Healthy Diet for a Diseased Colon

There are several types of colon diseases and cancers, and all of them can affect not only the colon, but the digestive tract and a person's overall health as well. Colon diseases can be often managed with medication, a proper diet, and in some cases surgery and chemotherapy. If you have a colon disease or colon cancer, it's important to maintain a healthy diet that does not cause a flare-up of symptoms or further aggravate your colon.

Healthy Diet for a Diseased Colon

• Whether your colon is diseased from cancer, a colon-specific disease such as colitis, or it is irritated by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), maintaining a diet that is high in nutrients and fiber and low in fat is the first step in managing symptoms.

  Vitamins and minerals are essential for providing your cells with the components necessary for maintaining bone, muscle, tissue, immune system and digestive health. Vitamins and minerals are found in abundance in fruits and vegetables. If you're concerned about the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, consider adding a multi-vitamin supplement to your daily diet. Take multi-vitamins with the largest meal of the day to ensure adequate absorption and reduce the possibility of stomach irritation.

  Fiber reduces the risk of constipation and hemorrhoids by keeping stools soft, and can often ease the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome or colorectal cancer. There are two types of fiber you need to be aware of: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can be found in bran, fruits, vegetables and oatmeal. Insoluble fiber can be found in whole grains, wheat and wheat bran and most cereals. Pick high-fiber foods that provide you with both soluble and insoluble fiber.
  If you are currently not maintaining a high-fiber diet, increase the amount of fiber you consume slowly, to avoid "shocking" your system and possibly irritating your digestive tract and colon. Always drink plenty of water, broth and juices when you increase fiber.

  Maintaining a diet that is low in fat will reduce the risk of obesity, coronary heart disease and other health problems. You can make low-fat choices at every meal. Opt for lean cuts of meat, and remove skins from poultry and fish products. Bake, broil, steam and poach meat and other foods instead of frying. Drink milk that is low-fat or fat-free, and choose low-fat cheeses and salad dressings.