Care for Your Colon by Eating More of These Foods | Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons (2024)

The CDC indicates us that colon cancer is the third most common cancer that affects both men and women. Sadly, colorectal cancer is also rising among young people.

Now more than ever, it’s important to make sure that you are proactively taking the steps to be sure your colon is healthy early in life!

The rise in colon cancer cases may be happening due to our frequency in eating unhealthy fast and processed food. The good news is that you can take proactive measures against colorectal cancer and disease by modifying your diet.

The Value of Whole Foods and Fiber in Our Diet

Whole foods such as grains along with fiber-dense fruits and vegetables contain more colon-friendly vitamins and nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals than refined grains like white rice and white flour. They can help you to stay regulated and prevent constipation, and they lower the risk of hemorrhoids and colon polyps, which both have the potential to become cancerous.

What to Eat

Begin with whole foods, and reduce consumption of red meat and sugar.

Whole grains are rich in fiber and will help to cleanse the colon. Oats, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are all great sources. Try to incorporate 3 – 5 servings per day into your meals.

Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and most leafy greens are fiber-dense and are always healthy choices. Spinach and chard can be included here too. Two-thirds of your dinner plate should contain healthy veggies. Serve broccoli steamed on its own or mixed in with some of your favorite recipes. Try teriyaki chicken with broccoli, but be sure to substitute brown rice in place of white.

Salmon, sardines, and trout are all loaded with omega 3 fats, which are good for the colon and help to reduce and prevent cancer cells from developing.

Seeds are a healthy snack food that helps care for your colon while also keeping you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. For example, one teaspoon of chia seeds is equal to 10 grams of fiber.

Beans and lentils, also known as legumes, have tons of fiber and can reduce your risk of colon cancer. Try this black bean and spinach enchiladas recipe for a delicious and healthful meal that is great for your colon.

Yogurt contains probiotics, which introduce healthy bacteria to your gut to decrease your risk of colon cancer. As a bonus, it will also decrease any gas you may experience from eating loads of beans and leafy vegetables.

Fruits like apples, pears, raspberries, oranges, and bananas are all delicious, sweet, and full of fiber.

Some Caution

Drink more water as you add fiber to your diet. It is also advised to add the fiber slowly or you will risk lots of uncomfortable and frequent trips to the bathroom.

The American Cancer Society tells us, “Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet reduce the risk of CRC by more than one-third (37%).”