Colon cancer is on the rise, and while there are many factors that can increase your risk of developing this disease, diet is one of the most important.

Specifically, studies have shown that certain drinks can significantly increase your risk of colon cancer.

Sweetened Beverages

One of the most dangerous drinks in terms of colon cancer risk is sweetened beverages. This includes soda, sweet tea, and other sugary drinks. These drinks contain high levels of sugar and can cause inflammation in the body.

Inflammation is a major risk factor for many types of cancer, including colon cancer.

Studies have also found that people who drink sweetened beverages regularly are more likely to develop colon cancer.

In one study, people who drank more than two servings of sweetened beverages per week were 87% more likely to develop colon cancer than those who rarely drank these drinks.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption has also been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Studies have found that people who drink alcohol regularly are more likely to develop colon cancer than those who do not drink or only drink in moderation.

Alcohol can cause damage to the cells in the colon, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of cancer. In addition, alcohol can interfere with the absorption of important nutrients that play a role in preventing cancer.

Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea have been shown to have mixed effects on colon cancer risk. Some studies have found that coffee can actually lower your risk of colon cancer, while others have found that it may increase your risk.

The jury is still out on the impact of tea on colon cancer risk, but some evidence suggests that green tea may have a protective effect due to its high levels of antioxidants.

Artificially Sweetened Beverages

While sweetened beverages are clearly a danger when it comes to colon cancer risk, you may be tempted to turn to artificially sweetened beverages as a healthier alternative.

However, studies have found that these drinks are not much better when it comes to cancer risk.

In fact, some studies have shown that people who drink artificially sweetened beverages regularly are still at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. This is likely due to the fact that these drinks can also cause inflammation in the body.

Fruit Juices

Fruit juices are often touted as a healthy choice, but when it comes to colon cancer risk, not all juices are created equal. Some fruit juices are high in sugar and can increase your risk of inflammation, which can in turn increase your risk of cancer.

On the other hand, some juices may have a protective effect. For example, one study found that people who drank pomegranate juice daily had a lower risk of developing colon cancer.

Water

While it may seem like an obvious choice, drinking water is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of colon cancer. Water helps to flush toxins from your body and keep your digestive system functioning properly.

Dehydration can also lead to constipation, which is a risk factor for colon cancer. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and healthy.

Milk

Milk is often touted as a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones. However, research has shown that high levels of calcium intake can actually increase your risk of colon cancer.

This is especially true for people who consume large amounts of dairy products, as they may also be at increased risk of prostate cancer and other conditions.

Conclusion

When it comes to colon cancer risk, what you drink is just as important as what you eat.

Sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages can increase inflammation in the body and raise your risk of cancer, while alcohol and high-calcium milk can also increase your risk.

To reduce your risk of colon cancer, it’s important to choose your drinks wisely. Water is always a good choice, and green tea and pomegranate juice may have a protective effect.

Limiting sweetened and alcoholic beverages can also help to reduce your risk.