An unhealthy colon can give rise to a number of health problems such as constipation, abdominal cramps, bad breath, and infection. Colon cleansing diet is one of the most effective methods, to remove toxins from the body, and improve colon health.
Diet and health go hand in hand. Unhealthy eating habits can give rise to a number of health problems. One of the major health problems is clogging of the colon with toxic materials and wastes. Due to certain changes in lifestyle, and consumption of junk and processed foods, normal functioning of the colon is affected. The main functions of the colon are to absorb the essential nutrients, and facilitate the elimination of waste materials from the body.
When the colon is blocked, the harmful toxins get circulated back into the body. It can lead to a number of health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, bad breath, body odor, vaginal yeast infections, bladder and kidney infection, acid reflux disease, and dermatological problems.
The only way to prevent these health problems is to remove the harmful toxins from the body, and ensure colon health. There are different methods of colon cleansing such as colon hydrotherapy, enemas, laxatives, herbal colon cleansers, oxygen-based colon cleansing, and colon cleansing diet.
Colon Cleansing Diet: An Overview
Certain dietary changes can help to improve the health and functioning of the colon. An effective colon cleansing diet includes a unique combination of different types of vegetables, fresh fruits ,and plenty of high-fiber foods.
High-Fiber Foods
Fiber-rich foods are an essential part of the colon cleansing diet. Dietary fiber can be obtained in various vegetables, fruits, seeds, beans, whole grains, and nuts. High-fiber diet supports digestive health by removing the waste matter from the colon, and by stimulating peristalsis, muscular contractions of the bowel. Fibers also help to retain moisture in the colon, and soften the stool. The high-fiber foods include vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, green peas, green beans, Swiss chard, turnip greens, Brussels sprout, and green leafy vegetables like spinach, as well as some fruits including berries (blueberries, strawberries and raspberries), dried fruits (apricots, prunes, dates and raisins), oranges, apples, peaches, and pears.
Whole-grain breads, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, cereals made from whole grains and oatmeal are also rich in dietary fiber. Other legumes, seeds, and nuts that contain high amounts of fiber are fresh, frozen or dried peas, and beans such as lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, acorns, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Green Foods
Green foods such as wheat grass, alfalfa, spirulina and barley grass are an important part of the colon cleansing diet due to their high chlorophyll content. Besides cleansing, chlorophyll helps soothe and heal the damaged tissue of the digestive tract.
Juices
Intake of juices is the fast and effective way of colon cleansing. It deprives the body of unnecessary fats, salts, and processed foods. Juices made from various vegetables and fruits is truly beneficial for the digestive health of the body. Prune juice is one of the most effective juices for colon cleansing.
Healthy Oils
Fish oil, cod liver oil, wheat germ oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and oregano oil are helpful in colon cleansing. Each type of oil has its own set of unique benefits. For example, fish oil consists of omega-3 essential fatty acids, while wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E.
Besides the colon cleansing diet, you should drink plenty of fluids. You should consume at least 6-10 glasses of water everyday. It helps flush out the toxins from your body. The diet must be supplemented with adequate exercise.
Foods to Avoid
You should avoid foods such as cookies, cakes, chips, and other fast food items. Noodles and other quick foods are not allowed in colon cleansing diet. You should limit the amounts of rice in your diet. You should also avoid pasteurized milk and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and black tea as well as soft drinks and alcohol.
Benefits
Colon cleansing neutralizes and removes toxic molecules, fats and other harmful substances from the body. It lowers the amount of artificial substances ingested, and helps to utilize the essential vitamins and antioxidants from the digested foods. It helps to reduce constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems. It also causes an increase in the number of beneficial bacteria, which are vital to a healthy digestive system. These bacteria limit the growth of harmful bacteria, remove or neutralize toxins, increase the effectiveness of the immune system, and help to produce vitamin B. Some of the major benefits of a colon cleansing diet have been enlisted below:
- Improved digestion
- Reduction in appetite
- Reduced gastrointestinal problems
- Clear and smooth skin
- Lowered unhealthy cravings
- Reduced signs of aging
- Purification of blood
- Brighter eyes
- Increased vibrant energy
- Reduced pains and inflammation
- Improvement in metabolism
- Improved mental health
- Overall feeling of well-being
Disclaimer: This NutriNeat article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.