Top 6 Ways to Keep Your Colon Healthy and Cancer-Free
For years, turning 50 was accompanied by a special birthday message from your doctor: It’s time for a colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the message is coming sooner rather than later today. Most people are actually advised to get their first colonoscopy at least by 45, as per the American Cancer Society.
And rightfully so, the prevalence of cancer is on the rise, yet it is one of the deadliest cancers in the USA. As a matter of fact, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the states. To make matters worse, younger people are more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer than older people.
Is there anything you can do about it? Here are six ways to keep your colon healthy and cancer-free:
Top 6 Ways to Keep Your Colon Healthy and Cancer-Free
- Consume a Colon-Friendly Diet.
Consume plenty of fibre-rich whole grains, veggies and fruits. Peas, pears, apples, carrots, broccoli, beans, lentils, berries. seeds and nuts are all great choices. Fibre enhances the feeling of fullness and encourages regular bowel movements. Vegetables and fruits are also rich in antioxidants that encourage regular bowel motions as well.
As such, consuming 25-35 grams of fibre per day is essential for keeping a healthy colon. Make an effort to include these foods in your everyday diet.
You should also reduce your intake of red meat and processed meals. Saturated fats found in red and processed meats have been linked to colon cancer. Fish, poultry and beans fish are all good sources of lean protein.
- Drink Plenty of Water.
Staying hydrated can be as simple as keeping track of how much water you drink or setting water goals for the day. At least 8 glasses of water a day will do. Toxins might build up in your body if you aren’t adequately hydrated. Since avoiding toxins is nearly impossible in today’s world, drinking water can aid in the faster passage of pollutants and waste through your colon.
- Maintain Your Physical Fitness
Physically active people have a 24% decreased risk of colon cancer than those who are not. As such, if you can, try to work out on most days of the week, or aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity. Exercise is good for your colon and it also keeps your heart healthier.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight.
The BMI (Body Mass Index) is crucial in keeping your colon healthy. Studies show that obese people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Carrying excess pounds raises your chance of colon cancer. It also raises your chances of getting kidney, pancreas, oesophagus, rectum, as well as malignancies of the breast (in postmenopausal women). If you’re struggling with your weight, talk to your doctor about it.
- Avoid Smoking and Limit Your Alcohol Intake.
Colon cancer is linked to drinking alcohol. Drinking stimulates the liver to work harder, causing more toxins to travel through the colon. Smoking is well-known as a cause of lung cancer, but it has also been related to other malignancies, such as colon cancer.
If you must consume alcohol, do it in moderation. For women, this implies no more than one drink per day, and for men, no more than two drinks per day. If you smoke, give it up. Your doctor may be able to give you advice or recommend you to a program that can assist you with quitting.
- Regular Testing and Screening.
Follow colon cancer screening standards that are correct for you based on your age, risk factors, and family history. This is one of the most significant cancer-preventive methods available. Granted, prevention is better than cure. A colonoscopy can even prevent cancer by detecting precancerous abnormalities known as polyps and eliminating them before they become cancerous.
Keeping Your Colon Healthy Is Not a Choice
With simple actions like changing your lifestyle and diet, you can reduce weariness, constipation and regularity, all of which improve your cancer health. Since the American Cancer Society reveals that colorectal cancer affects one in 24 women and 22 men at some point in their lives, it’s high time everyone takes the time to avoid colon cancer. As such, take these 6 key tips and implement them in your life for a healthier colon!
