The word “colon” is another name for large intestines, the organ that eliminates the food residue out of the body through bowel movements. An unhealthy colon can cause digestive problems that can be as simple as diarrhea or constipation, to more serious ones like irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer.
Because of their crucial job in the digestive system, this “cleaning crew” must be given the best care possible, starting from your diet. Here are eight colon-friendly foods you to add on your shopping list－or if you already have them, consume a bit more.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are classified under the plant family Brassicaceae. They contain high amounts of fiber and vitamins that the colon needs to eliminate food wastes more quickly and efficiently. For every 100 calories of cruciferous vegetables, you already get about 40% of your daily fiber requirement.
Aside from their ability to cleanse your body, numerous studies confirm the cancer-fighting properties they have. Not only are they food for colon; they are also a great armor against cardiovascular diseases.
Garlic
You may not like the bad breath it gives after consuming one. Still, nobody can deny what garlic can do to your digestive system (apart from the after-smell, that is).
Garlic is famous for its antioxidant properties that can help in removing toxins, waste, and pathogens that commonly reside in your colon. The effects it brings are enormous; for one, nutrients are absorbed more efficiently and bowels are passed more quickly.
Water
The more dehydrated the colon, the harder for your bowels to pass through. Lack of water hydration can cause constipation, a common problem among 63 million Americans. And if you are one of these unfortunate souls, you know and understand how stressful being constipated is.
Thus, make sure to drink water that is more or less equal to half of your body weight. To further the detoxification process, add a pinch of sea salt in your glass.
Aloe vera
Another remedy for constipated individuals is aloe vera. It’s not just good for your skin and hair; it’s also beneficial to your colon! Like garlic, it has antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and fight off infection and pathogens before it wreaks havoc in your system.
Thanks to its mild taste, you can either chew the aloe vera raw or add it your favorite salads and dips. You won’t notice it’s there, we promise!
Apples
Apples are considered to be one of the most potent ingredients for internal cleansing products because of pectin, a carbohydrate that has a thickening effect in the stomach lining.
Pectin removes the buildup of toxins in the colon while strengthening the intestinal muscles. This compound is so useful that doctors even use it to remove heavy metals in highly poisoned patients.
Aside from that, apples are rich in fiber and water－two ingredients that further encourage frequent bowel movement. To maximize their benefits, consume them with the skin intact. The flesh right underneath the surface are chock-full of fiber and nutrients you won’t want to miss out on.
Fermented Foods
In case you don’t know, about 100 trillion bacteria are living inside your whole digestive tract. Some of them aid in breaking down food and nutrients that your body needs to function, while others are there just there to cause you abdominal pain.
Of course, you wouldn’t want the latter party to dominate your gut. To increase the number of good bacteria that can help digest your food and improve the health of your system including the colon, consume probiotic and fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles, just to name a few.
Some people, including you, may not like the smell. But give it time. Eating them is something of an acquired taste.
Green Tea
Want to have an all-natural and good colon cleanse you can drink while on the go? Take green tea! Its antioxidant properties detoxify and clean the colon, making each No. 2 trips to the bathroom a breeze.
Also, did we mention that consuming green tea boosts your metabolism and promote weight loss? A perfect drink for those who have always wanted perfectly toned abs.
Fatty Fish
Seafood like salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and boost the function of the cells in your colon. This, in turn, makes the colon more efficient in absorbing nutrients and eliminating bowels. The DHA found in fatty fish can also help prevent colon and breast cancers.
Benefits of a Healthy Colon
Aside from the fact that a healthy colon can further help in improving bowel elimination, a colon-friendly diet also aids in kickstarting a well-balanced diet. If you want to shed off some pounds and be leaner, fitter, and more vigorous, adopt these food items in your daily food regimen today!