Colon cancer is common in Western cultures where people consume more animal products and processed or refined foods, according to Dr. Joel Fuhrman and the Susan Cohan Kasdas Colon Cancer Foundation. As the health community embraces natural healing as an alternative and supplemental method to traditional medicine, more people are beating diseases through nutrition. Many health conditions and diseases such as colorectal cancer are preventable with healthy eating.
Insoluble and Soluble Fiber
Step 1
Eat a variety of foods containing insoluble fiber, such as whole wheat, vegetables and nuts. These provide roughage which helps maintain intestinal health. Although, health scientists are divided on the ability of fiber to prevent cancer, research shows that fiber "helps maintain bowel integrity and health," according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Consume plenty of soluble fiber through foods, such as whole oats, oatmeal, beans, barley, peas, citrus fruits, apples and carrots. These sources of fiber create a gel-like substance in the body which works to fight disease, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Prepare meals containing both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber from a variety of foods. Beans, fruits and vegetables provide more protection than other types of fiber, states the Susan Cohan Kasdas Colon Cancer Foundation, but it's important not to rely on one type of fiber.
Antioxidants
Step 1
Consume different types of whole foods that include essential cancer-fighting antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins C and D, and minerals, such as zinc and magnesium, and other nutrients which naturally work to keep free radicals from damaging cells, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Step 2
Ingest a variety of fruits for key antioxidant absorption, such as oranges, grapefruits, red grapes, figs and avocados; eat an ample variety of vegetables as well, such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, chili peppers and sweet potatoes, suggests The Cancer Cure Foundation. Not only will fruits and vegetables provide your body with a strong antioxidant defense against cancer-causing free radicals, but they will also provide needed fiber to help prevent cancer.
Step 3
Drink green or black tea for extra antioxidant protection. A report published in the "Journal of Cellular Biochemistry" in July 2001 claims that polyphenols found in green tea especially, as well as in olive oil and red wine, may offer protection from several types of cancer including colon and rectum cancers, notes the Cancer Cure Foundation.
Step 4
Take a daily multivitamin to supplement your diet. Safely take additional amounts of certain vitamin supplements like vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Some vitamin antioxidants such as vitamin D are difficult to get unless you're in the sun a lot. Registered dietitian and nurse Sarah Robertson in FYI Living notes that research indicates that a lack of vitamin D may increase the chance of developing colon cancer.
Other Food Preventatives
Step 1
Consume more foods with omega fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and olive oil. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and other foods are known to not only help protect against diseases such as heart disease, but also colon cancer, according to the Cancer Cure Foundation.
Step 2
Add spices to your meals, such as garlic, rosemary and turmeric. These have medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties and boost the immune system.
Step 3
Cut back on red meat, processed meats and other processed or refined foods. These disease-promoting foods don't contain fiber and lack antioxidants and phytochemicals to fight diseases such as colon cancer, according to the Susan Cohan Kasdas Colon Cancer Foundation.
Tips and Warnings
- Take aspirin and similar anti-inflammatory drugs for colon health as advised by your health care practitioner. These may also help to reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to a major colorectal study published April 30, 2010 in the "American Journal of Epidemiology," reports FYI Living.
- Schedule an appointment with your health care provider for an initial colon cancer screening test to ensure colorectal health. Follow up with regular screenings as recommended by your physician.
References
- The Susan Cohan Kasdas Colon Cancer Foundation: Diet Can Promote or Prevent Colon Cancer
- Mayo Clinic: Dietary Fiber: Essential For a Healthy Diet
- The Cancer Cure Foundation: Cancer Fighting Foods/Spices
- FYI Living: Sunshine & Aspirin May Prevent Colon Cancer
- National Institutes of Health; "Beta-carotene and Other Carotenoids as Antioxidants--Abstract; Paiva SA, Russell RM; October 1999
