Whether you recently came across colon cleansing and are curious about it or would like to learn more about it, this guide talks about everything you need to know. Here, we discuss what colon cleansing is and why it’s beneficial for you. We also inform you of the different ways you can safely and effectively cleanse your colon right in the comfort of your home.
What is Colon Cleansing?
Put simply, a colon cleanse is the removal of waste and toxins from the colon (large intestine). It is a popular remedy that flushes the colon and is said to be essential for optimal digestive wellness.
The colon is one of the important organs in the digestive system and it plays a significant role in your digestive health. Furthermore, the colon can accumulate substances that are harmful to the body due to poor dietary choices. This can lead to digestive problems which is where the need for colon cleansing comes into play. You may also know it as bowel cleanses, detoxes, flushes, or juice diets.
Colon cleansing is beneficial for improving your digestive health. However, there is limited research that supports its use unless in certain conditions like constipation.
Benefits of a Colon Cleanse
Some of the benefits of colonic cleanse include:
- Prevention of constipation.
- Improving sleep quality.
- Balancing the doshas.
- Strengthening the body.
- Increase in mental alertness.
- Improving the absorption of vitamins and minerals
There are certain people we advise to avoid colonic cleansing without prior consultation with a healthcare professional. These people include pregnant and nursing mothers, and anyone with a history of heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, or colon surgery.
7 Ways of Effectively Cleansing Your Colon at Home
Some people with chronic constipation may visit a doctor to cleanse their colon to help regularize their bowel movements. However, there are other ways you can do it in the comfort of your home.
Hydration
Do not underestimate the power of water. Staying hydrated by drinking the required amount of water for your body is a great way to improve your digestion. A 2016 study showed that lukewarm water regulates digestion and you drink this first thing in the morning or throughout your day. You can also include foods with high water content in your diet such as fruits and vegetables like celery, tomatoes, watermelons, and lettuce.
Saltwater
While there is limited scientific evidence on the benefits of saltwater for colon cleansing, there are studies that showed sodium phosphate solution and lukewarm saline solution were effective in colon cleansing for a pre-colonoscopy.
First thing in the morning, drink lukewarm water mixed with 2 teaspoons of salt (Himalayan salt or sea salt). Gulp down the water quickly on an empty stomach - this may prompt you to go to the bathroom multiple times, so ensure that you have access to a bathroom. Repeat this in the morning and evening.
Fermented Foods
Oftentimes, fermented foods contain probiotics which are beneficial bacteria that improve the health of your gut. These bacteria stimulate bowel movement, helping you to pass stool which regularizes your colon. This reduces bloating, gas, constipation, and infection. Some fermented foods with high levels of probiotics include apple cider vinegar, Kombucha, yoghurt and Greek yoghurt, Kimchi, Kefir, Sauerkraut, Skyr, Pickles, Tempeh, Miso, beer and cider, and some types of cheese.
Fibre-Rich Diet
Incorporating fibre in your diet helps to add bulk to stool, regulating constipation and encouraging bowel movement that’s easy to pass. You can get fibre from foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, and more. Fibre-rich foods also boost helpful bacteria and promote a healthy gut.
Probiotics
You can introduce probiotics to your diet as it can cleanse your colon. This good bacteria reduces inflammation and boosts the regularity of digestion and can be obtained from foods with high levels of probiotics like fermented foods or fibre-rich foods. You can try out our Prebiotics and Probiotics Gummies that reduce constipation, smoothen bowel movement, provide relief for gas and acidity, and improve the overall health of your gut.
Herbal Teas
There are some herbal teas that are known to be beneficial for digestive health. Australian research carried out in 2014 showed an association between the consumption of herbal teas and reduced risk of colon cancer. Some herbal teas you can try include garlic, ginger, lemon, and cayenne pepper which contain antimicrobial phytochemicals.
Smoothies and Juices
Raw fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies are known to be great cleansers because they contain fibre, natural sugars, and nutrients that are beneficial for digestion. They also have high water content which keeps you hydrated, improving the gut microbiome and bowel movement.
Things to Avoid for an Effective Colonic Cleanse
Here are some important things to avoid to ensure the success of your colon cleanse.
- Avoid consuming fizzy drinks and alcohol because they can cause bloating and gas which can interfere with the cleanse.
- Avoid taking laxatives to prevent your colon from becoming dependent on them for normal bowel movements. This can lead to dehydration and long-term damage, making it more difficult for your body to eliminate waste. Instead of laxatives, you can introduce more fibre to your diet.
- Avoid coffee enemas because they can stimulate frequent bowel contraction, leading to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Furthermore, it can perforate your bowel if not done correctly.
Side Effects of Colon Cleansing
Colon cleansing has different results and effects on everyone and the side effects you face may also vary from none to some including:
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Soreness
- Skin irritation around the anus
- Bowel perforation
- Infection
- Bacterial imbalance
- Hiderance with medication absorption
- Electrolyte imbalance
We recommend that you seek out a healthcare professional to advise you on the right steps to take to make your colon cleanse a success.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323746#fruit-and-vegetable-juice
https://vediherbals.com/blogs/blog/natural-colon-cleanse-easy-home-remedies
https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-colon-cleanse#eight-natural-options
https://www.webmd.com/balance/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2010.0166
https://biomedres.us/fulltexts/BJSTR.MS.ID.001030.php