If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, it is important to know what foods to eat. The most common foods that a person can eat are meat and dairy products.
However, the diet should also include vegetables and fruits in moderation.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the innermost lining, the colon. Colon cancer can also be called colorectal or intestinal cancer and it may start as early as your 20s up to age 80.
The most common risk factors for developing this condition are obesity, smoking, family history, diabetes mellitus (type II or not), long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
What foods should you eat with colon cancer?
According to Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, M.D., “Whole grains are a powerhouse for good bacteria and help keep your colon healthy” as well as other important nutrients such as fiber and vitamins B-12, E, zinc and selenium.
If you’re wondering what foods should be eaten with colorectal cancer this is an excellent place to start!
What are the best ways to prevent colon cancer?
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
- Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Maintain a healthy weight by eating well and staying active.
- You can also reduce your risk of developing colon cancer through screening tests such as colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and CT colonography.
- Get screened for polyps every five years starting at age 50 if you’ve never had cancer or other GI diseases in the past.
- If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, get screened more often than that: twice per year when first diagnosed and yearly thereafter until diagnosis.
- Personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- Personal history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
- Women with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC) are at increased risk of developing early-onset colon and rectal cancers that have a stronger likelihood of being missed during screening examinations such as flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- Anyone with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and familial adenomatous polyposis) is at risk for developing cancer in the colon.
Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables but avoid those that are high in fiber because they might cause irritation on an inflamed gut wall caused by colorectal cancers
Liquid intake must be limited due making you more likely to experience nausea and vomiting. Drink smaller amounts of fluids more frequently in order to keep the amount you drink within your capacity for the day.
Pay attention to what you eat and drink but keep in mind that nutrition is an important part of managing your colorectal cancer, so be sure to make wise choices for yourself.
What are the foods that have been linked with colon cancer?
There are many different foods that have been linked with colon cancer. Some of these include red meat, processed meats (such as bacon), and other high-fat foods.
Even though there is a connection between some types of food to increased risk for developing colorectal cancer, it does not mean that you should avoid eating them altogether in order to prevent the disease.
Red meat is known for being high in saturated fat and has been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, but it also provides many important nutrients such as protein, zinc, iron, B vitamins (B12), folate, and vitamin D. Eating small portions of red meat two or three times a week is considered safe.
Processed meats, such as bacon or sausage, are high in salt and nitrates which can lead to an increased risk of colorectal cancer because they change the acidity of the stomach’s lining. One study found that people who ate more than two servings per day had a 40% higher chance of developing the disease.
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, talk to your doctor about what types of food are best for you. S/he will be able to help you make a diet plan that is right for your needs and lifestyle.
There’s no single way to eat or drink without getting colon cancer because it all depends on what type of cancer you have.
The best thing to do is talk with your doctor about what types of food are best
Foods to Help Lower Your Colon Cancer Risk
A diet high in fiber has been found to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, and vegetables such as carrots and whole grains can also be helpful with lowering your chances for this disease.
Eating foods that contain essential fats like nuts is another way to increase your body’s protection against colorectal polyps, which are growths on our intestines associated with an increased risk factor for developing colon cancer.
- Green leafy vegetables, carrots, and whole grains are some examples of foods that contain a lot of fiber.
- The same goes for broccoli too! Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which helps block enzymes that lead to the production of carcinogens.
- Asparagus is also a great veggie to eat if you have colon cancer because it contains anti-cancer agents that can help stop or slow down cellular changes in your cells, thus preventing tumor growth.
- Nuts can also be helpful as they provide essential fats for our body – one study revealed that people who consumed nuts frequently were less likely to develop colorectal polyps than those not consuming them.
Can Salmon Prevent Cancer?
Apparently, salmon is a great food to eat if you have cancer. This type of fish has omega-three fatty acids which can help prevent colon and prostate cancers by lowering the level of arachidonic acid in your body
If you are not a fan of salmon, there are alternatives such as tuna or even eggs. Eggs can be an excellent source of protein and it also has some fatty acids in them to help prevent cancer.
What fruits are in your diet?
Fruits are a great food to eat with colon cancer because they contain antioxidants that help beat the disease.
You can make your favorite fruit salads, add some strawberries and blueberries to yogurt or cereal for breakfast, start off lunch by eating an apple salad (including walnuts), use oranges in lieu of bread when making sandwiches for dinner, and top ice cream sundaes with cherries.
Berries and grapes are a great source of antioxidants, while onions contain cancer-fighting properties.
Fruits also provide the body with fiber which helps it stay regular so that you’re not feeling bloated all day long.
