Exercise

Even with all of these health benefits, more than half of all Americans do not exercise. Because of our aversion to exercise, 36.5 percent of American adults are obese, according to the Center for Disease Control. The solution to this statistic is a commitment to make physical activity a part of our everyday lives. Regular exercise is important for people of all ages, but it is especially essential for colon health and preventing gastrointestinal disease.

One of the risk factors for colon cancer is a sedentary lifestyle, so you are actively preventing colon cancer when you get your body moving. Over 50 studies have been conducted on the connection between exercise and the risk of colon cancer. Research shows that adults who increase their physical activity in intensity, duration or frequency can reduce their risk of developing colon cancer by 30 to 40 percent, compared to adults who are sedentary.

Exercising can influence the development of colon cancer in several different ways by:

• Creating a more efficient gastrointestinal system by increasing blood flow and circulation
• Reducing insulin levels, which are responsible for tumor cell division and growth
• Playing a role in energy balance and hormone metabolism
• Reducing the time that the colon is exposed to carcinogens
• Altering inflammatory and immune factors that influence colon cancer risk

If you have had colon cancer, exercise is even more important. Research shows that colon cancer survivors can reduce the risk of their cancer recurring by as much as 50 percent by exercising. Physical activity can also increase survival and definitely enhance quality of life by reducing fatigue and promoting energy balance.

If you have already implemented an exercise regime into your daily schedule, keep up the good work! Consistency is essential for the best protection against colon cancer. If you have never made exercise a part of your life, you should visit your doctor to begin a program that is appropriate for your age and activity level.