Diet impacts the gut environment, helping to shape the composition, structure and function of microorganisms naturally living in the gut microbiome.
Foods high in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids can help manage conditions that affect the digestive system, including colon cancer.
“Research is now increasingly focused on the idea of anti-inflammatory foods, which means trying to truly limit ultra-processed foods (UPF),” says Hope Barkoukis, PhD, RDN, chair of the nutrition department at Case Western Reserve University. There is no standard definition of UPF, but basically, instead of consuming chips, candy, soda, and similar refined fast foods, try adding more color to your diet from whole fruits and vegetables, nuts of all types, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado oil. These foods help reduce inflammation in the intestine and may help reduce the symptoms of colon cancer or its treatments.
Notably, problems such as nausea and vomiting, changes in smell and taste, and loss of appetite – which the disease or its treatment can cause – are real challenges that can make it more difficult for people with colorectal cancer to get adequate nutrition.
Working with nutrition experts like registered dietitians (RD or RDN) can be beneficial in managing these dietary challenges. Also keep in mind that the diet should complement your conventional treatment and not replace any medication or treatment prescribed by your doctor.
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