Fruits to eat:
- Strawberries (high in vitamin C)
- Blueberries (contain anthocyanins – powerful anti-oxidants)
- Apples (provides soluble fiber for digestive health & contains pectin – recognized as an effective treatment against colorectal polyps)
- Oranges( high amounts of Vitamin A; rich in folic acid, calcium and magnesium) Cherries (anti-inflammatory agent can reduce swelling
- Pineapple (helps with digestion & contains bromelain – a natural proteolytic enzyme that can help digest proteins)
- Peaches (contains polyphenols which are great for heart health)
- Grapes (high in antioxidants such as resveratrol, quercetin and myricetin. These are important for protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals).
Fruits to avoid:
- Figs, dates, persimmons and prunes- these fruits have high levels of sugar content.
- Bananas also contain too much sugar.
- Avocados should be eaten sparingly because they’ve been linked to increased cancer risk when consumed daily over periods of time.
- Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit should also be eaten sparingly.
What are the best sources of lean protein?
Lean protein is an important part of any diet, and it’s especially important for people with colorectal cancer. This is because the colon has a very high concentration of cells in this area that can become malignant when exposed to carcinogens from food or other substances.
The best sources of lean protein are fatty fish (salmon, tuna), low-fat dairy products like yogurt and skim milk, beans, green peas, tofu/soybeans, and egg whites.
It’s recommended to have at least three servings per day, with one being a lean protein.
For people who are lactose intolerant, soy products and eggs whites are great substitutes for dairy.
Plant proteins are also an option for people who want to avoid animal products, but they’re not as high in protein. Sources of plant protein include soybeans, beans, peas, and green vegetables.
What are the different types of liquids?
The different types of liquids you can drink with colon cancer are water, juice, milk, and broth.
If you have difficulty swallowing, try a fruit-flavored liquid like an apple or cranberry juice.
Remember to avoid hot drinks such as coffee because they cause stomach acid production and gas which may worsen bloating and discomfort in the abdomen area.
What are the risks of dairy products?
By eating dairy products, you can be at a higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Dairy is linked with an increased risk for colorectal cancer due to the high levels of calcium and protein found in these foods. These two components are what promote acid production in the digestive system which increases your chances of getting this type of cancer.
It’s important to know that not all types of milk have been shown to cause problems though such as skimmed and low-fat milk because they do not contain much fat or animal proteins like whole milk does.
This will help lower intestinal pH which reduces the absorption rate from food particles into gut cells where it could turn into a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent).
Conversely, people who consume more dairy are also at a higher risk of getting colon cancer. Diets high in sugar, fat, and animal protein have been linked to an increased chance of colorectal cancer because all these components increase your body’s acidity which lowers the pH levels in your digestive system.
What is a low-residue, low fiber diet?
A low residue, low fiber diet is meant to keep the stool soft and get food through your system easily.
The foods you’ll eat will not have many fibers in them but it’s important that they are healthy and nutritious so you can stay nourished while on this diet.
Examples of foods include:
- Eggs,
- Meat,
- Poultry without skin or bones,
- Peeled fruits,
- and vegetables such as bananas,
- applesauce,
- or canned fruit packed in water or light syrup.
What are the foods you should avoid?
It’s always a good idea to avoid junk food, but if you have colon cancer, there are a few other foods you should avoid. In particular, be careful of high-fat and processed foods, which contain a lot of fat and salt.
While fat isn’t the enemy, it’s best to avoid saturated and trans fats and limit your intake of these foods.
Avoid red meat, processed meats, and preserved fish
Stay away from sugar products like cakes, cookies, and soda
The foods you should avoid differ somewhat depending on whether or not your colon cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
If your colon cancer has spread to other organs, you should avoid foods that are high in fat, and foods that are high in sugar.
What should I do with raw meats and eggs?
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and eggs if you have colon cancer. Cook meats thoroughly to avoid contracting any bacterial infections from food that is not cooked enough for safety. When cooking eggs, heat the egg all the way through.
Avoid eating fruits, vegetables, nuts & grains contaminated by manure such as animal feces when handling animals—animals can carry disease pathogens on their fur which are transferred to plants they touch during feeding (manure). Do not drink untreated water.
If you are not sure what to do about raw meat or egg whites, it is best to avoid them altogether until your doctor has given you permission.
Can colon cancer be cured with diet?
A colon cancer diagnosis can be difficult and frightening, but the best chance for improved health is following a healthy diet that limits red meat intake and includes sufficient fiber in order to maintain bowel regularity.
If you have colon cancer, there is no cure. However, the tumor may shrink with treatment and can sometimes be removed surgically.
The best chance to improve your health after diagnosis is to follow a healthy diet that limits red meat intake and includes sufficient fiber in order to maintain bowel regularity.
Other options are less effective but still worth it for your general health: eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; limit fat consumption including animal fats such as butter or lard; drink lots of fluids like water or decaffeinated tea without sugar; avoid alcohol if you’re taking an anti-inflammatory medication because these medications interfere with how the liver processes alcohol which leads to worsened symptoms like pain, nausea, and vomiting from what’s called hepatic dysfunction.
