The Best Foods to Take for Colon Cleansing

The many demands and stresses of parenting can disrupt your schedule, including your colon’s regularity. As the lower part of the digestive system, the colon’s job is to absorb nutrients from what remains of your meals and move the rest on out the door. A sluggish colon results in constipation, a condition that causes discomfort. Colon cleansing is one way you can deal with a sluggish colon. A diet consisting of nutritious high-fiber foods can cleanse the colon gently and keep things moving right along.

Step 1

Start your day with a breakfast packed with fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should try to get at least 20 to 35 grams (g) of fiber every day. Eat a breakfast that includes high-fiber fruits, like apples, dates, mangoes and prunes. Eat these by themselves or add them to a bowl of oatmeal or bran cereal.

Step 2

Continue to cleanse your colon throughout the day by snacking on nuts and seeds. Although these may contain a certain amount of fat, they also add helpful fiber to your diet. Get creative by adding a handful of ground flax seeds to a fruit smoothie or a few walnut pieces to the top of a salad. James F. Balch, M.D., author of “Prescription for Natural Cures,” recommends consuming at least 1 to 2 tbsp. of flax seeds every day to help keep your colon healthy.

Step 3

Add beans to your daily menu. Eat a three-bean salad for lunch, or have a serving of refried beans with your dinner. Beans contain plenty of fiber for cleansing your colon. Don’t be surprised if they also cause you to develop gas if you are unaccustomed to eating them. Adding beans to fresh salads and raw vegetables may make them more palatable than eating them alone.

Step 4

Eat fermented foods to keep your colon happy. Balch recommends adding sauerkraut and yogurt to your diet. These foods will help balance your intestinal flora and may assist in keeping your bowel movements regular.

Step 5

Drink plenty of fluids to keep your colon healthy. The Mayo Clinic advises sipping on water to get adequate amounts of fluids. The exact amount of necessary fluids depends on many factors, including age, level of activity, overall health and other criteria. Make sure you get enough fluids to keep your colon happy by keeping a tall glass of water by your chair while you work and carrying a water bottle with you in your car and on errands. Don’t allow yourself to become overly thirsty.