Digestive issues plague people from all walk of life all over the world, many of which are centered around the colon. The colon is responsible for getting waste out of our bodies, so if it is not functioning correctly, the toxins that we take in every day begin to build up in a process called autointoxication.

Undigested meat and other foods cause a mucus buildup in the colon, which in turn produces toxins, which enter the bloodstream and poisons the body.

Some symptoms of autointoxication include:
-Fatigue
-Headache
-Weight gain
-Low energy

Cleansing the colon to remove the mucus build-up, and promoting good digestive health has been shown to have the following effects on your health:
-Improving mental outlook
-Improving the immune system
-Losing weight
-Reducing the risk of colon cancer

The additional benefits of colon cleansing has been also been studied in relation to specific health concerns including:
-Fecal incontinence or bowel leakage
-Ostomy (surgical connection between an intestine and the outside of the body) care
-Spasm during colonoscopy
-Drug withdrawal
-Before and during bowel surgeries

There are many over-the-counter, pre-manufactured colon cleanse programs available on the market these days. The simple truth is, that by adding certain foods to your diet every day, you can naturally, safely, and effectively cleanse your colon without taking any harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. Below is a list of foods that you can add to your diet to cleanse your colon every day.

1. Lemon
Lemon and other citrus fruits act as natural detoxification elements in the body. Citrus fruit juices are also packed with vitamins and natural minerals that are good for just about every aspect of your health.

2. Avocado
Avocados contain an extremely high ratio of insoluble to soluble fiber. As it turns out, insoluble fiber is what promotes healthy bowel movements, and soluble fiber is what keeps your bowel movements regular. Avocados having both types of fiber makes them extremely effective at cleansing the colon.

3. Whole Grains
Whole grains are extremely high in fiber which aids in almost all aspects of digestion and promotes good colon health.

4. Chlorophyll-Rich Greens
Greens like spinach, green olives, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, collard greens, sea vegetables, leeks, peas, and Swiss chard are all high in chlorophyll. According to the book The Enzyme Cure: How Plant Enzymes Can Help You Relieve 36 Health Problems, “Fat-soluble chlorophyll adheres to the lining of the intestinal wall and retards bacterial growth, removes putrifactive bacteria from the colon, and helps heal the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract.”

5. Green Tea
Green tea is another extremely effective natural detox agent. Green tea helps flush toxins from your liver, kidneys, and colon and is also great for helping to lose weight.

6. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are nature’s perfect gut cleaners. They are full of omega 3 fatty acids which are natural inflammation fighters. All you have to do is add them to a glass of water, or sprinkle them on a salad. If you leave them in water for a while, they plump up and create a jello-like consistency. You can also add it to your smoothies, or make a pudding with chia seeds, almond milk, and cacao.

6. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are great for eliminating mucus build-ups in the digestive tract. They also relieve excess gas, and prevent flatulence.

8. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds, like chia seeds are also a great anti-inflammatory agent with nutritional value. According to Sheah L. Rarback, M.S., director of nutrition at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, “You want things in your diet that are multi-functional in that they have micronutrients in them like vitamins and minerals, and also help with digestion and fiber. Omega-3s are an added benefit. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is probably the cause of most of our problems and chronic conditions.”

9. Filtered water and Sea Salt
Hydration is the key to good colon function. Most people don’t drink enough water as it is, and adding some sea salt to your water makes for an even more effective detox.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Almost every major colon cleansing program involves apples because of their fiber content. Apples and apple cider vinegar also contain pectin, which is a carbohydrate compound that acts as a thickening agent in the gut to remove toxins that are harder to move through the digestive tract.

Sources:
Health Unlocked
Natural News
SF Gate

Image Via: truhealth.com