A good way to ensure good bowel function is to eat more high fiber food. Of course, good sources of high fiber are raw fruits and vegetables.
Cellulose, the structural material of vegetables and fruit, is a very dense form of carbohydrate, which has the ability to stimulate and enhance the function of the intestinal tract. With all the curves and bends in the intestinal tract, wastes can become lodged, creating pockets in the bowels. These are known as Diverticulitis and are areas where bacteria can flourish. We need to relearn how to feed our colons as they have been made redundant with all the fast foods and refined foods that are part of the daily diet.
Many Medical researchers believe that Cancer and other diseases of the colon can be prevented with a diet containing large amounts of vegetable fiber. Generally, these foods are best served in raw form, although steaming is also a good, viable alternative.
Just don't overcook foods. This renders them lower in fiber content and lower in essential nutrients. To keep the nutrients at their optimum level, don't clean the peel off of fruits and vegetables until they are absent. Keep some of the peel on them (pulp) as this is where the nutrients are!
High Fiber food is needed to speed the expulsion process in the colon. If absent from the diet, colon contents stagnate and the disease process begins.
Foods that contain a high proportion of water are also important, as are those with either a neutral pH or an alkaline pH. Our body’s acid-alkaline balance is often 80% acid and 20% alkaline, when it should be 20% acid and 80% alkaline.
Vegetables and fruits are wonderfully alkaline foods so include them in abundance if you have intestinal or digestive problems.
The exception to this is the nightshade family of vegetables. These are white potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. (as well as tobacco~) Nightshade vegetables can make the bowels sluggish.
You don't have to live without nightshade vegetables. Just eat them less often and eat more fibrous fruits and vegetables more often.
High Fiber Foods (from highest fiber content to lowest)
Lentils
Black Beans
Lima Beans
Baked Beans
Peas
Brussel Sprouts
Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Pears
Bran Flakes
Turnip Greens
Baked Potato w/ Skin OR Sweet Potato w/out Skin
Corn
Oatmeal
Try and get more of these foods in your diet if you feel you need more fiber in it. If you suffer from chronic constipation, be sure to include more high fiber in your diet and less saturated fat and processed foods. If you have a risk of Cancer in your family genes, be sure to include lots of these foods to help detoxify your bowels and keep them running at an optimum. Most diseases start in the bowels. Be sure to cleanse your body regularly to reduce your risks.