Colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ is one of the most common ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ types in the world. Although not as deadly as others, it is still dangerous and should be caught as early as possible – in this cases, thesurvival rate goes up tremendously. According to latest research, this type of ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ can be prevented by avoiding some simple things we do every day. The unhealthy diet and lifestyle of today’s society is one of the main risk factors for colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ as are low vitamin D levels and consuming red meat and processed food.
Scientists have recently discovered that red meat is one of the main risk factors for the disease. The colon is an important elimination organ which needs to be kept healthy and clean in order for everything in the body to function properly. If affected by one or other factor, it will fail to eliminate toxins and may cause various ailments.
Statistics say that 5-10% of colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ cases are the result of genetics, while 20% are caused by infections. 30% have been caused by smoking while 35% are caused by poor and unhealthy diet. The rest of the cases are attributed to our unhealthy lifestyle. Furthermore, there are some common things we all do that can raise the risk of colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ. Take a look at them
1. Not enough fiber in your diet
Fiber from food is known to better the digestion, so, adding 10 grams to your diet, lowers the risk of ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ by 10%! You can consume plums, flaxseed, and Chia seeds.
2. Not eating enough fruit and vegetables
This is one of the biggest mistakes we all make. Fresh fruit and veggies are essential for proper health and contain a host of nutrients that can protect your body from numerous diseases. Some fresh produce contains phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation and the risk of ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ as well. We suggest including leafy green vegetables, apples and plums in your diet in order to prevent colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ.
3. Regulate your vitamin D levels
In order to increase the levels of vitamin D, we need the sunlight; however, there are also supplements and also foods which naturally contain this vitamin.
4. Avoid processed foods
Processed foods are highly dangerous and significantly increase the risk of numerous ailments including colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ.
5. Eliminate red meat from your diet
Newest studies have shown that red meat can cause colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ. However, the issue isn’t the meat itself, but the way it’s made. Hence, red meat is often genetically modified and the cows from which it comes are not grass-fed but fed with glyphosate that destroys the good bacteria in the gut and causes further complications.
6. Unhealthy weight
Unfit people are more prone to the risk of numerous serious diseases including colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ. According to experts, excess belly fat is highly dangerous and one of the reasons that lead towards colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ.
7. Sedentary lifestyle
Poor physical activity increases the chance of ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ by 30 to 40%. Namely, when you’re physically active on a daily basis, you improve the blood flow and neutralize harmful pathogens in the body and thus, decrease the chance of ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ. Exercising on a regular basis is also a good way to strengthen the immunity and prevent different diseases.
8. Alcohol abuse
Having a drink or two a day isn’t a problem, but drinking big amounts of alcohol is one of the main causes of colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ and other health concerns.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a very healthy veggie which possesses potent antibacterial characteristics which can lower the risk of ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ. Garlic is so potent that it will strengthen your immunity and help it fight off illnesses and infections easier.
Other tips for prevention of colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ
Eating a healthy diet and staying physically active is key if you want to steer clear from colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ. This is especially important for people over 50 who are more prone to the disease. If you think that you may be suffering from colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ, schedule a colonoscopy instead of blood tests which aren’t always reliable. Of course, not all of the symptoms of colon ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ can indicate the disease – some of them can be a sign of polyps and benign digestive diseases.
References: omanday.com, q-gossip.com