Fiber for Colon Health: How fiber Affects Your Colon

Dietary fiber, found in many plant sources, is an important part of the digestive process. Whole grains and the skin of fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber. Although it does not contribute many nutrients, fiber is critical for helping food to move through the intestines. Dietary fiber helps to stimulate the muscle contractions which encourage the steady progression of substances through the digestive tract, and the bulkiness of the fiber assists in expanding the interior colon walls, which promotes the passing of wastes. When substances pass too slowly through the intestines and the colon, toxic elements may be absorbed; in addition, too much water is also extracted from the passing wastes, which can result in stools which are too hard and ultimately in constipation.

Fiber also promotes colon health by providing nourishment for the "good" bacteria which live in the digestive system. These beneficial bacteria feed on the fiber, creating a more acidic environment which encourages healthy digestion and which also suppresses the population of unhealthy bacteria.

Can fiber cleanse your colon?

The consumption of adequate amounts of dietary fiber promotes healthy bowel functioning and can help to keep toxins and unwanted substances within the colon to minimal levels. Medical research among subjects residing in different cultural groups with varying dietary habits have shown that people who eat foods which are higher in fiber eliminate waste products significantly more quickly than test subjects who consume a low-fiber diet. The speed at which food passes through the digestive system is important, as more potentially harmful substances are absorbed the longer the wastes remain in the body. People who consume adequate amounts of fiber suffer from fewer diseases of the digestive system.

Fiber to prevent colon cancer

Colon cancer occurs much more frequently in countries with predominately Western diets, which are high in refined foods and low in fiber. Dietary fiber is thought to be an excellent aid in preventing the occurrence of colon cancer and of colon polyps, a precursor to colon cancer. Adequate levels of fiber consumption help to add bulk to the contents of the intestines and the colon, which promotes a faster transit time for substances moving through the digestive system. The faster waste moves through the intestines and colon, the less time toxins and carcinogens have in contact with the walls of these organs. This means that there is less absorption of potentially-harmful substances.

One recent medical study found that individuals with a low intake of dietary fiber (10 grams daily or less) had a 220% increased risk of colon cancer. That's a pretty strong motivation for making sure the daily fiber consumption is at a level high enough to minimize this risk.

Best colon cleanse method

While fiber is an important component of colon health, fiber alone cannot clean the colon. Effective colon cleansing products include other natural ingredients in addition to fiber. For a product to clean out accumulated wastes and toxins, a colon cleansing program needs a variety of complementary ingredients which work in conjunction with a fiber component such as psyllium. The most beneficial cleansing regimens often include aloe vera, blue vervain, goldenseal, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, and slippery elm. In addition, natural sources of gentian and white oak contribute to the colon cleansing process.

For more helpful information on effective colon cleansing in conjunction with adequate consumption of fiber, check out our top-rated colon cleansing programs reviews.

Take the FIRST step to cleaning your colon

Cleansing your colon starts with eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water. This helps keep you regular and puts your body back on track.

But your body can't do it all.

When you're ready to cleanse your body of toxins and undigested food, then you're ready to take the next step in colon cleansing. Keep in mind that colon cleansing isn't for everyone – only for those who want optimal health.