Most people don’t want to talk about the colon because it isn’t the most glamorous body part, but it is important to nourish it with healthy foods to keep your body functioning smoothly. Many diseases originate in the colon because toxins and waste can get lodged in there if it isn’t eliminating properly. When the colon doesn’t eliminate waste efficiently, these toxins can clog the colon and back up into the liver and bloodstream, ultimately polluting the entire system.
Signs of an unhealthy colon can include constipation, bad breath, body odor, vaginal yeast infections, bladder or kidney infections, or fingernail and toenail fungus. Since the colon is the third most common site for cancer, it is optimal to keep it healthy. A healthy colon can lead to improved digestion, increased energy, a healthy pH balance, better absorption of nutrients, and it helps kick-start the weight loss process. Here are 10 foods that benefit your colon.
Lemons
Not only do they help alkalize the body, but they also help cleanse the entire body by promoting detoxification. Mix the juice of one lemon, a pinch of sea salt, and a squeeze of raw honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink every morning on an empty stomach.
Garlic
Garlic has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, and it acts as a prebiotic, which helps to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. It also helps to cleanse the colon, making it an overall digestive helper.
Avocado
There’s a reason avocados cost extra to put on your sandwich: it’s because they help lubricate the intestinal walls, which inhibits toxins from clinging to the digestive tract. Additionally, avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are also great for brain health.
Water
Some people might say that hydration is the answer to a healthy digestive system. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water today, if not more, is the recommended amount to stay hydrated. Not only does drinking water help flush out toxins and waste from the body, it stimulates peristalsis, which is the process that moves food through the digestive system. Additionally, staying hydrated helps the body naturally release water weight.
Raw Vegetable Juice
Drinking raw, freshly made vegetable juice can help remove toxins from the colon. Adding green vegetables like spinach or kale can deliver your body essential nutrients to keep the body energized. Avoid drinking pre-made juices because these are often processed or have preservatives that can actually cause bacteria to build up in the colon.
Broccoli Sprouts
If you want to help cleanse your liver and your colon at the same time, you need to add broccoli sprouts to your next grocery list. Sprouts are actually easier for your body to digest than adult vegetables. Broccoli sprouts contain sulfurophane, which helps to fight bacterial infections in the digestive system.
Apple Juice
Please don’t drink that processed apple juice that is full of sugar. Fresh apple juice, which you make yourself, encourages healthy bowel movements and improved digestion. After you drink a glass of fresh apple juice, drink a glass of water 30 minutes later. Do this a few times a day between meals for three days to promote colon health.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds have omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and natural fibers, all of which are beneficial for colon health. In addition to removing mucus and waste from the colon, flaxseeds also help protect you from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Ginger
Ginger is always great to have as a home remedy. It helps to reduce bloating, encourages proper digestion, and stimulates healthy colon function to keep it free of toxins. You can add ginger to fresh fruit or vegetable juices, or brew it into a tea by pouring boiling water over fresh ginger slices.
Aloe Vera
Most people associate aloe vera with sunburns or rashes because it helps soothe the skin. It also helps detoxify the colon by acting as a natural laxative. Because of its health properties, it can help remedy headaches, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Add the juice of 1 lemon to fresh aloe vera juice and blend it into a smoothie. Refrigerate this for a few hours and drink one or two ounces a couple times a day.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
