Home | health | 10 Superfoods That Can Help Manage Colon Cancer

10 superfoods that can help manage colon cancer

10 superfoods that can help manage colon cancer

Colon cancer refers to cancerous polyps developing in the rectum or colon in the lower part of the digestive tract. Individuals with colon cancer may experience abdominal pain, changes in their bowel movement patterns, diarrhea or constipation, and the feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation. Surgery, radiofrequency ablation, and chemotherapy are among the commonly prescribed treatment options for this condition. Further, incorporating certain foods into one’s meal plan can help with the healing process.

Superfoods to manage colon cancer

Beans
Beans are rich in flavonoids, compounds with several antioxidant properties that prevent colon cancer from spreading. They are also packed with fiber and vitamins B and E and can help replenish the body with essential nutrients. It helps to include different types of beans, including black beans, soybeans, kidney beans, lentils, peas, and pinto beans, in one’s meals while healing from cancer.

Fatty fish
Fatty or oily fish varieties, including salmon, swordfish, tuna, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids associated with anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit cancer progression and increase survival chances. Moreover, they contain high levels of vitamin D, which have also been shown to reduce mortality rates among patients.

Broccoli
Broccoli is a great source of sulforaphane, a phytochemical associated with cancer-fighting properties. In general, including broccoli and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, kale, bok choy, and collards in one’s meal plan can be highly beneficial to affected people.

Brown rice
Studies have shown that having brown rice can help reduce the formation of polyps and inflammation associated with colorectal cancer. Further, brown rice is a healthier substitute for polished white rice, as it contains higher levels of fiber and manganese, selenium, and other vital nutrients. It can also help with the movement of stools among affected patients.

Pomegranate
Pomegranate entails an anti-carcinogenic effect, limiting tumor growth and slowing colon cancer progression. Moreover, fresh pomegranate juice is a rich source of electrolytes, with a cup of pomegranate juice accounting for 18% of the total daily magnesium requirement. Electrolytes are essential for those undergoing chemotherapy and other intensive interventions, which typically cause fluctuations in the body’s potassium, sodium, calcium, and other elements. Therefore, pomegranate should be a significant part of one’s meal plan while undergoing treatment for the condition.

Carrots
Carrots are packed with carotenoids (beta-carotene), which can help curb the growth of cancer cells. This non-starchy root vegetable is also rich in other phytonutrients, which aid in fighting colon cancer. One may include carrots in various interesting ways, including in salads, soups, smoothies, and stir-fries.

Lean meats
Experts typically advise against the intake of red meat while recovering from colorectal cancer, as it is difficult to digest and increases one’s risk of diabetes, cholesterol, and other lifestyle diseases. However, while undergoing treatment for colon cancer, patients require essential proteins to gain energy. Lean meats are excellent protein sources that are easier to digest than red meat. Thus, affected patients should include lean meat sources like chicken, turkey breast, and venison in one’s meals.

Dairy
Individuals who are not lactose intolerant can benefit from having dairy products while healing from colon cancer. Dairy products are rich in calcium and can help reduce colon polyps. Moreover, dairy sources like yogurt and Greek yogurt are great probiotic sources, which can soothe the stomach and aid digestion.

Olive oil
Olive oil is packed with healthy compounds such as monounsaturated fats, phenols, phytosterols, and squalene, which can help with anti-inflammation and provide the body with much-needed energy while recovering from colon cancer. Further, it is a good alternative to salted butter and refined oils.

Rolled oats
Rolled oats are rich in phytochemicals, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can help with digestion. It is classified as a soluble fiber source, essential to maintain good colon health. Rolled oats make for a wholesome breakfast option; they can be cooked with regular milk or lactose-free milk and topped with some fruits or nuts for a nutritional boost.

Lifestyle tips for patients with colon cancer

  • Avoid processed foods
    Processed foods contain high levels of saturated fats and refined flour and are difficult for the body to digest. These foods can worsen the symptoms and bowel problems. Thus, affected individuals should stay away from processed foods, replacing them with healthy complex carbohydrate and fat sources.
  • Stay hydrated
    Water is crucial for digestion and proper bowel movements; moreover, it helps flush out toxins from the body and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Experts recommend having approximately five glasses of water per day in addition to healthy beverages, such as fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and soups.
  • Exercise regularly
    While movement may be restricted among some affected patients, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle can increase one’s chances of survival while healing from this condition. Moderate-intensity cardio activities like walking, engaging in some household activities, and gardening can help manage cancer symptoms.
  • Avoid sugary foods
    Foods high in added sugars can take away from the nutritional value of other foods and increase one’s risk for lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cholesterol, impeding recovery from colon cancer. It is best to avoid sugary items like baked foods and soft drinks, replacing them with natural sugar sources such as fruits and fruit juices.

Recovery from colon cancer typically involves intensive treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgical interventions, which have several side effects and can induce weakness. Hence, nutrition plays a vital role in boosting one’s immunity and aiding digestion during this time. Following healthy food and lifestyle practices alongside treatment can go a long way in facilitating recovery from this condition.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods.
Read More
5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes.
Read More
8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another.
Read More
11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods. High blood pressure Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure. Mood swings or irritability Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood. Low energy or tiredness Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy.
Read More