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Proper nutrition and diet are important in helping to prevent many diseases
and colorectal cancer is no exception. In the fight against this disease,
nutritional guidelines include eating less fat and getting more nutrients from
the food you eat rather than from supplements.
Dietary fat
Dietary fat may be one of the biggest contributors to the colorectal
cancer-causing process. High fat consumption increases the amount of bile acids
in the colon. The bile acids may then be converted to secondary bile acids,
which act as tumor promoters on particular cells, especially the cells that line
the colon.
Antioxidants
Another important substance in the fight against colorectal cancer and other
cancers is the antioxidant. Antioxidants work by bolstering the body’s
defenses against potentially dangerous substances called free radicals.
Free radicals are one of the by-products of oxygen used by every cell in our
body. These substances damage the body’s cells through oxidation, the same
process that rusts metal and turns butter rancid. Oxidation can not only cause
cancer, but it has also been shown to contribute to heart disease, cataracts,
aging, and infections.
The body’s cells have a natural defense strategy against free radicals and
are able to repair the damage caused by them. However antioxidants, such as
selenium and beta-carotene, the precursor to Vitamin A, as well as Vitamin C,
help reinforce this protection. Studies have suggested that antioxidants are
best absorbed through foods as opposed to supplements. Some examples of
antioxidants are carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein. Foods that are good sources
of antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, and certain types of tea. Good
sources of selenium include seafood, meat, and cereals.
Other vitamins and minerals
Folic acid: Evidence now exists that suggests that folic acid is an
excellent weapon in the fight against cancer. It’s already known to be
essential in the forming of new cells and tissues as well as keeping red blood
cells healthy. The most common sources of folic acid are citrus fruits and dark,
green leafy vegetables, especially spinach.
Calcium and vitamin D: Recent studies have suggested that these two
substances may not only strengthen bones, but may also fight off colon cancer.
Good sources of calcium include: milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon, sardines, and dark
green leafy vegetables such as kale, mustard and collard greens. Sources of
Vitamin D include salmon, sardines, fortified cow milk, egg yolks, and chicken
livers.
Fiber
Fiber is thought to be a powerful weapon against cancer. Though there is a
disagreement among researchers as to whether or not fiber has protective effects
against cancer, there is evidence that fiber intake helps with overall health by
moving wastes through the digestive tract faster. This may give potentially
toxic wastes less time to come into contact with intestinal cells. It is also
believed that some types of fiber help detoxify potential cancer-causing
substances as well as preventing these substances from being absorbed by the
cells of the intestines. Good sources of fibers include: whole-grain cereals and
breads, prunes, berries, kidney beans and other legumes, fresh fruits and
vegetables, and brown rice.
Phytochemicals
Recently discovered to be helpful in the fight against cancer,
phytochemicals are non-nutrient substances such a flavonoids, phenols, and terpenes
that are found in a variety of plant foods including tomatoes, citrus
fruits, berries, peppers, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and soy beans.
Healthy eating guidelines
You can learn to eat a healthy, cancer-fighting diet by following these
guidelines from the American Cancer Society:
- Choose most of the foods you eat from plant
sources.
- Limit your intake of high-fat foods,
particularly from animal sources.
- Be physically active; achieve and maintain a
healthy weight.
- Limit consumption of
alcoholic beverages, if you drink at all.
Healthy eating after colon surgery
Surgery for colorectal cancer can change the way the bowel functions, at
least temporarily. Surgery can cause the bowel to become swollen, and the
wave-like contractions that move food along the GI tract (called peristalsis) may
be reduced after surgery. As a result, food may not pass through the colon as
quickly, causing a sense of fullness or bloating. Or, the food may not be as
efficient in absorbing some of the water, causing loose stools.
After surgery, it is important to:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals – don’t eat as much at one sitting.
Smaller amounts of food are more easily digested. In addition, chew foods slowly
and completely.
- Consume tender, well-cooked foods – don’t eat raw fruits or vegetables,
dried fruits or seeds, as these foods are harder to digest. In general, avoid
peas, corn, beans, lentils, pineapple, apricots, sausage or other meat in casing
for at least one month after surgery.
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