A Diet to Follow After Colon Cancer Surgery
After a person has undergone colon cancer surgery, an operation considered to be a major procedure, they have a number of choices as far a suitable diet is concerned, and of course a proper diet can help to prevent a reoccurrence. Interestingly enough, dietary fat is one of the biggest contributing factors in terms of colon cancer.
A diet that has a high fat consumption greatly increases the amount of bile acids that are released into the digestive tract. Once bile acids have entered the colon the acids can actually turn into secondary bile acids. These secondary bile acids can promote the growth of a tumor in the colon. It is very important that after colon cancer surgery, to prevent the cancer from reoccurring, to eat a diet that is low in fat.
Eating a diet that is rich in antioxidants is another good way to prevent colon cancer, in that antioxidants are known for their ability to boost the immune system. Because of this ability, antioxidants are considered to be a powerful tool in the fight against colon cancer.
Foods that are rich in antioxidants are vegetables and fruits. Even some types of tea are rich in antioxidants. Two very important antioxidants are selenium and beta-carotene. These two antioxidants are responsible for helping the body repair the damage caused by dangerous free radicals. Doctors recommend that an individual eat foods that are rich in antioxidants instead of taking a supplement.
Calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D are also powerful tools in the fight against rectal cancer. Calcium and vitamin D for example, help to fight off colon cancer, while folic acid is crucial for keeping red blood cells healthy. Folic acid which is primarily found in dark green leafy vegetable also plays a vital role in the formation of new tissues and cells. With this in mind, you should include plenty of milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon, sardines, mustard and dark green leafy vegetables in your diet, particularly if you’ve undergone colon cancer surgery.
It’s also crucial to pay attention to fiber intake following colon cancer surgery, in that fiber is renowned for being able to speed up the passage of waste through the digestive tract. Some foods which are rich in fiber include: berries, prunes, whole grain cereals, fresh fruits, vegetables, brown rice and beans.
When following a special diet after rectal cancer surgery, make sure to choose foods to eat that come from natural plant sources. Also, limit the intake of high-fat foods. Many high-fat foods come from animal sources. Make sure to exercise on a regular basis in order to maintain a healthy weight. After colon cancer surgery it is in an individual’s best interest to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages. All of these suggestions can help in the fight against colon cancer.
Find out more about finding a Colon Cancer Surgeon by visiting Christine’s site. Christine also writes about Independent Living Homes.
categories: colon cancer surgery,colon cancer,cancer,disease,surgery