Can Vitamin D reduce the risk of colon cancer?

By: Dr. Thomas Incledon

Yes, Vitamin D has the ability to reduce the risk for almost all cancers and other diseases because it is involved in numerous pathways in the body, including the immune system, bone function, neuromuscular system, the life cycle of cells, and hormones.

Different people need different amounts of Vitamin D. Thanks to modern medical advances, we can now test for a mutation in Vitamin D receptors that may prevent it from bonding properly in the body. With this issue, the Vitamin D will not do as much to keep someone healthy as it can or should.

If I’m not taking a Vitamin D supplement, how can I get it naturally?

There are two main ways to get Vitamin D in your body without a supplement: sunlight and food.

1. Exposure to sunlight. The issue with this method is that the sun must make direct contact with the skin to be absorbed. And, it takes 15-30 minutes for this to happen. So, if it is cold outside and you are bundled up, you might be outside for an hour or more, but your body will absorb very little Vitamin D. Also, the sun makes the first form of Vitamin D, which your body then has to convert; this is fairly inefficient.
2. Eating foods that contain Vitamin D. The challenge Dr. Tom Incledon, founder and CEO of Causenta, often sees with this method of obtaining Vitamin D or any other particular vitamin is that people get so focused on it that they forget to eat a good variety of healthy foods. While Vitamin D is important, your body needs other micronutrients as well. He recommends finding a list of 5 or so foods with Vitamin D in them and cycling them into your diet in order to maintain overall health. Foods to consider are fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, as well as other sources of protein like beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Some foods fortified are with Vitamin D, including some dairy products, orange juice, soy, and almond milk, and cereals.

Are there other natural ways to reduce my risk of colon cancer?
There are a few essential lifestyle choices that can help you stay healthier and reduce your risk of colon cancer:

• Eat a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables; phytonutrients and micronutrients found in these unprocessed foods reduce the risk for various diseases. For access to a variety of health resources, text “health” to 72000.
• Get enough sleep on a regular basis. Your body needs the chance to recharge and rejuvenate each night.
• Fiber is essential for colon health. The muscles that make up the digestive tract need fiber to work properly and stay clean on the inside, which may prevent polyps from forming.

If you are interested in learning more about colon cancer prevention with Causenta, schedule a free 30-minute consultation. You can also hear more from Dr. Tom regarding colon cancer by listening to his podcast series “Ask Dr. Tom.”

About the Author

Dr. Thomas is the founder and CEO of Causenta Wellness and the Causenta Cancer Treatment Center in Arizona. From working with the NFL, MLB, MMA, World Class athletes, and even the White House, his reputation for personalized medicine and cutting-edge technologies has put him on the map, caring for some of the most powerful people in the world, making him one of the most sought-after healthcare professionals of all time.