The colon, also known as the "large intestine," is an important part of the digestive tract. After food passes into the colon from the small intestine, water, nutrients and salts are extracted for use by the body. The rest of the material is then excreted through the anus as feces. When the colon is backed up with fecal matter, mucoid plaque and undigested food, absorption of nutrients can be compromised and the risk for colon cancer can go up. The way to avoid this is by keeping the colon clean and healthy by following some key steps.
Step 1
Drink water. Water offers the body a number of benefits. It helps keep you hydrated, it lubricates the joints, it flushes toxins from the body and it aids in digestion, which is beneficial to the colon. According to the Institute of Medicine, women should consume 2.7 total liters of water a day and men should consume 3.7 liters.
Step 2
Avoid high fats. A diet high in saturated fat can increase the risk of colon cancer. Avoid foods like fast food, red meat, whole fat dairy products and anything cooked or prepared in palm and coconut oils. Read product labels carefully for these ingredients.
Step 3
Increase your fiber intake. Fiber is a beneficial substance that cannot be broken down by the body. It helps flush toxins and fecal matter out of the colon. This reduces the chances of being constipated because it speeds up the transit time of waste products. Some examples are whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. According to the Mayo Clinic, women should get 21 to 25g of fiber a day and men should get 30 to 38g a day.
Step 4
Cut down on bad habits. Excessive amounts of alcohol and tobacco products can take their toll on the liver and lungs. However, they also increase your risk of getting colon cancer. Eliminate smoking and keep your alcohol intake to one drink a day if you are a woman and two drinks a day if you are a man.
Step 5
Start to exercise. Exercise has a number of benefits to the body. It can help you keep your weight under control, it improves circulation and it can improve bowel function. Get 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Some examples are weight training, running, biking, stepping, swimming or walking. Do it at an intensity that causes you to be slightly out of breath.
Step 6
Take some herbs. Several herbs can be taken to cleanse the colon, kill parasites and improve its function. Some of these include psyllium husks, aloe vera, fennel seed, uva ursi, black walnut and turmeric root. Being that these are dietary supplements, make sure to use as directed.
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