Colorectal Cancer: How to Support Your Body Naturally

Cancer
Written By Nancy Smith

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Colorectal cancer will affect 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women in their lifetime. It is one of the most common forms of cancer and one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States (1, 2, 3). Colorectal cancer is clearly a serious issue that we need to talk about,

Today, I want to explain everything you need to know about colorectal cancer. You will learn what colorectal cancer is. You will learn about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, the risk factors of colorectal cancer, and the underlying causes of colorectal cancer. You will learn about colorectal screening, diagnosis, and conventional treatment options for colorectal cancer. Finally, I will share my favorite strategies to support your body naturally. Read on to learn how to reclaim your health.

Diagram of a colon, cecum, appendix and rectum.

What Is Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a common form of cancer that may develop in your colon or rectum, or both (1). It is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States (2). Colorectal cancer is an umbrella term for colon cancer and rectal cancer. Colon cancer affects your colon, and rectal cancer affects your rectum. However, the two can often co-occur, and you may be affected by both (1).

The colon is part of your gastrointestinal tract. Your colon pulls out water and salt from waste products to create solid waste. This solid waste can then move to your rectum. Your rectum is about the last six inches of your large intestine. Waste products sit there until you are ready to release them through bowel movements (1).

There were about 106,180 new cases of colon cancer and 44,850 new cases of colon cancer in 2022 alone, according to the American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer will affect 1 in 25 women and 1 in 23 men during their lifetime. Your risk for colorectal cancer tends to increase by age. For this reason, most healthcare recommends starting regular colonoscopy screenings at the age of 45, earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors involved (3).

Man sitting on stairs clenching his stomach in pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer may include (4):

  • Changes in bowel habits, including narrow stools, diarrhea, or constipation, or any other unusual changes that last for more than a few days or a week

  • Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

  • Signs of blood in the stool, such as dark brown or black stool

  • Cramping

  • Abdominal pain

  • Feeling like you need to go to the bathroom even after having a full bowel movement

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Weight loss without a clear reason

While some of these symptoms can be worrisome, experiencing any of these symptoms may not mean you have colorectal cancer. You may experience many of these symptoms due to other health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), hemorrhoids, and gut infections. However, it’s important that you visit your healthcare professional if your symptoms persist. Early diagnosis is critical for improving your chance of recovery (4).

Polyps inside of intestines

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

There are many factors that may increase your risk for colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, you don’t have control over all these risk factors for colorectal cancer. You cannot change your family history or ethnicity. However, there are many other factors you can control, such as your diet and lifestyle. Later in this article, I will offer some natural strategies to improve your health and reduce your risk factors through diet and lifestyle.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer may include (5):

  • Being over the age of 50

  • History of polyps or colorectal cancer

  • History of IBDs

  • Family history of adenomatous polyps or colorectal cancer

  • Genetic inheritance

  • Being black 

  • Having an Ashkenazi Jew ethnic background

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Lynch syndrome

  • Familial adenomatous polyps (FAP)

  • Some rare inherited syndrome, including Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) and MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP)

  • Following an inflammatory diet high in processed meat, red meat, and meat cooked at high temperatures

  • Smoking

  • Vitamin D deficiency

  • Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption

  • Living a sedentary lifestyle

Underlying Root Causes of Colorectal Cancer

I’ve already discussed the common risk factors for colorectal cancer. However, there is more to it. There are some underlying dietary, lifestyle, and health factors that may contribute to the increased risk of colorectal cancer or may worsen your prognosis. Remember, health and disease don’t happen in a vacuum. Let’s talk about the underlying root causes of colorectal cancer.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is part of your body’s natural defense system. If you have an injury, infection, or toxin exposure, your body will send acute inflammation to support recovery. You may experience some swelling, redness, itchiness, pain, or other symptoms. However, these symptoms of acute infections will gradually subside. Depending on the issue, they will disappear within a few days, weeks, or in cases of breaks and surgeries, a few months. 

