Colon cancer is one of the most common cancer 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 cancer 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 cancer 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 cancer 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 cancer. Take a look at them:
Not enough fiber in your diet
Fiber is absolutely essential for properly functioning colon. It boosts digestion and improves the absorption of nutrients and can be found in chia seeds, plums, apples, lemon and flaxseeds.
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 cancer as well. We suggest including leafy green vegetables, apples and plums in your diet in order to prevent colon cancer.
Regulate your vitamin D levels
Vitamin D is important for numerous processes in the body – in order to optimize its levels, you should sunbath more and eat more vitamin D-rich foods as well.
Avoid processed foods
Processed foods are highly dangerous and significantly increase the risk of numerous ailments including colon cancer.
Eliminate red meat from your diet
As we mentioned before, red meat has been found to increase the risk of cancer. The problem is not the meat itself – it’s that the cows are fed with grains full of glyphosate, a known carcinogen that can damage our health beyond repair.
Unhealthy weight
Unfit people are more prone to the risk of numerous serious diseases including colon cancer. According to experts, excess belly fat is highly dangerous and one of the reasons that lead towards colon cancer.
Physical inactivity
Colon cancer is quickly becoming a major health concern due to our increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Physical inactivity keeps the blood flow steady which allows toxins and pathogens to accumulate in the tissues and cause major health problems.
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 cancer and other health concerns.
Garlic
Adding garlic to your diet can reduce the risk of colon and other types of cancer. Garlic is a healthy vegetable that can treat numerous diseases and conditions and improve your immune system.
Other tips for prevention of colon cancer
Eating a healthy diet and staying physically active is key if you want to steer clear from colon cancer. 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 cancer, schedule a colonoscopy instead of blood tests which aren’t always reliable. Of course, not all of the symptoms of colon cancer can indicate the disease – some of them can be a sign of polyps and benign digestive diseases.