Don't eat stupid things, do right things
Colorectal cancer is common. It leads to a large number of cancer-related deaths. Causes of colorectal cancer include lack of dietary fiber, too much fat, an excess of processed meat, insufficient exercise, obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Are you worried about developing colorectal cancer?
Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of
developing it:
Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco can cause many different types of cancer because it
contains chemicals that damage your DNA. You are, therefore,
at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer if you smoke or chew tobacco.
Tobacco is, of course, extremely addictive. That is why it is so hard to stop
smoking once you start. However, there are many products available to help you
quit using tobacco. For example, you can use nicotine patches or gum to help
you give up using tobacco.
Refuse
The Booze
Some people enjoy drinking alcohol to help them unwind and forget
their problems. However, regularly consuming alcohol can lead to further
problems. One of them is an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
If you do not want to develop colorectal cancer, reduce your
alcohol intake or stop drinking it. If you are alcohol dependent, seek medical
assistance to help you quit for good.
Manage
Your Weight
People with a body mass index of thirty or higher are at increased
risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. If you are obese by medical standards,
do what you can to lower your BMI to less than twenty-five. Taking this action
will also make you less likely to develop other types of cancer.
Eat
A Whole Food Diet
It is easier to manage your weight if you consume a whole food
diet. A whole food diet will also make you less prone to certain cancers,
including colorectal cancer. Eating a whole food diet comprises eating
unprocessed grains, fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and lean proteins such as
fish or white meat.
Eat
Extra Fiber
The more fiber you include in your diet, the more regular your
bowels will be. Completely evacuating your bowels regularly will stop them from
becoming impacted, lowering your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Make
sure your diet contains plenty of fruit, vegetables and other high fiber foods
such as nuts and grains. Whole grains, beans, broccoli, popcorn, apples, and
dried fruits are all high in fiber.
Refuse
Fatty Foods
If you eat a lot of saturated animal fats or vegetable oil, you
are more likely to contract colon cancer. This increased risk occurs because
the extra fat alters the balance of bile acids during digestion. This imbalance
triggers the release of a hormone that causes cancerous cells in the colon to
flourish. You should, therefore, be mindful of how much fatty meat you ingest.
Do not eat more than one or two servings of fatty meat per week.
Shun
Processed Meat
Eating lots of processed meat increases your risk of developing
colorectal cancer. Processed meat includes bacon, salami, sausages, beef jerky,
hot dogs, and deli meats. Processed meat products contain nitrates. Once
ingested, your body converts the nitrates in processed meat products into
chemicals that cause cancer. If you want to avoid colorectal cancer, eat
processed meat products infrequently or avoid them altogether.
If you are serious about lowering your risk of colorectal cancer,
you should consider becoming a pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan. The less meat
you eat, the better the health of your colon will be.
Exercise
Regularly
When you exercise regularly, it helps you to manage your weight.
When your BMI is within the normal range, it reduces your risk of getting all
types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. Regular exercise also increases
the antioxidants in your bloodstream and repairs your DNA. You should aim to
get at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise per day if you would like to
remain cancer-free.
Get
Screened
If you wish to avoid colorectal cancer, you should have a regular
colonoscopy. Regular screening is particularly significant for people who are
aged forty-five or older. It is wise to get screened every five to ten years if
your age is between 45 and 75. Regular screening makes it more likely that any
incidence of colorectal cancer is diagnosed in the early stages, increasing
your odds of survival.
Live
A Happy Life
Following the guidelines outlined in this article will be
challenging. It requires a significant amount of willpower and self-discipline
to lead a healthy lifestyle in a world full of temptations. It is, therefore,
sensible to change your ways one step at a time. The sacrifices you make will
not be in vain. By taking the correct steps to reduce your chances of
contracting colorectal cancer and other cancers, you are more likely to live a
long, happy, pain-free life and pass away at a ripe old age.
