In recent years, with the improvement of living standards, there has been a growing number of patients with colorectal cancer. In general, patients with colorectal cancer should maintain an open and healthy mindset in their daily lives, have regular routines, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a balance between activity and rest. After surgery, once intestinal function is restored and flatus is passed, one can gradually transition from a low-residue liquid diet to a semi-liquid soft diet. This should mainly consist of foods that are high in protein, low in fat, high in calories, and rich in vitamins and trace elements. Examples include soups made from fresh lean meats such as fish, pork, lamb, and beef; minced meat; steamed eggs; and tofu. In addition, patients should also pay attention to several other aspects.
1. Supplement with folic acid and calcium. Studies have confirmed that folic acid can protect the body against colorectal cancer, while supplementing with calcium can prevent patients with a history of adenomas from forming new ones.
2. Intake dietary fiber. Epidemiological studies have shown that a reduction in fiber slows down the passage of stool through the intestines, extending the contact time between carcinogens and the intestinal lining, thereby increasing the risk of cancer. Daily fiber intake should exceed 35 grams. Eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as konjac, soy and its products, fresh vegetables and fruits, algae, oatmeal, etc.
3. Eat more foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Eat more antioxidant foods rich in Vitamin E, such as walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and seafood. Eat more foods containing selenium, such as malt, fish, and mushrooms. Selenium can prevent normal cells from becoming cancerous.
4. Eat more anti-cancer foods. Eat more anti-cancer fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, cauliflower, blueberries, and kiwis. In addition, foods that inhibit cancer cells include cabbage, mustard greens, and mushrooms.
5. Drink some milk. The Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and other substances in milk have anti-cancer effects and can stimulate the body's anti-tumor immune system. Patients with colorectal cancer are more suitable for drinking skim milk.
6. Take medicinal soups for nourishment. ① Mulberry Pork Soup: 50g mulberries, 10 red dates, and an appropriate amount of lean pork. Simmer the mulberries, red dates, pork, and a moderate amount of salt together until cooked. Regular consumption of this soup can replenish qi and strengthen the middle jiao; it can be used for those with a sensation of sagging in the lower abdomen. ② Houttuynia Cordata Lotus Seed Soup: 10g Houttuynia cordata and 30g lotus seeds. Decoct these herbs in water to make a soup, to be taken twice daily.
7. Eat less high-fat and high-protein foods. High-fat, high-protein foods increase the amount of methylcholanthrene in feces and stimulate increased bile acid secretion. These are then decomposed by anaerobic bacteria in the intestine into unsaturated polycyclic hydrocarbons, both of which are carcinogens. It is important to eat scientifically and pay attention to the proper ratio of fats. It is recommended that the ratio of saturated fatty acids to polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids be 1:1:1. Eat less or no foods rich in saturated fat and cholesterol, including lard, tallow, fatty meat, animal organs, and roe.
8. Eat less pickled, fried, and grilled foods. Nitrites and nitrosamines are widely found in food (such as vegetables) and saliva, while secondary or tertiary amines are also present in meats and fish treated with nitrites, such as cured meat, ham, sausage, salted fish, and other pickled foods. Fried and grilled foods are also carcinogenic.