Tips to Help Prevent Colon Cancer
By Sara Butler
Colon cancer can’t always be avoided but there are things you can actively do to reduce your risk. In fact, a study out of Harvard found that 50 percent of colon cancer cases could have been impacted by lifestyle choices. That same study found that people can reduce their risk of colon cancer by up to 70 percent by changing a few things. Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your lifestyle that may help to reduce your risk.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Obesity is a risk factor for a lot of chronic diseases. Being obese puts you at higher risk for many different types of cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. In order to help maintain a healthy body weight, you have to find a balance between how much you eat and how much activity you get in a day. Watch your portion sizes while eating and combine that with exercise – you’ll be on the right path.
Get Active
Physical exercise can have a big impact on your health. Many studies have found that moderate exercise, such as walking, for just four hours a week can reduce your risk of colon cancer – and it’ll also help you to maintain a healthy weight.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of developing many different types of chronic disease, including colorectal cancer. If you smoke now, work on quitting – it doesn’t matter how long you’ve smoked, just that you take the steps to stop hurting your health now. Talk to a healthcare professional about strategies to help.
Practice Moderation
When it comes to things such as alcohol consumption you have to practice moderation. You should not drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day. One drink is equal to:
- 12 ounce can or bottle of beer
- 5-ounce glass of wine
- 1.5 ounce shot of hard liquor
A Few More Considerations
Your colon is a part of your gastrointestinal tract, so it makes perfect sense that it would be impacted by what you eat and drink. Here are a few more tips for cancer prevention:
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables – The antioxidants and fiber in fruits and veggies help to keep your colon healthy.
- Eat more fiber – Beans, legumes, and whole grains all make great sources of fiber. It can help you to keep things moving along.
- Eat less red meat – Red meat and processed meats have higher levels of toxins that are unhealthy for your colon. Limit your consumption.
These tips can help you get on the right track to keep your colon healthy and hopefully cancer-free!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Monroe, La.