Colon Cleanser Foods

The colon is part of the intestine that extends from the lower right abdomen upward from right to left across the navel and back down the left side of the abdomen to the rectum and anus, according to Paul Barney in "Doctor's Guide to Natural Medicine." Barney says that autointoxication can occur if you do not eat the right foods to preserve your colon health. The longer accumulated waste stays trapped in the colon, the higher your risk of harmful complications. Eating naturally healthy foods will not only benefit your overall health, but it will help to cleanse your colon.

Foods High in Insoluble Fiber

Insoluble fiber is responsible for accelerating intestinal transit time and quickly moving toxins through the digestive tract for expulsion, according to Joy Bauer in "Total Nutrition." This fiber type passes through the body mostly undigested and acts to move out partially digested food and other waste products lingering in the intestinal tract. Vegetables are the most abundant sources of insoluble fiber available, as you cannot absorb their cell walls, which are made of cellulose, according to Bauer. Additional sources include nuts, seeds and the skins of fruits.

Melons

Melons contain a high water content, which helps facilitate and regulate the digestive system. These fruits are also natural diuretics, which help flush out the intestinal tract and reduce fluid retention, according to Swami Tirtha in "The Ayurveda Encyclopedia." Watermelons in particular help cleanse the colon, as it is rich in the antioxidant vitamins A, C and B complex, as well as fiber, magnesium and potassium, according to Tonya Zavasta in "Beautiful on Raw Uncooked Creations." It also counteracts inflammation that can contribute to colon cancer.

Lemon

According to Dr. Edward Group in "Health Begins in the Colon," lemon is among the optimal colon-cleansing foods you can consume. It has digestive properties that remove impurities from the intestinal tract, contains antiseptic activity to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria within the bowel, helps eliminate waste more efficiently and stimulates the liver for enhances enzyme production, Group says. He recommends adding fresh-squeezed lemon juice to your water to flush out your system.