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- 4 grocery store items colon cancer doctors avoid — and 3 they love (businessinsider.com)
Colon Cancer: Doctors Share Dietary Do’s and Don’ts
One of the most frequent questions oncologists face from colon cancer patients is, “What else can I do?” Given that colon cancer originates in the digestive tract, it’s understandable that people scrutinize their diets, seeking foods that might help fight the disease or eliminate those that may contribute to it.
The reality, however, is that cancer development is complex, rarely attributable to a single cause. While no single food acts as a magic bullet against cancer, top oncologists offer evidence-based dietary recommendations.
Foods to Limit:
- Red Meat: Studies consistently link red meat, especially processed varieties like hot dogs and deli meats, to DNA damage that can lead to colon cancer. While specific limits are debated, moderation is key.
- Sugary Drinks: Overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, including fruit juice and flavored coffees, is linked to an increased risk of various diseases, including colon cancer. Liquid sugar is absorbed rapidly, potentially overwhelming the small intestine and impacting the colon.
- Ultra-Processed Foods: Research suggests a link between high sugar intake and late-stage colon cancer, particularly in younger individuals. Refined grains and sweets fall into this category.
- Alcohol: Alcohol, essentially fermented sugar, carries similar cancer risks. Its breakdown product, acetaldehyde, is a known carcinogen. Excessive alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking or drinking on an empty stomach, is particularly concerning.
Foods to Embrace:
- Leafy Greens: Rich in nutrients like folate and fiber, leafy greens offer numerous health benefits. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale) contain bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Fiber, found in beans and whole grains, aids digestion and promotes gut health. It helps clear out waste and supports beneficial gut bacteria, which may play a role in cancer prevention.
- Coffee (Unsweetened): Studies consistently highlight coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties and its association with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Even among those diagnosed with colon cancer, coffee consumption may improve outcomes.
Overall Recommendations:
Experts generally advise a “low glycemic load” diet, emphasizing foods that digest slowly and are rich in fiber. This includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains. A diet lower in red meat and processed foods, and higher in healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables, is generally recommended for overall health and well-being, including cancer prevention.
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- 4 grocery store items colon cancer doctors avoid — and 3 they love (businessinsider.com)