The CDC indicates us that colon cancer is the third most common cancer that affects both men and women. Sadly, colorectal cancer is also rising among young people.
Now more than ever, it’s important to make sure that you are proactively taking the steps to be sure your colon is healthy early in life!
The rise in colon cancer cases may be happening due to our frequency in eating unhealthy fast and processed food. The good news is that you can take proactive measures against colorectal cancer and disease by modifying your diet.
The Value of Whole Foods and Fiber in Our Diet
Whole foods such as grains along with fiber-dense fruits and vegetables contain more colon-friendly vitamins and nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals than refined grains like white rice and white flour. They can help you to stay regulated and prevent constipation, and they lower the risk of hemorrhoids and colon polyps, which both have the potential to become cancerous.
What to Eat
Begin with whole foods, and reduce consumption of red meat and sugar.
Whole grains are rich in fiber and will help to cleanse the colon. Oats, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are all great sources. Try to incorporate 3 – 5 servings per day into your meals.
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and most leafy greens are fiber-dense and are always healthy choices. Spinach and chard can be included here too. Two-thirds of your dinner plate should contain healthy veggies. Serve broccoli steamed on its own or mixed in with some of your favorite recipes. Try teriyaki chicken with broccoli, but be sure to substitute brown rice in place of white.
Salmon, sardines, and trout are all loaded with omega 3 fats, which are good for the colon and help to reduce and prevent cancer cells from developing.
Seeds are a healthy snack food that helps care for your colon while also keeping you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. For example, one teaspoon of chia seeds is equal to 10 grams of fiber.
Beans and lentils, also known as legumes, have tons of fiber and can reduce your risk of colon cancer. Try this black bean and spinach enchiladas recipe for a delicious and healthful meal that is great for your colon.
Yogurt contains probiotics, which introduce healthy bacteria to your gut to decrease your risk of colon cancer. As a bonus, it will also decrease any gas you may experience from eating loads of beans and leafy vegetables.
Fruits like apples, pears, raspberries, oranges, and bananas are all delicious, sweet, and full of fiber.
Some Caution
Drink more water as you add fiber to your diet. It is also advised to add the fiber slowly or you will risk lots of uncomfortable and frequent trips to the bathroom.
The American Cancer Society tells us, “Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet reduce the risk of CRC by more than one-third (37%).”
Schedule an Appointment for Digestive Care in Rochester, NY Today!
If you are experiencing issues with your digestive system, contact Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons to receive regular colorectal screenings and to discover other ways you can care for your colon! If you would like to schedule an appointment at one of our colorectal centers, please call (585) 222-6566 today.
FAQs
Choose whole grains
While some popular diet plans tell you to cut carbohydrates completely, they are crucial sources of fiber. Whole grains, in particular, are great for your colon health. They help with maintaining regular bowel movements and increasing healthy gut bacteria.
What is the super food for colon? ›
Choose whole grains
While some popular diet plans tell you to cut carbohydrates completely, they are crucial sources of fiber. Whole grains, in particular, are great for your colon health. They help with maintaining regular bowel movements and increasing healthy gut bacteria.
What are the best foods to eat for your colon? ›
Insoluble fiber — This type of fiber doesn't dissolve in water but instead travels through the digestive system mostly intact, adding bulk to your stool to prevent constipation and irregularity. Examples of foods rich in insoluble fiber are whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and raw vegetables.
Which types of food can help decrease colon and rectal cancer? ›
Whole grains – Packed with essential fiber, whole grains pair well with fresh fish, white meats and eggs. The most nutritious options include barley, brown rice and quinoa. Nuts – Packed with healthy fatty acids, fiber and flavonoids, nuts can reduce the risk of both type 2 diabetes and colon cancer.
What foods can cleanse your colon? ›
Dark green leafy vegetables Eating dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and bok choy is a great way to cleanse your colon. Add greens to your dinner with black beans and spinach enchiladas. This colorful Southwest-style kale salad makes a great lunch.
