Nutritional and Healthy Eating Guidelines to Prevent Colon Cancer

A person with an average and high risk of Colon Cancer can reduce the risk by making some simple changes in the lifestyle. Eating a healthy, nutritional and proper diet plays an important role in the lifestyle of a person, helps in preventing the disease. Prevention is better than cure and so the condition can be prevented with healthy eating diet. Following the nutritional guidelines including less saturated fat and more nutrients from the food can greatly help in fighting against the disease rather than taking supplements.

NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR COLON CANCER PREVENTION:

Here we give you a comprehensive overview of some important nutrients and their role in prevention:

DIETARY FAT:

Dietary fat from red meat and processed meat highly contribute in the process causing Cancer in Colon. Large consumption of fat increases the amount of bile acids, substances released in the digestive tract. Bile acids are responsible to breakdown fat. When these bile acids get into Colon, they converted into secondary bile acids which promotes the growth of tumors from the cells of the lining of Colon. So, it is highly recommended that a person with the risk of Cancer in Colon must avoid eating red and processed meat.

ANTIOXIDANTS:

Antioxidant is another substance that is being studied by the medical practitioners as whether or not it helps in fighting against the Cancer in the Colon. Antioxidants strengthen the defense of the body against the dangerous substances called as free radicals. The free radicals are by-products of oxygen and are used by the cells in the body. They destroy the cells through the process of oxidation. It has been shown that oxidation contributes to aging, cataracts, heart diseases and various infections. The cells have natural defense system against free radicals and can repair themselves from the damage caused by the dangerous substances.

Antioxidants such as selenium and beta carotene support the body’s cells defense against free radicals. Clinical studies have shown that taking antioxidants as foods is much better than taking supplements. Fruits, vegetables and some types of tea are the good sources of antioxidants.

FOLIC ACID, CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D:

Some research studies showed that folic acid may reduce the risk of Cancer while some studies suggest that it can increase risk of some types of Cancers. More researches are needed for it. But, it is already a fact that folic acid is vital in the formation of new cells and tissues while maintaining red blood cells healthy. Important sources of folic acid are citrus fruits and vegetables especially dark green leafy such as spinach. The consumption of folic acid through foods in regular diet is greatly healthy and beneficial. Some studies have shown that folic acid supplements didn’t give any anti-cancer benefit rather it may increase the risk.

Recent research has shown that calcium and vitamin D not only strengthen the bones but also play important role in reducing the risk. Good sources of calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, sardines, salmon and dark green leafy vegetables. Good sources of vitamin D are egg yolks, fortified cow’s milk, chicken livers, sardines and salmon. Remember, Sun is an exceptional source of vitamin D.

FIBER:

Fiber is considered as a powerful defense strategy against Cancer. There is a confliction in the studies that whether or not fiber can protect a person against the Cancer in Colon but it is a fact that it improves overall health. Some good sources of fiber are whole grain cereals, breads, kidney beans, legumes, berries, prunes, brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure to drink enough liquids. It is better to take fiber from foods. If you are increasing your fiber intake, make sure to do it slowly to avoid gas and cramping.

PHYTOCHEMICALS:

It has been recently discovered that phytochemicals are good in fighting against the disease. These are non-nutrient substances which include flavonoids, terpenes and polyphenols. These are found in a wide range of plant foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, carrots, peppers, broccoli, soya beans and cabbage.

SOME IMPORTANT HEALTHY EATING GUIDELINES TO PREVENT COLON CANCER:

Following are some important guidelines to learn about eating healthy nutritional diet preventing the disease:

1. Make sure to eat many of the foods from plant sources.
2. Prefer to eat whole grains instead refined as much as you can.
   Avoid eating red and processed meats.
3. Limit the drinking of alcoholic beverages. Make sure not to have more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
4. Be physically active. Start an exercise at least 30 minutes in one day. Consult the doctor before going to start any exercise program.
5. Make sure to maintain a healthy weight by combining healthy diet and exercise. In case, if you want to lose weight then talk to doctor about healthy ways in achieving this goal.
6. Stop smoking. Consult the doctor about ways to quit smoking.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT AT GI ENDOSCOPY PRACTICE:

Whether you’re at risk of Colon Cancer or have diagnosed with the disease, consult our physicians in Riverdale, NJ. We are here to provide you complete guidance for prevention and devise a treatment plan giving successful results.