Watch Your Gut: Lifestyle Habits That May Trigger Early Colorectal Disease

Rising colorectal diseases in young adults are linked to diet, stress, inactivity & more. Learn key habits to avoid to protect your gut health and lower your cancer risk early.

Unhealthy habits like poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep may silently harm your gut and raise colon disease risk.

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{Dr. Manoj Yadav}

Traditionally, colorectal diseases such as diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, and even colon cancer were considered the diseases of older people. However, there is an increasing number of individuals under 40 years of age that are diagnosed not only with colorectal diseases, but in particular, carcinoma. Generally, genetics does have some play, but many experts believe our dietary habits and lifestyle are a significant contributor.

Let's have a look at a few dietary and lifestyle habits that may contribute to serious forms of colorectal disease.

1. Our Food Choices Matter

Certain food items such as red or processed meats, fried foods, and low fibre foods can increase inflammation in the gut. They may disrupt normal bacterial balance of the gut. On the contrary, diets rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains promote the growth of gut bacteria that are beneficial.

2. Too Much Sitting And Too Little Moving

If we put it simply, prolonged periods of sitting can promote obesity and lead to insulin resistance, both which is associated with increased risk of colorectal disease. Not to mention, regular physical exercise balances our digestion process, calms the state of inflammation in our gut.

3. Weight Around The Middle

Extra weight around the abdominal area (belly fat) is not only unsightly! Visceral fat produces substances that promote cancers of the colon.

4. Alcohol Consumption And Smoking

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are unambiguous risk behaviours for developing colorectal cancer. These substances can directly damage the lining of the colon and rectum, disrupt DNA repair mechanisms, and promote inflammatory processes that can encourage cancer development.

5. Lack Of Sleep And Shift Work

Sleeping less than needed or working evening and night shifts can disrupt Circadian rhythms. Disruption of Circadian rhythms downregulates the immune system and disturbs the balance of gut microbiome, both of which are important to disease prevention.

6. Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can change gut motility, affect gut permeability, and create inflammation. You can also compromise gut immunity over time with chronic stress.

7. Overused Antibiotics

Inappropriate use of antibiotics, especially when antibiotics are not even warranted, can destroy good bacteria in intestines. The resulting imbalance that is dysbiosis can increase the likelihood of bad colonies of microbes associated with problems associated with colon health.

Every little decision that we make in everyday life counts regarding our well-being and health. Taking control of your lifestyle and diet can go a long way in protecting your gut health and reduce your chances of complications associated with colorectal disease, before it becomes a complication.

The author, Dr. Manoj Yadav, is Consultant – Gastroenterology, at Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]