What foods repair colon lining? ›
Suggestions for first foods after a flare include:
- Diluted juices.
- Applesauce.
- Canned fruit.
- Oatmeal.
- Plain chicken, turkey or fish.
- Cooked eggs or egg substitutes.
- Mashed potatoes, rice or noodles.
- Bread – sourdough or white.
Meat and fish can take as long as 2 days to fully digest. The proteins and fats they contain are complex molecules that take longer for your body to pull apart. By contrast, fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber, can move through your system in less than a day.
What foods are hard on the colon? ›
May cause obstructions because they are hard to digest or are irritating to the gut: Coconut, corn, crab, fibrous foods such as celery, fried foods, lobster, mushrooms, nuts, many vegetables used in Asian cooking, popcorn, raw vegetables, salads, shrimp, and string beans.
Do bananas help your colon? ›
Bananas may improve or worsen constipation depending on their level of ripeness; an unripe banana may worsen constipation while a ripe banana could relieve constipation. These effects may also vary depending on a person's overall diet, including total intakes of fiber and fluid, and underlying health issues, like IBS.
What naturally heals the colon? ›
How can I clean my colon naturally?
- Hydration. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. ...
- Saltwater flush. You can also try a salt water flush. ...
- High fiber diet. ...
- Juices and smoothies. ...
- Juice fast. ...
- More resistant starches. ...
- Probiotics. ...
- Herbal teas.
Beans and legumes are hailed as superfoods in the fight against colon cancer. Black beans in particular raise levels of specific fatty acids that protect against the growth of cancer cells.
What kills cancer cells in the colon? ›
Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy for colon cancer is usually given after surgery if the cancer is large or has spread to the lymph nodes. Chemotherapy can kill cancer cells that might be left after surgery. This helps reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
What foods prevent colon polyps? ›
What type of eating plan is best to prevent colon polyps? Research suggests that making the following changes may have health benefits and may lower your chances of developing colon polyps: eating more fruits, vegetables, and other foods with fiber , such as beans and bran cereal.
What is a simple trick to empty your bowels completely? ›
Sitting correctly on the toilet and using this technique can help you empty your bowel more easily. Lean forward on the toilet with your forearms resting on your thighs, your legs more than hip width apart and your feet raised up on a small foot stool. Repeat for up to 10 minutes only or until your bowel has emptied.
What can I drink to clean my gut? ›
Lemon water and honey: Mix fresh lemon juice, one teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt with warm water and drink on an empty stomach in the morning. Juices and smoothies: These include fruit and vegetable juice fasts and cleanses. Juices made of apples, lemons, and aloe vera help in colon cleansing.
What foods are good for emptying your bowels? ›
The BRAT diet ― bananas, rice, applesauce and toast ― is one dietitians recommend for a range of digestive issues, and it can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Intermittent fasting can have variable effects on bowel movement regularity since there are so many different schedules to choose from.
How can I make my colon healthy again? ›
Eat your veggies and healthy fats.
Limit the amount of meat you eat, especially processed meats. Focus on consuming healthy fats found in olive oil, salmon rich in Omega-3, avocados and nuts, as well as limiting low-processed fats found in fried food.
How can I repair my colon naturally? ›
Try these ways to improve your colon health instead:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat five to nine servings of vegetables and fruit every day.
- Eat a high-fiber diet to keep your bowels regular.
- Eat berries, garlic, onions, leeks, green tea, and cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
- Avoid red meat.
How do you keep your colon healthy?
- Drink plenty of water to keep stool hydrated. Dehydration is a major cause of constipation.
- Consume a diet that is high in fiber. Fiber helps to retain water and stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon.
- Consume a diet that is low in red and processed meats.
Consume a high fiber diet
Consuming 25-35 grams of fiber per day is an important part of maintaining a healthy colon, as fiber increases feelings of fullness and promotes regular bowel movements. By keeping things moving through the colon, you'll reduce the chances of developing colon-related disease.
