Natural Colon Cleaning Foods

Your colon plays an essential role in the digestion process. It is responsible for eliminating toxins from your blood, lymph tissues and intestines. To maintain proper colon functions, you need to consume fiber to combat constipation and keep solid matter progressing through your colon. Adjusting your diet to include natural colon-cleaning foods can improve colon health and overall body functions.

Fruits

Fruits are a beneficial source of dietary fiber and water, which promotes colon health and prevents constipation. In addition to cleansing your colon, fruits also contain high antioxidants, which may protect your colon health, notes Dr. Edward Group in the book "Health Begins in the Colon." Fruits with high fiber and antioxidants include blueberries, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, kiwis, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, bananas, cherries, watermelon, cantaloupe and apples.

Vegetables

Dark leafy vegetables are natural colon-cleansing foods. They contain fiber that moves through your digestive system to promote bowel movements and keep your colon clean. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, leafy vegetables also contain folate, a B vitamin that may help lower your risk of developing colon cancer. Examples of colon cleansing vegetables include spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, cabbage, arugula, dandelion greens, kale and Swiss chard.

Whole Grains

Whole grains also contain fiber, which promotes healthy digestive functions. The Whole Grain Council reports consuming whole grains promotes weight management and lowers your risk of lower risk of colorectal cancer. Examples of colon-cleaning whole grains include brown rice, whole wheat pastas, whole wheat breads, whole wheat cereal, oatmeal, spelt and bulgar. Unlike whole grains, refined grain sources contain insufficient fiber amounts and are usually white in color.

Legumes

Lentils, split peas, soybeans and dry cooked beans contain fiber that cleanses and promotes colon health. According to John Hopkins Hospital, consuming legumes and beans may decrease the recurrence of precancerous colon polyps. Additional high-fiber legumes include chickpeas, kidney beans, pinto beans and black-eyed peas. These foods also contain iron, potassium and little fat.