The Bottom Line: Your Diet Matters

In an age where the food we consume is labeled "organic" or "processed", it's hard to know what is healthy. After all, food provides fuel to our bodies; food sustains our kinetic momentum and gives us energy to go about our day. Your cells are in a constant cycle of regeneration through mitosis, so your body is in a constant state of rebirth. In that sense, the phrase, "you are what you eat" becomes quite literal, as your cells draw from the nutrients you consume. Cancer can roughly be described as an abnormality within your cells. Therefore, it would seem imperative to your long-term health that you develop habits that promote your well-being. Colorectal cancer cases are no different; while early screening is the most direct way to reduce risk, the CDC identifies healthy diet and nutrition habits as a preventative measure. They recommend a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber to reduce colorectal cancer risk. Why is fiber important? The consumption of fiber directly helps the digestive process. It allows the food you consume to pass through your body more freely, which regulates your body's absorption of cholesterol and blood sugar. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends consuming an estimate of 14 grams per 1,000 calorie intake. Foods that are high in fiber include pears, avocados, apples, bananas, quinoa, oats, grains. almonds, and even dark chocolate and popcorn. Fruits are believed to provide antioxidant properties. The website, “clevelandclinic.org" provides a more comprehensive list in the linked article below. Reducing the consumption of processed foods and red meats help reduce colorectal cancer risk. Processed foods are often filled with preservatives to keep fresh for prolonged periods of time; often, these preservatives are filled with nitrates, which are carcinogenic to the body. Not all red meat is bad; however, industrial producers often fill it with carbon monoxide to keep it “fresh” during the distribution process. Carbon monoxide turns to a paste-like structure which takes weeks for the body to digest. In a study posted by Harvard Health, they found participants who ate large amounts of red meat sustained damage to the cellular wall of their colon. While our body has natural regulation processes to repair damaged DNA, if this process fails, it creates a malignant reaction within your cells. When this is happening through the digestive process, it can directly increase your risk of colorectal cancer. The bottom line? Developing nutritional habits can lead to a lifetime of health benefits and can directly act as a great defense against colorectal cancer.