6 Best Exercises For A Healthy Colon
Colon cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer worldwide. It is a widespread issue that has affected many. There are also many other health problems that affect the colon and keep it from being healthy. Medical evidence has shown that for us to keep our colon healthy, we need to exercise regularly. However, what are the best exercises for a healthy colon.
In this article, you will learn about the colon, the functions of the colon, common diseases that affect the colon and some exercises for a healthy colon.
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What is The Colon?
The human colon is an organ in the digestive system. It is known as the large intestine. It is divided into the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon. The colon is a 5ft long muscular that helps in digestion.
The functions of the colon are to absorb any absorbable nutrients, vitamins, and minerals left in the food substances. The muscles of the colon, anal sphincter and rectum functions to regulate normal movements of the bowels. The compact and store fecal matter in the rectum, to be discharged by the anus.
Diseases of the Colon
Most diseases that affect the colon are due to damage to the colon wall. They weaken the movement of the bowel, leading to fecal incontinence, constipation, and fecal waste accumulation. Common diseases of the Colon include:
- Angiodysplasia of the colon
- Colitis
- Colon cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Constipation
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Diarrhea
- Diverticulitis
- Diverticulosis.
Exercises For A Healthy Colon
A lot of medical research has proved that to maintain a healthy colon, daily exercise and workouts are imperative. But why are exercises essential to maintain optimal colon health?
Exercise helps in boosting the immune system. It helps to reduce inflammatory markers and enhancing bowel movement. Engaging in physical activity is also good for the colon because it improves gut motility, which means it helps the peristalsis or movement of the GI tract.
Exercising also toughens the muscles of the colon and analyze sphincter wall. Hence preventing any colon-related health issue. Now, let us find out the best exercises for a healthy colon.
1. Jump Rope exercises
Jump rope is a great workout that enhances gastrointestinal movements. It is a great exercise that stimulates metabolism and aids in digestion.
2. Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises are also known as pelvic floor exercises. The exercises are targeted at the muscles of the pelvic floor. Kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
3. Swimming
Swimming is a great exercise for colon health. It helps to reduce the symptoms of constipation and improves your overall digestive health. Swimming is a great aerobic exercise that stimulates the muscles in the digestive tract and keeps them in good shape. This action strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and prevents many digestive diseases.
Additionally, Kegel exercises strengthen the colon, rectum and anal sphincter muscles, and aids in achieving smooth bowel movements. Kegel exercises can be done by contracting the muscles around your anus. It can also be performed by stopping the flow if urine.
4. Jogging
Jogging is another excellent exercise for maintaining optimal colon health. It increases the blood flow to the digestive tract. Jogging is also beneficial to the colon and the muscles.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a fantastic exercise that helps to strengthen abdominal muscles and keep it healthy. It is an exercise that enhances bowel movement in the digestive system.
Yoga has also been said to reduce gas, bloating and constipation. Some yoga poses that you can use to improve the colon include the hero pose, the cobra yoga pose, headstand, aerial yoga and crow yoga pose.
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6. Sit-ups
Sit-ups and crutches are great exercises for the abdominal muscles. They help in enhancing the ease of defecation. Sit-ups help you to quickly eliminate toxic waste of metabolism and improve the overall colon health.
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These are great exercise ideas. A lot of cardio!