3 easy ways to enhance your colon health

Colon cancer rates, overall, have been falling the last few decades. But a recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology suggests that colon cancer rates are increasing among young and early-aged young adults – men and women between 20 and 49.

While there’s on direct explanation for why this is happening, it’s undeniable that more education is needed about the colon and simple, everyday practices that can boost your colon health.

Here are three things you can start doing now to improve the health of your body’s large intestine:

Exercise

Exercising isn’t just about losing weight. In fact, according to a study by the American Cancer Society, exercising provides a 16% decrease in the risk of developing colon polyps. It offers a 30 percent decrease in developing advanced polyps.

According to the CDC, adults need about 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, or and an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly. That means activities like fast walking, water aerobics, biking, tennis or every pushing a lawn mower for moderate activity. For vigorous activity, that means activities like running, swimming, biking, tennis and basketball.

It also suggests muscle-strengthening activities about two or more days per week. Keep in mind that an activity like yoga counts as muscle-strengthening.

Change up the diet

Research has linked the consumption of cruciferous vegetables to a lower risk of colon cancer. And somewhere around 50 to 75 percent of colorectal cancer can be prevented through lifestyle changes like health eating, notes the Color Cancer Foundation.

Some of the rules include eating more vegetables, limiting red and processed meat, backing off of sugar and increasing fiber intake in general.

Get more sunshine

Observational studies have found a link between high vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of colon cancer. And a recent study published in the journal Gut found that the higher the blood levels of people with vitamin D, the less likely they were to develop colorectal tumors.

So get out in the sun as much as possible.

Other prevention methods

The three lifestyle changes listed above just skin the surface of boosting your colon health. You can also try colon hydrotherapy and other natural detox programs to enhance overall health and wellness.

For more information on colon health and detox programs, call us at our Palos Verdes spa location.

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