5 Tips to Keep a Healthy Colon

Every year, over 4,000 people in North Carolina are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. According to research, Colon cancer starts in the digestive track's last part also known as the "colon."

Meanwhile, rectal cancer starts in the large intestine's lower end called the rectum. Together, the two are called "colorectal cancers."

In most conditions, small polyps that are forming become malignant or cancerous over time. Such polyps have a few symptoms.

As a result, doctors recommend that the patient undergoes screening tests to prevent the occurrence of colon cancer.

Essentially, through a procedure known as a colonoscopy, the doctor can determine any polyps which he can remove even before it becomes malignant.

People at Risk of Colon Cancer

People who are said to be at average risk of getting colon or colorectal cancer need to have their first colonoscopy procedure when they turn 50. But first, it is important that one knows his risk factor.

Previous studies found that "African-Americans have the highest rate for colorectal cancer for all racial groups in the United States.

If you have a history of colon cancer in your family, or you have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, you may also be at a greater risk.

And in any occurrence, it is best to discuss your condition with your doctor and find out when you should start your screenings for colon cancer.

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5 Easy Steps to Keep Your Colon Healthy

Regardless of age, there are different ways to avoid having colon cancer which is considered as the third-leasing cause of death from cancer in the US. Thes are 5 of the most effective steps you can take to keep our colon healthy:

1. Consume Lots of Vegetables and Healthy Fats

According to an internal medicine provider, Salwa Bakkali-Derksen, DO, studies have shown that "Western diet links to higher rates of colon cancer.

Specifically, Bakkali-Derksen added, those who eat high-fiber foods are less likely to have the cancer type. She recommended eating meat in limited amounts too, especially the processed ones.

The doctor highlighted the essentiality of eating healthy fats that olive oil has, Omega-3 rich salmon, avocadoes, and nuts. It is ideal too, to limit the consumption of low-processed fats which fried foods have.

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2. Have a Regular Colon Cancer Testing

Colonoscopy is the most common testing procedure for this disease. It is done when the whole colon is viewed through the use of a "flexible camera" while the person undergoing the test is under anesthesia.

Any polyps found can be removed savely right away. Other tests may include the testing of the lower colon known as the sigmoidoscopy and a lab test known as the fecal occult blood test or FOBT that tests to have the stool samples checked for hidden blood.

If the FOBT comes out with a result showing blood in the stool samples, then, a colonoscopy testing is required to examine the colon.

3. Limit Your Alcohol Intake and Quit Smoking

Alcohol beverages are common riks factors for colon cancer. Drinking these is said to increase "the workload on your liver" which leads to more toxins to pass through your colon.

Smoking is yet another common cause of lung cancer but it is associated too, with other cancers and these include colon cancer.

4. Monitor Your Weight

The American Cancer Society said, if you have extra pounds, it then, increases your risk of colon cancer and other cancers, as well as those of the breast, rectum, esophagus, kidney and pancreas, among others.

5. Exercise Regularly

Along with a proper diet, this is the best way to watch your weight. Exercising regularly does not just benefit your heart. It also helps you keep an ideal weight.

It reduces the risk of devleoping certain cancer types including colon cancer. Targe a 30-minute moderate workout, if possible, every day.

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