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How Diet Affects the Colon
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Diet has a huge impact on your chances to get colon diseases. A healthy diet can protect you from problems in the colon. What you eat has an effect on your overall health, so why would your colon be any different?
The colon is a very important part of the whole digestive system since it is one of the last places where food is processed in your body. Different conditions have different impacts on the colon. You need to improve your diet to avoid scary diseases like ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, Crohn's disease, and colorectal cancer. The best treatment for all of the above conditions is to control your diet.
The Effect of Diet on Your Colon
Different foods impact the colon in different ways. Only 10% of all colon cancers are genetically hereditary so the biggest problem remains in the lifestyle. Below we will be exploring how some features of your diet can negatively impact your colon.
Red and Processed Meats
The American Cancer Society found that for every 100 grams of red meat or 50 grams of processed meats you eat, you increase your chances of getting cancer by 15-20%. Cut those hamburgers, bacon, hot dogs, and sausages from your diet to keep a healthy system. Processed meats are worse since they come with different preservatives added which increase chances of cancer. You can have red meats once or twice a week but keep it as low as you can.
Fiber Intake
A diet high in fiber improves overall colon health. There are many tasty fruits and vegetables that you can add in your diet that can boost your digestive system. This includes pears, apples, broccoli, corn, organs, bananas, peas, and artichokes. Nutritionists also recommend adding legumes and whole grains.
Fiber reduces the chance of constipation which lowers the risk of getting hemorrhoids. It also prevents buildup in small pouches within your colon that can lead to diverticular diseases.
Sugar
Diets which are low in fiber and high in sugar have adverse effects on the colon. It can cause Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This can also lead to obesity and weight gain which can impact how well your organs function.
Calcium
Increase in Vitamin D and calcium can decrease the chances of developing colorectal cancer. Do not consume too much calcium if you are a man though. Taking more than 2000 milligrams of calcium in a day can actually lead to prostate cancer. Everyone needs to take the recommended daily dose of calcium which is dependent on your age. You can drink milk or take leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and collard greens to boost your calcium intake.
Don’t Forget Screenings
It is important to schedule a colonoscopy to prevent any colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends getting regular screenings after you reach 45 years of age. Up to 95% of colorectal cancers are actually curable, but this can only happen if people keep up with their screenings. It’s all about catching it early.
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