Keeping the colon clean isn't difficult as long as you eat a healthy diet free from processed foods, including convenience foods, according to Clean Colon Health. Eat a variety of high-fiber foods to keep your digestive system moving. A diet high in fiber can help lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women should aim for a minimum of 21 grams of fiber and men at least 30 grams per day. Doing so will help your digestive tract function properly and keep your colon clean.
Fruits
Most fruits are high in fiber, particularly raw fruits eaten with the peel on. Blueberries, raspberries, blueberries, prunes, figs, pears, apples, mangos, oranges, plums, strawberries and papaya have the fiber you need and are loaded with nutrition. If you make fruits into juices, make sure you retain some of the colon-cleansing pulp.
Vegetables
Vegetables contain a high amount of fiber, and you can incorporate them into almost any meal as a side dish or main entrée. They also make healthy snack foods. Among the vegetables high in fiber are broccoli, carrots, corn, spinach, turnips, turnip greens, Brussels sprouts, beets, sweet potatoes, eggplant and bean sprouts. If you don't like vegetables, steam, puree and freeze them in snack-size bags and add them to gravies and sauces for extra fiber and nutritional value.
Whole Grains
Eat plenty of whole grains, such as whole wheat, oats and brown rice. When you shop for breads, cereals, pasta and other whole grain products, read the label and make sure it is 100-percent whole grain. Whole-grain foods without added sugar and preservatives assist in cleansing the colon and keeping the digestive tract healthy.
Nuts and Seeds
Although nuts and seeds are high in fat, they also contain the fiber you need to cleanse your colon. Snack on a handful of nuts. You can also add nuts and seeds to cereals or incorporate them into many meat and vegetable recipes. When you purchase nuts and seeds, look for those in the most natural state as possible. Avoid added salt or processing. Healthy nuts and seeds include peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
Water
Water is essential in cleansing the colon and keeping it healthy. It works with the fiber by causing the fiber to swell and promoting bowel contractions that flush and rid your digestive system of waste. Drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses per day, more if you sweat or participate in sports.
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