The American diet and lifestyle can be hard on the colon: the combination of processed foods, low levels of dietary fiber and poor hydration can all lead to chronic problems in the colon like constipation and, in the long term, an increased threat of colon cancer, a very serious form of the disease. However, simply increasing or add the following foods to your diet is usually enough to sort these problems out.
High-Fiber Foods
Probably the single most important thing you can do to cleanse your colon is to increase your intake of dietary fiber through fruits, whole grains, vegetables and even supplements like psyllium husks. Fiber is arguably the very best natural colon cleanser there is.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
If you “strive for five”, and get five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, you will probably find that your colon problems sort themselves out naturally. Not only are fruits and veggies rich in fiber, they also are high in chlorophyll, which is very beneficial for the digestive tract.
Probiotic Foods
Probiotic foods like yogurt, sauerkraut and kim chi (a spicy Korean cabbage dish) are called probiotic foods because they help repopulate your gut with the beneficial bacteria that improves the digestion and supports a healthy and active colon.
Water
Along with increasing fiber in your diet, increasing your hydration levels is the best thing you can do to keep your colon healthy. Hydration makes the digestion process easier and the more hydrated you are, the less likely you are to form hard stools which are difficult and painful to pass.
Garlic
Garlic stimulates the production of enzymes in your liver that make the whole process of digestion easier, thus reducing the workload on the colon and making bowel movements easier so that the colon stays clean.
Legumes
Legumes, including beans, peas and lentils, are also a rich source of fiber to help keep your colon cleansed. They are also contain healthy fats which curb the appetite naturally, cause you to eat less and reduce the colon’s workload.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These fatty acids, find in sources like salmon, tuna, flax seed and walnuts – help cleanse the colon by attaching themselves to toxins and other harmful substances, which allows the colon to easily eliminate them from the body.
Whole Grains
Whole grains, like legumes, fruits and vegetables, are also an excellent fiber source. Fiber cleanses the colon by adding bulk to stools and making them easier to pass to prevent any build-up in the colon and prevent the development of serious problems later on.
So, even though the American lifestyle does not do much to support a healthy colon, now you know which foods can do just that. Adding fiber, water and extra fruits and vegetables to your diet is a great way to keep your colon cleansed and reduce your chances of colon cancer or other serious colon conditions.
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