Colon Cancer Post Surgery Diet

Colon cancer is a fatal disease affecting a large percentage of the population in the US. The most common treatment for colon cancer is through surgery. However, after surgery, a special diet needs to be followed to ensure optimal recovery. It is important to be aware of the ideal colon cancer post surgery diet to ensure faster healing. Typically, just after the surgery, the body will be unable to digest any food. Hence, the patient is required to stay in the hospital for around three days, during which time fluids are administered intravenously.

High Fiber and Soothing Foods

One of the first things physicians recommend about a colon cancer post surgery diet is not to consume higher amounts of fiber. Although the presence of high fiber content in the food helps prevent a relapse of cancer cells, these foods also make the digestive system work very hard. Since surgery puts strain on the digestive tract, only soothing foods should be consumed. After a couple of weeks post surgery, consumption of legumes and bananas is advised to help supply the body with essential vitamins and nutrition. Such foods are easy on the digestive system, and as a result, cause less strain on the body. One of the major side effects of colon cancer surgery is diarrhea. Because of this, consumption of soothing foods like steamed rice or applesauce helps. These types of foods, being rich in protein, help the body in regaining strength.

Lean Meats and Berries

All types of berries contain a large concentration of antioxidants. Consumption of berries as part of the colon cancer post surgery diet helps prevent any subsequent contamination of the colonic walls. Common berry foods include blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, all of which provide vitamin C, and protect the body from free radicals. Fatty foods make an individual more susceptible to colon cancer. Therefore, the ideal colon cancer post surgery diet should include lean meats such as fish and chicken. Red meats, as well as saturated fats, need to be strictly avoided. Keeping a record of the kinds of foods eaten, the timing of meals, quantities included in every meal, as well as digestive issues arising as a result, will help identify triggers for such problems.

Foods to Be Avoided

Certain foods are to be strictly avoided when following a colon cancer post surgery diet. These include fruit juices or fruits very rich in fiber, vegetables with high fiber content, whole grain breads or cereals, cabbage, onions, fatty or rich foods, beer, carbonated drinks etc. Initially, the focus of the diet will be on liquid foods to help the digestive system ease into normalcy. Gradually, as more solids are introduced into the diet, liquid supplements may be advised to help with overall health. Though diarrhea is a common side effect of radiation therapy, the physician would still advise continuing liquid based foods. Only after a few weeks is the intake of high fiber foods advisable.

The best colon cancer post surgery diet will involve intake of foods, which are high in nutritional content yet easy to digest. Soft diets based on liquids and semi-solids are recommended. Though colon cancer can be treated through surgery, prevention is the best alternative. Colon cleansing helps clear toxins from deep inside colon walls, thereby preventing occurrence of cancer.