The digestive tract of humans is one long tube. The final stop on your food's journey through the digestive tract is the colon, also known as the large intestine. Toxic digestive waste is produced by the colon, which also absorbs fluid, salt, and fatty acids from leftover indigestible food. The colon is a system that performs multiple tasks. You're healthy when your gastrointestinal system is in good shape.
The colon performs the following functions:
Digestion
Transfers nutrients to cells of the body
Processes food waste and eliminates it from the body
Eliminates toxic substances absorbed through the lungs and skin
Holds good bacteria
Tips for a Healthy Colon
Most people know eating more fiber is an important step in boosting colon health. Fiber pushes food waste through the colon, gently, taking bad things along with it. Fiber does not get digested, and so it empties the colon. Foods high in fiber are a good strategy for keeping the colon clean and free of toxins.
To keep your colon clean and healthy, try to eat 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day. (Women need more than men.) One of the best ways is simply to eat more fruits and vegetables. Add more whole grains, too, not refined foods, into your diet. Be sure to drink plenty of water as you increase your fiber intake, because water helps the fiber work better. In fact, plain water is good for all body functions.
Below are some fiber rich foods:
• Flax seed
• Whole grains
• Avocados
• Beans
• Strawberries
• Psyllium fiber
Fermented foods
More fiber we eat, the faster the waste moves through the intestinal tract. If you eat non-fiber rich foods, such as white flour, cheese, white rice and french fried potatoes, you’re a candidate for boosting your fiber intake.
One way is to consume more fermented foods that contain good bacteria or gut flora. Without gut flora, toxins remain, and disease-causing microorganisms rest in your digestive system. Gut flora give the cells in your colon the energy to do their job. These foods include yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha tea.
A sluggish or slow bowel system can cause severe health problems. Think of your colon as a pipe. If it becomes clogged, your waste may back up into your body. That is why it’s so important to protect your colon.
Apple-honey Colon Cleanse
Honey is a good source of carbohydrates that provide strength and energy to the body. Honey also maintains blood sugar levels. Try this colon cleanse drink:
• 1 apple
• 1 tsp raw honey
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
Except for the chia seeds, blend ingredients together. Pour contents of blender into your glass and stir in chia seeds. Stir the drink until the chia seeds expand, which takes about five minutes. Drink.
If you try other colon cleansing and detoxification products, make sure they do the following:
- Remove old fecal matter
- Help remove heavy metals and drug residues
- Strengthen the colon muscle
- Repair colon damage or inflammation
- Rebuild and replenish good bacteria
Exercise
Brisk walking, which gets your circulation going and increases blood flow, enables your colon to get more oxygen. That simple strategy can help ward off colon cancer and other diseases. You can also do light exercise, such as stretching and/or yoga.
Beyond the diet
If you want a product other than fruits, vegetables and grains to help boost colon health, experts recommend formulas with all organic herbs like Cape aloe, Ginger root, Senna, Cascara sagrada, Barberry rootbark, Cayenne fruit, and Fennel. These products can decrease the time it takes for feces to pass through your colon.
Like all things in life, there is no one treatment or “magic bullet” that will fix issues with your colon. You may want to experiment with formulas. Remember to check with your medical professional if you’re at all worried about negative effects.