Diet for Colon Problems

Eating a balanced diet is key to healthy living and can help wastes move through the system. The colon is where the body prepares waste for elimination, where positive nutrients are absorbed and where toxins can build up. A diet low in red meats and high in fiber will keep the colon healthy and help prevent problems.

Insoluble Fiber

• Insoluble fiber is fiber that does not dissolve in water. Insoluble fiber can be found in wheat bran, seeds and nuts, dark green leafy vegetables and the skins of fruit. They help push food through the digestive tract and promote regular bowel movements. With regular movements, there is less constipation, less straining during elimination and less risk of developing hemorrhoids. Insoluble fiber helps to regulate acidity in the intestines, which is important in the prevention of cancer.

Soluble Fiber

• Soluble fiber dissolves in water. It can be found in oats, barley, peas, dried beans, oranges, starchy foods and carrots. Soluble fiber absorbs extra water in the colon and helps to control diarrhea and constipation. A diet high in soluble fiber is good for the prevention of irritable bowel syndrome and helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly. It also helps reduce levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the bad cholesterol. Low levels of LDL are important in the prevention of heart disease.

Reduce Red Meats

• A vegetarian diet is not the easiest for some to follow. But it takes the body a long time to digest red meat, and this can lead to a build-up in the colon, resulting in constipation. Red meats have also been linked to a risk of colon cancer. By replacing red meat in your diet with more poultry or leaner sources of meat, you will reduce your risk of cancer and make the digestive process easier and more efficient.