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Top Foods For Optimal Colon Health

Thursday, October 01, 2009
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Top Foods For Optimal Colon Health


One of the best things a person can do to improve colon health is eat well. Especially if you have a family history of colon problems and/or cancer, you want to do everything possible to prevent your body from experiencing the same issues, and a good diet is probably one of these easiest methods of health maintenance.

Question is, what do you eat? A regimen of fruits and vegetables – a total of five servings a day minimum – is essential for any person, but for a focus on colon health there are specific foods that have been proven beneficial for this important body function. Here is just a short list of items to place on your shopping list, and your plate.

Fruits

Apples- An apple a day makes your colon more than okay. Raw apples with the skin are packed with fiber, which is essential is cleansing your large intestine. One myth of fiber people observe is that it primarily older people should keep a fiber-rich diet, but in fact the earlier you start, the better for your regularity.

Dark Berries -Blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries are a must for good intestine health mainly because they are rich in antioxidants which work well to detox your body naturally. Eaten as is or juiced, dark berries are tart and delicious addition to any daily menu.

Vegetables

Vegetables are best when consumed in their raw form – cooking can decrease some of the nutrients the body absorbs. Therefore, salad greens and spinach,root veggies with their skins, and exotic offerings like eggplant and bok choy are recommended if you want to feel and function better. Don’t worry, however, if you feel the need to cook some of these delicious food. Nutritional properties will remain – just watch the addition of cheese and salt that adds unnecessary calories and fat to your favorite dishes.

Snacks

Of course, you can still indulge in a snack and help your colon, too! Almonds and seeds like pumpkin and sunflower are rich in fiber and great on the go, while popcorn brings whole grains and vitamin B to the mix. Just watch the butter and salt and you have a great after dinner treat!

As always, consult with your doctor about good health and nutrition with regards to your colon. The better you eat, the less likely you are to develop problems later in life.

Dr. Keith Berger operates the Center for Cancer Prevention in Virginia Beach, a Virginia colonoscopy clinic specializing in helping patients maintain good colon health.