What You’ll Learn: Discover how to navigate life and support colonic health with supplements and lifestyle strategies that promote digestion and gut motility and regularity.‡
In today's fast-paced world, self-care has become more than just a trend; it is a vital part of maintaining overall health and well-being. Among the various aspects of self-care, supporting colonic health is crucial for ensuring optimal digestion, gut motility and regularity.
This information is not intended for self-diagnosis of any joint or autoimmune disorder, such as Ulcerative Colitis (UC). It’s always important to note that any recommendations are not meant to treat, cure or prevent diseases or be a substitute for a medical, diagnostic and treatment options. We always encourage reaching out to your healthcare provider as they know your health history. They would be best at selecting the correct course of action for you as dietary supplements are not intended to replace the use of any medications he or she may prescribe.
This blog will explore effective self-care strategies, including dietary supplements that may help you navigate life while prioritizing your digestive health. ‡
Understanding Colonic Health
The colon, or large intestine, plays a significant role in the digestive system. It is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter and storing waste before it is expelled from the body. Maintaining a healthy colon is essential for effective digestion, nutrient absorption and overall health. Common issues related to colonic health may include occasional constipation, potential for loose stools and occasional gas and bloating. These concerns, make it vital to adopt strategies that support colonic health.1‡
The Role of Diet in Colonic Health
A balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals is fundamental to maintaining colonic health. Fiber especially plays a crucial role in promoting regular bowel movements and help manage constipation. Fiber helps with occasional constipation by adding bulk to the stool and promoting regular bowel movements, making it easier to pass. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can help support digestion and maintain a healthy colon.2
Lifestyle Strategies for Supporting Colonic Health
As we delve deeper into the realm of self-care for colonic health, it is essential to recognize that dietary choices alone are not sufficient. Lifestyle strategies play a pivotal role in managing and enhancing digestive function. By adopting specific habits, individuals can create a supportive environment for their digestive system, promoting regularity and overall well-being. ‡
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for digestive health. Water helps soften stool, making it easier to pass and reducing the risk of constipation. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and consider increasing your intake if you consume high-fiber foods or engage in physical activity.3
Regular Physical Activity
Engaging in regular physical activity may also have a beneficial influence on colonic health. Exercise stimulates bowel motility, helping to move food through the digestive system more efficiently. It’s recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, incorporating activities such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming.4,5
Manage Occasional Stress
Intermittent stress may also have a negative affect digestive health, leading to issues such as occasional loose stools, constipation, gas and bloating. Incorporating relaxation methods to help combat temporary stress, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises or journaling may help promote rest and relaxation while supporting colonic health.6
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that nourish these beneficial bacteria. Including probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi in your diet is another great way to support colonic health. If you’d like, you can also consider a high-quality probiotic supplement to further enhance gut health.7 Check out our Gut Health products today to learn more about the different probiotic options we have available!‡
The Role of Supplements in Supporting Colonic Health
While a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are essential, dietary supplements can provide additional support for colonic health. Let’s take a closer look into types of nutrients and dietary supplements that may help support colonic health.
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the intestinal lining. It serves as a primary fuel source for enterocytes, the cells that line the intestines, and helps support the integrity of the gut barrier. A healthy gut barrier is crucial for ensuring the waste products stay within the confines of the digestive tract and not seeping out into the blood stream or the lymphatic system. When this happens, it can get uncomfortable and possibly result in gastric discomfort and stress.8‡
Research indicates that L-Glutamine may help support individuals experiencing digestive discomfort. Additionally, due to its ability to help with supporting the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, it may aid in further supporting the overall health and normal functioning gastrointestinal tract.10‡
Gastric Integrity and Colonic Signaling for Colon Health
Our Epi-Integrity Powder contains a blend of ingredients, including l-glutamine, the prebiotic arabinogalactan, adaptogens like astragalus and also deglycyrrhizinated licorice. These nutrients help maintain intestinal comfort by supporting the protective mucosal lining providing targeted support to gut health and integrity.10‡
The nutrients in our MotilPro formulation support gut signaling known as cholinergic neurotransmission in the G.I. tract.11 This signaling stimulates the neurons in the G.I. tract to activate and contribute to healthy motility.12‡
Nurturing Your Gut: The Path to Colonic Wellness
Embracing a self-care routine for colonic health is a vital step toward enhancing your overall well-being. Start by evaluating your diet, ensuring it’s rich in fiber and hydration. Incorporate enjoyable physical activities into your week to increase movement and promote digestive health while using mindfulness to help manage occasional stress may also support a healthy gastrointestinal tract. You can always explore our Gut Health category to find the products that may be a good fit for your unique nutritional needs. Remember, consistency is key! By taking small, deliberate steps, you can significantly support your colonic health and enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling life. Your journey to wellness starts now! ‡
1. Cleveland Clinic. (2021, December 8). Colon (Large Intestine): Function, Anatomy & Definition. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22134-colon-large-intestine
2. Mayo Clinic. (2022, November 4). Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
3. Kleiner, S. M. (1999). Water: An Essential but Overlooked Nutrient. Nutrition Today, 34(5), 30-34. doi:10.1097/00017285-199909000-00006.
4. Aune, D., et al. (2015). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(21), 1376-1384. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2014-093754.
5. World Health Organization. (2020). "Physical Activity." Retrieved from WHO.
6. Mazzone, L., et al. (2019). "The Gut-Brain Connection: Stress and the Gut Microbiome." Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 16(1), 21-37. doi:10.1038/s41575-018-0072-5.
7. Nasser Al-Habsi, et al. (2024). Health Benefits of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics. Nutrients, 16(22), 3955–3955. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223955
8. Wang, J., et al. (2016). "L-Glutamine: A Key Metabolite in the Gut." Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 27, 1-6. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.09.004.
9. Hsiao, Y. C., et al. (2016). Clinical Nutrition, 35(6), 1421-1428. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2015.10.005.
10. Kaczmarek, J. A., et al. (2019). "Nutritional Strategies for Improving Gut Health: A Review." Nutrients, 11(11), 2615. doi:10.3390/nu11112615.
11. Sanger GJ, et al. Eur J Pharmacol. 1986 Aug 15;127(3):179-85.
12. Wang L, et al. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2007 Jan;292(1):G419-28.