Colon cancer is a disease that affects millions of people around the world. Although not so deadly as other cancer types if caught on time, colon cancer is definitely dangerous.

According to latest research, nearly half the cases of colon cancer annually can be prevented by taking some preventive measures – doctors recommend having balanced vitamin D levels and a diet focused on fresh vegetables, garlic and fiber-rich foods. Additionally, you need to avoid consuming too much processed and fast food as well as sugar.

Processed and red meat are one of the main cancer-causing foods in our diet and are directly linked to colon cancer, the third most common type of cancer in the USA. The colon, also known as large intestine, is an important organ which needs to be kept clean and healthy at all times if you want to stay healthy. The colon is responsible for the removal of toxins and waste from the body. If its function is somehow impaired, toxins may accumulate in the body and cause numerous health problems.

Only 5-10% of colon cancer cases are caused by genetics; 35% are caused by poor diet, while 30% are caused due to smoking and 20% are caused by infections. The rest can be attributed to the unhealthy lifestyle almost all of us lead. However, there are some common habits we do every day which significantly increase the risk of cancer. Here’s the list:

1. Not eating fruit and vegetables

Fresh fruit and veggies contain powerful antioxidants and a large amount of magnesium as well which can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, they might also contain certain phytochemicals which can reduce inflammation in the tissues and remove carcinogenic substances as well. We recommend eating green leafy vegetables and plums and apples in order to prevent the development of colon cancer.

2. Add fiber to your diet

Adding 10 gr. of fiber in your diet reduces the risk of colon cancer by 10%. To add the nutrient in your diet and boost your digestion, consume flaxseeds, chia seeds as well as plums.

3. Optimize your vitamin D levels

Vitamin D is essential for our health – we get mostly of it through sunlight, but the levels can be increased with vitamin supplements and consuming certain foods as well.

4. Eliminate processed meat from your diet

Processed meat such as ham, bacon, salami, burgers and pepperoni are highly dangerous for your health – they may taste nice, but they significantly increase the risk of colon cancer.

5. Avoid eating red meat

According to recent studies, red meat is one of the main causes of colon cancer. The problem is not the meat itself, but the way it’s produced. Red meat is often genetically modified and the cows that give it are fed with grass full of glyphosate, which destroys the beneficial bacteria in our gut and causes havoc in our body.

6. Physical inactivity

The increasingly sedentary lifestyle in today’s society can reduce the risk of cancer by 30-40%. By staying physically active you will boost the blood flow and neutralize dangerous pathogens in the body, effectively lowering the risk of cancer cell development. Additionally, exercising will also improve your immune system and prevent numerous ailments.

7. Unhealthy weight

Maintaining your weight is of key importance for prevention of colon cancer. One 2014 study showed that overweight people are more likely to suffer from colon cancer, which is definitely connected to excess belly fat.

8. Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol abuse is one of the biggest risk factors for colon cancer. Sure, you can have a drink or two a day, but anything more than that on a constant basis significantly increases the risk of cancer.

9. Add garlic in your diet

Garlic is one of nature’s wonders. It’s a very healthy vegetable with powerful antibacterial properties that can reduce the risk of any type of cancer. Adding garlic in your diet will also boost your immune system.

Other tips

People over 50 have a higher risk of developing colon cancer, which is doctors recommend regular medical checkups after that age. Eating a healthy diet is important as well – make sure that your plate always contains 50% of vegetables. If you’re suspecting colon cancer, we suggest getting a colonoscopy as blood tests are not that accurate. Don’t be gravely afraid of the symptoms – some of them might indicate polyps and digestive problems which are benign and easily defeated.