As you age, your risk of developing colon cancer increases. But other risk factors — such as having IBS, a family history of colon cancer, or not getting regular physical activity — can all create more concern as well.
One of the best ways to help keep your colon healthy is to maintain a colon-friendly diet. These are changes you can start making right now to better protect yourself from colon cancer.
At Boca Care Surgical Associates, we believe an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. That’s why Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS wants you to be aware of all the lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer, starting with your diet.
Many of the actions, food groups, and habits that maintain a colon-friendly diet are the same ones that allow you to have a healthy lifestyle, maintain a good weight, and stay in good physical condition as you age. In truth, a colon-healthy diet is good for all of your body’s needs.
But what are the main diet changes you can make to ensure you’re not needlessly increasing your risk of colon cancer?
Eating too much red or processed meat has been found to increase your risk of colon cancer. This is because, when the body breaks down these meats, it can create certain chemicals that damage the lining of the bowels. Avoiding red meats like steak — as well as processed meats like hot dogs — will go a long way toward protecting your colon.
Instead of the aforementioned meats, try to place fish and white meat at the center of your table. Certain fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation often increases cancer risk, so being able to minimize it with mackerel, tuna, and salmon is a great help.
In addition, white meat is leaner than red meat, easier for your body to process, and a good way to get your proteins without resorting to red or processed meat. Chicken and turkey are good examples of white meat.
To round out your diet as you get rid of extra fatty and processed meats, why not consider eating more vegetables? Vegetables are high in fiber, so they’re great for your digestion and for your body’s ability to eliminate waste. They also have phytochemicals in them that can naturally fight inflammation.
Similarly to fruits and vegetables, whole grains are high in fiber and help you move food through your colon more easily. They can also be easily paired with the foods that you should be eating, such as lean meats, vegetables, and fish.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol always carries a risk of cancer, and this is also true of colon cancer. If you are concerned about developing colon cancer, one of the easiest changes you can make to your diet is to stop drinking. And while you’re at it, smoking is also a huge risk factor, so you might want to avoid lighting up too.
Making these changes to your diet can have a great effect on your long-term health. It’s possible to create a healthy diet plan that will let you feel good and live longer, not to mention decrease your risk of colon cancer.
To discuss this further, make an appointment at our Boca Raton, Florida office. Just call us at 561-395-2626, or book an appointment online.
