Colorectal cancer (or colon cancer) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US. Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or the large intestine. This form of cancer develops slowly, over a period of 10 to 20 years. Symptoms generally do not arise until later stages; which is why screening is so important.
As we all know, prevention is the best medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has many effective diet, lifestyle and treatment tips to prevent many colon issues.
Constipation
TCM’s Therapeutic actions:
Moistens intestines
Unblocks bowels
Drains heat
Nourishes yin and bloodRecommended Diet:
Eat high fiber foods (fresh fruit, green leafy veggies, cabbage, peas, whole grains)
Avoid fried foods
Drink plenty of water (8 glasses a day)
Recommended Lifestyle:
Avoid stress
Exercise regularly
Do not surpress urge to relieve bowels
Massage abdomen along directional flow of the large intestine
Diarrhea, Food Poisoning and MSG Poisoning
TCM’s Therapeutic actions:
Dispels damp-heat in the intestine
Binds intestine and stops diarrhea
Promotes digestion and relieves pain
Recommended Diet:
Eat foods that are easy to digest (soup, yogurt, toast, porridge)
Avoid dairy products, spicy food, alcohol and caffeine
Drink plenty of water (8 glasses a day)
Recommended Lifestyle:
Remember to wash hands before eating
Exercise regularly; get adequate rest
Practice Meditation or Qigong exercises
Heartburn, Indigestion and other Gastrointestinal disorders
TCM’s Therapeutic actions:
Quels stomach fire
Spreads liver qi stagnation and relieves pain
Strengthens middle jiao to promote digestion
Recommended Diet:
Avoid lentils, peanuts, soybeans, fried/greasy foods, refined sugars, black tea, coffee, chocolate and carbonated drinks
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Chew meals slowly and thoroughly
Drink plenty of water (8 glasses a day)
Recommended Lifestyle:
Avoid stress
Keep digestive tract warm at all times
References:
Clinical Manual of Oriental Medicine; An Integrative Approach (2nd ed.). (2006). City of Industry, CA: Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine.
McGuire, R. (n.d.). [Constipation]. Retrieved March 22, 2016, from http://www.gratisography.com/
McGuire, R. (n.d.). [Porter Potty]. Retrieved March 22, 2016, from http://www.gratisography.com/
Siegel, R., MPH, & Jemal, A., DVM, PhD. (2014). Colorectal Cancer Facts and Figures 2014-2016. Retrieved March 01, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/documents/document/acspc-042280.pdf
