Best Diet for Colon Cancer, Bowel, Colorectal, Intestinal, and Rectal

The best diet for Colon cancer, Bowel cancer, Colorectal cancer, Intestinal cancer, and Rectal cancer patients consists of a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Lemon water with soaked chia seeds
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Multigrain millet idly with sambar and ½ cup of diced muskmelon
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Apple-dates milkshake
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Brown rice with fish curry and stir-fried veggies
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Soaked channa chat with onions, cucumber, and tomatoes
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Roti with dal makhani and a glass of warm milk

The best diet for Colon cancer, Bowel cancer, Colorectal cancer, Intestinal cancer, and Rectal cancer patients should be high in complex carbohydrates, and low in simple carbohydrates and refined foods. Red meats and processed meats high in saturated fats should be avoided completely.

• The best diet for Colon Cancer patients involves antioxidant-rich foods that reduce damage caused by free radicals and reduces inflammation. Antioxidants delay the effects of cell damage in colon cancer patients.
• The best diet for Bowel Cancer patients should be devoid of spicy and fried foods that irritate the bowels. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids aid in reducing the development of polyps and inflammation.
• The best diet for Colorectal Cancer patients should contain more non-starchy vegetables and lean meats like deskinned chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish. Beans, legumes, whole grains, and nuts are part of the colorectal cancer diet. These foods provide a surplus amount of fiber that promotes digestion and relieves constipation.
• The best diet for Intestinal Cancer patients should consist more of low-fat dairy, soy products, eggs, nut butter, fruits, and vegetables and be low in fast foods, sugary foods, processed meats, and saturated fats. The patients should also refrain from eating raw vegetables like onions, cabbage, and brussels sprouts that may irritate the intestine.
• The best diet for Rectal Cancer patients should include high-fiber that can be obtained from fruits, vegetables, whole grains like oats, brown rice, and millet, good quality proteins from lean meats, pulses, legumes, eggs, and dairy products, and omega-3 fatty acids from seafood, and nuts. Healthy fats from olive oil, fish, peanut oil, sesame oil, and canola oil are best for rectal cancer patients.
• The best diet to prevent Polyps consists of fruits, vegetables, whole foods, and foods from various food groups high in fiber. Fiber-rich foods maintain good colon health and prevent the risk of certain cancers. These foods hinder the formation of polyps which may further develop into cancerous cells if untreated. 

Best Diet for Colon Cancer Patients

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Pomegranate juice
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Oats pancakes with honey
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Carrot-onion soup
• Lunch @ 1 pm: ½ cup rice with 1 chapati, kidney beans curry, and snake gourd sabzi
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Slow down smoothie
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Mixed vegetable poha with boiled egg and low-fat milk

The best diet for colon cancer patients should consist of nutrient-dense foods that support your health and immune system. A high-calorie and protein-rich diet from healthy sources fulfill the nutritional needs of colon cancer patients.

Some of the healthy cells are destroyed during chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments. A balanced nutritious diet help in rebuilding the strength and formation of healthy tissues.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the colon part that is located at the end of the digestive tract. Colon cancer can affect people of all ages. The risk of colon cancer increases as age progresses.

Colon cancer begins with many cells combining to form clumps which are called Polyps. Mutations occur in the DNA of healthy cells. As the disease progresses, these polyps can develop into cancerous cells.

What are the 7 warning signs of colon cancer?

Seven warning signs of colon cancer are

• The presence of blood in the stools
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal cramps
• Pain in the intestinal region
• The feeling of not emptying the bowel
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Usually, colon cancer does not show any symptoms in the early stages and it can be only diagnosed through imaging or screening. In some cases, the symptoms may occur based on the severity of the cancer.

If colon cancer appears, the doctors may surgically remove the part affected with cancer or proceed with treatment like radiation therapy and immune treatments.

Colon cancer is curable when diagnosed during the early stages of cancer. Surgery and chemotherapy may help with recovery but the fourth stage has a survival rate of only 15%.

What are the 9 different stages of Colon Cancer?

Colon Cancer Stage 0

This is the beginning stage of colon cancer where the cancerous cells have not proliferated much beyond the mucosal layer which is the innermost layer of the colon.