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can lead to serious health issues. Chronic inflammation is ongoing inflammation. It may develop due to an inflammatory diet, chronic stress, environmental toxin overload, not enough sleep, not enough exercise, obesity, and other unfavorable dietary, lifestyle, emotional, and environmental factors. Even the National Institute of Health (NIH) - National Cancer Institute acknowledges that chronic inflammation may increase your risk of oxidative damage, DNA damage, and cancer (6). According to a 2013 study published in Seminars in Immunopathology, chronic inflammation related to IBDS may increase the risk of colorectal cancer (7).

Chart with different types of parasites that could be in your intestines.

Chronic Infections & Gut Microbiome Imbalance

Colorectal cancer affects a part of your gut. It’s not surprising that chronic gut infections and gut microbiome imbalance may increase your risk factors for colorectal cancer. A 2012 review published in Parasite and a 2017 study published in PLoS Pathology, have found that Cryptosporidium parvum and other parasitic infections may increase your risk of colorectal cancer increase the risk of digestive cancer (8, 9).

According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, gut microbiome imbalances may increase chronic inflammation, obesity, IBDs, and the risk of colorectal cancer (10). According to a 2020 review published in Digestion, gut microbiome imbalances may contribute to the increased risk of colorectal cancer (11).

Obesity and Insulin Resistance 

Obesity and insulin resistance are both common problems in the US, and often overlap. In the US alone, nearly 42 percent of adults are obese, and 60 to 70 million people have insulin resistance  (12, 13). Obesity means that your BMI is over 30 and you have too much body fat. Insulin resistance means that your body can’t respond to insulin properly and can’t take care of all the blood sugar in your body. Obesity and insulin resistance often develop due to the same underlying dietary and lifestyle habits, such as a high-sugar inflammatory diet, lack of exercise, and stress. The two issues often overlap. Obesity may increase your risk of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes. They are both risk factors for colorectal cancer.

According to a 2003 review published in Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood, NJ), insulin resistance and chronic inflammation may increase colorectal cancer risk (14). According to a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, obesity and insulin resistance may increase the risk factors for colorectal cancer (15). 

Chronic Stress and Not Enough Sleep

Chronic stress and not enough or poor sleep can both contribute to chronic inflammation, which is one of the main underlying issues behind colorectal cancer. Moreover, chronic stress can contribute to poor sleep. Poor sleep can contribute to chronic stress. Chronic inflammation may increase chronic stress and poor sleep. If you don’t pay attention, it can turn into a vicious cycle, increasing your risk for colorectal cancer.

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, chronic inflammation and chronic stress levels may be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (16). According to a 2017 study published in Scientific Reports, chronic psychological stress may contribute to colorectal cancer risk (17). According to a 2011 study published in Cancer, not enough or poor sleep may contribute to a higher risk factor for colorectal cancer (18). 

Smoke stacks shooting black smoke into the air. Toxic air rendition.

Environmental Toxin Exposure

Toxins are everywhere you go. There are toxins in our indoor and outdoor air, city tap water, packaged food items, non-organic produce, synthetic clothing, cleaning products, body and hygiene products, make-up and beauty products, plastic items, and more. Unfortunately, high toxin environmental toxin exposure can increase the risk of various health issues. Colorectal cancer is no exception.

According to a 2019 review in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, occupational asbestos exposure may increase the risk of colorectal and other forms of cancer (19). According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, arsenic exposure may also increase the risk of developing and/or dying from colorectal cancer (20). According to a 2018 study published in Chemosphere, pesticide exposure may increase colorectal cancer risk (21). According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, mycotoxins from mold may also contribute to elevated colorectal cancer risks (21).

Woman smoking a cigarette while holding an alcoholic beverage.

Smoking & Alcohol

You know that smoking is bad for your lungs and that too much alcohol can damage your liver. But did you know that smoking cigarette and heavy alcohol consumption can both increase your risk of colorectal cancer? Even the American Cancer Society lists smoking and alcohol as risk factors for colorectal cancer (22).

