Gastroenterologist ‘The Stomach Doc’ Shares 4 Fruits He Eats To Lower The Risk Of Colon Cancer
February 25, 2025 by Faith Geiger
Your gut health is central to your overall health, playing an important role in everything from weight management to mental wellbeing to colon health. And when it comes to keeping your gut (and, in turn, your colon) in great shape, maintaining a healthy diet is paramount. The foods you eat can significantly impact the risk of developing colon cancer. With rates of this disease rising, particularly among young adults, it’s especially important to make smart dietary choices and mitigate the risk. Consuming fiber-rich and antioxidant-packed foods, in particular, can help support gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote overall digestive health.
Dr. Joseph Salhab, also known as “The Stomach Doc,” recently shared insights on Instagram reel about four specific fruits that can help lower the risk of colon cancer. According to him, incorporating citrus, kiwi, and apples into your diet can provide powerful protective benefits due to their fiber, antioxidants, and other gut-friendly compounds. Learn more about the benefits of each below.
1. Citrus Fruits
Good news for lovers of all things orange! Dr. Salhab says citrus fruits make a great addition to a gut-healthy diet and a healthier colon. "Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which we know is beneficial for gut bacteria," he explains. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes all fall into this category, helping to support digestive health and combat oxidative stress. Orange juice, anyone?
2. Kiwi
If you ask us, kiwis are underrated. They're also a longtime favorite of Dr. Salhab, and an excellent source of fiber and gut-supporting nutrients. "Everyone knows how much I love kiwi. It’s packed with fiber, which we know is beneficial to your gut bacteria," he raves. Additionally, kiwi is known for its ability to stimulate bowel movements, making it particularly helpful for digestive regularity.
3. Apples
You know what they say: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. According to Dr. Salhab, apples are another powerhouse fruit when it comes to colon health. "Apples have a really strong protective effect for the colon. It’s a prebiotic," he notes. Prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria, fostering a healthy microbiome. He also suggests a simple way to make apples more appealing to children: "Slice them up, add some cinnamon and honey, and it makes a great healthy snack." So delicious—and nutritious!
4. Watermelon
Topping Dr. Salhab's list is watermelon, which he says has one of the strongest effects on decreasing cancer risk. The key may lie in its high lycopene content, a potent antioxidant known for its protective properties. For an extra boost, he recommends pairing it with lime: "If you want extra protective effect, take some watermelon, add some lime." Yum!
READ MORE: How To Improve Gut Health Naturally: 12 Tips To Consider