Colon Cancer Stage 1

The cancer cells have spread from the mucosal layer to the next submucosal layer of the colon. The cells have not spread to the lymph nodes during this time.

Colon Cancer Stage 2

The disease progresses during this stage beyond the mucosal and submucosal layer of the colon. Stage 2 is further classified into 3 stages – 2A, 2B, and 2 C.

Colon Cancer Stage 2A

Colon cancer has found its way to the outermost layer of the colon but not to the lymph nodes or nearby organs.

Colon Cancer Stage 2B

The cancer cells have been fully grown to the outermost layer of the colon and visceral peritoneum membrane which holds the abdominal organs in place.

Colon Cancer Stage 2C

The cancer cells start proliferating from the colon to the nearby organs but not to the lymph nodes.

Colon Cancer Stage 3

Stage 3 is differentiated into 3 stages- 3A, 3B, and 3C.

Colon Cancer Stage 3A

The tumor has spread to the muscles surrounding the colon and the lymph nodes surrounding the muscles. The distant lymph nodes and organs are not affected during this stage.

Colon Cancer Stage 3B

The cancerous cells have proliferated in the outermost layer of the colon and the nearby organs and structures. 1-3 lymph nodes have been affected by cancerous cells.

Colon Cancer Stage 3C

The tumor cells are found in four or more lymph nodes beyond the muscles. However, the distant organs and cells stay unaffected.

Colon Cancer Stage 4

Stage 4 is the last stage of cancer where cancer spreads to some distant organs like the lungs, liver, or many lymph nodes in stage 4A. The cancer spreads to two or more distant organs but the peritoneum remains unaffected. Cancer has invaded the peritoneum in stage 4C.

Best Diet to Prevent Colon Cancer

The best diet to prevent colon cancer should consist of plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Consumption of these foods has a direct correlation with decreased risk of colon cancer. Avoid the intake of highly processed foods, refined foods, sugary beverages, and red meats which increases the risk of colon cancer.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Warm turmeric milk
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Oats-spinach dosa with soaked almonds
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: A bowl of fresh fruits
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Grilled salmon with greens salad
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Methi-moong dal dhokla
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Multigrain roti with tofu-corn curry

An active lifestyle and effective weight management reduce the risk of colon cancer. A healthy diet can help people recover from cancer’s early stages.

Best Foods to Fight Colon Cancer

The best foods to fight colon cancer are fresh green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, cold water fish, nuts, seeds, oats, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes.

Colon Cleansing Diet Before Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure to diagnose the early stages of colon cancer before it spreads to other parts. Colonoscopy diagnoses and removes polyps and small growths that eventually transform into colon cancer.

To start with, preparing for a colonoscopy requires emptying the contents of the colon for a successful colonoscopy. Avoid high-fiber diets like whole foods, raw vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, and solid foods.

Stay on a liquid diet a day before your colonoscopy. Clear fruit juices, clear broth, black coffee/tea, and popsicles can be part of the diet to prepare your colon for the procedure.

A low-residue diet that digests easily and does not leave any residue in your digestive tract is advised. Consistent intake of liquids is needed throughout the day to avoid starvation.

• Early morning drink: Warm water
• Morning drink: Clear apple juice
• Mid-morning drink: Black coffee/tea
• Noon drink: Clear chicken broth with pulp-free lemon-mint popsicles
• Mid-afternoon drink: Tender coconut water
• Evening drink: Green tea
• Night drink: Strained mutton bone broth

Colon Cancer Chemo Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for cancer patients during chemotherapy. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting sensation, loss of taste and appetite, diarrhea, and constipation as side effects of chemo treatment which can pose challenges in nutritional requirements during the treatment.

A nutritious diet during chemo treatment helps in maintaining a healthy weight and energy levels. Hydration is the key for patients under chemotherapy. They tend to get easily dehydrated during the treatment.

Healthy sources of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are essential to improve health after chemo treatment. Act wisely to choose minimally processed and complex carbs instead of simple carbohydrates. The soluble fiber enhances the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids which is essential for improved metabolism and cell repair.