According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute, smoking can elevate your risks for colorectal cancer as inhaling toxins from cigarettes can lead to free radical damage, DNA damage, chronic inflammation, mutations of healthy cells, precancerous polyps, and eventually cancer (23). A 2014 study published in the British Journal of Cancer has found that heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 1.44 folds (24). According to a 2011 review published in the Annals of Oncology, even drinking moderately may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (25).

Low Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin your body can convert from the sun. You may also get some vitamin D from certain foods, like mushrooms. Vitamin D is essential for your muscle, bone, brain, mental, and immune health. It may also help to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer.

The American Cancer Society lists vitamin D deficiency as one of the top risk factors for colorectal cancer (22). A 2009 study published in the Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology, and Oncology has found that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of colorectal cancer (26). According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer, vitamin D supplementation may help to complement chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (27).

Screening and Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

As I mentioned, healthcare professionals generally recommend beginning screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, they may recommend it sooner. 

Though colonoscopy is the most commonly used screening option, other screening options are also available for colorectal cancer. Computed tomography (CT and CAT), colonography, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), double contrast barium enema (DCBE), and stool DNA testing are some options. Each colorectal cancer screening test has its pros and cons. I recommend that you read into each option and talk to your healthcare provider to see which one feels like the best fit for your personal situation.

If you have signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, after a physical exam, health history, and going over your symptoms, your doctor may recommend several tests and procedures. These may include a colonoscopy or other colorectal cancer screening tools and various blood test to look for cues of colorectal cancer, liver or kidney problems, gut problems, and other signs of cancer (28).

You may also consider Walk-In Lab for screening tests for rectal and colon cancer. Direct-to-consumer lab testing through Walk-In Lab testing is a very convenient and smart option. It provides you with freedom and flexibility. It can be very empowering to make decisions over your healthcare choices. Choosing Walk-In Lab testing allows you to have control over what tests you need to be done and how often you want to repeat them. It also allows you to be proactive about your health. You may use it in addition to your doctor’s visits, or you may order some of the tests yourself, as recommended through Walk-In Lab to save some money.

Staging and Grading of Colorectal Cancer

If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, staging is the next step. Staging may require an abdominal, pelvic, or chest CT, and other testing. Stages of colon cancer may range from 0 to IV using Roman numerals. 0 is the lowest stage where cancer is limited, and it’s still inside the lining of your colon. Stage IV is advanced and has spread (metastasized) to other areas of your body (29).

Besides staging, your healthcare team will also grade your cancer after checking for abnormalities in your cells and seeing how different or similar abnormal cells are to your healthy cells. There are two categories of colorectal cancer. Low-grade colorectal cancer has a much better prognosis. High-grade colorectal cancer has more abnormal cancer cells that grow much faster, resulting in a worse prognosis and outcome (30).

Conventional Treatments for Colorectal Cancer

Conventional treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on the stage of your cancer, the grade and the prognosis, your age, your health status, and other factors. Conventional treatment options for colorectal cancer may include surgery, cryosurgery, radiofrequency ablation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. Additionally, you may choose to enroll in clinical trials to try some new, not-yet-approved, still-under-testing treatment options. This may be a good option if you are not responding to other treatment methods (31). 

You may also support your treatment through diet and lifestyle strategies. Next in this article, I will share my favorite natural options — including nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation — to support your health and recovery.

How to Support Your Body Naturally

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Plan

As we discussed earlier, chronic inflammation is one of the main underlying risk factors for colorectal cancer. Following an anti-inflammatory and nutrient-rich diet rich in greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruits may help to improve your health. According to a 2017 review published in Nutrients, there is a link between the inflammation index of one’s diet and their risk for colorectal cancer, and following an anti-inflammatory diet may lower risk factors (34). A  2018 study published in JAMA Oncology has also found that following an anti-inflammatory diet may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (33). 

A 2018 review published in the Journal of Translational Medicine has found that a nutrient-dense diet high in polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics may support immune responsiveness in cancer (34). The study specifically highlighted the benefits of plant-based vegetarian, Mediterranean, Japanese, low-calorie ketogenic, and microbiota-regulating diets.

