Maintaining a Healthy Colon
The importance of colon health has become a key issue in recent years. More people than ever are concerned about colon health and colon screening exams have become routine. Numerous dietary and lifestyle factors are important to maintaining a healthy colon:
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Limit meat and other animal products
Limiting meat consumption, particularly of sausage or other processed meats, may promote colon cell health. Additionally, choosing lightly cooked meats as opposed to well-done or charred meat may also be supportive. High-temperature cooking can produce harmful compounds, including heterocyclic aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It is recommended to limit meat consumption, particularly of well-done or processed meats, for optimal colon cell health.*
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Dietary fiber
Research on fiber for colon health has been conflicting. While recent research suggests that it may not have as much of a significant benefit, many studies have indicated that high-fiber diets support colon cell health. Choosing a diet high in insoluble fiber, particularly wheat bran, is likely to provide the most benefit. Look for 100% whole wheat on breads and cereals and use whole wheat flour and wheat bran when baking.*
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Limit alcohol
Preliminary reports suggest that alcohol consumption may be detrimental to colon health. This may be related to DNA oxidative damage resulting from the alcohol or components in the alcohol itself, such as nitrosamines. It is recommended to limit alcohol consumption for optimal colon cell health.*
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Exercise
Research indicates that regular exercise helps maintain a healthy colon. Exercise stimulates gastrointestinal motility, supporting toxin removal, as well as promotes healthy body composition, which have both been associated with colon health.*
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Calcium and vitamin D
Several studies indicate that higher intakes of dietary or supplemental calcium is positively associated with healthy colon cell function. Furthermore, combining calcium with vitamin D seems to provide additional support.*
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Antioxidants
Antioxidants promote colon health by neutralizing free radicals, helping to protect cells from oxidation. Research suggests that selenium, vitamin E, glutathione and N-acetyl-l-cysteine support colon cell health. Polyphenols and flavonoids, such as those found in green tea, quercetin or pterostilbene, also provide antioxidant protection while helping to maintain healthy gene expression at the cellular level.*
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Cruciferous vegetables
Epidemiological research suggests consumption of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower or other cruciferous vegetables containing sulforaphane may be associated with colon cell health. Sulforaphane helps encourage the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms and promotes healthy colon cell gene expression.*
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Herbal extracts
Certain herbal extracts promote colon cell metabolism by maintaining a healthy inflammatory response. Extracts of turmeric, green tea or ginger support healthy cyclooxygenase enzyme activity while boswellia extract supports healthy 5-lipoxygenase enzyme activity. Additionally, studies suggest that many of these extracts also help promote healthy gene expression and cell metabolism.*
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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