Maintaining and improving digestive system health, as well as that of the heart, brain, bones, is tied to proper nutrition. That’s why recommendations for preventing and recovering from diseases such as colon cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and many other conditions involves turning away from meat heavy, low fiber diets common in the West.
Studies by the American Cancer Society report strong links between diet, weight, exercise, and colorectal cancer. The Colon Cancer Foundation maintains that 50 to 75% of these types of cancers can be prevented through healthy eating and other lifestyle changes. Diets high in red meat, sweets, desserts, French fries, and refined grains are tied not only to increased cancer risk but also cancer reoccurrence.
THE IDEAL DIET FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The ideal diet emphasizes eating foods that aid digestion and limiting those that don’t. The recommendations include:
- Limiting the amount of red meat and processed meats in the diet. Just eating a small hamburger or hot dog increases the risk of colon cancer by 15 to 20%. While the American Cancer Society does not dictate removing these meats from your diet if you like them, you should limit them.
- Cutting back on sugar to reduce potential weight gain or obesity. High sugar, high-fat diets are linked to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
- Increasing fiber by adding fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet (raspberries, bananas, pears, apples, oranges, cooked artichoke, peas, broccoli, corn) along with whole grains and legumes. These foods reduce the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids or small pouches in your colon linked to diverticulitis.
- Including milk and dark leafy greens in your diet to decrease the risk of colorectal cancers.
- Choosing fiber-rich grains such as barley, quinoa, whole wheat flour, wild and brown rice, and oatmeal rather than refined grains.
WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR DOCTOR
Dr. Askari from Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology can discuss the best diet to promote digestive health whether you want to promote disease or recover from illness.
SCHEDULE A NUTRITIONAL CONSULT AT OASIS ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY
For a digestion-friendly nutritional plan, consult your gastroenterologist, Contact Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology in Palm Springs to schedule an appointment with Dr. Asgeri.
Request an appointment online or call 760-699-7607.