(NaturalPath) It’s always important to keep your colon happy so that your body stays healthy. But you don’t want to buy sometimes expensive and potentially harsh pills or invasive procedures. So what do you do? Eat the right foods to keep your colon healthy of course. Here are some of the top ways to do just that.
Meat
According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of colon cancer increases by 15 to 20 percent if you consume 100 grams of red meat (the equivalent of a small hamburger) or 50 grams (equivalent of one hot dog) of processed meats like sausage, bacon or hotdogs, per day. So steer clear of these kinds of meats on a regular basis though it’s ok to have some every now and then.
Increase Your Fiber Consumption
That fiber is good for overall intestinal and colon health. And one researcher notes that, “On average, Americans eat about 13 grams of fiber a day, but we’re supposed to have 25 to 35 grams.” The best way to add fiber into your diet is through fiber-rich fruits and vegetables such as raspberries, pears, apples, bananas, oranges, cooked artichoke, peas, broccoli and corn along with other foods like whole grains and legumes. The fiber helps as it keeps you regular and prevent constipation. This may then lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids and small pouches in your colon that can lead to diverticular disease.
Vitamin D
Drink your milk. Recent studies have found that calcium and vitamin D may be associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Other ways to get your calcium is through leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and collard greens.
Watch Those Grains
You should have at least half your daily grain intake be whole-grain. Some good examples are barley, quinoa, whole wheat flour, wild and brown rice and oatmeal. These foods contain more colon-friendly vitamins, minerals, fiber, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and phytochemicals than their refined grain counterparts.
Screening
Eating healthy is, of course, important, but getting screened for any colon cancer is necessary as well. It can even help catch anything before the situation becomes serious.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.