Nutritionist Elena Solomatina explained what the diet should be like to prevent colorectal cancer.
Doctor Solomatina recalled that the intestines are the area of the human body where the bulk of the immune system is concentrated – up to 80% of immunocompetent cells. It is their condition and functioning that largely determines whether a person will get cancer.
“Mutations occur in us constantly, but the immune system copes with them if it works normally. If the immune system loses control, then there is a risk of getting cancer,” the doctor explained in a comment for Moscow 24.
Speaking about what improves people's protection from the development of bowel cancer, Solomatina stated: an important nutritional feature that reduces the risk of such cancer is adequate consumption of fiber. According to the doctor, fiber, like nothing else, supports active intestinal peristalsis, which prevents food from lingering in the tract, fermenting, and rotting. In addition, fiber acts as a sorbent – it absorbs endotoxins formed during digestion of food, absorbs excess fats and sugar, and heavy metal salts. All this contributes to the complete cleansing of the intestinal tract, protects it from the effects of unwanted and harmful substances.
The most useful sources of fiber in the diet are vegetables, fruits and berries, whole grains and whole grain products. Among other things, they provide the body with antioxidants (for example, bioflavonoids, polyphenols), which protect cellular structures from destruction, fight inflammation – all this also improves the body's defense against the occurrence of tumors.
Another important nutritional feature that reduces the risk of colon cancer is sufficient water.
“In order for fiber to pass through the intestines faster, water is needed to normalize the functioning of cells. If there is a shortage of it, the body will suck moisture out of the intestines, which is fraught with constipation,” the expert warned.
Solomatina also advised including fermented milk products in the diet. Fermented milk products contain bifidobacteria, which have a beneficial effect on the condition of the intestines, she clarified.
Thus, the doctor summarized, you should eat 500 grams of vegetables and fruits daily, at least 30 milliliters of water per kilogram of weight, and from fermented milk products – for example, a glass of kefir.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote about why it is useful to drink coffee.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Elena Solomatina Healthy lifestyle nutritionist, PhD