Therapeutic colon cleanses help rid your lower intestine of waste, also called fecal matter. Many methods for this procedure exist, including colonic irrigations and laxative supplements. Columbia University warns that some of these procedures may wipe out healthy bacteria in your colon and cause health concerns, such as infection and electrolyte deficiencies. Mild colon cleansings involve replacing unhealthy foods in your diet with foods and drinks that encourage the movement and removal of waste matter in your bowel.
Colon Health
Like other body parts, your colon has an important job to accomplish. While your upper digestive system works to break down food and absorb nutrients, your lower bowel must remove the remaining waste from your body. Occasional irregularity affects many individuals, causing bloating and constipation. Your food intake, as well as your daily activities, can determine how well your colon functions.
Fiber
The two classifications of fiber include soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Found in numerous food sources, fiber helps cleanse your colon by increasing the bulk of your stools and encouraging the movement of material through your system. In addition to keeping things moving, diets high in fiber can help you lose weight by making you feel fuller. The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine suggests that men under 50 consume at least 38 g of fiber and women consume at least 25 g.
Foods
Fiber exists naturally in many types of foods. Foods that help keep your colon healthy include grains, beans and nuts. Baked products and cereals that contain whole grains provide more fiber than ones that contain refined flours. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to obtain plenty of fiber.
Drinks
Drinks made from foods that contain large amounts of fiber will help keep your bowel healthy, especially unfiltered juices that contain particles of the fruit and the peel. Prune juice is not the only drink that encourages the movement of matter through your colon. Other useful juices include orange, apricot, pear, blueberry and strawberry juice.
Cautions
Even though fiber-rich foods provide a healthy alternative to therapeutic colon cleansing procedures, they may upset your system. Too much fiber at once can cause abdominal bloating, cramping and gas. Slowly introduce fiber-rich foods and drinks over a period of a few weeks.
Photo Credit
- Fruit salad in hollow watermelon and fruits image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.com