The first step is to remove inflammatory foods from your diet. Refined sugar, refined oil, artificial ingredients, additives, overly processed foods, gluten and grains, flours, food allergens, food sensitivities, junk food, and anything that doesn’t make you feel your best should be removed. Follow an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, whole foods diet instead. Choose organic foods as often as possible to avoid pesticides, herbicides, and added hormones. If you have to choose non-organic, always wash and peel them. Avoid any non-organic dirty dozen items from the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list.  If you are up for it, try organic gardening and grow your own food.

I recommend following a whole foods plant-based diet. Eat plenty of greens, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, fermented foods, nuts, and seeds. Eat plenty of healthy fats, including flaxseed oil, hemp oil, black seed oil, coconut oil, avocadoes, and seeds. I recommend Andreas seed oils for healthy oils and healthy fats.

Within a plant-based whole foods diet, there are lots of options. Following a raw food or a higher raw diet is very popular among cancer-thrivers. I personally find that following an 80% and 20% cooked plant-based diet works best for me. But you may find that you do well on more cooked foods. Some people prefer a lower-carb diet. If you choose to go keto or low-carb, I recommend still sticking to a plant-based vegan diet. Focus on healthy plant-based fats, such as avocados, olives, and coconut.

Starting this new diet with organic whole foods may sound overwhelming. You are not alone. If you don’t have the time or energy or a healing crisis is weighing you down, I recommend the Organic Pharmer for your rescue. They have some amazing juices, shakes, soups, energy shots, and healthy food bars. Their Phast program is perfect if you have a healing crisis. Their products are not only healthy but absolutely delicious too.

Hydrate Your Body and Try Green Juices

Remember, hydration is just as important as a healthy diet. According to a 1996 study published in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, hydration may reduce colorectal cancer risks (35). Drink plenty of water, 8 to 10 glasses a day minimum. Avoid water straight out of the tap. Choose filtered and purified water instead to avoid toxins and chemicals. I absolutely recommend and personally use the Berkey water filter system to remove toxins and chemicals from your tap water. Drink plenty of herbal tea, green juices, and green smoothies. I also recommend Invigorated Water for alkaline water. 

For additional hydration, you can try some herbal tea, green juices, green smoothies, and of course, lots of hydrating fruits and vegetables. For tea, I love Mountain Rose Herbs, and Terra Life Store Herbal Tea. If you love coffee, I recommend Life Boost coffee. They are low acid and mycotoxin free. They also have the cleanest and best tasting coffee I have found anywhere. 

Drinking vegetable juices during cancer recovery is an important part of your healing journey as it supercharges your body with nutrition. According to the Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics, juicing is a good way to add more nutrients to your diet and support cancer treatment and recovery (36). According to a 2011 review published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition, fruit and vegetable juices help to improve your antioxidant levels, which may support your healing journey (37). 

For your juicing needs, I recommend Omega Juicers, the Sana Juicer with an Oil Extractor attachment,  Commercial Grade Samon Juicer, the Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer, the Hurricane Manual Stainless Steel Wheatgrass Juicer, and Hamana wheatgrass for juicing.  Terra Life Store also sells some wonderful green juice powders. If you are into smoothies and other blended drinks and foods, I recommend Omega blenders or Nutr for your smoothies, shakes, nut milk, nut butter, dips, sauces, and soups.

Try Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is an eating strategy. Using this method, you will be cycling between a period of fasting and a period of feasting within one day. During your fasting period, you may only drink purified water, herbal tea, and in some cases, black coffee. This fasting period may last anywhere from 12 hours to 23 hours within one day. The remaining time is reserved for your meals. The eating or feasting period is not a time for restriction, but to meet your caloric and nutrient needs through an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet, I outlined earlier. 

