Page 14 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2017- Online Magazine

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Hippocrates and Your Gut

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P. Carter Snodgrass, M.D., MBA

Hippocrates, considered the Father of Medicine, is often
quoted as saying: "Let food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine In other words, follow Great-Grandmother's list of DO'S/
be food." The West Texas version of this is 'Ya are what ya DONT'S:
eat.” It is currently trendy to discuss something called “the
Gut Microbiome.” Scientists across the Globe are working 1) Eat your vegetables.
on the association between gut microbiota and cancer risks. 2) Don't eat too much meat...fish is better for you!
3) Exercise every day...go for a walk.
The concept of the Gut Microbiome has come of age... 4) Stay trim. If you keep having to buy clothes because
and with power. Medical school students are taught that you are gaining weight - that's worrisome.
(excessive) red meat and alcohol consumption, obesity, 5) A person who over-drinks brings heartache to
smoking and even gender can determine one’s level of risk(s) themselves and their families.
for various cancers, especially colon cancer. And now, the
internet can even give you step-by-step instructions on “do- And here’s a bit more wisdom to enhance every part your life,
it-yourself” fecal transplants, also known to millennials as not just your colon:
“BioGene Hacking”. (This however, carries risks such as the 6) Laugh every day and be of good cheer. It will keep
transmission of hepatitis and other pathogens.) you young.
7) Be grateful. Things could alway be worse.
Are we destined to be at the mercy of our guts? Or is 8) Say “Please” and “Thank you”. You will feel better
Hippocrates right? There is an old saying: "Genetics loads and so will the person you are speaking to.
the gun. Environment pulls the trigger." The genetic “gun” is 9) Bow your head in prayerful thanks for all the good
your birthright - the DNA your parents passed to you without that is in your life.
your consent. 10) Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Do without.

1) Race
2) Family History
3) Relative(s) age at detection of cancer

The number of genetically-linked syndromes continues to
grow each day as science continues the unwinding of Human
Chromosomal DNA.

However, regarding the “trigger”, The Harvard Report
on Colon Cancer Prevention, Causes and Control (1999)
predictably listed the “controllable” environmental risks as
follows:

1) Lack of Physical Exercise
2) Consumption of Red Meat
3) Obesity
4) Cigarette Smoking
5) Alcohol Use

The Harvard Study also found that the following could
actually DECREASE risk factors:

1) Multi-Vitamins containing Folic Acid
2) Aspirin and/or other NSAIDS
3) Post-menopausal hormone use
4) Calcium Supplementation
5) Selenium
6) Consumption of vegetables, fruits & fibers

14 Lubbock Senior Link