Christmas is just around the corner, and many of us are more than ready to feast on a Christmas dinner with all our friends and family. As we may all enjoy our festive meals, here are a few health tips to keep in mind to prevent colon disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestion problem that causes episodes of belly pain, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms may be worse or better from day to day, but IBS won’t get worse over time. If you haven’t yet identified the foods that trigger your flares, the website of Iowa Clinic listed some foods to avoid, including:
- Fatty, greasy or fried foods
- Hot or spicy foods
- Raw, high-fiber fruits and vegetables
- Nuts, seeds and beans
- Caffeinated or sugary beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
- Candy, sweets and other sources of added sugar
According to the website of National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, it suggested that research has shown diet changes may have health benefits and may lower your chances of developing colon polyps. Following is a list of item to limit to avoid the development of colon polyps:
- Fatty foods, such as fried foods
- Red meat, such as beef and pork
- Processed meat, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and lunch meats
American Cancer Society published an article indicating different ways to lower the risk of colon cancer, including diet change. Below are a list of food and drinks to reduce according to the article:
- Red meat (beef, pork, or lamb)
- Processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats)
- Alcohol consumption. Try to limit it to no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. A single drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits/hard liquor
Overall, reducing consumption of red meat(beef, pork, lamb), processed meat(hot dogs, sausage, bacon, lunch meat) and alcohol seems to bring great benefits to colon health. While it is not easy to make diet changes immediately, maybe try to slowly implement it into your lifestyle or set it as a new year’s resolution!