The colon, part of the large intestine, is a part of the digestive tract. This is the where water, nutrients and salts from food are absorbed into the body. After this process is done, the remains, as feces, get extracted from the system. Keeping the colon clean and in good working order can be advantageous to your health.
Significance
Over the course of time, the colon can get backed up with fecal matter, undigested food and bacteria. This can lead to chronic constipation, it can compromise the body's ability to absorb nutrients and it can increase your risk for colorectal cancer.
Effects
When you feel the need to go to the bathroom, go. Holding it can allow waste materials to sit in your colon longer than they should be there. This can lead to hard, impacted stools because water will be extracted and dehydration can develop.
Food
Diet has a lot to do with a clean colon. Foods that are hard to digest and low in fiber can contribute to impaction and make the colon work harder than it should. Examples of these foods are dairy products, meats, processed baked goods and deep fried foods. These foods should be limited in the diet.
Fiber
Fiber is a substance that creates bulk in the stomach and it helps push waste mater out of the colon. This can help alleviate an impacted colon and facilitate regular bowel movements. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you should get at least 25 to 30 g of fiber a day.
Identification
Probiotics are bacteria that are healthy for your colon. Consuming these can help promote good digestion and prevent toxins from building up. They can be found in foods such as yogurt, tempeh (soybeans in cake form), sauerkraut and kefir. Kefir is a type of yogurt that is more runny than usual yogurt.
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