Do You Have A Healthy Colon? Ask yourself these questions:

1) Do you eat too much fast foods or highly processed foods? Stay away from fast foods (often loaded with preservatives) and processed foods (cookies, cakes, deli meats,hot dogs, etc). Since these food items are more challenging for the body to digest, they can clog the colon. A clog encourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the colon.

2) Are you constipated? Add high-fiber foods to your daily diet. The fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains increases the bulk of the stool, making it easier for the body to expel. Also, drink plenty of fresh water. Water has three primary benefits: making it easier for the body to process fiber; promoting proper peristalsis, or muscle contraction, of the colon; and softening the stool to make it easier to expel from the body.

3) Do you eat your vegetables? Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables will definitely aid in the overall health of the colon. Additionally, fresh fruits and colorful vegetables — especially those naturally rich in water, such as watermelon, onion, celery and cucumbers — can make you urinate more frequently thereby reducing water retention or bloating.

4) Are you a Type II Diabetic? People with type 2 (usually non-insulin dependent) diabetes have an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

5) Are you over the age of 50? The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends screening for colon cancer after the age of 50. Even healthy individuals with no history of colon cancer, colon polyps, other bowel problems or bleeding should have a colon screening. One type of colon screening is called a colonoscopy; a colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. The procedure is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss. Contact your physician or a doctor specializing in the digestive system to learn more.

6) Do you know the Statistics? Excluding skin cancers, colorectal (colon or rectum) cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States are for 2010.

7) Do you have regular bowel movements? If bowel movements are irregular or hampered in any way, elimination may become incomplete and waste products can build up in the colon. Additionally, dehydration and stagnation can occur, toxins and unfriendly bacteria can accumulate, weaken the colon and impair its function. Eating a good quantity of fruits, vegetables, fiber and staying hydrating with fresh water will set you on the course for regular elimination.

Also remember, proper colon function is necessary to maintain good health and assist the body in effectively eliminating food wastes. Contact your physician to learn more about colon health and the various types of colon screening.

HC3 Wellness Center is a premier wellness center specializing Body Therapy & Colon Care. Visit at www.hc3wellness.com