Your colon might not be something you want to think about, but it is something you should think about. When trouble happens in the colon, it can lead to severe and life-threatening health conditions.
There is a lot you can do to promote better colon health. Food choice is one of the biggest and easiest ways to safeguard your colon from major trouble.
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Some experts have identified five foods—or types of foods—that are likely to promote colon health and reduce major illness risk. Some of the commonalities they share are that they are rich in fiber, reduce transit times, and limit inflammation.
The best foods for colon health might be vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and fruit.
Virtually every vegetable can help colon health. They all contain antioxidants – particularly carotenoids and flavonoids – that help cells fight damage from free radicals. They are also a great source of fiber that can help add bulk to stool and limit the amount of time that waste sits in the colon.
The same can be said of whole fruits. Try to eat as many different colors as possible and aim for a few servings of fruit each day (much like veggies). Frozen fruit and vegetables are great options that are affordable and easy to prepare.
Beans and lentils are fiber powerhouses that promote colon health. Try eating a few servings a week, perhaps as a meat substitute. Navy beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and more are all suitable options that can be implemented into your diet.
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Snacking on nuts and seeds instead of chips and cookies is a great way to show your colon love. Dipping fruits in nut butter is a healthy snack to think about. Just try to avoid heavily sugared and salted varieties.
Lastly, try swapping refined grains for whole grains. Brown rice, barley, quinoa, and oats are all fiber-rich and provide plenty of nutrition for a healthy colon. Fiber helps feed healthy gut bacteria to encourage digestion and colon health.
These five food groups might help you avoid future colon troubles. Try including them in your diet often for the best results.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
