The colorectal cancer rates have been increasing in younger adults, so it is vital to keep our colon healthy, clean, and cancer free. How to keep your colon healthy involves some fairly easy steps.
Emphasize Vegetables And Healthy Fats In Your Diet
The Mayo Clinic tells us that our western diet produces higher colon cancer rates. If you consume a high fiber diet, you are less at risk to develop colon cancer. Fiber keeps things moving, encourages regular bowel movements, and thereby prevents constipation. 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day is a good regimen. In the colon fiber is processed by the good bacteria that breaks it down to fuel for the colon.
In addition, healthy fats like salmon, olive oil, avocados, and nuts are good choices as well.
Avoid And Limit Red And Processed Meats
These types of food “gum up” the works. Processed foods are full of byproducts which don’t easily move through your colon and are chock full of saturated fat.They also have very limited nutritional value.
Make Friends With Colon Cleansing Foods
Broccoli and dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard are great cleansers. Fruits like raspberries and even milk with oatmeal can be beneficial. These foods all contain fiber, calcium, and Vitamin D and keep your digestive system in good working order.
If you don’t normally eat these foods, add them slowly into your diet or in moderation at first. They can cause some stomach upset.
Drop Some Pounds
Yes, this always helps. The American Cancer Society tells us carrying around too much weight increases our risk of colorectal cancer not to mention those of the breast in menopausal women, plus esophagus, pancreas, kidney, and rectum cancer.
Limit Alcohol Consumption And Stop Smoking
These are well known unhealthy habits. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and sugars. If you need help with stopping smoking, ask your doctor for help and referrals.
Practice Some Type Of Regular Exercise
People who regularly exercise have a 24% lower risk of developing colon cancer compared to those with a sedentary lifestyle.
Stay Hydrated
Drink eight or more glasses of water per day to help move out toxins and other wastes from your colon keeping it clean and healthy.
GET SCREENED
As mentioned earlier, more younger adults are being affected with colorectal cancer, so the recommended age for a screening like a colonoscopy is now age 45.
Following these guidelines will help you not only feel better and with less fatigue, but will keep everything “moving”.
Schedule a consultation in Fayetteville, GA
Contact Dr. Erin King-Mullins at (770) 325-2275 and schedule an appointment at our colorectal surgery office in Fayetteville, GA for a screening if you have turned 45 or need a follow-up test.
Sources:
6 Ways to Keep Your Colon Healthy and Cancer-Free | Cone Health
5 things to keep your colon healthy – Mayo Clinic Health System
Can You Use Your Diet to Cleanse Your Colon? (healthline.com)