Why An Anti-Cancer Diet Matters, But Especially If You're A Millennial

When we think about chronic diseases—like diabetes, cancer and hypertension—we normally don't picture a 30-year-old. But as many of us already know, it's not just the elderly affected by these conditions anymore. Obesity is on the rise, type 2 diabetes is often reported in adolescents and children, and 11 percent of men 20-24 years old have1 high blood pressure. And now, a new study2 shows that although colorectal cancer (CRC) rates are decreasing for older generations, they are actually increasing dramatically for millennials and Gen X.

They conclude the study by calling for screenings to start before the age of 50 and for clinicians to take the signs of symptoms of CRC seriously in patients of all ages. They also express a great need to better understand the impact of lifestyle on this type of cancer so that we can better prevent diseases like this from plaguing younger generations.

So how can we protect ourselves? According to Dr. Luu, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and regular exercise are the preventative pathways. One study even showed that inflammation in the colon dramatically decreased after just two weeks on a low-fat and high-fiber diet, which is inspiring to hear. Diseases like CRC take time to develop and when given the right tools, your body has an amazing ability to heal and prevent disease.