When it comes to colon cancer, there are risk factors that can be modified through lifestyle and diet changes. This means you have the power to make that change and decrease your risk!
Of course… diet plays one of the BIGGEST roles in decreasing your risk of colon cancer.
Eat the rainbow.
The more colors you eat the more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals your body is exposed to. These protect you from free radicals that promote cancer growth.
Cruciferous vegetables
Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Swiss chard, and Brussel sprouts produce a compound call DIM which assists the body in detoxification.
High fiber foods:
These help feed good gut bacteria and keep the bowels moving. When there are more good bacteria within the gut, the bowels can eliminate waste better and fight of pathogens.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
These reduce inflammation and prevent harmful inflammatory compounds from damaging cells.
Be Mindful of Certain Protein Sources:
Processed meats (ex. Bacon, sausage, hot dogs, deli meats) have been shown to favor cancer cell growth when eaten in excess. Studies regarding red meat and cancer are still inconsistent but, it’s important to consider how often you’re consuming red meat. Most people who eat red meat have limited vegetable intake. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize your fruits and vegetables with your red meat consumption. Also, opt for grass-fed protein sources as they are higher in anti-inflammatory compounds. As for poultry, there is no known associated risk with colon cancer.
Some Beverages can be helpful:
Green tea, matcha or coffee contain cancer fighting compounds. Just make sure to limit the added sugar.
It’s important to steer clear from:
- Alcohol
- Refined grains and sugar
- Fried foods
These foods can promote inflammation in the body. When inflammation is present it can damage tissue and promote a cancerous environment as cells are damaged. Alcohol is estrogenic meaning it can cause your body to circulate excess estrogen throughout the body. Colon cancer thrives off estrogen, therefore it’s important to avoid alcohol all together. It is also classified as a carcinogen and damages your gut in the process. As for fried foods, refined grains, and sugar, they are known to be eaten in excess and can cause weight gain.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
When the body has more fat tissue around the belly-region, inflammation is more likely to occur. As already mentioned, inflammation can damage cells and if you’re chronically inflamed this can lead to more issues throughout the body.
Daily Bowel Movements & Decreased Colon Cancer Risk
Moving your bowels daily and eliminating stool will help avoid waste product from recirculating back into the body. Abnormal bowel habits and conditions such as IBS or IBD can negatively affect bowel health and consistent inflammation can influence a cancer growing environment.
If you are at risk for developing colon cancer (family history, poor diet or lifestyle, history of polyops), please get screened!