2022 is almost upon us, and then the holidays will be over before we know it. As you begin to contemplate your 2022 New Year’s resolutions, remember to consider all aspects of your personal health. Your colon is an important system in your body; if you can improve colon health, you can improve your overall health. Let’s take a look at when to screen for colon cancer, FODMAP diet tips, and much more as you develop your 2022 New Year’s resolutions.
Resolution #1: Get Screened Regularly
Much of an individual’s colon health revolves around early detection. For example, polyps, cancer, cysts, and diverticulitis can all be treated with great success if the issues causing them are caught early enough. There’s no shame in going to your doctor with colorectal concerns; we assure you, there’s nothing you can say that will surprise us! Besides, it’s recommended that patients over 50 schedule regular colonoscopies anyway. If you’re worried about getting a colonoscopy, take a quick peek at this: Colonoscopy Prep: How to Get Ready for Your Exam.
Resolution #2: Clean Up Your Diet
There are so many potential trigger foods for different bowel diseases that it’s difficult to list them all within one article. However, it is generally recommended that patients with bowel trouble avoid any foods that ferment readily in the gut. Much of these foods will also depend on your natural gut flora (the bacteria that live in your intestines, helping you digest foods that would otherwise be impossible to digest). Patients with minimal healthy gut flora will have many more restrictions on the foods they will be able to eat without aggravating their symptoms.
Additionally, you may wish to start cutting back on known carcinogenic and probable carcinogenic foods if you are concerned about developing colon cancer later in life. Foods to avoid include:
Red meat
Processed meat
Alcohol
Oils and fats heated to high temperatures
Of course, a better diet isn’t just about reducing your intake of potentially harmful foods; foods that improve colon health are important to add in as well. Some good ones to look for include:
Lentils
Blueberries
Spinach
Nuts
Oranges
Resolution #3: Cut Back On Alcohol
Aside from being a risk factor for developing colon cancer, alcohol (of all kinds) can irritate the sensitive lining of your digestive system. For patients with sensitivities, alcohol alone can cause bowel problems— but many don’t always think to eliminate alcohol. Try eliminating alcohol from your diet for a month and see how it affects your symptoms. Some people can tolerate a few drinks a week, while others can’t drink at all without worsening their bowel symptoms.
Resolution #4: Nail Down Your Triggers
If you suffer from seemingly irregular bowel issues, there might be a trigger food, drink, or another factor that is worsening— if not directly causing— your symptoms. Perhaps your New Year’s goal can be to eliminate everything from your diet and start fresh with a low FODMAP diet. If you don’t have bowel issues on this eating regimen, slowly start adding foods back into your diet, keeping note of how you feel afterward. This can be an extremely efficient way to identify and eliminate your trigger foods and drinks.
FODMAP Diet Tips:
Read up on the FODMAP diet; learn what FODMAP stands for & what you’re getting into
Create a schedule with your colorectal doctor for the elimination & reintroduction steps of different high FODMAP foods
Get at least one family member to join you in this quest so that you don’t have to do it on your own (and who knows— maybe they’ll benefit from it as well!)
Keep track of everything you eat in a food log
Resolution #5: Get A Diagnosis
If you have struggled with colorectal issues like hemorrhoids, IBS, or have a history of colon cancer in your family, it might be time to start talking to a specialist. It’s far too easy to put off a visit to the colorectal specialist’s office. However, we assure you that– whatever your issue is— we have seen it all and we are not phased by anything! Don’t be embarrassed for needing the help of a colorectal specialist— we’re here (and right in Tampa Bay) to help you feel like you again.