Intermittent fasting may offer several health benefits. It may also support your health during recovery from colorectal cancer. According to a 2017 study published in Oncotarget, intermittent fasting may help to reduce the risk of colon cancer (38). According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research, it may help you to tolerate chemotherapy easier, and it may enhance the benefits of the treatment (39). 

If this is your first-time intermittent fasting, I recommend that you stop eating after dinner at 7 pm and don’t eat until 7 am in the morning. Congratulations, following this method, you’ve fasted for 12 hours! You can gradually extend your fasting window by delaying breakfast. Many people swear by a 16-hour fasting window. Listen to your body, though. If you are a menstruating female, pay attention to your period. Very light periods, skipping or losing your period, or losing too much weight may mean that you need to shorten your fasting window, fast only for a few days of the week, or stop intermittent fasting. If you feel good, keep going.

Beyond intermittent fasting, you may also try some other fasting methods. Trying a green juice fast for a day, 3 days or even a week may be right for you. Start with a day, and if you do well, you may try a 3-day one next month. You may also try a liquid fast, consuming only green juices, green smoothies, healthy shakes, vegetable soups, and herbal tea for a day, three days, or a week.

If you want to try a green juice cleanse, liquid fast, or simply want to add more green juices, green smoothies, healthy shakes, and smoothies into your life, I recommend Omega Juicers, the Sana Juicer with an Oil Extractor attachment,  the Commercial Grade Samon Juicer, and the Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer for juicing, the Hurricane Manual Stainless Steel Wheatgrass Juicer and the Hamana wheatgrass for juicing, and the Omega blenders for smoothies, shakes, and soups. For nut milk and new nut milk recipes, I love Nutr. Terra Life Store also sells some wonderful green juice powders. I also love Organifi Green Juice. If you are too busy or tired to prepare your own juices, smoothies, and soups, I recommend the Organic Pharmer’s Phast to try a nutrient-dense, mostly liquid cleanse with delicious juices, shakes, and smoothies.

Improve Your Gut Microbiome

You’ve learned earlier in this article that gut infections and gut microbiome imbalance can increase your risk of colon cancer. Protecting your gut health, therefore, is critical.

You may want to consider testing for some gut infections and gut microbiome imbalances. I recommend the Comprehensive stool analysis and Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) breath test by Walk-In Lab.

I recommend that you follow a healthy, anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, gut-friendly diet as I outlined earlier. Adding probiotics is also critical for improving your gut microbiome health. According to a 2018 study published in Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench, probiotics may help to reduce inflammation, microbiome imbalances, and nutrition absorption issues (40). They may also help to reduce the risk and support recovery from gastrointestinal cancer. Findings of a 2019 study published in Nutrients and a 2019 review in the Journal of Cell Physiology also agree that probiotics may help to reduce your risk and support the treatment of colorectal cancer (41, 42).  

Don’t forget about prebiotics either. Prebiotics are just as important as probiotics. Prebiotics are certain fiber-rich foods that feed good bacteria (probiotics) and help them support your body. I recommend eating plenty of prebiotic-rich foods, such as asparagus, jicama, Jerusalem artichokes, apples, leeks, garlic, onions, and dandelion greens, and probiotic-rich foods, including sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables, fermented herbs, coconut kefir, coconut yogurt, and kombucha. I also recommend taking a high-quality probiotic supplement daily. If you have SIBO, choose soil-based (SBO) probiotics as other types may be triggering SIBO. I recommend using probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other gut-supporting supplements from Organixx.

Reduce Toxin Exposure

Today, you’ve also learned that high toxin exposure may increase your risk of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and colorectal cancer. Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke, improving your water and indoor air quality, shopping organics, and avoiding toxic household products are some basic steps.

Reducing your toxin and chemical exposure and detoxifying your body is critical for your health and recovery. According to a  2003 review published in Integrative Cancer Therapies, detoxifying from cancer-causing agents may help to reduce the risk of cancer (43). Here is what you can do:

  • Choose organic food at all times to avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and hormones.

  • Drink purified water instead of regular tap water. I recommend the Berkey water filter system to remove toxins and chemicals from your tap water.

  • Use a high-quality HEPA air filtration system to improve your indoor air by reducing mold, allergens, dust, pathogens, and other toxins in your indoor air. My favorite air purifiers include AirOasis, Alen Air, or EOS.

  • Stop smoking. If you are not a smoker, don’t start. Avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible. Avoid vaping as well.

  • Choose organic, natural, and homemade household, cleaning, hygiene, body, and beauty products. For your natural household cleaning needs, I recommend Young Living and Branch Basics. For personal hygiene, body, and beauty care, I recommend Young Living, Primal Life Organics, Purity Woods, and Holistic Thingz. 

  • Avoid using plastic, especially BPA. Choose glassware, ceramics, wood, bamboo, organic cotton, and other natural, safer options instead of plastic. For safe and non-toxic cookware, I recommend Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware. I also recommend this New Titan water bottle.

  • If you are working at a high-risk job, you may want to consider changing your job if you can and pay extra attention to daily detoxification strategies.

Detoxify Your Body 

Reducing your exposure to environmental toxins is the first step, but it’s not quite enough. You’ve been exposed to so many environmental toxins during your lifetime. Even if you are careful and follow every step I outlined earlier, you will still encounter some environmental toxins daily. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to escape it, unless maybe you are living off-grid, in nature, hundreds of miles away from the modern world (43). 

Chances are, that’s not the case, and you can use some detoxing and cleansing. Here are some of my tips:

Reduce Stress 

Chronic stress is one of the major underlying factors behind chronic inflammation and modern-day diseases like colorectal cancer. Reducing your stress levels is critical. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivors, mindfulness-based stress reduction strategies may benefit those colorectal cancer survivors (44). I recommend avoiding stressful activities and interacting with people that stress you out as much as possible. Stop scrolling the news or social media all day. Pick a designated time each day, then forget about it. 

Fill your day with activities that help to reduce stress instead. It doesn’t mean that you have to do these activities all day long. Sprinkle them throughout the day. 5 to 10 minutes several times a day can do wonders. Practice meditation, breathwork, and gratitude daily — several times a day if you can. Try progressive muscle relaxation, guided relaxation, or visualization. Use positive affirmations. Try journaling. Spend time in nature. Go for a hike or a bike ride. Play with pets. Spend time with kind people and seek out a supportive community. Seek help from a therapist, counselor, life coach, support group, or spiritual counselor if you need further support.

Improve Your Sleep

Poor sleep and not enough sleep can also increase chronic inflammation and chronic stress. It may increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Moreover, if you are currently recovering from cancer or any other health issue, you need more sleep and rest than ever before. According to a 2021 study published in Nature, sleeping and napping more may be beneficial for those with colorectal cancer (45).

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you are on a healing journey, your body likely needs more naps. Listen to your body, sleep more, and take naps. Avoid heavy food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and electronics closer to bedtime. Try sipping on some herbal tea from Numi instead. Using essential oils by Young Living and turning on your salt lamp can support relaxation. Add some relaxing activities to your nighttime routine, such as coloring, reading, or listening to calming music.  Invest in comfortable organic sheets and pillowcases, supporting pillows, and a mattress such as Weighted Evolution organic bamboo blankets. Try Mosaic Weighted Blankets for rest and relaxation. Try an eye mask or black-out curtains to create darkness and support sleep.

Move Your Body Regularly

Earlier in this article, you learned that a sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors for colorectal cancer. Not moving your body enough may also increase your risk of chronic inflammation, chronic stress, and obesity, which are all risk factors for colorectal cancer. According to a 2007 study published in Current Sports Medicine Reports, exercise may help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (45). What I’m hinting at is that you need to start moving your body throughout the day and exercising regularly.

Stay active throughout the day by stretching and getting up regularly, going for a stroll, dancing to your favorite song, walking or biking instead of driving whenever possible, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and finding other simple ways to add some movement in. 