Dairy products, lean meats, eggs, fish, nuts, and nut butter can be great sources of protein to build up your cells and tissues.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Amla juice
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Whole wheat paneer sandwich with apple slices
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Omelet with low-fat cheese and veggies
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Lemon garlic chicken with cucumber-broccoli salad
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Yogurt with cut fruits
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Jowar palak appe with green chutney

Colon Cancer Diet Before Surgery

A person is advised to stay on a liquid diet for 12-24 hours with the avoidance of solid foods before the surgery. Clear fruit and vegetable juices (without pulp), clear soups, plain coffee, gelatin, clear popsicles, and foods that do not leave any residue.

Patients are not allowed to eat anything orally after midnight before the surgery. The colon and stomach should be clean and empty before the surgery. Any residue left behind in the colon can make the doctors reschedule the surgery.  

• Early morning drink: Pulp-free orange juice
• Morning drink: Strained carrot juice
• Mid-morning drink: Clear vegetable soup
• Noon drink: Orange-mint-infused water
• Mid-afternoon drink: Clear chicken broth
• Evening snack: Clear jelly and lemon tea
• Night drink: Strained pear juice

Diet After Colon Cancer Resection

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Strained pineapple juice
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Mashed avocado on a bread toast
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Mashed sweet potatoes with buttermilk
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Soft-cooked white rice with mashed dal and carrots and a soft-boiled egg
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Banana-Apple pudding
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Pasta with cheese and white sauce

Diet after colon cancer resection includes soft foods and juices that are easy to swallow and digest. Foods like soups, yogurt, and pudding are some of the allowed foods. Fried foods, spicy foods, meats high in fats, high-fiber foods, and foods that produce gas are strictly prohibited from the diet.

• Eat smaller portions of soft-cooked foods at frequent intervals. Chew smaller portions of food well and swallow to promote better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Prevent chewing of bubble gum and avoid using straws for juices and liquids to prevent swallowing of air through the food pipe.
• Blend foods to a tolerable consistency for the first few weeks after surgery.
• Avoid gas-producing foods like lentils, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, beans, and corn after the surgery to avoid distention.
• Refrain from consuming chewy foods like rotis and naan, raw fruits/vegetables, nuts, seeds, and greasy foods.

A person can return to their regular diet 2-6 weeks after the surgery. You may feel full when taking small quantities of solid food in the beginning but your body may get adapted within a few weeks.

Ensure proper hydration as some people may experience diarrhea which may lead to loss of fluids and electrolytes. Include fluids in the form of water, fruit juices, soups, infused water, and weak tea. Plain water can be boresome throughout the day, so try to drink other forms of liquids.

Include protein-rich sources like lean chicken, eggs, fish, and milk products once you are adaptable to solid foods which aid in the healing process post-surgery.

Diet to Prevent Colon Cancer Recurrence

Diet to prevent the recurrence of colon cancer must include healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, high-protein, and healthy fats. Persons who led an active lifestyle with the intake of nutritious foods were found to prevent the recurrence of colon cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight with the restrictions of processed foods and unhealthy fats lowers the risk of recurrence of colon cancer.

Healthy diet to prevent the recurrence of colon cancer

• Add a range of green, red, and orange-colored fruits and vegetables into the diet to avail yourself of the fiber content.
• Choose foods that provide a variety of nutrients that helps to maintain healthy body weight.
• Avoid processed foods, red meats, sugary beverages, and high-spicy foods.
• Act smart to choose whole grain foods instead of refined grains and sugars.

Book a consultation with our expert nutritionists to know your calorie intake and to cut down excess calories if you are overweight.

Physical activity for a fit lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle with unhealthy food choices can increase your risk of recurrence of colon cancer. Physical activity has numerous benefits for health. Set a goal, strive hard to reach the goal, and you will be fitter and healthier than before.

Colon Cancer Foods to Avoid

Balanced and nutritious foods are essential to maintain your colon health. Proper nutrition is important to avoid the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some of the foods to avoid colon cancer are

Best Diet for Colorectal Cancer Patients

The growth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum which is found at the lower end of the digestive tract is colorectal cancer. It is characterized by the formation of non-cancerous polyps in its early stages. Colorectal cancer is mostly asymptomatic and can be diagnosed with ultrasound screenings.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Ginger-turmeric tea
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Steel-cut oats with low-fat milk and nuts
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Spinach mushroom soup
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Roasted cauliflower and lentil tacos
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Grilled cottage cheese with lemongrass tea
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Wholegrain rotis rolled with roasted carrots and chickpeas

People over the age of 50 with unhealthy food habits and a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to colorectal cancer. Some warning signs can be indicated with the progression of the disease. Colorectal cancer can be sometimes hereditary and may be due to some other risk factors.

