People diagnosed with colon cancer should be mindful of what they eat. Apart from following a nutritious diet, they must know about which foods are to be avoided in a colon cancer diet to prevent the condition from worsening. Listed here are some of the foods that colon cancer patients should leave out of their diet:

Sugary foods and beverages
People with colon cancer should stay away from sugary foods like desserts and candies, as they have little to no nutrition and can lead to obesity, which can further worsen colon cancer symptoms. Sodas and fruit juices should also be avoided as they can aggravate diarrhea. Even sugar substitutes can cause digestive issues in people with colon cancer.

Foods high in saturated fat
Among the most important food groups to avoid in a colon cancer diet is foods high in saturated fat. Saturated fats are unhealthy and come from animal foods like meat and dairy. Beef, pork, lamb, cheese, and butter have high amounts of saturated fat and should be avoided by colon cancer patients. Cooking red meat at high temperatures gives rise to cancer-causing substances, but there is no conclusive evidence to support this.

Refined grains
Refined grains like white bread and white rice can increase blood sugar levels and lead to insulin resistance in people who are obese or overweight. Avoiding the consumption of foods made with white flour, like cakes and pastries, is essential for people with colon cancer.

Greasy and fatty foods
Greasy and fatty foods are difficult to digest and can be tough on the digestive system. Eating such foods can cause painful acid reflux, resulting in extreme discomfort. Such foods are among the top ones to avoid in a colon cancer diet. Instead of fatty and oily foods, one can opt for foods with healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts and seeds, and avocados.

Caffeine and alcohol
Medicines do not go well with caffeine and alcohol, so it’s best for people with colon cancer to avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Also, alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which can affect the bowel system and may worsen colon cancer symptoms.

Cured and processed meat
Cured and processed meat is also one of the foods to avoid in a colon cancer diet. Meats that are smoked, cured, or preserved with added chemicals can aggravate colon cancer symptoms. One should limit or avoid eating bacon, ham, hot dogs, sliced luncheon meats, deli meats like salami, and other meat spreads that can impact the lining of the colon. Instead, one can opt for poultry, tofu, eggs, and fish.

Eating healthy and taking up regular physical activity can help patients maintain a healthy weight during colon cancer treatment. Understanding what foods to avoid in a colon cancer diet can also help relieve stress and speed up recovery.