Bowel Cancer Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

Eat: Whole Grains

Instead, opt for whole-grain bread since it’s a good source of fiber. According to Medical News Today, researchers found that a fiber-rich diet “may improve survival rates for patients with stage one colorectal cancer.” The source says whole grains are similarly linked to better treatment outcomes.

So, beyond bread, look for other whole grains to include in your diet. For instance, there’s oatmeal and brown rice. WebMD says whole grains “keep your stools moving, and along the way, they may grab onto cancer-causing compounds in your colon.”

Avoid: Sweets

According to the CTCA, “there’s no conclusive evidence that sugar feeds cancer,” but there are several reasons to avoid sugary foods and drinks. The source says sweets tend to offer little nutritional value and can cause unhealthy weight gain and increased blood sugar levels.

Of course, not all sugars are created equal. The MD Anderson Cancer Center says there’s a significant difference between refined and natural sugars. So, sugar in fruit, whole carbohydrates, and dairy products is OK. But the source says sweets like candy, cookies, and cakes should be limited.

Before Changing Your Diet

Always talk to your doctor before changing your diet. They can help you design a diet that meets your specific dietary needs and won’t interfere with any prescribed medication. Plus, they can help you decide if your diet should be adjusted at any time during the treatment process.

While changing your diet won’t cure bowel cancer, it can help improve overall health and support the treatment and recovery process. Look for foods high in antioxidants, protein, healthy fats, electrolytes, and fiber. And consider eating more berries, nuts, fish, whole grains, and green vegetables.