Colon cancer is one of the most deadly cancers in the world, and it is important to pay attention to what we eat and drink not to put ourselves at an unnecessary risk.

While there are foods and drinks that are known to have a link with colon cancer, it may surprise you to learn that there are certain drinks that can also increase your risk of developing colon cancer. In this article, we will explore the drinks that you should avoid or limit to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

1. Alcohol

Heavy drinking has long been linked with an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Studies have shown that people who consume alcohol regularly are more likely to have colon cancer than people who do not drink at all or drink only in small amounts.

The exact reason for this is not completely clear, but it is believed that alcohol encourages the growth of cancer cells by damaging DNA, promoting inflammation, and increasing estrogen levels.

Therefore, it is best to limit your alcohol intake, and if you do drink, do so in moderation.

2. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, and sweetened iced tea can also increase your risk of colon cancer.

According to a study, people who drink two or more glasses of sugary drinks per day are more likely to develop colon cancer than those who consume less than one glass a week.

The reason behind this is that sugary drinks are high in calories, can cause inflammation, and can lead to obesity, all of which are risk factors for colon cancer.

Therefore, it is crucial to limit your consumption of sugary drinks to decrease the risk of colon cancer.

3. Hot Beverages

While hot beverages like tea and coffee have many benefits for our health, studies have shown that drinking hot beverages at high temperatures can increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

In a study, people who drank hot beverages at temperatures above 149°F had a higher risk of developing colon cancer than those who drank their beverages at temperatures below that level.

It is believed that consuming hot beverages at high temperatures may damage the lining of the colon, leading to an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, it is best to wait for your hot beverages to cool down before drinking them.

4. Milk

Milk contains calcium, which is beneficial for our bones and overall health. However, studies have shown that consuming too much milk and other dairy products can increase the risk of colon cancer.

This may be due to the fact that dairy products contain hormones and growth factors that can interfere with cell growth and increase inflammation.

Therefore, it is important to consume dairy products in moderation and opt for low-fat versions to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

5. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular in recent years, but they can be very harmful to our health. Studies have shown that energy drinks can increase the risk of colon cancer due to the high amounts of caffeine and sugar they contain.

Additionally, energy drinks can cause dehydration, which can lead to constipation and other digestive problems that increase the risk of colon cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid energy drinks as much as possible.

6. Sports Drinks

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade are marketed as a healthy beverage option for people who exercise regularly. However, studies have shown that these drinks can also increase the risk of colon cancer.

Similar to energy drinks, sports drinks are high in sugar and can lead to dehydration, constipation, and other digestive problems that increase the risk of colon cancer. Therefore, it is best to opt for water instead of sports drinks.

7. Fruit Smoothies

Many people believe that fruit smoothies are a healthy option, but they can be very high in sugar, leading to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, fruit smoothies are often made with fruits that are very high in pesticides and other harmful chemicals, which can also increase the risk of cancer.

It is best to make your smoothies at home with organic fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

8. Packaged Fruit Juices

Like fruit smoothies, packaged fruit juices are often high in sugar and can lead to an increased risk of colon cancer. Additionally, most packaged fruit juices are highly processed, which can lead to inflammation and other health problems.

Therefore, it is best to avoid packaged fruit juices and opt for fresh juices made at home with organic fruits and vegetables.

9. Soft Drinks

Soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Pepsi are high in sugar and calories, leading to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, soft drinks can cause dehydration, constipation, and other digestive problems that increase the risk of colon cancer.

Therefore, it is best to limit your consumption of soft drinks and opt for water or other healthy beverage options instead.

10. Sweetened Iced Tea

Sweetened iced tea is a popular drink in many parts of the world, but it can be very high in sugar, leading to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, sweetened iced tea can cause dehydration, constipation, and other digestive problems that increase the risk of colon cancer. Therefore, it is best to avoid sweetened iced tea and opt for unsweetened varieties or herbal teas instead.

Conclusion

While there are many foods and drinks that can increase the risk of colon cancer, the drinks mentioned above can have a surprising impact on your risk of developing colon cancer.

To reduce the risk of colon cancer, it is important to limit or avoid these drinks wherever possible and opt for healthy, low-sugar alternatives instead.