Colonoscopy is mostly used to detect the unusual growth of polyps in the colon and rectum. Colorectal cancer is often accompanied by narrow-ribbon-like stools, persistent abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. The appearance of blood in the stools should never be ignored.

Colorectal Cancer Dietary Recommendations

Colorectal cancer dietary recommendations include

• Choose whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa that are high in fiber and minerals like folate, magnesium, and iron.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins which play a vital role in the prevention of oxidative stress and colorectal cancer.
• Opt for lean meats like deskinned chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish.
• Hydrate yourself with plenty of water. Water improves digestion and lessens negative effects like weariness and constipation. If you feel boresome with plain water, try infused waters with lemons, mint, and some fruits.
• Eat small meals at frequent intervals to satiate your hunger. When coping with changes in appetite, this can make it simpler to receive all the nutrition you need. Smaller meals make it easier for the body to digest and make the nutrients available to the body.
• Engage in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes a day to improve your health conditions.

Best Food for Colorectal Cancer Patients

The best foods for colorectal cancer patients should consist of green vegetables, fresh fruits, low-fat dairy products, fish, nuts, seeds, and lean meats.

Foods That Increase the Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Foods that increase the risk of colorectal cancer are processed meats, red meats, refined foods, fried foods, and sugary beverages.

Foods to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Foods to prevent colorectal cancer are whole grains, beans, legumes, leafy greens, fresh fruits, fat-free dairy, and lean meats. Food choices play a vital role in preventing colorectal cancer. The right selection of foods, exercise, maintenance of a healthy weight, and keeping unhealthy foods at bay can cut off the risk factors of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Foods to Avoid

Colorectal cancer foods to avoid are fruits and vegetables that are very high in fiber, highly fatty foods, frizzy drinks, and raw vegetables like cabbage, brussels sprouts, and onions. Raw vegetables can sometimes irritate the colon and cause digestive issues. If you’ve had the surgical removal of the colon/rectum, your bowel may take some time to adapt to normal foods.

Best Diet for Rectal Cancer Patients

The rectal cancer diet plan consists of a diet high in fiber and protein and low in simple carbohydrates and saturated fats.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Peppermint tea
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Peas paratha with low-fat curd
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Broccoli-tomato soup
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Rice with lentil-vegetable curry and beans sabzi
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: A bowl of fresh fruit salad/ Healthy trail mix
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Finger millet roti with soy curry and a glass of warm turmeric milk

Eating a fiber-rich diet like fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, and nuts prevents rectal problems and helps in maintaining rectal health. Hydrating yourself with plenty of liquids is important for rectal cancer. Adhering to an active lifestyle can prevent you from the risk of rectal cancer.

Rectal cancer can be diagnosed with colonoscopy and is treatable in its early stages through surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Rectal cancer can show symptoms like blood in the stools, diarrhea, and constipation. The cancerous cells proliferate in the inner walls of the rectum during the early stages of rectal cancer.

Rectal Cancer Dietary Restrictions

Rectal cancer dietary restrictions include processed foods, highly spicy foods, red meats, fried foods, and sugary and salty foods. If your rectum doesn’t tolerate high-fiber foods like whole grains and brown rice, stay away from them.

• Adhering to the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of rectal cancer by 10%.
• Consume more fruits and vegetables
• Add fiber-rich sources like whole grains, oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread, millet, and legumes.
• Opt for healthy sources of fats like monounsaturated fatty acids like fish, olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, nuts, and seeds.
• Select lean proteins from skinless chicken, turkey, low-fat dairy products, and dried beans.

Shedding kilos is not a healthy sign during cancer treatment. Losing weight indicates a nutrient-deficient diet. The absence of a balanced diet can affect your ability to tolerate the treatment. The body’s response to treatment may also be affected if your body is weak and devoid of nutrition.   

