The colon is also known as the large intestine. It is important in digestion because it is where water and many nutrients get absorbed into the body. Diseases of the colon can be caused by a poor diet and result in malnutrition. The best diet for colon health adheres to federal dietary guidelines and is centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins.
Colonic Diseases
Colonic diseases can impact digestion. Treatments for colonic diseases are condition-specific and can involve diet, medications or surgery. Medline Plus says colon cancer, ulcerative colitis (UC), diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are colonic diseases. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by ulcers in the colon. Diverticulitis occurs when abnormal pouches in the colon get inflamed and infected. IBS is a digestive disorder that causes abdominal cramping, diarrhea or constipation, gas, bloating and mucus in the stool.
Colon Cancer
Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) says a healthy diet can help prevent colon cancer. They advocate eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and fish one to three times per week. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which JHM says can protect against colon cancer. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that may also protect against cancer and can benefit cancer patients by stimulating the nervous system and increasing appetite. JHM also recommends limiting red meat, excess salt, saturated fats and alcohol.
Ulcerative Colitis
The University of Virginia Health System (UVHS) says people with ulcerative colitis are at risk for malnutrition, which can result in fatigue and the inability to fight infections. Consuming enough calories and protein is important because rapid weight loss can occur due to diarrhea and loss of appetite. Adequate calorie and protein intake supports a healthy weight, prevents loss of muscle mass and promotes healing of ulcers. Iron is particularly important because iron levels often drop due to blood loss from the colon. Iron rich foods include meat, fish, poultry and spinach. Individuals with UC who have diarrhea should drink plenty of water to replace fluid losses and prevent dehydration.
Diverticulitis
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) says a high-fiber, low-fat diet can help prevent diverticulitis. Fibrous foods that are naturally low-fat include fruits, vegetables and whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta or bread, barley, bulgur, quinoa, oats and corn meal. Other low-fat foods include low-fat dairy products and lean proteins like skinless chicken breast, ground turkey, fish, seafood, tofu, nuts, beans and legumes. Foods to limit on a low-fat diet include deep-fried foods, fast foods, desserts and pastries, and foods made with a lot of butter, oil, lard, shortening, cream, cheese or margarine.
IBS
The Mayo Clinic says certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms like chocolate, milk, alcohol, carbonated beverages, certain fruits and vegetables, dairy products, caffeine and sugar-free candies or gum. Patients with IBS should experiment with dietary fiber because it may improve or worsen IBS symptoms. Those who cannot eat high fiber foods may tolerate fiber supplements when introduced gradually and taken with plenty of water. People with IBS should avoid known trigger foods, eat at the same time every day to regulate colon function and drink plenty of water.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is part of a healthy diet, and the Mayo Clinic and UMMC say regular exercise can help prevent diverticulitis and IBS symptoms. Physical activity also supports a healthy weight and helps prevent and treat obesity, a risk factor for colon cancer. Federal guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week for general health. Sixty to 90 minutes is recommended for weight maintenance and weight loss.
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