Eating right is not something you should be doing once in awhile. The type of food you eat directly affects your lifestyle. A healthy colon is necessary to ensure that the digestive system functions properly, and it is also helpful in preventing colon cancer. Everyone wants to know how to nourish their bodies with the best foods for a healthy life and a healthy colon. Eating right should not be a mystery. Foods that are high in fiber with lots of fruits and vegetables that are loaded with antioxidants will among the most beneficial foods you can eat. In order to be sure that a colon remains healthy, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends annual screening via colonoscopy for all patients beginning at age 50. People at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer should begin screening at a younger age, and may need to be tested more frequently.
A colonoscopy is a procedure that examines your colon through a scope that provides a visual for the doctor to see any abnormalities. Pain medication and a mild sedative are administered to the patient as the doctor inspects the intestines. The procedure is most commonly used as a screening test for patients above the age of 50. It is used to search for early stages of colon cancer and can diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits.
Dr. Tabib uses a flexible tube, a colonoscope, to look inside the patient’s colon via computer imagery and search for any growing abnormalities. When polyps, inflamed tissue, are discovered he removes them and has them tested for cancer developments.
According to studies on colon health, colon cancer rates are significantly lower in cultures where people eat a large amount of high-fiber foods. A study in 2000 indicated that eating a large amount of fiber each day (25 to 38 grams) could reduce the risk of colon cancer by 40 percent. Since then more studies show that colorectal cancer risk can be reduced with high fiber intakes from fruit and vegetables. A diet high in fiber does not guarantee total prevention of colon cancer, other factors such as age, family history and poor health still have an effect.
Foods to limit in your diet:
By limiting the amount of meat, beer, salt and sugar you can also improve your colon health. Limiting the intake of animal fats and dairy products also reduce the risks of colon polyps.
What Should My Diet Consist Of?
There are two types of fiber that every digestive system should take in, soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-type of substance. Oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits and carrots are soluble fibers that can even help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble fibers increase stool bulk and can benefit those who struggle with constipation and immoderate stools. Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, beans, nuts, green beans, cauliflower and potatoes are sources of insoluble fibers. To have the greatest health benefit, eat a wide variety of high-fiber foods.
A high-fiber diet can decrease the chances of developing colon cancer and polyps. Other foods that can be added to your diet include:
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
- Yogurt
- Tuna
- Tomatoes
- Cabbage
- Coffee
There are supplements and vitamins that can improve colon health if these foods are not favorable. Supplements such as glucomannan, melatonin, linoleic acid and psyllium may help treat symptoms related to colon cancer. Vitamins such as calcium, fish oil, selenium, vitamins: C, D or E can also reduce colon cancer risk.
How much fiber is enough?
Doctors recommend that all men and women administer a target of fiber intake for their diet. For people under the age of 50, men should be taking in 38 grams of fiber, while women consume 25 grams. People over the age of 50 will slightly reduce their fiber intake, men need 30 grams and women 21 grams of fiber
Doctors also recommend to minimize exposure to toxins like smoke, alcohol, red and processed meat, MSG and other artificial flavors. Regular exercise and weight control can reduce the risks of colon problems.
Before altering your diet, meet with gastroenterologist Los Angeles Dr. Tabib, he will help you develop a plan to keep your colon strong and healthy. Based on your age, health and family history, he will recommend screenings and tests to discover abnormalities. Without screenings you may not be aware of any colon issues. For more information visit Dr. Tabib’s office in Beverly Hills. A proper and healthy diet high in fiber ensures a healthy colon.
