The Best Diet to Follow After Colon Cancer Surgery

By Christine W. Palmerson

Colon cancer surgery is of course considered to be a major operation, and once the procedure has been carried out, a patient has several options regarding a suitable diet in order to prevent the reoccurrence of the disease, bearing in mind that dietary fat is a huge contributor to the condition in the first place.

Diets which are high in fat tend to increases the amount of bile acids being released into the digestive tract. These acids then become secondary bile acids when they enter the colon, and in turn they encourage the growth of a tumor. For this reason it's imperative to eat a diet that is low in fat after having colon cancer surgery in order to prevent reoccurrence.

Another way to minimize your chances of getting colon cancer, or the reoccurrence of it, is to adopt a diet rich in antioxidants, bearing in mind that antioxidants are well known for their ability to fight colorectal cancer, as well as many other types of cancer. Essentially, this is because antioxidants are highly effective at boosting the immune system, thus offering extra protection against free radicals.

Almost all vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants. Beta-carotene and selenium are of particular importance in that they have the ability to repair the damage which results from free radicals. With that said, doctors recommend eating foods that are rich in antioxidants rather than depending on supplements.

Vitamin D, calcium and folic acid are also crucial in term of preventing and fighting colon cancer. Folic acid for example is vital for the production of tissues and cells, and it's necessary for maintaining healthy red blood cells. Most citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables are rich in folic acid. According to some recent studies, vitamin D and calcium are of extreme importance in terms of preventing colon cancer, hence the reason why it's crucial to include plenty of foods which are rich in these in your diet. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D include: dark green leafy vegetables, yogurt, cheese, milk, mustard, sardines and salmon.

Following colon cancer surgery, patients are advised to also increase their fiber intake. This is simply because fiber helps to move waste through the digestive tract more efficiently. Fortunately there are several foods which are rich in fiber, such as brown rice, beans, berries, prunes, fresh fruits, vegetables, and of course, whole grain cereals.

It's always beneficial to eat foods derived from natural plant sources, but this is even more important following colon cancer surgery. Likewise, intake of high-fat foods should also be limited, as should the consumption of alcohol. Exercise, preferably on a regular basis is also highly recommended in order to maintain a healthy weight. - 30193

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