Cases of bowel or colorectal cancer are increasing across the world, with worrying trends mostly coming from youngsters. According to experts, millions are missing out on the health benefits of a key nutrient and could be increasing their bowel cancer risk.
According to a new study, while many are aware it can improve digestive health, they are unaware that the inclusion of more fibre in their diet can help prevent the deadly disease.
The research, commissioned by the Food and Drink Federation in the United Kingdom, shows just 7 per cent of people know they should be consuming around 30 g of fibre daily, with an average youngster thinking they only need 12.4 g – less than half of what the experts recommend.
This means they could be missing out on a range of potential health benefits that a high-fibre diet can bring – apart from improving digestion, making you more active, and reducing the risk of terrifying diseases like bowel cancer. The study said even though most of the people involved were aware that fibre improves digestive health, just half of them knew that this nutrient can reduce the risk of bowel disease. Also, fewer people, around 35 per cent, are aware that a high-fibre diet reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well.
How does fibre help reduce the risk of bowel cancer?
Experts say fibre promotes regular bowel movements, which help reduce exposure to carcinogens and support a healthy gut microbiome. It also improves your blood sugar levels, reduces cholesterol, and aids in weight loss and management.
Dietary fibre also promotes a healthy gut environment by adding bulk to the stool, which helps it move through the digestive system more quickly and efficiently, reducing the time harmful substances spend in contact with the bowel lining. Additionally, fibre acts as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria, which produce substances that have protective effects against cancer development.
Most young people, who are fond of eating processed and junk foods, do not get proper fibre intake, which is found mostly in fruits and vegetables. Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, along with a range of pulses and wholegrain foods, can all help people get to 30 g of the much-needed fibre.
Five fibre-loaded foods you must eat as much as you can of include:
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown rice
- Black beans
- Almonds
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer starts in your colon or the large intestine, which helps carry digested food to your rectum and out of your body. Doctors say it develops from a few polyps or growths in the inner lining of your colon.
Healthcare providers have screening tests that detect precancerous polyps before they can become cancerous tumours. Colon cancer, if not detected or treated, may spread to other areas of your body.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer
A few signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
- Blood in your poop
- Persistent changes in your bowel habits
- Abdominal pain
- Bloated stomach
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Fatigue and breathlessness