The colon, also called the large intestine, absorbs water from digested food and allows the remaining material to pass through in the form of stool. Given the essential role it plays in your digestion, what you eat has a significant impact on colonic health. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn't consume for a healthy colon.

4 Foods That Impact Colonic Well-Being

1. Fiber-Rich Foods

Colorectal adenomas are benign tumors, meaning they aren't cancerous; however, they may be a precursor to later-developing colon cancer. A high-fiber diet full of legumes, fruits, whole grains, and nuts lowers the incidence of adenomas. It also decreases the likelihood of polyps, which are small clusters of cells that may develop into cancer.

2. Yogurt

Eating at least two servings of yogurt per week enhances colon health and lowers cancer risk. This may be due to the calcium found in dairy products as well as the probiotics yogurts contain. These good bacteria improve gut health, aiding digestion.

3. Fried Foods

Fried foods increase the risk of colon cancer. This is likely because high-temperature cooking results in the production of mutagenic substances. These agents change genetic material, like DNA, causing the abnormal cell multiplication that’s associated with cancer.

4. Processed Meat

One study showed that people who ate 76 grams of red or processed meat had a 20% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. You should try to eat less than 21 grams of meat per day. The World Health Organization has further classified red meat as "probably carcinogenic" to humans.

If you don't consume the most colon-healthy diet, a colonic can cleanse your digestive tract and mitigate risk. The M.O. Wellness Center in Waialua, HI, provides colon cleanses that remove excess bacteria and other matter to promote a healthier digestive tract, improve circulation, and decrease bloating. This health clinic also offers cleansing for the gallbladder, liver, and lymphatic systems. Visit their website to review their full range of cutting-edge services, or call (808) 636-9004 to schedule a hydrotherapy appointment.