Oncologists have known about this for 30 years!?

We now know researchers discovered a cancer-crushing vitamin that can help kill cancer cells while reducing the toxic effects of chemotherapy. In vitro studies show this natural and incredibly affordable substance can sabotage the growth of tumors and disrupt cancer cells from prostate, colon and even mesothelioma cancer cell lines. It’s been estimated there is 100X more real evidence for its anti-cancer effects than any other natural substances tested. So why aren't oncologists telling you about it? Now a former senior investigator at the NIH has penned a 28-chapter medical tell-all that will do just that--and he's giving it away for FREE today. Discover all of the details on this cancer-crushing vitamin and over 101 other medical secrets here.

New at-home test offers promising alternative to colonoscopy

Dear Reader, There are some things you look forward to: a summer barbecue, a Caribbean cruise. Then there are some you don't, like an electric bill in August. But then, there are things you absolutely dread. Chief in that last category are invasive medical tests... with colonoscopies at the top of the list for most people. I get it--they're not exactly an afternoon in the park. So I have some good news for you. On Aug. 12, the FDA approved Cologuard, a non-invasive, stool-based, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test that you can take in the privacy of your own home. Even better? There's no grueling preparation required. Cologuard analyzes stool DNA and blood biomarkers that CRC or advanced adenomas shed into the colon. But let me be clear: it's not a replacement for colonoscopy. Especially in high-risk individuals, like myself, whose dad and uncle both died of CRC. (Because of that, I go in for a colonoscopy every three years, and I never miss an appointment, not even by a day.) You'll also still need a colonoscopy to follow up if your results come back positive (which may indicate the presence of CRC or advanced adenoma). The closest non-invasive test to Cologuard that currently exists is the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which screens for any microscopic blood cells in your stool. Cologuard takes it a couple steps further. In a large clinical trial, Cologuard detected 92% of colorectal cancers and up to 69% of advanced adenomas (polyps). FIT screening, on the other hand, detected 74% of cancers and 24% of advanced adenomas. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also issued a proposed national coverage determination for Cologuard, making it the first product to be reviewed through a joint FDA-CMS pilot program. What that means for you is that this new, non-invasive option may soon be covered by Medicare. Which is a bright spot in the otherwise dismal-looking future of medicine. Proposed coverage for the Cologuard test would be once every 3 years for Medicare beneficiaries, age 50 to 85. I guess you're on your own after 85. And, of course, there's plenty of "fine print" to be aware of. Coverage also depends on your current health status (i.e. no signs or symptoms that might indicate colorectal disease--like gastrointestinal pain or blood in the stool) as well as your risk profile (i.e. no personal history of polyps, colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; and no family history of colorectal cancers or polyps). Welcome to the greatest health care system in the world, folks. But don't let the potential government red tape discourage you. While the Cologuard test-and the coverage for it--is certainly not foolproof, it's better than inaction. Which makes it a good option for those of you who forego testing of any kind (and believe me, I have many patients like this). This is why it's so crucial: Sadly, CRC is often found too late, and has already spread. And in these cases, the treatment is grueling and the disease can be fatal. But if you detect it early enough, CRC can be beaten. It's not worth the weight: Excess pounds tied to cancer risk It's impossible to talk about cancer screening without bringing up cancer prevention. And, by association, it's impossible to talk about cancer prevention without broaching the subject of weight. I know this isn't news to you--or anyone who gets my Reality Health Check or monthly Logical Health Alternatives newsletter. But based on the findings of yet more research, it's worth bringing up again. A UK study published by the prestigious medical journal Lancet identified 5.24 million people aged 16 and older, and measured their risk of developing the 22 most common types of cancer according to body mass index, or BMI (after adjusting for individual factors such as age and smoking status). The results were sobering (though not surprising). After 7.5 years, 166,955 of the subject developed one of these cancers. And BMI was identified as a risk factor in 17 of them (including thyroid, gallbladder, kidney, and colon cancers). And in most cases, the study found that the higher the BMI, the greater the risk. The bottom line: back slowly away from the jelly donut. (A little dark chocolate is OK, though. See, who said I was a dessert buzzkill?) This study is just further evidence of something I've been saying for years: Excess weight is a cancer risk. Plain and simple. But it's one of the easiest ones to take control of. I'm constantly giving you tips and advice on ways to drop excess weight without torturing yourself. And I've also written an in-depth report offering my detailed protocol for keeping cancer at bay. In other words, there's absolutely no need to let your BMI determine your fate where cancer is concerned. Until next time, Dr. Fred Sources: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/829757 http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-approves-first-dna-test-for-colon-cancer/ http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fda-approves-exact-sciences-cologuard-110000539.html http://www.cologuardtest.com/how-cologuard-works http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140814000816.htm

New Evidence Could Destroy a Medical Myth Cherished by Millions
Whistleblower challenges the widely touted study that justifies the safety and efficacy of this esteemed medical ritual, linking it to serious lifelong medical problems and even death. It could topple the entire medical system.

Monsanto Draws Outrage Over "Bee-Friendly" Facebook Post
In the wake of research linking pesticides to bee deaths, Monsanto flaunts their "dedication" to protecting bees on Facebook - and gets a response they probably never expected.

