Care for Your Colon by Eating More of These Foods | Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons (2024)

The CDC indicates us that colon cancer is the third most common cancer that affects both men and women. Sadly, colorectal cancer is also rising among young people.

Now more than ever, it’s important to make sure that you are proactively taking the steps to be sure your colon is healthy early in life!

The rise in colon cancer cases may be happening due to our frequency in eating unhealthy fast and processed food. The good news is that you can take proactive measures against colorectal cancer and disease by modifying your diet.

The Value of Whole Foods and Fiber in Our Diet

Whole foods such as grains along with fiber-dense fruits and vegetables contain more colon-friendly vitamins and nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals than refined grains like white rice and white flour. They can help you to stay regulated and prevent constipation, and they lower the risk of hemorrhoids and colon polyps, which both have the potential to become cancerous.Care for Your Colon by Eating More of These Foods | Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons (1)

What to Eat

Begin with whole foods, and reduce consumption of red meat and sugar.

Whole grains are rich in fiber and will help to cleanse the colon. Oats, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are all great sources. Try to incorporate 3 – 5 servings per day into your meals.

Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and most leafy greens are fiber-dense and are always healthy choices. Spinach and chard can be included here too. Two-thirds of your dinner plate should contain healthy veggies. Serve broccoli steamed on its own or mixed in with some of your favorite recipes. Try teriyaki chicken with broccoli, but be sure to substitute brown rice in place of white.

Salmon, sardines, and trout are all loaded with omega 3 fats, which are good for the colon and help to reduce and prevent cancer cells from developing.

Seeds are a healthy snack food that helps care for your colon while also keeping you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. For example, one teaspoon of chia seeds is equal to 10 grams of fiber.

Beans and lentils, also known as legumes, have tons of fiber and can reduce your risk of colon cancer. Try this black bean and spinach enchiladas recipe for a delicious and healthful meal that is great for your colon.

Yogurt contains probiotics, which introduce healthy bacteria to your gut to decrease your risk of colon cancer. As a bonus, it will also decrease any gas you may experience from eating loads of beans and leafy vegetables.

Fruits like apples, pears, raspberries, oranges, and bananas are all delicious, sweet, and full of fiber.

Some Caution

Drink more water as you add fiber to your diet. It is also advised to add the fiber slowly or you will risk lots of uncomfortable and frequent trips to the bathroom.

The American Cancer Society tells us, “Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet reduce the risk of CRC by more than one-third (37%).”

Schedule an Appointment for Digestive Care in Rochester, NY Today!

If you are experiencing issues with your digestive system, contact Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons to receive regular colorectal screenings and to discover other ways you can care for your colon! If you would like to schedule an appointment at one of our colorectal centers, please call (585) 222-6566 today.

Care for Your Colon by Eating More of These Foods | Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons (2024)

FAQs

What foods clean out your colon? ›

Whole grains are rich in fiber and will help to cleanse the colon. Oats, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are all great sources. Try to incorporate 3 – 5 servings per day into your meals. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and most leafy greens are fiber-dense and are always healthy choices.

What is the best food for colon? ›

Eating a high-fiber diet is good for overall intestinal and colon health. The American Institute for Cancer Research and ACS recommend aiming for at least 30 grams of fiber from food sources each day. Focus on incorporating a variety of whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans into your diet.

How can I make my colon healthy again? ›

Eat your veggies and healthy fats.

Limit the amount of meat you eat, especially processed meats. Focus on consuming healthy fats found in olive oil, salmon rich in Omega-3, avocados and nuts, as well as limiting low-processed fats found in fried food.

What empties your bowels immediately every morning? ›

In the morning, drink warm water with lemon to stimulate bowel movement and hydrate the body. Consume fiber-rich foods such as whole grains and fruits to improve digestion and regularity. Probiotics can help to improve gut health and regulate bowel movements.

What drinks clean your colon? ›

Juices made of apples, lemons, and aloe vera help in colon cleansing. They also contain nutrients that are beneficial to the body. Probiotics: Probiotics help to cleanse the colon and boost good bacteria in the gut.

What is the super food for colon? ›

Whole foods such as grains along with fiber-dense fruits and vegetables contain more colon friendly vitamins and nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals than refined grains like white rice and white flour.

What foods damage the colon? ›

Some foods to avoid to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer include:
  • Red meat.
  • Processed meats.
  • White bread.
  • Sugary beverages.

Do bananas help your colon? ›

The bottom line

The evidence suggests that bananas tend to reduce constipation rather than cause it. They contain dietary fiber that helps bulk up stools and make them softer. If you suspect that bananas are worsening constipation, it's best to talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

How to get rid of old feces in the colon? ›

How can I clean my colon naturally?
  1. Hydration. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. ...
  2. Saltwater flush. You can also try a salt water flush. ...
  3. High fiber diet. ...
  4. Juices and smoothies. ...
  5. Juice fast. ...
  6. More resistant starches. ...
  7. Probiotics. ...
  8. Herbal teas.

What is the best vitamin for colon? ›

Several studies have shown that people who have higher levels of serum vitamin D have lower rates of colorectal cancer. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that aids in the absorption of nutrients, promotes immune function, and maintains cell communication throughout the body.

What can mess up your colon? ›

Summary
  • Colorectal cancer.
  • Colonic polyps - extra tissue growing in the colon that can become cancerous.
  • Ulcerative colitis - ulcers of the colon and rectum.
  • Diverticulitis - inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome - an uncomfortable condition causing abdominal cramping and other symptoms.
Sep 16, 2016

What kills colon polyps? ›

Doctors treat colon polyps by removing them. In most cases, doctors use special tools during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to remove colon polyps. After doctors remove the polyp, they send it for testing to check for cancer. A pathologist will review the test results and send a report to your doctor.

What removes polyps? ›

Procedure — The medical term for removing polyps is polypectomy. Most polypectomies can be performed through a colonoscope. Small polyps can be removed with an instrument that is inserted through the colonoscope.

How to remove polyps naturally? ›

There are no home remedies proven to entirely get rid of nasal polyps naturally but natural remedies may be used to improve symptoms and reduce discomfort caused by nasal polyps, such as: Use a humidifier or inhale steam. Bromelain supplementation. Use a neti pot to irrigate the sinuses.

What is the fastest way to flush your colon? ›

How can I clean my colon naturally?
  1. Hydration. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. ...
  2. Saltwater flush. You can also try a salt water flush. ...
  3. High fiber diet. ...
  4. Juices and smoothies. ...
  5. Juice fast. ...
  6. More resistant starches. ...
  7. Probiotics. ...
  8. Herbal teas.

How can I completely empty my colon? ›

Lean forward on the toilet with your forearms resting on your thighs, your legs more than hip width apart and your feet raised up on a small foot stool. Repeat for up to 10 minutes only or until your bowel has emptied. If you don't pass anything try again when you have another urge to go or the following day.

What drink is good for emptying your bowels? ›

Beneficial drinks for constipation include prune juice, lemon juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice. However, some constipation relief over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also come in a drink format.

What food clogs the colon? ›

Foods that may cause or worsen constipation
  • Refined grains. Foods that contain refined flours, such as white bread, pizza dough, cakes, and baked goods, are all low in fiber. ...
  • Salty snacks. ...
  • Garlic and onions. ...
  • Legumes. ...
  • Whole wheat, barley, or rye. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Eggs and other allergens. ...
  • Milk and dairy products.

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