Is colon health really that important? Well, yes. As a matter of fact, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US today. While some factors that increase the chance of colorectal cancer are beyond our control, there are many things you can do right now to improve your colon health.
So, why not make this a part of your New Year’s resolutions? Colon health is easy to maintain if you make some necessary tweaks to your life, and you’ll improve your chances of avoiding colorectal cancer and other serious problems down the line.
At Boca Care Surgical Associates, Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, has always believed that preventing the problem is preferable to curing it. So, make sure you follow these suggestions and improve your colon health in 2026. Let’s go!
We all know the drill: we should eat more fruits and vegetables, minimize red meat consumption, and reduce sugar intake. So, why don’t we do it? Sometimes it can feel like we need to overhaul our entire diet to make it healthier, but you can start with better substitutions and even make a point to eat certain colon-healthy foods.
Some foods that are particularly good for your colon include beans, garlic, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, and milk. If you already like some of these, making a point to consume them in moderation could be helpful. Also, substituting that burger for a salad or a regular cup of coffee for a blended sugar drink can also make a difference.
Drinking lots of water is good for almost every part of our bodies, right? Let this be your sign that, in 2026, it’s time to get hydrated. There are plenty of ways to increase water intake, from using a reusable water bottle to setting timers to drinking flavored waters (if you’re looking for a little more flavor). Whatever works!
Drinking enough water supports your colon in several ways. It relieves constipation and makes it easier for your body to digest food. In addition, it also supports gut microbes that keep things moving smoothly through your body and make it easier for you to absorb the nutrients in your caloric intake.
If you haven’t exercised in years, now’s the time to get your body moving! You can improve your colon health by moving your body, not just because you’ll lose weight, but also because you’re supporting healthy digestion. Additionally, exercise can reduce bloating and other digestive issues. Even mild daily activity can help prevent colorectal cancer itself.
Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are two habits that increase your likelihood of developing colon cancer. It can be hard to quit, but consider how it’ll improve all parts of your physical and mental wellbeing, not to mention your gut and colon health. If you need help, consider joining a support group or asking a friend to hold you accountable.
Some people think colon cancer screenings are only for senior citizens, but this isn’t true. People as young as 45 should be getting colon cancer screenings (with some needing to start younger if they have severe risk factors). If you’re over 45 and haven’t had a screening yet, it’s time to schedule one. It may not be a fun experience, but the peace of mind is worth it.
It’s also important to point out that the symptoms of colon cancer are often hard to determine, and in the early stages, you may experience no symptoms at all. That’s why regular screenings should absolutely be part of your colon health plan.
These are just a few ways to improve your colon health. And trust us; when you do, you’ll notice a real difference in every part of your physical and mental health. Often, feeling good starts with the gut, and we genuinely recommend doing whatever you can to keep your colon as healthy as possible.
Are you looking for more colon health advice, or are you noticing symptoms that require a provider’s evaluation? We have appointments at our Boca Raton, Florida, office. Just call or visit us online to book one. It’s that simple.