Diet After Rectal Surgery

A clear liquid diet is recommended immediately after rectal surgery. The rectum needs some recovery time to resume normal functions. Clear liquids leave no residue hence it digests easily and does not pose any pressure on the colon and rectum. Pulp-free clear fruit juices, soups with a clear broth, black tea, coffee, and ice popsicles are a few alternatives for a clear liquid diet.

Full liquid diet after rectal surgery

The physician monitors your medical condition and moves you to a full liquid diet after surgery. You can include vegetable juices, low-fat milk, smooth soups, and yogurt in addition to foods permitted on a clear liquid diet.

Soft food diet after rectal surgery

Your doctor will re-introduce soft foods to your diet once your bowels function normally. You can include low-fiber foods like white bread, white rice, pasta, cheese, soft-cooked vegetables, and tender meats. Our expert nutritionists guide you with instructions on meal frequency, portion size, and timings to prevent damage to the rectum.

Proper hydration after rectal surgery

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause dehydration. Headaches, constipation, fatigue, dizziness, and low blood pressure are some of the side effects of dehydration. Adequate hydration reduces treatment-related side effects and improves the efficiency of the treatment. 8-10 glasses of water are recommended in the form of plain water, electrolyte drinks, soups, infused waters, and detox drinks.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Tender coconut water
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Strained clear vegetable soup
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Green tea/Black tea
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Strained apple juice and fruitless gelatin
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Orange ice popsicles
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Strained chicken broth

Rectal Cancer Foods to Avoid

Rectal cancer foods to avoid include red meat, processed meat, sweets, sugary drinks, fried foods, and fast foods. You will be advised to stay on a liquid diet immediately after surgery to reduce the pressure on the rectum.

Best Diet for Intestinal Cancer Patients

The nutritional needs of calories and proteins for intestinal cancer patients increase with the proliferation of cancer cells and treatment. A nutritious balanced diet is essential to support your health and boost your immune system.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Apple cider vinegar drink with a few drops of lemon juice
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Bajra dal khichdi with sliced pear
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Fresh fruit salad with crushed flaxseeds
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Steamed rice with black-eyed peas curry and eggplant sabzi
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Baked vegetable cutlet with a small guava
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Stuffed lauki parathas with low-fat curd

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can destroy some healthy tissues in addition to cancerous cells. An additional intake of calories and proteins is required to prevent infections and maintain a healthy immune system.

Intestinal Cancer Patients Diet Plan

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Cucumber-mint infused water
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Quinoa khichdi with vegetables and banana
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Omelet with mixed veggies
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Millet pulav with carrot raita and sliced apple
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Pineapple melon (honeydew) smoothie
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Methi roti with paneer-capsicum sabzi and a glass of warm milk (low-fat)

Intestinal Cancer Foods to Avoid

Highly sugary foods, foods high in saturated fats, fried foods, carbonated beverages, and processed meat are some of the intestinal cancer foods to avoid.

The best diet for bowel cancer surgery patients

The best diet for bowel cancer surgery patients should be low in fiber for the first few weeks of surgery to provide adequate rest to the bowels in the process of healing. Once when the patient returns to a normal diet, a high-calorie and high-protein diet is advised.

A healthy meal helps you to recover physically and emotionally after surgery. Nutritious food helps to fight infections and reduces the risk of recurrence of bowel cancer. A slow transformation from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber diet can be beneficial for your bowels.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Dandelion tea
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Bisibela bath with boiled egg
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Banana-blueberry smoothie
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Paneer pulav with low-fat curd and a small cup of fruit salad
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Shredded chicken salad with leafy greens
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Multigrain roti with malai egg curry and a small orange

Bowel Cancer Diet Plan

The bowel cancer diet plan should consist of lots of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats like skinless chicken, fish, and turkey.

A healthy balanced diet can improve your bowel cancer symptoms and help you with a speedy recovery. These food choices lower your risk of bowel cancer. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy that can be derived from whole grains and legumes.

Ensure your diet is rich in fiber obtained from whole grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables. The fiber intake should be 30 gm per day for healthy adults. Our expert nutritionists guide you on the amount of fiber intake based on your medical conditions and health. A low-fiber diet is advised before and after surgery for bowel cancer during which the bowels cannot tolerate high-fiber diets.

