Taking care of your colon can improve your quality of life in many ways. Many people begin attempting to improve their colon health because they are at risk for intestinal diseases such as diverticulitis or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However, even those in San Bernardino County who are not at risk for these diseases can benefit from taking steps to improve their colon health. When Montclair patients work to take care of their colon, they enjoy the fact that they experience less bloating, gas, constipation and even diarrhea.
What are the Best Ways to Maintain a Healthy Colon?
Increase your fiber intake. If you are hoping to improve your colon health, you should aim to enjoy about 25-35 grams of fiber each day. It is not difficult to add fiber-rich foods into your diet. Foods that are filled with fiber include whole wheat pasta, bananas, broccoli, prunes and peas.
Drink plenty of water. The bottom line is, you need to stay hydrated in order to lead a healthy life. When you do not drink enough water, your body builds up toxins that cannot be expelled from your system. When you have too many toxins in your system, you put yourself at a higher risk for intestinal issues such as bloating, gas and constipation.
Add more Vitamin D into your diet. Recent medical research has shown that Vitamin D can be beneficial in preventing colon cancer, and it can also help to improve the health of your colon. Spend some time soaking up the sun to get a good dose of Vitamin D, or enjoy foods rich with this vitamin such as milk, bread and some types of fish.
Exercise on a regular basis. Exercising improves your circulation as well as your blood flow, and this allows more oxygen to reach your colon. This increase in oxygen can help prevent colon cancer. You do not have to spend hours at the gym in order to reap the benefits. Simply take a 15-minute walk around the block or enjoy a yoga session each day.
Don’t prevent yourself from going to the bathroom when you have the urge to go. Some people hold it in until they are in a comfortable space, and this can be dangerous for your health. When you hold it in, you can become constipated and toxins can build up in your body. This puts you at risk for intestinal diseases. Make an effort to stay regular, and your colon will feel better.
Always make your routine colonoscopy a top priority. Adults who have no additional risk factors should start going for colonoscopy screenings on a regular basis by age 50. Talk with your doctor about whether you should go for a colonoscopy sooner than that.
There are so many benefits associated with taking good care of the colon, and the good news is it is not difficult to do so. Many of these dietary changes can be easily implemented into a person’s daily routine. In addition to helping people improve their colon health, these same steps can offer plenty of other health benefits for the patient. Patients who are concerned about their colon health should discuss with their doctor or general surgeon what would work best for them as an individual. This will allow them to maximize their efforts and see the best results.
