The colon or large intestine is a vital part of the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to absorb fluids, nutrients and electrolytes from the digested foods and prepare for the elimination of waste products. Colon also helps maintain the proper bowel movement and prevent the risk of digestive problems like diarrhoea, bloating, constipation and stomach pain.
1. Apple Juice
Apples are among the highly consumed fruits which are rich in fibre and polyphenols. Pectin (a type of fibre) in apple acts as a prebiotic and serves as a food for the gut bacteria, which in turn, help the gut to perform its function efficiently. [1] How to prepare: Peel apples and blend them. In lukewarm water, add the blended mixture, two tbsp of lemon juice, half tsp of ginger juice and salt to taste. Consume it on an empty stomach.
2. Aloe Vera Juice
The juice of aloe vera gives a soothing effect to the intestines. It is a natural laxative that helps alleviate constipation. Aloe vera juice also helps to treat irritable bowel syndrome and other disorders of the intestine caused due to inflammation. [2]
3. Lemon Juice
The abundance of vitamin C in lemon juice is considered a great cleansing agent for the colon. It helps restore the alkaline balance, regulate the bowel movement, prevent digestive issues like bloating and prepare our body for further digestion. [3]
4. Beetroot Juice
Beetroot is a good source of fibre that helps with digestion, maintain gut microbiome and add bulk to the stool. It helps cleanse the colon and alleviate constipation. Beetroot juice also helps lower blood glucose. Add a few grapes and lemon juice to improve its taste.
5. Orange Juice
They are among the easily available juices used for colon cleansing. Orange juice helps improve the functioning of the gut bacteria and has a positive effect on the digestive system. They contain a soluble fibre that helps to improve the digestive functions.
6. Kiwi Juice:
Kiwifruit is rich in dietary fibre and pectic polysaccharides. Consuming kiwi juice shows a prebiotic effect in promoting lactobacilli (good bacteria of the gut). Also, the juice helps relieve chronic constipation and prevent the risk of colon cancer. [4]
7. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple contains a special enzyme called bromelain that helps in the easy digestion of protein and absorption of other nutrients by the body. This compound also helps in easing stomach pains and digestive discomforts. [5]
8. Spinach Juice
Spinach contains a good amount of potassium which acts as a good colon cleanser. It also contains excellent fibre that helps to maintain an ideal gut microbiome along with providing all the essential nutrients to the body.
9. Watermelon Juice
This water-based and soft pulp fruit is very healthy for digestion. Consuming watermelon juice help cleanse the digestive system and encourage a good bowel movement. It is also a natural laxative that helps prevent constipation.
10. Prune Juice
Prunes are considered a natural laxative which acts as a wonder for the digestive system. It improves the frequency of stools and alleviates constipation. Prune juice is also good to taste and helps best when drunk in the morning. [6]
11. Isabgol And Ginger
Commonly known as psyllium husk, isabgol is the seed of the Plantago Ovata plant. They contain both soluble (70%) and insoluble fibre (30%) that helps reduce the risk of constipation and diarrhoea and flush toxins out of the body. [7]