Some say disease begins in the colon. In fact, the colon is the third most common site for cancer–and colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among Canadians. The colon, or large intestine, is our fueling station as well as our waste management system. Here, in the last five feet of intestinal tract, toxins can take two courses. A clean, healthy colon efficiently eliminates toxins. A clogged, unhealthy colon allows toxins to back up into the liver and bloodstream, polluting the entire system.

In the colon, water is squeezed out and absorbed from food remnants, leaving behind a mixture of non-digestible fibre, bacteria, bile acids and cells that have been scraped off the intestinal wall. If bowel transit time is too slow, bacteria and fungi proliferate and toxins are reabsorbed. A healthy colon eliminates waste within six to 18 hours after every meal–this means having two or three bowel movements a day.

Eating the right foods can clear your colon of debris. What is the best diet for colon cleansing and ultimately good health? The consensus today is that a plant-based diet is best for reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other 21st-century diseases. This type of diet has obvious benefits for the colon.