Fiber Used To Clean The Colon

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States, so understandably colon health is a concern, and many colon cleansers are on the market. But according to MayoClinic.com, a diet rich in fiber, along with plenty of fluids and physical activity, is enough keep the colon clean.

Colon Function

The colon a part of the large intestine, the last portion of the digestive system. In the large intestine, certain vitamins are absorbed, water is reabsorbed to maintain fluid balance in the body, fiber is processed, and wastes is stored until they can be eliminated. The large intestine is made up of the caecum, appendix, colon and rectum. In the colon small amounts of water, vitamins, and fiber mix with the mucous and bacteria living in the large intestine to start to form feces.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer typically starts as adenomaous polyps. These are small noncancerous clusters of cells that can be very small, thus causing few if any symptoms and easily going unnoticed. In time, some adenomaous polyps can turn into colon cancers. This is why doctors recommend screening tests in order to identify and treat polyps before they become cancerous.

Fiber Function

The two types of fiber are insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fiber passes through the digestive system mostly intact, increasing stool bulk, to help waste material move through the intestine. It also keeps the acidic levels in the intestine balanced. Soluble fiber turns into a gel when mixed with liquid, binding with fatty acids and slowing down the release of sugars by slowing down movement of material from the stomach. Along with their other benefits, both types of fiber produces a fatty acid called butyrate when broken down in the colon. Butyrate activates a cell cycle inhibitor, helping to prevent colon cancer.

Fiber Sources

When trying to cleanse the colon and reach optimum colon health, focus on adding fiber to your diet throughout the day. Sources of insoluble fiber are nuts, beans, some fruits like oranges and apples, vegetables such as carrots, lentils, flaxseeds, dried beans and peas and psyllium husks. Soluble fiber is found in seeds and nuts, whole wheat, wheat bran, vegetables like green beans and green leafy vegetables, corn bran, and fruit and root vegetable skins.