The Forbidden Truth About Your Shampoo... Ever really looked at the ingredient list on your shampoo bottle? Those scary-sounding names can lead to even scarier health problems. Isn't it time you took a different route to the beautiful, luscious hair of your dreams?

7 Smells That Can Help Relieve Stress
Plus: smells help wake you up, and assist with anxiety and depression. Start using your nose to give you a health boost today.

America's Most Sleep-Deprived Cities
How much sleep do Americans get in the 21 largest US cities... and what does it mean for their long-term health? Statistics from a leading fitness-tracking wristband device gives the raw data.

New study shows big brain benefits from one serving of fish per week

Dear Reader, If we leave it up to conventional medicine, all memory loss would be attributed to "just getting old." And as you know, that's probably my least favorite expression (other than "It's not on sale"). But I don't buy conventional medicine's "white flag" approach to brain health. The fact is, the medical establishment hasn't put enough (scratch that--any) emphasis on all the things you can do to keep your memory strong. But there are a number of safe, natural ways to protect and boost your brain health. In fact, a recent study showed some impressive benefits simply from eating fish once a week. Researchers found consuming a single serving of fish per week could significantly reduce the annual rate of cognitive decline in older adults. Increased fish intake was also associated with better verbal memory scores. This study linked these brain health benefits to a few key nutrients in fish. Of course first and foremost on the list were the omega-3s DHA and EPA. But the study authors also listed other nutrients such as vitamin D, B vitamins, the amino acids arginine and taurine, and trace minerals such as selenium and magnesium as possible contributors to the brain health benefits of fish consumption. What the researchers didn't mention--perhaps because they don't know it exists--is phosphatidyl serine (PS). PS is an extremely important cell membrane component that sustains healthy cognitive function. Most of the PS supplements in this country are made from soy, and since you know how I feel about soy, I never recommend it. But, I recently discovered a new product where the PS is combined with DHA and made from fish oil. I am not even sure it is on the market yet, but it will be soon. Which is really exciting news, because this kind of PS most closely resembles what is naturally found in the body. I'll report back with more info about this product as it becomes available. In the meantime, back to the study I told you about above. Fish-eaters also had better scores for composite and verbal memory, said the researchers. So as usual, Mom was right--fish is brain food. While this study showed benefits from just a single serving, I recommend eating fish several times a week. But when you're eating fish on a regular basis, you do have to be aware of some potential hazards. And one of the most important factors to take into consideration is mercury content. Keep reading and I'll give you some tips for keeping mercury and other heavy metals off your dinner table... How to find fish that's both safe and healthy As I said above, fish is indeed brain food. But the benefits go well beyond that. For instance, it's been shown in multiple studies to reduce the risk of both heart attack and stroke. But the benefits don't stop there: fish has also been shown to prevent certain cancers and eye diseases, as well as elevate mood. It can even help prevent heart rhythm disturbances associated with sudden cardiac death. There's just one potential issue...some fish contain mercury, which isn't exactly a health benefit. (Quite the opposite. Mercury toxicity is associated with serioushealth problems--including some you might not expect. And, unfortunately, it's more common than you might think.) Large fish like king mackerel, shark, tilefish and swordfish have the highest levels of mercury, so it's best to limit your consumption of these varieties. Cold-water fish, like salmon and sardines, typically contain the least mercury, so they're good staples to keep in your seafood rotation. But keeping mercury to a minimum isn't the only factor to take into consideration when you're choosing fish. You should also be aware of where your seafood comes from. Local, wild fish tend to be the best choice. Personally, I stopped eating farm-raiseda few years back after visiting a local fish farm. The conditions I saw were deplorable. And this was a farm I'd heard good things about. So I decided from then on, I wouldn't eat fish from any farm I couldn't inspect first-hand. And one more important note: While consuming fish is the best way to get omega-3s, I still recommend taking a quality fish oil supplement every day too (one that provides 3,000 mg of EPA and DHA). A study done by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found that regular use of fish oil supplements resulted in a significant reduction of cognitive decline and brain atrophy in older adults. And that's just one of many compelling reasons for taking fish oil supplements in combination with eating fresh fish regularly. Hmmm ... a healthy diet, combined with supplementation? You may just have heard me recommend that a few times before! Until next time, Dr. Fred Sources: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/early/2014/07/30/jn.114.193854.abstract http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Eating-more-fish-linked-to-lower-cognitive-decline-in-the-over-65s http://consumerreports.org/cro/2012/08/the-benefits-and-risks-of-eating-fish/index.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140715142845.htm http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/health_benefits_of_fish_oil

Weird 7-question quiz can predict heart attack

Before he even gets out the blood pressure cuff, one world-renowned physician asks his patients seven weird questions. Surprisingly, they don’t seem to have ANYTHING to do with your heart. But these questions are an uncanny predictor of future heart attacks. In fact, he’s found that this 7-item checklist zeroes in on your true heart health better than any stress test, blood sample, or cardiac catheterization. Watch this shocking video NOW to find out what these odd questions are… How to find out what each of them means for your heart… And why you should never ignore any of them.