A physically active lifestyle can prevent the risk of bowel cancer and certain other cancers.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Green tea
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Masala oats with peas and carrots
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: A bowl of cut papaya/muskmelon
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Tomato rice with cucumber raita and a small guava
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Moringa-dal soup
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Missi roti with bottle gourd sabzi

Best foods to prevent bowel cancer

The best foods to prevent bowel cancer include plenty of fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds and limitations of red meats, processed foods, sugary foods, fried foods, and high-calorie foods.

Diet for Bowel Cancer Patients

Diet for bowel cancer patients should contain

• Ensure your plate contains more fruits and vegetables for a continuous supply of fiber.
• Drink sufficient water which helps in digestion and relieves fatigue and constipation. Water supports the smooth movement of stools.
• Limit the intake of caffeine which may affect the effectiveness of the medications.
• Consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Intake of probiotic foods can be helpful in digestion.
• Consider whole grains for a good source of minerals like magnesium, folate, and iron. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats provide the necessary fiber to maintain a healthy bowel.
• Avoid sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods to maintain a healthy weight and prevent the symptoms of bowel cancer from becoming worse.

Bowel Cancer Diet Before Surgery

A bowel cancer diet before surgery must include low-fiber foods to prepare your bowels for surgery. A clear liquid diet is recommended 24-48 hours before surgery.

The bowels need to be emptied before surgery. A low-fiber diet leaves no residue which helps the bowels to ready for the surgery.

Some foods like fruit/vegetable juices that contain pulp, dry fruits, and foods made from whole grains, oats, popcorn, and granola cereals should be completely avoided before surgery of the bowels. Raw fruits with skin, raw vegetables, unrefined grains, spicy foods, and juices that contain artificial colorings should also be avoided.

Some of the beverages that are allowed 1 day before surgery are

• Black tea/coffee
• Clear soda
• Strained fruit juice (pulp-free)
• Ice popsicles
• Gelatin and pudding (without fruit)
• Clear soups/broth
• Sports drinks

Diet after Bowel Cancer Surgery

Liquid foods are the best diet to start with after bowel cancer surgery followed by soft-cooked foods and the gradual introduction of solid foods. A low-fiber diet is recommended for 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Low-fiber foods digest easily when the bowel is in the healing process.

Patients may face reduced appetite after bowel cancer surgery. Some people may face diarrhea after surgery which can be replaced with fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Adhere to regular meal timings and limit caffeine, spicy foods, high-fat foods, and artificial sweeteners.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Fluids can be in the form of water, juices, milk, soups, and broth.
• Eat small quantities of food at a time and chew the food well for better digestion. You may feel full quickly after surgery hence eat whenever you feel hungry.
• Protein is a much-needed nutrient that aids in the healing process after surgery and helps in preventing infections.
• Eat and drink foods at room temperature. Avoid foods that are too hot/too cold.
• Try consuming boiled white rice, bananas, applesauce, smooth peanut butter, white pasta, crackers, soft-boiled potatoes, and yogurt if you face diarrhea after reintroducing yourself to solid foods.
• Low-fiber foods can be best tolerated after surgery. Avoid the intake of nuts and seeds along with milk and oatmeal.

Diet for Bowel Cancer Recovery

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Beetroot-grape juice
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Avocado on a whole grain toast with 1 small pear
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Broccoli soup
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Channa rice with beetroot raita and boiled egg
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Chicken-kale salad
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Oats flax seeds roti with tomato chutney

Bowel Cancer Low-fiber Diet

A low-fiber diet is advised after the resection of bowel cancer. The bowel is weak and ample rest is required to heal the bowels. The amount of undigested food that passes through the bowel is significantly reduced with a low-fiber diet.

Some persons may experience diarrhea, cramps, and difficulty in digesting food. In such cases, a low-fiber diet assists you with these conditions. Avoid raw vegetables, dried beans, peas, corn, onions, and cruciferous vegetables. Brown rice, oats, cornmeal, dried fruits, wheat germ, bran, coconut, nuts, and seeds are also to be avoided.

