According to statistics, colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common type of cancer and the 2nd leading cause for death in the U.S. unfortunately, processed meat consumption is a strong contributing factor to this health problem. The colon is pivotal for our health because it regulates the formation, storage, and removal of waste from the body. The bacteria in it are in charge of keeping a healthy balance in the body.
Major Causes of Colorectal Cancer
- Genetic defects
- Lifestyle habits like smoking
- Environmental factors like pollution and radiation exposure
- Poor diets
- Excessive stress
- Sedentary lifestyle
Key Aspects for Prevention
- Maintaining a balanced weight
- Leading a healthy diet
- Physical activity and exercising
9 Useful Ways to Minimize the Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Exclude processed meat
Meats such as bacon, ham, and sausage are preserved by adding preservatives full of chemicals as well as through various processes like curing, smoking, and salting. They also contain nitrates, known cancerous substances.
Lose weight and shed abdominal fat
Obesity increases the chance for a lot of different cancers, including this one, as well as surplus belly fat.
Work out more
According to studies, regular exercising minimizes the chance for this cancer by 40 percent. It will enhance the circulation and neutralize pathogens in the body and thus, kill pre-cancerous cells. When the circulation betters, the immunity is much stronger.
Intake more fiber
10 grams of fiber are believed to decrease the chance for colon cancer by 10 percent. Opt for fiber-rich veggies as well as chia, hemp, and flax seeds.
Eat more veggies and fruits
Veggies are abundant in antioxidants and a crucial mineral, i.e. magnesium. Hence, 100 mg increase in magnesium is able to decrease the chance for this tumor by 13 percent. This is because magnesium minimizes the insulin resistance and the tumor development is minimized.
More vitamin D
It was found that the chance for this cancer was lower in people who had higher levels of vitamin D, which is necessary for a strong immunity.
Garlic consumption
One study showed that women who consumed garlic were able to decrease the chance for colon cancer by 35 percent. This veggie can also avert stomach cancers. Make sure to crush raw garlic and wait for a bit before consuming it so that you bring out the alliinase, an important enzyme.
Go with light cooking
When cooked at higher temperatures, for example, barbecued or fried, it releases carcinogenic by-products. Therefore, opt for organically raised and grass-fed meat and prepare it by cooking it lightly.