A healthy diet plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of gastrointestinal cancer. Consuming high amounts of processed and red meat can increase the chances of developing colorectal, stomach, liver, and other types of gastrointestinal cancer. On the other hand, a balanced diet that includes plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes while reducing meat intake can help lower the risk of these malignancies.
Research published in the US National Library of Medicine in 2022 revealed that individuals who consume less meat, eat fish or follow a vegan diet have a lower risk of developing rectal, breast and prostate cancer compared to regular meat eaters. There are various types of vegetarian diets available such as vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian and pesco vegetarian with different restrictions on animal products.
Studies from institutions like Loma Linda University in California have shown that vegans have a 22% lower risk of colorectal cancer while pesco vegetarians have a reduction rate over 43%. Fruits and vegetables are essential in fighting gastrointestinal cancer as plant fiber stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria and antioxidants help cells function smoothly to reduce the risk of cancer.
It is essential to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide a range of nutrients that boost disease resistance. Certain foods like green vegetables, seeds, onions, bell peppers, colorful fruits have been found effective in preventing different types of gastrointestinal cancers. Apart from following a vegetarian diet increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated avoiding smoking excessive alcohol consumption eating slowly and exercising regularly can also help prevent gastrointestinal cancer.
Regular cancer screenings are advised for individuals with genetic risk factors for gastrointestinal cancer. In Vietnam where gastrointestinal cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality due to unhealthy lifestyle habits like high meat consumption smoking excessive alcohol consumption individuals can adopt healthy diets lifestyles habits to reduce their risk developing gastrointestinal cancer improve their overall health