Some low-fiber diets are

• White bread
• Plain pasta
• White rice
• Soft-cooked vegetables without skin and seeds
• Mashed sweet/white potatoes
• Strained vegetable and fruit juices without pulp
• Strained soups
• Milk, yogurt (without nuts and seeds), cheese, paneer, custard, and pudding.
• Well-riped banana
• Clear jellies and popsicles

Foods to Avoid After Bowel Cancer Surgery

High-fiber foods should be avoided for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Consume foods that are at room temperature, and avoid too hot and too cold foods that may hurt your bowels. Foods rich in calories and proteins help in the healing of the bowels after surgery and fight against infections. Tender meats, soft-boiled eggs, and fish are excellent sources of proteins to be included in the diet of bowel cancer patients.

Start with clear fluids and move to a light/soft diet as you recover and transform yourself to a normal diet once your food intake has returned to normal levels. Have small meals at frequent intervals to allow your bowels to adapt to normal conditions. You may not be able to eat larger meals after the surgery, but slowly reintroduce foods gradually over the weeks to recovery. Eat small quantities at a time and stop eating once you are feeling full.

Drink ample amounts of water to aid digestion and removal of waste. Fluids can be in the form of water, fruit juices, infused water, soups, and broths.

Surgery can make you more vulnerable to infections. Maintain hygiene with the intake of foods to prevent food poisoning.

• Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, radishes, corn, mushroom, onion, and asparagus
• Fruits like guava, pineapple, pear, citrus fruits, and kiwi (well-ripe bananas can be consumed in small quantities)
• Lentils and beans
• Nuts and seeds
• Dry fruits like figs, dates, and raisins
• Whole wheat products
• Unprocessed grains
• Brown rice and wild rice
• Popcorn  
• Fried foods
• Highly spicy foods
• Chocolates and caffeinated drinks

Best Diet to Prevent Polyps

Polyps are small bag-like structures that tend to develop into cancer. The risk of cancer increases with the size of polyps. An unhealthy lifestyle and lack of exercise are the major risk factors for the development of polyps.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Turmeric tea
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Moong dal cheela with tomato chutney
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Yogurt with cut fruits
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Red rice with amaranth dal and bhindi sabzi
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Green tea with grilled sweetcorn
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Jowar roti with chicken curry

The best diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean meat. Turmeric contains curcumin which significantly lowers the development of polyps. Foods rich in vitamin D like vitamin D-fortified milk, eggs, and mushrooms lower the risk of intestinal cancers.

Diet to Reduce Polyps

A healthy diet reduces chronic inflammation and reduces the occurrence of polyps. Some polyps might disappear on their own but some need medical attention and an appropriate diet for the polyps to shrink in size.

Serrated Polyposis Syndrome Diet

Serrated Polyposis syndrome also known as “Hyperplastic polyposis syndrome” is a rare condition in which serrated polyps are formed in the colon/rectum. These types of polyps are hard to find and can be found only by removing them and being examined under a microscope. Serrated polyposis syndrome if left untreated can pose a high risk of colon cancer.

• Include more vegetables and fruits to avail the fiber in them.
• Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains are unprocessed and relatively contain a good amount of fiber in them.
• Avoid processed foods and meats that may harm your colon. These foods are high in saturated fats that induce the formation of polyps and colon cancer.
• Sugary foods increase your blood glucose levels which increases the risk of the prevalence of colon cancer and polyps. Sugary foods can be had on an occasional treat and not on regular basis.
• Avoid grilled or charred foods as they may release some carcinogenic substances when burnt/charred. Be cautious not to over-char the foods. Consider using aluminum foil to prevent the foods from being burnt/charred.
• Prioritize your workout plan to be fit and prevent the formation of serrated polyps and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Foods to Avoid If You Have Polyps

Foods to avoid if you have polyps include prebiotic foods and plant fibers like onions, garlic, bananas, wheat, leeks, and artichokes.

• Limit the intake of red meat, saturated fats, and trans fats. 
• Reduce the intake of refined foods that are rich in simple carbohydrates.
• A vitamin-rich diet is crucial for the prevention of the formation of polyps.
• Consume more cruciferous vegetables.
• Ensure your diet is rich in calcium and fiber.

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