Keep Your Colon Clean
Colon cancer is on the rise, with significantly more people
being diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease below age
50 than previously. Although colon cancer used to be considered
a disease of the elderly, probably because it was diagnosed
mostly in older people, it now is seen in those who are much
younger. During the 20th century, lifestyles became more
sedentary and foods were processed more than before, a
combination of factors that may have contributed to unhealthy
eating habits and lack of exercise that allows chemically-laced
food to sit in the colon for longer periods of time. This allows
these substances to have a prolonged effect on bowel tissue,
which can lead to the growth of polyps, and ultimately, to colon
cancer.
Cleansing the internal organs is as important as keeping
external skin and hair clean. There are several things a person
can do to improve colon health:
1. Eat a balanced diet. Get a nutritious supply of all the
core food groups, including dairy, protein, fruits and
vegetables, and fats. A well-rounded supply will help to ensure
that your body receives all the nourishment it needs to function
properly. If you are not getting adequate nutrition, consider
taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement that can add key
elements to your diet.
2. Avoid processed foods. Eliminate or at least reduce the
amount of food that has artificial preservatives. These include
lunchmeats, sausage, ham, and hot dogs, many of which contain
sodium nitrites and sodium nitrates, both of which have been
shown to play a role in the development of colon cancer. Salt,
another common preservative that takes a variety of forms in
different foods, also may promote the development of cancer.
Cook fresh food instead of buying those that have a longer shelf
life due to added chemicals.
3. Drink plenty of water. Try to have at least eight glasses,
eight ounces each, of clear water or beverages daily. Fluids
help to clean your system by gently washing out offensive
bacteria and germs that can harbor in the colon and lead to
illness or problems.
4. Get daily exercise. Ask your doctor to recommend a suitable
exercise program that will help you get enough activity to keep
your colon working as it should. Don't overdo it, or you could
get injured. Start slow with a walking or swimming program that
will you get used to an exercise routine.
5. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables or other types of roughage.
Your body needs fiber to keep clean. Fibrous foods act like a
brush that sweeps through your body's organs and passages to get
rid of unwanted debris. Fiber gives your colon a necessary
workout to keep you from getting constipated. Regular bowel
movements help to keep the colon functioning properly.
Don't forget to have annual medical checkups after you reach
the age of 40. With proper care, your colon should do its job
the rest of your life.