Natural Foods to Clean the Colon

Natural Foods to Clean the Colon
Photo Credit artichoke image by angelo.gi from Fotolia.com

A clean colon will allow optimal absorption of vitamins, minerals and nutrients from your diet. Furthermore, a clean colon will help you feel lighter and healthier. Instead of having your colon cleansed professionally, you should try to clean your colon with natural foods that are high in fiber. The combination of high fiber foods and water will help food move easily through your digestive tract. Women should eat at least 21 g of fiber per day and men, 30 g per day.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are natural foods you should eat to clean your colon. A cup of raspberries provides you with 8 g of fiber, while a medium artichoke provides you with 10 g of fiber. In addition to the high fiber content of fruits and vegetables, this food group offers many vitamins and minerals that are needed for optimal health. Set a goal to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables to obtain your daily goal of fiber intake for a clean colon.

Legumes, Nuts and Seeds

Legumes, nuts and seeds are an important component of a high fiber diet. One serving, or one cup, of split peas, lentils or black beans offers more than 15 g of fiber that is essential for a clean colon. Snack on nuts and seeds to further increase your daily intake of fibers. Almonds, pistachios and pecans offer 3 g to 4 g of fiber per serving, which is 1 oz., or one handful. Do not eat too many nuts because they are high in calories and may lead to weight gain. Eat at least three servings of legumes, nuts and seeds to meet your daily fiber needs for a clean colon.

Complex Carbohydrates

Increase your intake of complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, brown pastas and whole grain breads. One cup of brown rice contains 3 g to 4 g of fiber, and a cup of brown pasta may contain up to 6 g of fiber per serving. One slice of bread contains 2 g of fiber; therefore, using whole grain bread in a sandwich will provide you with at least 4 g of fiber. If possible, avoid white rice, white pastas and white breads, which contain far less fiber.

Water

Although water is not a food, it is an essential component to cleaning the colon with natural foods. Eating high fiber foods without drinking adequate amounts of water may cause constipation and further clog your colon. Fiber acts as a sponge in your colon, but without water it moves through your colon slower and may cause stomach discomfort. Therefore, you should set a goal to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Drink enough fluids to make your urine pale yellow in color.

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Mar 13, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments