Dairy products that are full of calcium can help lower your risk of developing growths in your colon. Cheese, yogurt and milk are particularly good sources of dairy.
Eating a high-fiber diet is good for overall intestinal and colon health. The American Institute for Cancer Research and ACS recommend aiming for at least 30 grams of fiber from food sources each day. Focus on incorporating a variety of whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans into your diet.
Foods high in sugar – Foods with simple sugars such as sweets desserts candy and sweetened drinks provide little nutrition and may be taking the place of more nutritious foods like fruits vegetables and lean meats. Eating high sugar foods also contributes to obesity which is a significant risk factor for colon cancer.
A recent meta-analysis showed that dietary patterns rich in calcium in dairy foods may decrease the incidence of colorectal adenomas, which was precancerous lesions of colorectal cancer (31).
Highlights. There is strong evidence that dairy products are protective against colorectal cancer. The effect of dairy products in reducing colorectal cancer risk is likely mediated, at least in part, by calcium.
Yogurt, which contains probiotics as well as calcium and vitamin D—two nutrients that lower your risk for colon cancer—is a natural disease-fighter. It is also rich in fiber and other byproducts that promote healthy bowel activity and help guard against polyps and tumors in the colon.
As part of a balanced diet, eggs contribute to a healthy digestive tract and can be helpful during acute digestive problems. In addition to being packed with nutrients, eggs are usually easy to digest compared to some other high-protein foods, such as meat and legumes.
Because of their impressive fiber content, avocados make a great addition to any colon-healthy diet. Research has shown that a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is linked with a decreased risk of colon cancer.
Healthy Choices
Some studies suggest that people may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer by increasing physical activity, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco.
“We found that when you damage your gut, the immune system produces hepcidin in the intestines,” Dr. Sonnenberg said. “Hepcidin instructs immune cells called macrophages that eat red blood cells to sequester iron away from gut bacteria, and this is an essential step that allows the intestine to heal.”
Just like processed meats, processed grains can also increase your risk of colon cancer. Refined grains in white bread and other white flour foods can increase blood sugar levels, which lead to insulin resistance. This can raise your risk of colon cancer—as well as other cancers like kidney cancer.
Potatoes contain fiber, resistant starch, phenolic acids and polyphenols that are shown to be protective against colon cancer.
That's because the resistant starch in unripe bananas can reduce the risk of some cancers by more than 60 percent, according to a 20-year international study. The Colorectal Adenoma/Carcinoma Prevention Programme (CAPP2) study found that resistant starch reduces a range of cancers by over 60 percent.
Mutations in certain genes can cause cells to continue dividing even when new cells aren't needed. In the colon and rectum, this unregulated growth can cause polyps to form. Polyps can develop anywhere in your large intestine.
If you are not at high risk, Medicare covers your test in full once every 10 years. If your colonoscopy is done to diagnose a problem, you'll pay 20% of the cost. Medicare has no minimum or maximum age limit for a screening colonoscopy, and you pay nothing if your health care provider accepts Medicare assignment.
When it comes to colon health, fiber in whole grains — like oats, barley, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread and pasta — may reduce your risk of colon cancer, according to a September 2020 cohort study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Summary Resistant starch in potatoes is a source of nutrition for beneficial gut bacteria. They convert it to the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which has been linked to reduced inflammation in the colon, improved colon defenses and a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Lemon Juice
With the high amount of antioxidant properties lemon juice contains, lemon juice is another drink that can be used for colon cleansing. Mix lemon juice with sea salt, honey, and a glass of lukewarm water. For best results, drink this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach.
Greek yogurt is packed with “healthy” bacteria called probiotics. These “live microorganisms” help create a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. They work to help improve digestive function, promote regularity, and help the immune system function at its best.