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In addition to colon cancer patients adhering to the medical treatment methods necessary for recovery, healthy and proper nutrition also plays an important role in this disease, which directly and positively affects the patients’ health, their treatment process, and their healthy response. In an illustrative way, we have decided to learn now, through our next lines, about the healthy and proper diet that colon cancer patients need to complete their recovery phase safely and effectively.
Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a tumor that appears in the large intestine and is capable of growing internally, invading surrounding organs, or moving to other distant organs.
It is worth noting that among the most important factors leading to the occurrence of colon cancer, we can mention genetic factors, and people over the age of 50 years; Those suffering from chronic ulcerative colitis, and patients with colon polyps.
As for unhealthy lifestyle patterns, we must mention some negative patterns such as obesity, weight gain, eating small amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and eating a lot of fatty foods and red meat. Specifically, some specialists have stated that following an unhealthy diet is possible. It causes systemic inflammation, increases insulin resistance, and easily alters the gut microbiome, which increases the risk of cancer, including colon cancer.
Colon cancer and proper nutrition
Colon cancer and proper nutrition
In the beginning, colon cancer patients must commit to supplying the body with the necessary nutrients in order to obtain sufficient energy to fight the disease and recover from surgical interventions, radiation, or chemotherapy. It is worth noting that eating enough food helps strengthen the immune system and reduces the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency that have harmful consequences in the body.
To meet nutritional needs during colon cancer treatment, work must be done to supply the body with the necessary nutrients needed at this stage, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water, and we will learn about this matter in an explained manner later.
A healthy diet to enhance the chances of recovery from colon cancer
First: proteins
Proteins
Who among us can dispense with the protein element in our diet, whether it is animal or vegetable protein! For cancer patients, especially colon cancer, this is extremely important, as protein provides the body with the necessary energy and helps it recover directly and effectively.
Good, easy-to-absorb protein-rich food sources include lean meats, chicken breasts, fish, eggs, yogurt and legumes.
Read also: 7 factors that increase the risk of colon cancer
Second: fiber and antioxidants
Fiber and antioxidants
Many researches and studies have shown that plant foods rich in fiber and antioxidants have an effective ability to protect and repair damaged DNA inside the body. For example, antioxidants help in protecting the body and neutralizing free radicals that cause cell damage, and thus they can reduce the risk of cells mutating due to damage and becoming cancerous.
In addition, many vitamins and minerals found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans also help in producing and restoring DNA and controlling cell growth, as some foods have a direct effect on many types of cancerous tumors, specifically plant foods that contain a lot of fiber, which It may reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer in particular.
Third: healthy fats
Healthy fats
Healthy fats are important nutrients for the body because they provide energy, maintain cell growth, stabilize blood pressure, and help the body absorb nutrients.
It is worth noting that food sources rich in good fats for colon cancer patients include olive oil, avocados, and nuts (almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds). and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna).
Fourth: Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements through the diet helps people with colon cancer strengthen the immune system, fight infections, and support the treatment process. For example, some foods help increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment, as they contain some vitamins such as C, E, D, calcium, zinc, beta-carotene, and selenium.
It should be known that food sources rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for people with colon cancer include vegetables and fruits that contain many different vitamins and minerals, in addition to milk and dairy products that provide calcium, vitamin D, and protein. When mentioning lean meat, it should be known that it contains zinc elements. Iron and vitamin B12.
Mechanism of eating to enhance the chances of recovery from colon cancer
Mechanism of eating to enhance the chances of recovery from colon cancer
To reduce some of the unpleasant symptoms that may affect some colon cancer patients when eating, meals must be divided into several small meals throughout the day to ensure that the combined amount of food provides sufficient calories that the body needs.
It is also recommended to drink a sufficient amount of water every day, and to commit to consuming more fluids that may be found in other foods and drinks, such as eating soup, drinking tea, milk, and fruit juices.
