Beyond Diet: Supplements and Lifestyle Changes to Protect Your Colon

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, colon cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. It’s also the second leading cause of cancer death. With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s critical to consider all available prevention strategies.

While a high-fiber diet can help reduce the risk of colon cancer, supplements and specific lifestyle changes are essential. That’s because they can dramatically strengthen the body’s defense system against colon cancer. As someone who has witnessed the impact of colon cancer firsthand through her mother’s diagnosis, Gabrielle is passionately committed to helping others prevent this disease.

The Role of Strategic & Smart Supplementation

Even with a healthy diet, supplements can provide therapeutic levels of specific nutrients that support colon health.

Probiotics help maintain gut flora balance, which is crucial for colon health. “The more healthy, friendly gut buddies we have, the less inflammation we have, and the more we can support immune function. These factors help reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer,” shares Gabrielle.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for colon health as it can help regulate cell growth and inhibit the growth of cancer cells  in the colon and promote differentiation of normal colon cells. Gabrielle notes that deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to many different cancers. Since food sources are limited and many people don’t get adequate sun exposure, supplementation is often very helpful.

B vitamins, especially folate (vitamin B9), play a crucial role in colon cancer prevention. Why is that? Folate helps with DNA repair. It is important for DNA synthesis, repair and methylation. This is vital because cancer involves abnormal DNA, and having adequate folate can help prevent the development of these abnormalities.

Gabrielle notes that many people have genetic abnormalities like the MTHFR gene variant that can affect folate processing. Therefore, many individuals need methylated forms in addition to what they can get through foods like green leafy vegetables. It is also important to note that standard folic acid supplements can cause unwanted challenges.

Other beneficial supplements include turmeric ( the active ingredient is called curcumin), which has a really high anti-inflammatory potential and can protect against cancer cell changes and help inhibit cancer cell growth. Taking therapeutic doses through supplementation is a way to get more than one would typically receive through diet. Gabrielle also recommends omega-3 fatty acids, which can slow down the development of tumors as they are powerful anti-inflammatories. Many people are not eating enough fish in their diet and have an imbalanced omega 3: omega 6 ratio which can be very problematic.

Why These Healthy Lifestyle Habits Matter

Preventative measures go beyond what you eat to how you live. One of the best things you can do to help prevent colon cancer is to move more. “Regular physical activity helps reduce cancer risk. It also helps improve digestion,” shares Gabrielle. That’s particularly the case after meals when even a short walk can aid digestive processes.

Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco are equally important, as both are known risk factors for colon cancer.