Colon-Cleansing Diet: Cleanliness Is Next To Healthiness

Your Colon

The colon is one of the most important body part responsible for effective digestion. It also aids in several other functions such as metabolism, nutrient absorption and protection. The health and cleanliness of the colon is vital in order to maintain its proper function and structure.

Should the colon become infected with parasites or acquire disease, there are several associated conditions that will result such as inadequate bowel emptying, constipation, diarrhea, metabolic problems and even appendicitis. The colon needs to be cleansed every now and then.

What’s in a Colon-Cleansing Diet?

1. Water. Water is very important for proper digestion and waste elimination. Water acts to flush digested food and other matter out of the body. It also improves blood circulation in order for the bowel to contract properly. 8 to 10 glasses of water daily is recommended.

2. Fiber. Fiber is very useful for effective digestion. It aids the colon in moving and absorbing consumed matter. Passage of stool also becomes easier as a result. Fiber can be obtained from natural food sources or supplementation. 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber is required daily. There are two types of fiber namely soluble and insoluble. Both have specific advantages and should be included in a colon-cleansing diet.

Foods that Aid the Colon

A diet high in fiber and water is most recommended for cleansing the colon thoroughly. Great sources of soluble fiber are oats, bran, muesli, barley and wheat. These help a lot in moving matter across the colon for effective digestion.

Fruits and vegetables like green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, oranges, bananas, watermelons and broccoli are fine examples of fibrous carbohydrates. There are also fruits which hold a lot of water like cantaloupes, melons, lemons and coconuts. These work very well in keeping the body hydrated and maintaining normal colon function. Other benefits that these foods give are well-formed stools and increased immunity.

The Herbs

Proper supplementation can also help cleanse the colon. Curacao and cane aloe leaf are very potent cathartics, barberry rootbark stimulates digestion and metabolism, garlic bulbs help fight infection and ginger rhizome is very effective during peristalsis and improves colonic contractions.

Fennel flushes out excess matter and ginger relaxes the digestive tract for better nutrient absorption. Willow charcoal acts as a detoxifier while psyllium seed and husk also are good fiber sources and minimize inflammation.

Tips When on a Colon-Cleansing Diet

It is better to eat fruits and vegetables in their raw state since nutritional value decreases while food is being cooked. The proteins in cooked food are also harder to digest and move across the colon. Raw fruits and vegetables immediately reach cellular level which needs less energy to digest. Juicing fruits and vegetables are very effective in providing the desired results.

To avoid unwanted colonic contractions and to boost metabolism and digestion, it is recommended to eat small frequent meals with the same caloric content instead of only two or three big meals. Always drink water throughout a colon-cleansing diet to ensure proper organ function and flushing.