12 Easy Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Colon Cancer (#4 Feels So Good!)

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4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin and it is no mystery why that is! Our bodies turn wonderful sunshine into vitamin D. By getting at least 20 to 30 minutes of sunshine most days, you can prevent a vitamin D deficiency in the body, which can help to reduce your risk of many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. The journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention published a meta-analysis and systematic review with studies done on colorectal cancer and they found that low levels of vitamin D were linked to a higher risk of this type of cancer. Vitamin D is important to the body for the regulation of cell growth, which might be why this important vitamin is so important for the prevention of cancer. On days when you cannot get sunshine, eat more vitamin D rich foods such as eggs, fish, and cod liver oil. Cancer prevention simply from enjoying the warmth of the sun? Sweet!

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by getting rid of a few inches around your waist. Research studies show that people, who are obese, or even just overweight, increase their risk of developing colorectal cancer. If you are overweight or obese, start by eating a healthier diet, limiting your consumption of sugar and simple carbs and work towards getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Aim to lose about two pounds each week. Speak to your doctor if you feel you are having a harder than normal time losing weight.

6. Avoid Antibiotics

Although sometimes antibiotics can save lives, too many Americans take antibiotics for every sniffle and cough. Studies show that consuming excessive amounts of antibiotics increases a person’s risk of developing several types of cancer, including prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancer. The International Journal of Cancer published a study in 2008 which found that excessive antibiotic use leads to a significant increase in several types of cancer. Scientists believe that this is because antibiotics weaken the immune system and kill all bacteria in the body, even the good kind the body needs. Never consume antibiotics without your doctor’s approval, and even then, ask your doctor if antibiotics are absolutely necessary. There are plenty of natural ways to fight infection. Antibiotics should be saved for life-threatening problems.

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