The Problem
Many individuals worry about colon health only after experiencing unpleasant digestive issues. Unfortunately, Martin Zucker argues, American eating habits “eventually [turn] the colon into a waste dump for toxins.” All-natural foods or unrefined foods usually take about 30 hours to digest, while unhealthy foods, such as those high in fat and low in fiber, may take more than two days to digest. Our digestive system constantly breaks the food down to smaller and smaller bits, some of which remain trapped in the colon along with millions of harmful bacteria. According to an article in the February 1999 issue of "Natural History," the average colon contains as many as 100,000,000,000,000 microorganisms, some of which are harmful bacteria.Fiber
Cleanse your digestive system naturally by changing your eating habits. Foods high in fiber—the portion of the plant the digestive enzymes in the human body cannot break down—make for natural cleansers. In the colon, fiber absorbs water and swells, making it easy for the muscles in the intestinal wall to grab on and push it through. On its way, the fiber acts as a broom for small particles. High-fiber foods good for digestion include whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and fruits.An article in the October 2, 2003 issue of "The New York Amsterdam News" touts the benefits of brown rice, a bulky food high in fiber, as an all-natural colon cleaner. By cleaning the colon, brown rice helps reduce the risk of developing serious conditions including colon cancer, colitis and diverticulosis. Eating plenty of brown rice will help you lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), which in turn lowers your risk for developing heart disease. It may also inhibit your intestines' ability to absorb estrogen, which lowers your risk for breast cancer.
Water
Drink plenty of water. Water helps move food and wastes through the digestive system. It creates a sense of fullness and helps wash the food on its way. Water also stimulates the hormone that causes muscular movement in the intestines, helping push the food and waste along rather than becoming trapped as toxic waste. It also helps separate sticky waste from the lining of the colon. Drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day (i.e., if you weigh 150 lbs., drink 75 oz. of water a day) to keep your body clean and in good working condition.Herbal Solutions
Natural supplements detoxify the digestive system without causing the pain harsher medication cleansers cause. One solution, triphala, comprises three Indian fruits. A mild supplement available in both capsule and powder form, triphala rids the colon of toxins that can lead to diseases and chronic health conditions. Other herbs that promote cleansing and healthy digestive functioning include cumin, cardamom, fennel seeds, ginger and rhubarb root.
