7 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Colon

Authors: Aislinn Vaughan & Philip Knox

1. Fiber

Fiber-rich food is a great choice for a healthy colon. Eating a good amount (about 25-35 grams daily) of high-fiber foods like raspberries, bananas, prunes, peas, broccoli, beans, celery, and whole-wheat pasta is a great start to cleanse the body. Other fiber-rich whole grains include brown rice, whole wheat and whole-wheat breakfast cereals. Fiber keeps food waste moving along your digestive tract, which helps your intestines stay squeaky clean and can decrease your risk for diverticular disease. See Three Ways to Get More Whole Grain in Your Diet.

2. Vitamin D

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says that a steady intake of Vitamin D is advantageous when trying to prevent colon cancer and maintain a healthy colon. You can get Vitamin D from a variety of sources including the sun (15-20 minutes of daily exposure is sufficient) and foods like bread, fatty fish, milk, and cereal. If your foods do not supply enough Vitamin D, taking a supplement may be warranted. Vitamin D may also help prevent osteoporosis.

3. Don't hold it

If you feel a bowel movement coming, head for the bathroom and let it go. If you try to hold it in, built-up fecal matter can release toxins into your body, which has the potential to cause diverticulosis and IBS. Regular bowel movements is one of the ways your colon keeps itself clean and healthy.

4. Water

Inadequate hydration can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body. As those toxins accumulate, the risk for constipation, bloating, gas, IBS, and fatigue increases. If you're trying to keep your colon healthy, try to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water in a day to cleanse your body.

5. Exercise

When you're trying to keep your colon healthy, exercise is a huge part of the equation. By increasing blood flow and circulation through exercise, your colon (and entire gastrointestinal system) gets more oxygen. This may help ward off colon cancer and other diseases. Your fitness routine doesn't need to be extreme. Stretching, doing yoga or walking for 10-15 minutes a day is sufficient to help keep your colon healthy.

6. Colonoscopies

Although a colonoscopy is by no means a fun experience, it's essential in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer. For individuals over age 50, a colonoscopy is a necessary step in maintaining colon health. Also, ask your doctor about a colonoscopy if you are experiencing on-going diarrhea or constipation, as these can be signs of colon and intestinal problems. A colonoscopy can aid in proper diagnosis of your condition.

7. Cleansing Your colon

There are also natural ways to keep your colon clean. Pay a visit to your local alternative medicine center to learn about the colon-cleansing treatments they have to offer.

Colon flushes are a popular procedure, and are believed to wash out toxins and waste material that have become trapped in your colon. If you suffer from constipation, a colon flush can be the best way to regain regular bowel movements and restore your colon's health. With a variety of special herb and mineral infusions available, colon flushes can be tailored to suit your unique needs. Although self-administered colon cleansing kits are available, you should seek advice from a health profession