A clogged colon can be a source of pain and discomfort. Many people go to extreme lengths to keep their intestines running smoothly. They may use a variety of commercial products and procedures including colonics, laxatives and colon-cleansing pills and teas. According to Harvard School of Public Health, your colon is very sensitive to dietary fiber, which works to keep your bowels running smoothly. It is much easier to maintain a clear colon with a healthy diet and exercise than to go through an uncomfortable colon-cleansing processes. Exercise, water and a diet full of fiber will keep your colon cleansed and healthy.
Grains
A diet full of whole grains will help keep your colon clear. Whole grains, unlike refined grains, are full of colon-cleansing fiber. A high-fiber diet will not only relieve constipation, but it will also prevent it. You can find whole grains in cereal, oatmeal and whole wheat breads and pastas. Substitute regular cereal for a whole grain cereal and trade your white bread and pasta for a whole wheat variety. Harvard School of Public Health recommends increasing fiber gradually in your diet. Also, it may take time to adjust to the taste of whole grain foods, so add them to your diet gradually. Mix whole grain cereal with your regular cereal and add a little whole grain pasta with your white pasta. These small changes, along with drinking plenty of water, will make your adjustment more comfortable.
Fruit
Along with its natural sugars, fruit contains fiber and water. The combination of fiber and water works well to prevent constipation and keep your colon clear. Apples, pears, dates and berries are rich sources of fiber. Be aware that fruit skin contains fiber as well, so choose unpeeled varieties when you can. Increase fruit in your diet by eating whole fruit instead of drinking fruit juices. Make a fruit smoothie by blending whole fruit with milk or yogurt for breakfast to start your day off right. For an even bigger burst of fiber, mix fruit with your whole grains by adding some berries or fruit slices to a bowl of oatmeal or whole grain cereal.
Vegetables
A diet rich in vegetables is essential for a clean colon. Not only are vegetables full of vitamins and minerals, they also contain fiber and water. Beans, canned pumpkin and Brussels sprouts have more than 3g of fiber per 1/2 cup serving. To increase vegetable fiber in your diet, choose raw carrots or celery as snacks instead of chips or cookies. Add a salad with fresh, leafy greens to your lunch or dinner and top it with black or kidney beans instead of cheese and croutons. An additional benefit to increasing your vegetable intake is that replacing unhealthy foods with more vegetables will lead to overall better health and possibly weight loss.
Member Comments