Beverages to Think Twice About
If you have colon cancer, certain drinks can make your condition worse. They might upset your stomach or interfere with your treatment. Here are the worst drinks for people with colon cancer.
Worst Drinks for Colon Cancer
1. Alcohol
Alcohol can irritate your colon and make cancer symptoms worse. It may also slow down healing from treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. It’s best to stay away from all types of alcohol.
2. Sugary Drinks
Sodas, sweet tea and fruit punch are high in sugar. Too much sugar can make you gain weight, weaken your immune system and reduce your energy, making it harder for your body to fight cancer.
3. Caffeinated Drinks
Coffee, energy drinks and strong tea can cause stomach problems. Caffeine can also make you feel anxious or jittery, which may worsen other symptoms during treatment.
4. Carbonated Drinks
Fizzy drinks like soda or sparkling water can cause gas and bloating. This can add discomfort, especially if you’re dealing with cancer-related symptoms.
5. Very Hot Drinks
Drinks that are very hot, like scalding tea or coffee, can burn your mouth and throat. Over time, this can irritate your colon and make cancer symptoms worse.
Treatment Options
If you have colon cancer, there are treatment options to help you manage the disease:
- Healthy diet: Focus on eating soft, easy-to-digest foods like fruits, vegetables and soups. Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
- Chemotherapy: This treatment helps shrink tumors and stop the spread of cancer.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation is sometimes used to target and kill cancer cells in the colon.
- Surgery: Surgery may be needed to remove part of the colon affected by cancer.
- Medication: Doctors may prescribe medications to help with pain, nausea and other symptoms. Always follow your doctor's advice.
By avoiding harmful drinks and following your treatment plan, you can better manage colon cancer and support your body’s healing.