Overcoming colon cancer with diet

Foods to fight colon cancer

 In this chapter, we will be discussing how we can overcome colon cancer with our diet.

Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is a fast rising type of can­cer but often curable if you catch it early enough.

Some risk factors implicated in colon cancer include:

• Polyps-growths inside the co­lon and rectum that may turn into cancer.

• High fat diet

• Advance age

• Family history or personal history of colorectal cancer

• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

Some signs and symptoms include: blood in the stool, thin stools, a change in bowel habits and general abdominal discomfort. However, it may be without symptoms, and thus requires screening.

Treatment option include: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Notwithstanding, prevention they say is better than cure and one of the best ways to prevent colon cancer is through our diet.

Foods to include

• Fibre rich diet such as whole grains, brown rice, broccoli, and black beans.

• Calcium rich diet such as milk, broccoli, and cabbage.

• Folate rich food such as spinach, cauliflower, asparagus, and artichokes.

• Anthocyaninrich food such as blueberries and cherries.

• Lutein rich foods such as tomatoes, spinach, nectarines, and broccoli.

Foods to avoid

• Sodas and caffeine rich drinks

• Red meat and meat products

• Processed foods

Lifestyle modification

Modifying our lifestyle from a predominantly sedentary lifestyle to incorporating exercises like going for walks, jogging, and riding bicycles, as well as cutting down alcohol in­take, and cigarette smoking all serve to reduce our risk of colon cancer.

In conclusion, we may not be as in­formed about colon cancer as certain other cancers, but it nevertheless poses a major risk to our healthy life and peace of mind, which cannot be underestimated. By following the modifications and food choices listed above, we can guarantee many more years of life free from colon cancer.

The writer is aNutrionist and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Holistic Health Consult “Your health your wealth.”

E-mail; info@holistichealthconsult. org

 By Bernice Korkor Asare