If I Knew Then What I Know Now … Healthy Foods Prevent Cancer

You know you’re getting old when you start to use phrases like, “if I only knew then, what I know now.” I can’t help but think that way. We’ve learned so much about eating habits and how they can affect our health. If I knew then that the foods I eat could actually help prevent cancer, I’m sure I would have listened a little more closely. Well I’d like think my 12-year-old self would listen to me now, but I don’t know many pre-teens who listen to adults.

I never claimed to be the best student in school. In my early school years, I would draw and doodle, when I was supposed to be listening. Of course, I did grow up to actually use those skills as a graphic designer, but my teachers never shared that vision.

In middle school and high school I was much more concerned about what I was wearing, how my hair looked or which boy was passing notes to which girl. I hated anything to do with math, still do in fact, but I did enjoy biology and health sciences. At least when we studied anatomy, we often got to draw pictures. Even way back then, the films we had to watch were outdated and a joke to us cool kids. We giggled at the human reproduction parts and slept through the boring food pyramid parts.

So after years of not listening to anyone wiser or older than me, I try to remember when I actually started heeding the word of others. I can’t exactly remember when I made the switch from using my one mouth more than my two ears, but you better believe I listen now. I am breast cancer survivor. I lost a mother to colon cancer and I have already had pre-cancerous colon polyps. I listen and follow medical advice that helps me prevent colon cancer and breast cancer. For instance, did you that according to the American Cancer society, colorectal cancer is one of the most affected by diet.

A low-fat diet is good for us all when it comes to preventing cancer. When our digestive system breaks down fat, it creates a byproduct that has been proven to cause cancer. Reducing your intake of saturated fats can lower your risk of colon cancer.

One of the biggest ways you can effectively reduce your risk of colon cancer is by having a diet full of fiber. Fiber helps to keep things moving and that helps your bowels to stay clean and healthy. Just like those corny old health class movies said, “eat your green vegetables.” In particular, eat those green leafy vegetables. Bring on the broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and spinach, people.

If you’re not so great with in the veggie department, try adding lots of fruits. Fruits like apples and pears are high in fiber.  You can also try throwing some fresh berries on your cereal. Berries are a great way to help prevent colon cancer because they contain high levels of antioxidants. Blueberries in particular have been shown to help lower your risks of colon cancer. Just be sure to add them to a bowl of a healthy, whole-grained cereal and not a sugar-packed kid’s cereal. If it comes with a prize, it’s not healthy. Your prize will come later…a clean bill of health from your next colonoscopy.

For tips on how to stock your refrigerator with colon healthy foods, check out the article by John Williams entitled, “Cleaning Out Your Kitchen for a More Colon Friendly Lifestyle.”

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