7 NATURAL COLON CLEANSING FOODS
1. Green veggies for magnesium
Foods that are high in magnesium such as nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables are important, as they have a positive impact on calming the nerves of the gut. Often, people with IBS or irritable bowel syndrome have issues because of low magnesium levels. So, getting magnesium through various foods or taking a magnesium supplement would be helpful to keep the colon healthy.
2. Oats and apples for soluble fibre
Soluble fibre such as oats and apples are an important part of our diets, as soluble fibre helps to moisten the intestinal lining, thereby helping further with clear motions. It also aids the rate of gut motility that helps the bowels to move satisfactorily, and not cause excess reabsorption of water that leads to pellet-like stool.
3. Avocado or kale for glutathione
The master antioxidant glutathione helps in renewing the cells of the gut. Glutathione helps to reset the cells of the gut lining, namely enterocytes. The gut renews itself every three to five days and the colon can heal itself every few days. Foods high in glutathione are okra, asparagus, avocado and kale. In conditions related to the gut, where reactions on the skin are seen, it is important to consume this antioxidant.
4. Bone broth for better gut lining
“Bone broth helps to heal the gut. We have often seen that in many cases, a leaky gut is the reason behind imbalance. Bone broth helps to heal the integrity of the gut lining by sealing the small spaces. Organic fish or chicken bone broth is a good option, but it is imperative that the bones are of good quality. Lime and apple cider vinegar can be used to leach out calcium out the bones, to help make a good bone broth. The broth made with spices, herbs also helps to facilitate regular motions and reduces predisposition to autoimmunity,” recommends Ms Chitalia.
5. Aloe vera to prevent infection
Aloe vera is a good anti-fungal source that causes a soothing effect on the lining of the cells and calms the gut. Its strong antioxidant and fungal properties especially help in cases of candida or yeast overgrowth, and should be taken on an empty stomach, about 15 ml in water to help improve digestion. Constipation is again a major symptom in terms of anti-fungal overgrowth.
6. Ginger for better bowel movement
People with GERD or so-called acid reflux often complain of having a slow rate of digestion or movement of the food from the small to large colon. Ginger is an excellent prokinetic that helps to improve the rate of motility of the stool, regulating transit time.
7. Turmeric and pepper to reduce inflammation
“Turmeric and pepper help to reduce gut inflammation. Inflammation is the baseline of any issue with the gut, leads to more imbalances and creates an environment for the most pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and yeast to thrive. Turmeric helps as a strong anti-inflammatory compound, and reduces mucus in the colon and stool. So, the lesser the inflammation, the better the gut health. Pepper helps to increase absorption of active compound curcumin from the turmeric. It also helps to reduce gas and bloating, and facilitates good bowel movements,” says Ms Chitalia.
