Colon cancer plagues about 140,000 people each year in the United States. And it's not just older patients that are experiencing it - people in their mid-thirties are experiencing it as well.

Colon health is vital to the function of the body, but how do you keep your colon working and thriving? What's the key to keeping this organ in the best shape possible as we age?

In this article, we will explore some ways to maintain a healthy colon.

What Does Your Colon Do?

The colon is an organ in the body that's part of the digestive system and responsible for removing water from already digested food. The waste then travels through the colon towards the anus and exits the body.

Besides cancer, there are many other inflammatory bowel diseases associated with the colon. They include:

Crohn's disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Ulcerative colitis
Diverticulitis

All of these diseases can cause severe pain and lifestyle changes, so taking care of your colon is extremely important.

Colon Care: 7 Tips for Colon Health

Taking care of your colon can be relatively easy and may require a few lifestyle changes. Check out these seven tips for a healthier colon.

1. Diet

Eating the right foods is the most significant step you can take on your journey to a healthy colon. Colon-cleansing foods are almost always going to be whole foods, nothing processed or full of sugar.

Here are some colon-friendly foods you can start eating today:

Fruits and Vegetables

Anything that's in the color of the rainbow is a thumbs up, especially leafy green, apples, pears, peas, raspberries, celery, beans, and prunes. Fruits and vegetables contain an abundance of fiber, which aids in eliminating constipation. Being constipated can damage your colon and lead to disease.

Whole Grains

Avoid white, highly processed If you're a pasta and bread lover, and stick with whole grains which boost your fiber intake. Aim for whole wheat flour, quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal.

Limit Red Meat and Processed Meat

Some research has suggested a link between overconsumption of red meat and colon cancer. Keep your red meat intake under two four-ounce servings every week, and stay clear of processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, or sausages. Lean proteins like turkey, chicken, or fish are healthier choices.

Limit Sugar

We all know too much sugar is bad for your teeth, but it's also damaging to the colon. Overeating sugar can lead to diverticulitis or Crohn's disease.

Drink Milk

Surprisingly, vitamin D and calcium in cow's milk has a positive effect on the colon, even reducing the odds of developing colon cancer.

2. Get a Colon Screen

No one wakes up happy about a colon screening, but aside from dietary changes, a colonoscopy is an extremely effective way to understand the uniqueness of your colon. Colonoscopies give you a peek inside your colon and catch any potential or life-threatening problems that are arising, like polyps, cancer, or other signs of diseases. It's uncomfortable, but it's a small price to pay for saving your life.

3. Limit Alcohol Intake

There are many dangers to drinking too much alcohol, but your colon takes a hit, also. Overconsumption of alcohol leads to inflammation in the colon and increasing your risk of cancer. Experts now recommend one drink of alcohol a day, which equals out to 5 ounces of while or a 12-ounce beer.

4. Exercise

Obesity is rampant here in the United States and contributes to all sorts of other health challenges. Exercise benefits your colon in several ways.

First, it helps maintain a healthy weight, because being overweight increases your risk of colon cancer. It also increases blood flow, which encourages the colon to perform better and warding off certain diseases. Any amount of exercise is helpful but aim for 30-60 minutes of activity.

5. Colon Cleanse

Clean your colon? As gross as it sounds, a colon cleanses may help you relieve constipation or get your bowel movements back on track. A cleanse can be done at home with this homemade recipe or by purchasing over-the-counter products.

Be careful not to overdo a cleanse and talk to your doctor before starting any cleanse. Stop your cleanse if you experience any of these side-effects:

dizziness
dehydration
nausea
cramps
vomiting
Allergic reaction to ingredients in the cleanse

Overall, if done correctly, a colon cleanse is a safe and effective way to restore and rejuvenate your colon.

6. Drink Water

Hydration is essential, especially when you're upping your fiber intake. It keeps everything moving and your stools soft. Besides, it removes toxins that can lead to bloating, excess gas, and constipation.

Aim for 64 ounces of water per day.

7. Go When You Have to Go

Not going to the bathroom when you have to can lead to all sorts of problems for your colon. For one, for the stool that's not evacuated immediately, it will move back up the colon, and the colon will reabsorb more water into the body. This leads to toxins in the body, damaged nerves in the colon, and even training your body to ignore the feeling to go poop.

It can also result in constipation, which leads to gas, bloating, and possibly painful haemorrhoids. When you feel the urge to go, stop what you're doing and go. It's healthy for the body and the mind!

Colon Health: Don't Ignore It!

The health of your colon is vital to the rest of your body. Colon health is achievable by adjusting your lifestyle and showing up for colonoscopies. Which tips can you begin implementing today?

Are you looking for more lifestyle tips to keep you in the best shape? We've got you covered! Keep browsing our website today to learn more!

Keeping Your Colon Healthy: The Top Colon Health Tips