Exercise at least 5 days a week. Engage in the combination of cardiovascular exercise, resistance and strength training, and low-impact exercise. I love rebounding for cardio and lymphatic support. I can even sneak in some strength training into my rebounding workouts. I recommend Rebound-Air rebounders. Swimming, hiking, biking, dancing, and jogging are some other good options for cardio. I highly recommend the Scoop Leg Exercise Machine for a convenient workout. As a bonus, it helps strengthen your hip flexors.

For resistance and strength training, you can try bodyweight workouts, resistance bands, free weights, weight machines, kettlebells, and TRX. I highly recommend trying the Power Plate. Yoga, pilates, and Barre are great lower-impact workouts that strengthen and lengthen your body. For workouts and lymph movement, I also love the Melt Method.

If you are currently recovering from cancer, you may not be able to do as much as you want to. Don’t worry. Do as much as you can. Gently bounce on your rebounder. Even a 10-minute walk or a short yoga session matters. Try to get up and move around regularly as much as your body allows it. You may want to work with a physical therapist and other bodywork support to get some function and strength back.

Improve Your Vitamin D Levels 

As you’ve learned today, vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Improving your vitamin D levels may help. A 2014 study in Current Colorectal Cancer Reports has found that vitamin D may support the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (46). 

To check your vitamin D levels, you may want to try the Vitamin D 15-hydroxy blood test from Walk-In Lab. To improve your vitamin D levels, I recommend spending time outside in the sun daily as long as it’s not cloudy, rainy, or snowy outside. Due to our indoor lifestyle, supplementation is necessary for optimal vitamin D levels, though. I recommend using Global Healing Vitamin D to improve your vitamin D levels.

Try Some Curcumin, Quercetin, and Resveratrol

Curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol are some great anti-inflammatory supplements you may want to try. Curcumin is the active compound of the anti-inflammatory spice, turmeric. Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in many plants, including elderberries, cranberries, blueberries, apples, red onion, peppers, spinach, asparagus, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, many herbs, and olive oil. Resveratrol is an antioxidant plant compound in the skin of grapes, berries, red wine, peanuts, cacao, and pistachio. The benefits of resveratrol and quercetin complement each other well.

A 2010 study published in Nutrition and Cancer has found that curcumin and resveratrol may both help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (47). According to a 2010 study published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, curcumin may act as an anti-carcinogenic in colorectal cancer (48). According to a 2020 study published in Anti-cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, quercetin may possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects (50). According to a 2015 study published in Pharmacognosy Magazine, it may also decrease colorectal cancer growth (51). According to a 2019 study published in Cancer Cell International, resveratrol may be helpful for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer (52). 

I recommend using turmeric in your cooking, consuming resveratrol-rich berries, grapes, and pistachios, and eating plenty of quercetin-rich vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Additionally, you may support your health with some high-quality turmeric, quercetin, and resveratrol supplements. Organifi Gold Juice is rich in curcumin and other anti-inflammatory herbs. I highly recommend Micro Ingredients Curcumin, Global Healing Quercetin, and Micro Ingredients Trans-Resveratrol.

Boost Your Nutrients

When you are dealing with a health crisis, especially when you are dealing with cancer, you can use all the nutrition support you can get. Of course, following a nutrient-dense diet and using green juices, as outlined earlier, can do wonders. But you may use some additional supplements or powders to support your health. Remember, all your cells, tissues, and organs need to be supported for ideal health.

Some of my favorites include:

Next Steps

Taking care of your gut and colon health is critical. Fortunately, you can support your body naturally. I recommend following my tips and trying the products I recommend to support your gut health and overall well-being. One day at a time, you can reclaim your health, energy, and happiness.

Grandpa, Father, and son gardening and picking tomatoes.






Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on personal experiences, opinions, and my own research. Information on this website is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, replace, treat or cure any medical or mental health condition. Please see your doctor with any health-related questions. Statements on this website have not been approved or evaluated by the FDA. While perusing this site, please use your best judgment in conjunction with your Naturopath or other health care provider.

Nancy Smith https://www.acarrotaday.com
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