Feeding and Diet

When doing a colon cleanse, it is important you follow a healthy, low-fat diet. If you eat unhealthy foods, you’re not going to get the full potential of the cleansing program. It is important to stay away from all junk foods, fast food and microwaved meals. Be sure to drink lots of purified water throughout the day, and not coffee or sodas. Eating lots of organic, raw fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber are important for overall colon health, but especially important during a cleanse.

Here is a list of ten foods you can eat while doing a colon cleanse:

1. Apples

Apples are a great food to eat while doing a colon cleanse. Not only are they high in fiber, but they are also very low in calories and fat. One apple, with the skin still on it, will give you approximately 20-25% of your daily recommended fiber. They are a great food for anyone to eat, especially if they are trying to lose weight. Apples are usually high in pesticide residue, so be sure to buy organic, if possible. Drinking freshly-squeezed apple juice is another great addition to a cleansing diet, but stay away from juices that are high in sugar.

2. Bananas

Bananas are another food that are great to consume, whether you’re following a cleansing program or not. They are easy to carry around. Contain about 15-20% of your daily fiber needs. They are very high in potassium, which will help restore valuable electrolytes back to your intestinal tract. Bananas also contain a natural compound called fructooligosaccharide, which can help encourage beneficial bacteria in your intestinal tract.

3. Prunes

Commonly considered “Nature’s Laxative”, prunes are another great addition to any colon cleansing diet. Prunes are packed with antioxidants, vitamin A, potassium and dietary fiber. Not only do prunes help provide the necessary fiber for a healthy colon, but they also improve your overall transit time and provide beneficial bacteria to the intestines.

4. Raw Nuts

Raw nuts are a great way to get loads of energy during a colon cleanse. They are high in protein, minerals and monounsaturated fat, all of which will help keep our heart healthy and our cholesterol low. The best raw nuts to eat during a cleansing program include – almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, pistachios, walnuts and hazelnuts.

5. Raw Seeds

Consuming raw seeds have many of the same health benefits as raw nuts do. They will not only give you lots of energy, but they are also very high in fiber, Vitamin E, protein, zinc and other essential nutrients. Try to stay away from roasted or irradiated seeds if possible, as raw seeds contain higher amounts of nutrients.

The best raw seeds to consume during a cleansing program include – hemp seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.

6. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are also great foods to eat while doing a colon detox. They are very high in dietary fiber, folic acid, calcium, vitamin k, vitamin c and magnesium, not to mention many other antioxidants, which are all essential nutrients for a healthy body. They also contain a high amount of chlorophyll, which has previously shown to be one of the best foods that detox the body. Spinach, Kale, Bok Choy and Arugula are just a few of the leafy greens you should add to your cleansing diet.

7. Avocados

Avocados are one of the best foods you can add to your diet, whether your doing a colon cleanse or not. Avocados are packed with many nutrients, including vitamin k, potassium, folate, and dietary fiber. In fact, one avocado will provide you will approximately 30% of your daily fiber needs.

8. Cranberries

Highly regarded for their ability to treat and prevent urinary tract infections, fresh cranberries are another food that helps promote optimal gastrointestinal health. They contain plenty of vitamin c, vitamin k and dietary fiber, but it’s the natural probiotic effect that makes them such a valuable colon cleansing food. Eat an abundance of fresh berries or drink cranberry juice while doing a colon cleanse.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another food you can eat while doing a colon cleanse. There are an excellent source of Vitmin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin K, not to mention provide you with approximately 10% of your daily fiber needs. They are also very high in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect you from developing colon cancer and prostate cancer. Buy locally-grown, organic tomatoes, if possible.

10. Oranges

Oranges are known for their high concentration of Vitamin C, however, they are also high in fiber, calcium and vitamin A. One orange will provide you with approximately 12-15% of your daily recommended fiber. It is recommended you eat the orange, as the juice doesn’t contain the necessary fiber to assist a cleansing program.