Diets To Help Prevent Colon Cancer

Prevent Colon Cancer – Fruits and Vegetables

Even if no single type of cancer is entirely preventable, the risk of colon cancer can be lowered by regularly exercising and eating a healthy diet. Screening can begin at the age of fifty for people with an average risk of developing colon cancer. Those, with a high risk, whose family has a history of colon cancer, may start colon cancer screening earlier. American, Indians and African-Americans should consider screening for colon cancer as early as the age of 45. Diet has been known to have an influence on the general well-being of an individual as far as health is concerned. Diet should be considered to ensure the risk of colon cancer is minimized as much as possible.

Fruits and Vegetables Help Prevent Colon Cancer

Fruits and vegetables contain a wide range of substances known to be beneficial to the health and wellness of an individual. These nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin E, dietary fiber and carotenoids. Complex plant components are also present like phytochemicals such as flavonoids. A number of phytochemicals and vitamins are known to be antioxidants. They destroy harmful free-radicals present in the body that cause diseases. Fruits and vegetables are beneficial to the body not only due to their different components, but also the interactions resulting from these components. This is the reason dietary supplements that contain isolated minerals or vitamins are not as beneficial as the fruits and vegetables themselves. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures that you get essential vitamins and minerals for good health.

Fiber Content
You should opt for foods that have high fiber content. A diet rich in fiber is known to reduce the risk of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and aids in combating colon cancer. Fiber feeds bacteria present in the intestines and nourishes cells of the large intestine. This is believed to promote healing and reduces development of colon cancer. Foods with insoluble fiber such as wheat bran and some vegetables do not feed bacteria well. Nonetheless, they are helpful in deactivating toxins in the large intestines. A high intake of such high fiber content foods reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. It is recommended for women to eat 25g of fiber per day and men 30g.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Smoking
If you choose to drink, reduce the amount you consume per day. For women, it is recommended not to have more than one drink each day; men should take less than two. Smoking also increases chances of developing other types of cancer such as lung cancer. If possible, you should quit drinking and smoking to live a healthy life.

Seek Advise From A Doctor And Dietitian

Consumption of red meat should be avoided as much as possible. You can opt for fleshy foods such as fish that are very nutritious. Avoid eating too much of processed and less cured meats such as ham, bacon and sausages. Foods rich in calcium should be incorporated into the diet such as milk and yogurt. Above all, you need to visit your dietitian for advice on foods that are beneficial in preventing colon cancer. There are many healthy foods a person can eat but your doctor or dietitian are the people you should seek out for advise. This article is for informational purposes only and not replace advise of your doctor. He may be able to help you prevent colon cancer.