The colon (large intestine) has a key function in keeping the entire gut healthy by eliminating toxins. Quite literally, it acts as our body's waste management system.It's one of the most sensitive parts of our digestive system and it's one that we probably pay little regard to, but by making small changes to your diet you can keep your colon healthy - and reap massive health benefits.It won't take you long to realise if you have an unhealthy colon, as the signs will be fairly obvious. If you've ever experienced any of the following, then poor colon hygiene could potentially be to blame: Bladder and kidney infectionsAbdominal crampConstipationBad breathA colon clense diet is another category of fad diets that focuses on clearing your large intestine of waste product and "detoxing" the body. The key to a healthy gut however is eating a balanced range of nutritious foods, ensuring you have enough fibre and staying well hydratedWhy do a colon cleanse?Irrigating your colon doesn't sound pleasant, but practitioners claim it can provide numerous health benefits like improving digestion and weight loss. However, doing a colon cleanse doesn't come without risks. Like most lifestyle practices, it should be approached carefully, with sufficient knowledge of the potential dangers