The colon, or large intestine, is part of the digestive system responsible for processing waste. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stool passes through the colon in a liquid state, then turns solid before emptying into the rectum for elimination. The colon is important in completing the digestive process, but nutrition habits can hinder this process, causing watery stool or constipation. Maintaining a healthy digestive process and removing harmful toxins from your body is as simple as choosing the right foods and lifestyle habits. MayoClinic.com indicates that using a colon cleanse is not necessary to detoxify the colon if you eat a healthy and fiber-rich diet.
Step 1
Add garlic and onions to your entree. Toxins in the form of carcinogens are ingested when foods are treated with pesticides. Garlic and onions contain a natural source of a carcinogen-blocking substance called allicin, which is a sulfur compound. Consuming raw or mildly heated garlic, onions or leeks increases your immune system and detoxifies your body. Add garlic to your spaghetti, meat dishes or salad on a daily basis to regularly cleanse your colon and promote digestion.
Step 2
Take fresh fruit to work or school for snacking during the day. Fibrous fruits such as bananas, apples and citrus promote bowel integrity and reduce the risk of developing diverticular disease, says MayoClinic.com. Eat at least five servings of fruit a day to maintain a healthy colon.
Step 3
Eat whole grains instead of refined grains. Insoluble fiber promotes the movement of waste through your digestive tract to prepare the colon for elimination. Foods such as whole-grain bread, wheat bran and nuts offer a rich source of insoluble fiber. Processed and refined grains, such as white bread are not as beneficial to the colon due to the essential grain element being processed out of the food source. Read the ingredients on nutrition labels for bread products with dietary fiber containing 2g or more per serving.
Step 4
Add beans and peas as a side dish. Lentils, kidney beans or peas are a good choice for cleaning your colon naturally. Eat a bean source with one meal a day to optimize results. Try nuts such as almonds or peanuts instead if you prefer not to eat beans on a daily basis.
Step 5
Drink plenty of water daily. To prevent or relieve constipation, drink at least 64 oz. of water daily, says MayoClinic.com. Water also helps to move gas through your intestines, which is a potential side effect of eating a high-fiber diet.
Tips and Warnings
- A diet rich in antioxidant-containing fruits is good for your colon as well as improving your immune system.
- Before trying an over-the-counter colon cleanse, speak to your physician regarding safety.
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