How to Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer

Many people are seeking information on how to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Among the risk factors for this disease are age, heredity, diet, and lifestyle. People over 50 years old have higher chances of getting it and those with a family history of colon cancer are also more likely to be prone to the disease. People who are fond of eating meat and processed foods are at risk of developing colon cancer, especially as they grow older. You may have noticed, the majority of the risk factors are quite controllable. In fact, only two of them are not within your control, age and heredity, while the others can very well be managed. Thus, it is important that you know how to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Step 1: Know Which Foods to Avoid

Processed foods and fast foods should be taken out of the diet because these are high in trans fatty acids. Studies show that a daily intake of 6.5 grams of trans fatty acids can increase the likelihood of getting precancerous cells in the colon by 86%. Cured meat should also be avoided because a carcinogenic element called nitrosamine is released during the curing process. The same goes for smoked foods too, because this can cause the growth of tumors in the colon. Grilled meals should be kept at minimum as well, because grilled and charcoaled foods contain heterocylic amines, known to also trigger cancer cell growth.

Step 2: Know Which Vitamins and Minerals to Take

Vitamins known to cut the risk of colon cancer are B6, C, D, and E. Vitamin B6 lowers the risk for men and women over the age of 40 by about 34%. Daily intake of 157mg of Vitamin C reduces the risk of developing this disease by about 50%. Vitamin D also helps fight colon cancer, and a 1993 study conducted at the University of Minnesota analyzing more than 30,000 women found that this vitamin can also cut risks by 50%. Aside from vitamins, people who know how to reduce the risk of colon cancer also take sufficient levels of folate, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium in their diet or through supplements.

Step 3: Know How to Cleanse the Body

Knowing how to reduce the risk of colon cancer entails a broad understanding of certain colon cleansing methods. The large intestines where the colon is located serve as a sewage system of the body. When waste matters are not properly eliminated, these harmful substances stick to the walls of the colon. And if they are not removed for over a long period of time, they will destroy good bacteria and cause abnormalities in the cells. There are many ways to perform colon cleansing, but the safest would be perhaps to undergo fasting, as well as the intake of natural ingredients and organic herbs that help flush out the wastes in the large intestines.

People who want to know how to reduce the risk of colon cancer need to understand that it is always very important to start now, before it is too late. Following the aforementioned guidelines is key to living a life free from colon cancer.