Nutritional Guidelines for Colon Cancer Prevention

Most commonly, colon cancer occurs in people that are over the age of 35, according to the American Cancer Society. There are well over 100,000 people in America diagnosed with this life threatening disease every year. Fortunately, this type of cancer is quite easy to prevent. Quite simply, the real key to defeating colon cancer is the early detection of the disease. With proper nutrition, experts contend that many cases of colon cancer can be prevented. While early detection is important, it is even more important to emphasize prevention.

A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is the first step in the prevention of colon cancer. Even the National Cancer Institute has established guidelines for eating foods known to be effective in the prevention of colon cancer. By following a few pointers, it is possible to prevent the onset of this disease, or lessen the severity should it be diagnosed. Some tips to follow would include:

High Fiber: Make sure you eat foods that are rich in fiber as this will help keep your colon healthy and functioning regularly. Some high fiber foods include legumes, beans, wheat bran, nuts and vegetables.

Alcohol: Cut back or stop drinking alcoholic beverages altogether. Studies have linked excessive drinking with colon cancer
Water: Drink at least eight 8oz. glasses of water a day. If you find that you need to urinate at least 5 or 6 times per day then you are drinking the proper amount of water.

Red Meat: Try to avoid eating a lot of red meat. Red meat is not as easily digested and can cause colon issues. You should also try to limit the amount of pork to no more than once a week.

Calcium: Begin a daily regime of a good high calcium supplement. Calcium is very important in colon health because it protects the colon from carcinogens.

A Colon Cleanse

In addition to eating foods that are rich in vitamins and fiber, you might also consider doing a colon cleanse at least once every 4 months. Colon cleansing will remove toxins and also help you adsorb much needed nutrients. There are many colon cleansing products available. It is better to look for a high quality product which includes bentonite clay.

The healthier your colon is, the less prone you will be to constipation. By following some nutritional guidelines, you can decrease your risk of colon cancer. Not only will you be taking good care of your colon, but you may find you feel better overall. Proper nutrition and exercise can make you feel more energetic. Talk to your doctor for advice on colon cancer prevention. Most doctors have a list of foods with their nutritional value that could guide you on your path to a healthy, cancer-free colon.