According to American Cancer Society statistics, colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent type of cancer in the country, affecting both men and women equally. Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, cramping or pain in the abdomen, changes in the shape of the stool, changes in bowel habits, anemia, and weight loss are among the typical signs of this illness.

Describe colon cancer.

Colon cancer, bowel cancer, and rectal cancer are further names for colorectal cancer. It is frequently recognized by doctors based on the tumor’s starting point. When tumors or polyps form in the lining of the colon or the rectum, the last segment of the large intestine, colorectal cancer first appears.

If the polyps and tumors are not removed right away, they may develop into cancer over time. The condition becomes more serious since they can also spread to the other layers of the big intestine.

Risk Elements

A few genetic, medical, and modifiable risk factors for colon cancer include:

colorectal cancer in the family or on one’s own person

High levels of red and/or processed meat consumption

Continual smoking

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine use for an extended period of time

low calcium consumption

a lack of fruit and vegetable consumption

little consumption of whole-grain fiber

alcohol consumption ranging from light to heavy

Active inactivity

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is a personal health history

Obesity

diabetes type 2

Foods to eat for healthy colons

To stop malignancies from spreading, your colon needs the appropriate ratio of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, and flavonoids. Additionally important for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing bacteria buildup is dietary fiber. The food groups listed below can aid in the prevention of colon cancer.

Fish

Inflammation within the body can be decreased by eating fresh fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, a Vanderbilt University research team discovered that women who consume three servings of fish every week reduce their risk of colon polyps by about 33%.

Your best choices would be salmon that has been baked or smoked, tuna, and sardines because they are also high in calcium and vitamin D.

Fruits

Fruits are often high in fiber, phytochemicals specific to each species, and antioxidants that can help protect you from stomach issues.

Some of the best foods to eat for fiber include apples, blackberries, bananas, blueberries, oranges, pear, and raspberries.

vegetables without grains

Filling two-thirds of your plate with plant-based foods is recommended for general health as they are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. However, the American Diabetes Association advises placing a focus on non-starchy veggies to reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes, a condition that is another risk factor for colon cancer.

Incorporate lettuce, kale, cucumbers, artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, okra, and spinach into your diet at least three to five times a day.

Light Meat

For the formation of tissues, including the development of muscles, protein is essential. Additionally, since you should restrict your intake of red meat, skinless chicken or turkey would be healthier substitutes. Also a fantastic choice are eggs.

whole grains

Another fiber-rich food category that pairs well with fish, eggs, and white meat is whole grains. The healthiest choices for you would be quinoa, brown rice, barley, and oats.

Nuts

Consuming at least two one-ounce servings of nuts each week can lower your chance of developing type 2 diabetes by maintaining healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. Nuts can also aid in lowering your risk of developing colon cancer because they are abundant in healthful fatty acids, fiber, and flavonoids.

Tree nuts including almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and macadamia nuts would be your best choices.

Legumes and Beans

A fantastic amount of protein, fiber, vitamin B, and vitamin E is found in soybeans, lentils, peas, pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans. Beans and legumes not only support and preserve your colon, but they also lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Final Reflections

Healthy food choices are essential for preventing colon cancer. While this guide offers advice on which foods to consume in moderation and which to increase, it is still recommended that you see a doctor for a colorectal cancer screening because the disease doesn’t typically show signs until it has progressed to a more dangerous stage.