Colon cancer is a very common issue that affects millions of people around the globe every year. If it’s caught in time, the death rate is not so high, but it’s even better if you can prevent it from happening entirely which is possible if you just know some basic measures you need to take.
Function of the Colon
The colon is an essential organ with many functions, one of which is toxins and waste elimination. In order for tit to do its function properly, the colon needs to be healthy and clean, or otherwise its function will be obstructed. Obstructed colon function will inevitably lead to toxins and waste accumulation and this can result in a number of health problems.
Colon Cancer Prevention
Experts say that for a healthy colon we need to follow a healthy diet regimen, rich in vegetables and fruits, food rich in fibers and have balanced vitamin D levels. We need to lower or completely eliminate processed food, full of sugars and empty calories, as well as red meat since it’s considered to be one of the biggest cancer-causing foods and many experts link it to the onset of colon cancer.
Colon Cancer – Main causes
Genetics are the cause of 5-10% of all colon cancers, unhealthy diet causes 35% of colon cancers while smoking and infections cause 30% and 20% accordingly. Colon cancer can also be influenced by some of the following factors:
Not enough fruits and veggies
Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants and magnesium which reduce the risk of colon cancer significantly. They also abound in phytochemicals which can help reduce tissue inflammation and remove cancerous substances from your body. So if you want to protect yourself from colon cancer start eating more fresh veggies and fruits.
Insufficient fiber
Fibers help your digestive system function better so if you want to protect yourself from digestive issues, including colon cancer, include at least 10gr of fibers on a daily basis.
Low levels of vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D can lead to a number of health problems, including colon cancer. If you want to increase your vitamin D levels you need to spend more time under the sun and consume foods which are naturally rich in this vitamin, like mushrooms.
Too much alcohol
One of the biggest risk factors in colon cancer is alcohol abuse. It’s not like one or two drinks a day will cause it but excessive drinking on a regular basis can increase your risk of colon cancer and cause many other health concerns.
Not enough garlic in your diet
Garlic is an all-around health beneficial vegetable. It has strong antibacterial properties and significantly reduces the risk of colon cancer and many other serious diseases. It will also strengthen your immune system and make your body more resistant to bacteria and infections.
Excess weight and obesity
A study conducted back in 2014 revealed that overweight people have a much higher chance of developing colon cancer so keep a balanced weight if you want to lower the risk.
Inactivity
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and have zero physical activity in your life your chances of getting colon cancer are higher by 30-40%. Take up some form of exercise, be it walking, cycling, workout or yoga, it will go a long way to getting healthier.
Red meat
According to the latest studies, red meat consumption can be linked to the onset of colon cancer. But don’t get us wrong. It’s not the meat that’s bad for you but the production method. It’s very common for the red meat we eat to be GMO or the cows that it comes from to have been fed with glyphosate instead of grass, which has a detrimental effect on the good bacteria in your gut and leads to a number of health issues.
Processed meats
Eating processed meat like salami, burgers, ham and pepperoni should be avoided at all costs, it’s not just bad for your colon and digestive system but for your entire organism.
