes. Here’s an example of what 400 mg of magnesium in a day could look like:

• 1 oz almonds – 80 mg
• I cup cooked spinach – 157 mg
• 1 cup cooked black beans – 120 mg
• 1 oz dark chocolate – 64 mg

Of course, supplements are also a great option. Just be sure to start with a low dose and increase it gradually. Too much, too quickly, can cause diarrhea and upset stomach.

Your body is a cancer-fighting machine. It’s up to you to fuel it with what it needs to do the job.

P.S. “Sulfur Secret” cuts colon cancer risk 17 percent!

View Sources

Sun, Elizabeth et al., Magnesium Treatment Increases Gut Microbiome Synthesizing Vitamin D and Inhibiting Colorectal Cancer: Results from a Double-Blind Precision-based Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 0, Issue 0, 25