--- title: "Eat for Your Gut: 7 Foods That Support Colon Health and Colorectal Cancer Prevention" date: 2026-11-02T09:19:00-06:00 author: Hannah Keller canonical_url: "https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/eat-for-your-gut-7-foods-that-support-colon-health-and-colorectal-cancer-prevention" section: Blog --- [« View All Blogs](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog) # Eat for Your Gut: 7 Foods That Support Colon Health and Colorectal Cancer Prevention November 2, 2026 \| Patient Education ![](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_50x16_crop_center-center_none/26_Schneck-EatForYourGut_Blog_Hero_1280x600.jpg) When we say eat for your gut, we mean eat foods that support your digestive health. A healthy diet can also improve your overall well-being and play a considerable role in lowering colorectal-cancer risk - cancer that affects your colon and/or rectum. The colon is the body's organ that absorbs water and electrolytes from the leftover waste of digested food. It then turns that waste into feces, which then exits the body through the rectum and anus. Schneck Gastroenterology specializes in the digestive system and the health of it's organs - like the colon. In this blog, we'll share the best foods and lifestyle practices to keep your colon healthy and help lower your risk of developing colon cancer. ## The Partnership Between Your Diet and Colon Health Colorectal cancer is on the rise for certain age groups in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, over the last two decades, colorectal cancer death rates have increased by 1% each year for those younger than 55 years old. Fortunately, colorectal cancer can be preventable, with your diet being a critical part. A good diet can support colon and rectum health in a number of ways, such as: - Progressing the digestive process, preventing waste from lingering along the colon. - Binding to unhealthy particles and waste in the digestive tract and moving them out of the body. - Supporting healthy bacteria in the gut and microbiome. - Reducing inflammation and discomfort. When your gut health is supported in these ways, your risk of developing colon or rectum cancer lowers. And it all starts with what you eat. ## 7 Foods That Support a Healthy Colon Your diet should consist of gut-supportive, natural foods. Specifically, these foods should be rich in fiber, omega-3s, and calcium, with fiber being the most important nutrient. Fiber largely supports digestion and prevents waste from impacting the colon. It strengthens the good bacteria in your gut, too. Fiber also supports blood sugar, helping you feel fuller for longer, so you don't feel the need to snack as much during the day and thus avoid unhealthy weight gain. Many foods are loaded with fiber, omega-3s, and calcium that support a healthy colon. ## Foods high in fiber: - Whole grains (whole wheat bread, oats, quinoa, etc.) - Beans (Kidney, black, etc.) - Fruits and vegetables (Pears, raspberries, green peas, etc.) ## Foods high in omega-3s: - Salmon - Flax and chia seeds ## Foods high in calcium: - Low-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.) - Leafy greens (arugula, spinach, okra, etc.) Your primary care physician can help you select the best diet plan for your specific needs using these foods. ![](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/26_Schneck-EatForYourGut_Blog_RCB_750x450-1.jpg) ## Foods and Lifestyle Habits That Can Increase Colorectal Cancer Rick On the other end of the spectrum, certain foods and beverages can lead to colon and rectal cancer. When you eat and drink the following in large quantities, our chance of getting colorectal cancer may increase: - **Red and/or processed meats:** These meats can cause inflammation in the bowels. - **Sugary foods and drinks:** High-sugar items such as soda, candy, pastries, and noodles can cause inflammation and insulin resistance. When your body rejects insulin, it can cause high blood sugar, which leads to conditions like Type II diabetes and obesity, increasing your risk for colorectal cancer. - **Alcohol:** Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to cancer developing in the body and harming the colon. Likewise, certain lifestyle practices such as these can increase your risk of getting colorectal cancer: - Smoking - Living an inactive lifestyle - not working out or moving your body throughout the day - Poor sleep It's not always a drawn-out, high-technology treatment that prevents cancer. Sometimes, simple mindfulness of your diet and lifestyle is your best line of defense. Be aware of how your fridge and habits compare to the factors listed above, and if you are concerned about your cancer risk, reach out to your doctor to make changes today. ## The Importance of Regular Colorectal Cancer Screenings Early signs of colorectal cancer are not always obvious. It can go undetected for years if you don't get screened regularly. Regular screenings for colorectal cancer (colonoscopies) help you catch cancer or precancerous growths sooner and thus have a better chance of treating it than if you caught it at a later stage. The experts at Schneck Gastroenterology suggest you start getting regular screenings at 45 years old if you are at an average risk of developing colorectal cancer. If you are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, you should start getting screened sooner than that. See FAQs below to determine your risk level. After your first colonoscopy, plan continued screenings on the timeline your doctor suggests. ![](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/26_Schneck-EatForYourGut_Blog_RCB_750x450-2-1.jpg) ## Protect Your Colon Health with Schneck Schneck Gastroenterology is here to help you find diets to support your colon health and thus lower your risk of developing colon and rectal cancer. It's important to take care of your gut, and we'll offer supportive, approachable guidance to help you do just that. Trust the experts in colorectal cancer prevention today. [Explore Schneck Gastroenterology](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/gastroenterology) ## FAQs ### How much fiber should I eat in a day? For every 1,000 calories you eat in a day (most American adults should eat 2,000-2,500 calories per day), aim for 14 grams of fiber. ### How do I know if I am at high risk or developing colorectal cancer? You are at high risk for developing colorectal cancer if you have any of the following: - A family history of colorectal cancer - Obesity - Inflammatory bowel diseases like IBS or Crohn's - Prior cancer that was treated with radiation in the stomach or groin area ### How do I know if I am at average risk of developing colorectal cancer? You are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer if you do not have any of the factors associated with high risk. ![Headshot of Dr. Antonio Spates](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_20x20_crop_center-center_none/DrSpates02-3x3.jpg) About the Author **Antonio Spates MD** Antonio Spates, MD is a general surgeon with Schneck Surgical Associates ## Related Blog Posts When seeking support, rely on your nearby professionals at Schneck. We provide assistance to empower you in taking control of your well-being at all life stages. Explore valuable expertise in connected blogs. ![A doctor informs a patient about colonoscopies](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/Hero-1280x600_2023-05-09-172112_ksmt.jpg) Patient Education### How to prep for a colonoscopy [Read Post »](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/how-to-prep-for-a-colonoscopy) ![Woman holding a smiley face block in front of stomach](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/22_Schneck_ColonHealth_Blog_1280x600.jpg) Preventative Care### Maintaining a Healthy Colon [Read Post »](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/maintaining-a-healthy-colon) [Previous Blog](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/volunteer-spotlight-patty) [Next Blog ](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/pulled-muscle-or-hernia-clues-to-help-you-tell-the-difference) [## Ready to Serve Find a Doctor ](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) [## Comprehensive Care Medical Services ](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services) [## Locations Near You View Locations ](https://www.schneckmed.org/locations) ## Let's Keep in Touch Sign up to receive Schneck news and health & wellness updates in your inbox.