The colon, also called the large intestine, plays an important role in our health since it is responsible, among other things, to complete digestion, eliminate waste and intervene in our immunity. Do not wait for digestive disorders such as diarrhea or constipation or even colon cancer, to develop good habits. But how can we give ourselves every chance to keep our colon healthy? We give you some tips.

1. Eat a balanced diet

We cannot repeat it enough: it is essential to adopt balanced eating habits to keep in shape. A varied and balanced diet is in itself excellent for overall health, but even more so for the health of your colon! Most of the time, digestive dysfunction problems come directly from the way we eat.

Reduce your fat intake and hunt for sugar. Bacteria and bad intestinal yeasts feed on sugar, in all its forms… The one that you add to your coffee or your yogurt, but also the hidden sugar. 

2. Eat lots of fiber

For a healthy colon, fiber should be part of all your meals. They allow the total digestion of the food we eat. The National Health Nutrition Program (PNNS) recommends the consumption of 25 to 30 g of fiber for an adult each day, while the average actual consumption of an individual would rather be around 15 to 22 g. 

Found in fruits (apples and pears with their peels, raspberries and blackberries), vegetables such as artichokes, peas, beets, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, corn, turnip, potatoes with the peel, you You will also find them in whole grains, dried fruits (prunes, apricots and dates) and legumes (white or red beans, lentils, lima beans, chickpeas).

3. Favor emollient foods

Favor emollient foods, which if necessary soften the inflamed parts of the intestine. They also have the virtue of reducing sensitivity to stomach acids. Get in the habit of consuming raw oats, plantain, or ground flax seeds, for breakfast or in a salad.

In addition, herbs like marshmallow, licorice and slippery elm will have the same soothing power.

4. Drink plenty of water and cut down on coffee and alcohol.

Do you regularly suffer from digestive problems and are you a heavy drinker of coffee? Do not search anymore ! Caffeine can irritate the stomach and intestines, sometimes causing inflammation. So limit your consumption of coffee, as well as black tea and chocolate, which have the same irritating effect. 

Alcohol, because of the sugars it contains, constitutes a favorable ground for yeasts and bad bacteria in the intestine.. In case of inflammation, avoid all consumption of alcohol, beer, wine and spirits for 4 weeks and get in the habit of preferring water to alcohol in general.

Drinking water will help your body flush out toxins and feces. As a reminder, the recommended amount of water is at least 1,5 liters per day, that is to say 8 glasses. 

5. Have regular physical activity

Again, nothing new: physical activity is necessary to maintain good health. Especially in case of a little lazy digestion: the physical exercise sessions will facilitate the movement of intestinal peristalsis caused by the digestion mechanism.

A simple walk after the meal will help stimulate your body and facilitate the digestion process.

6. Opt for food supplements

If, despite all these tips, you suffer from intestinal dysfunction, or if you simply want to maintain the good health of your colon, do not hesitate to take dietary supplements, two to three times a year. Indeed, waste and toxins accumulate in the colon which can interfere with the optimal functioning of this one.

The Detox Colon formulation by Ineldea is therefore ideal for detoxifying and taking care of the colon. Of 100% natural origin, it is made up of nine extracts of plants carefully selected and recognized to gently purify and contribute to intestinal comfort such as Tamarind, Fennel, Aloe Vera or Canéficier… as well as pre- fibers. biotics to support the microbiota.

Aurélie Giraud

Read also: How to improve your intestinal transit?