Gas, constipation, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and cramps have been the concern of so many after the wind-up of our final 2010 holidays. Was it too much turkey? All that sweet potato pie, followed by grand-daddy’s most prized serving of spiked egg-nog? Whatever the case, though the new year has helped to bring in a multitude of presents and personal resolution proclamations many are still wondering how to get rid of all that bad baggage left-over in their tummies from last year’s holiday buffet. Well, while seeking out GNC’s latest colonics or attempting to find a spa that provides a colon cleansing service may definitely not be bad ideas, there are a few specific components you can still add or subtract from your diet to enhance the health of your colon; allowing you to start off your new year healthier and a bit lighter.
Let’s consider the three important factors that contribute to a healthier colon: hydration, fiber, and vitamin B1.
Drink Plenty of Water
Indigestion, or any other problem related to the colon, can be helped and even cured through a simple water fast or water detox. Regular consumption of highly caffeinated beverages, salty foods, or heavy alcoholic beverages give our bodies a greater chance of developing colon problems since the amount of fluid that these items drain from the body cause the fecal matter and healthy bacteria within the intestinal tract to harden. When this happens, it becomes all the more difficult for the digestive system to work properly. Drinking adequate amounts of water help to ensure that the body is being replenished with the necessary minerals and fluids that help to aide digestion. Eight glasses of water is great, but if your body has a higher demand of water because of caffeine, alcohol, or salty foods, you may want to increase your daily intake.
Ingest More Fiber
Fiber is another alternative way to cleanse your colon. Luckily, within nature we have more than enough fruits and vegetable to provide us with both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps to regulate the alkaline acid content both within the stomach and consequently the blood stream. Soluble fiber, however, is a bit different, it’s a lot lighter in weight than insoluble fiber, but is still helpful as it attaches itself to the unhealthy, oxidized fatty acids within the bowel that need to be removed from the body. All fruits and vegetables (especially greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds) are high in both forms. Fiber will contribute to, not only the cleansing of the colon, but weight loss as a well.
Remember Your B-Vitamins
Last, but of course--considering the wide array of health benefits we get from the natural world--not least, vitamin B1 is a specific b-vitamin that has been known to help with indigestion. In fact, vitamin B1 is also known as hydrochloric acid, the very same acid that is created and secreted within our stomachs while we are chewing food, preparing our stomachs for further digestion. This acid, or vitamin, can be taken as a supplement, but can also be found in almost all fruits and many vegetables. It enhances memory and energy levels and, again, helps to aid the digestive process by breaking down food and converting carbohydrates into energy.
Remember, the natural world is full of cures for almost all our ails. In the midst of seeking the help of colonic care packets and taking the advice of your physician, taking the extra step to incorporate some of these key components into your daily diet or food regimen will work wonders for both your body and overall well-being.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
