Many factors can end up being the culprit for causing the colon to become full of toxins and dirty, such as unprocessed foods, water pollution and pollution found in the air. A decrease in the sex drive, constipation, cancer, depression, fatigue, and many other problems can arise when toxins are allowed to accumulate in the body. Studies have shown that cancer of the colon is the second highest in the forms of cancer that a large number of individuals suffer from. In efforts to help keep the colon working properly and not allowing foods that are undigested and fecal matter to create problems, several people have tried various herbal supplements. Several others have even tried irrigating their colon. This is done when a rubber hose is inserted into an individual's rectum and then water is used to flush the impurities out. Cleansing the colon is very important to overall good health and it is the very first step in the process of detoxifying the body and removing harmful toxins. When an individual takes advantage of cleansing the colon before they continue on with a regime of detoxifying the body, the toxins are not allowed to recycle back into the body. There are a variety of important steps to ensuring that your colon stays healthy.

Tips to ensure you benefit from a colon that is healthy:

- If you are obese, lose weight. Studies have shown that individuals who do not get regular amounts of exercise and are obese are at a higher risk for getting cancer of the colon. Taking the time to maintain a diet that includes healthy foods and getting regular amounts of exercise has proven to cut these risks approximately in half.

- Have a colonoscopy done. This is an exam that is performed by using a colonoscope. Once an individual reaches 50 years old, screening should be done regularly. The time screening should begin should also be determined by medical and family history as well as age. Cancer of the colon should be caught soon and before the symptoms show up, to effectively be able to treat it. A biopsy performed by a physician will help to determine if any polyps are found that can be dangerous

- Eat a diet that is low in fat. Levels of bile acid will increase and then move into the intestines when a diet consisting of high fat content is consumed. Although these acids are beneficial for digesting fat, high levels will increase the risk in cancer of the colon, and the acid can change to agents in your body that can cause cancer. No more than 30% of fats should be consumed in the daily caloric intake.

- Stop Smoking. Smoking is a bad habit that can have affects on the digestive system. The idea that individuals who smoke can only suffer from lung cancer is a misconception. Studies have shown that a person who smokes is as much as 40% more likely to end up getting cancer of the colon than in people who do not smoke.

- Drink a little wine. Drinking small amounts of wine is an alternate treatment and mixed drinks or beer are not drinks that will have the same effects. One glass of wine per week can end up protecting the body's system from developing polyps than can cause cancer. It will not however treat existing polyps that have already formed. This amount of wine has also been known to have beneficial advantages in the heart.

- High fiber. By consuming fiber your digestive tract will be able to stay much clearer. Fiber is not a product that will break down in the digestive process; it will absorb water as it moves throughout the digestive tract. A variety of sources in fiber would include whole grains, beans, certain fruits, and vegetables. They can benefit the body in staying regular, which means food products will leave the body sooner and ultimately creating less damage.

- Manage stress. Stress can cause problems not only emotionally, but physically as well. This is one reason it is very important to manage stress levels. Many people like eating comfort foods when they feel stressed, and generally these types of foods are unhealthy choices and can often result in the buildup of toxins. Cleansing the colon will not only rid the body of harmful toxins, but it will also leave you feeling free of stress and can result in a higher level of happiness, as well as a healthier colon and body.

- Examine your family history. Screenings for colon cancer should be done regularly, especially if cancer of the colon runs in your family. Individuals that have a family history that includes cancer of the colon are at a much higher risk in getting it as well.