Colon cleansing is often done by practitioners. However, dietary products and home remedies also contain essential compounds, which enhance the elimination of toxins and promote the health of the colon. Natural remedies not only cleanse the colon, but also enrich its function.
Before we get into ways to cleanse the colon, let’s talk about why the colon is so important. The job of the colon is to support the body by removing water from stool. The colon also balances electrolytes and pH levels in the digestive system; helps with the reabsorption of essential nutrients, salt, and water, and processes the waste from the body to prepare for its elimination. Bacteria in the colon aid in the digestive process.
During the process of elimination, toxins can build up in the colon, and over time may lead to high blood pressure, or even arthritis. Colon cleansing enhances the excretion of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, boosts energy and enriches the immune system.
The following suggestions are not meant to diagnose or cure any disease. Please consult with your doctor before doing any detox program.
1.) Bowel Massage using the MedMassager Body Massager Plus:
Start in the lower right corner of your abdomen and massage in a circular motion about an inch in width. Slowly move up the abdomen vertically to right below the ribcage, then directly across to below the left ribcage, and then into the center for 10-15 minutes at a time.
2.) Salt water
Salt water is widely used for cleansing the colon, treating constipation naturally, and detoxifying the body. The drink below can aid in the removal of toxins, wastes, and harmful microorganisms from the colon.
How to drink:
- Add a teaspoon of non-iodized salt to a liter of water.
- Drink on an empty stomach.
Note: Drinking salt water may cause sodium load or high blood pressure. Please check with your physician before practicing this technique. Sodium overload may contribute to high blood pressure.
3.) Yogurt
Yogurt is considered a natural probiotic that can contribute towards healthy gut flora, and aid in cleansing the colon. Yogurt is also rich in calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, which play a significant role in supporting the body during cleansing. The essential components in yogurt may also help with weight management, reduction of inflammation, and improve the immune system.
How to eat:
- Eating a bowl of plain yogurt once or twice daily is generally recommended for those who do not have lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
4.) Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is loaded with antibiotic and antioxidant properties that help with both cleansing and maintaining a healthy colon and gut. ACV also supports the digestive system and colon in eliminating toxins, and making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. ACV is also known to help the body retain useful gut bacteria.
Adding honey to ACV adds both flavor and significant health benefits. Honey helps to protect the digestive system from harmful free radicals.
How to prepare:
- Fill a glass with 4-8oz of lukewarm water and add 1-2 tablespoons of organic Apple cider vinegar.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
- Drink this mixture every morning to experience the benefits.
5.) Ginger
Ginger contains bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Ginger stimulates digestion, treats nausea and bloating, and promotes colon health.
Ginger is an excellent herb that aids in the removal of toxins and waste from the colon and body.
How to take it:
- Add about a teaspoon of ginger root or extract to a cup of hot water.
- Add 1 or ½ teaspoons of lemon juice.
- Stir well and drink.
6.) Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a wonderful plant that is known to assist in cleansing the colon. Due to the high number of bioactive and antioxidant properties in Aloe vera, there are a number of detoxifying and laxative effects from consuming this plant.
How to prepare:
- Add two teaspoons of lemon juice to a cup of room temperature water.
- Add 200 mg of aloe vera and mix well— about 8oz minus 3 tbsp
- Refrigerate this mixture for 3 hours before drinking it.
Including the foods and mixtures mentioned above to one’s diet may be very useful in cleansing the colon naturally. To reap the most benefits; however, it is essential to abide by the following rules during the cleansing process.
1.) Avoid alcohol or tobacco
2.) Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
3.) Include fiber-rich foods such as cereals, bran, oatmeal, and whole grains.
7.) Chia Seeds
Chia seeds and flaxseeds are high in fiber and are considered two of the most popular superfoods. The Omega-3 fatty acids in both seeds may help reduce inflammation, as well as can help flush out built-up toxins in the colon. Both chia and flaxseeds contain a healthy amount of soluble fiber, which promotes healthy intestinal flora; and treats constipation, heartburn, and other digestive disorders.
How to prepare:
- Take 3 tablespoons of chia seeds and add them to a bowl or glass of water.
- Drink the mixture after soaking the seeds for an hour.
What are the benefits of a colon cleanse?
Colon cleansing has many benefits including clearing toxins and enriching the colon. Detoxing may also help with weight loss, reduce the risk of colon cancer, and improve the immune system/overall health.
Side effects:
If not performed correctly, colon cleansing may have severe side effects including dehydration, infection, tears in the rectum, and an electrolyte imbalance. Make sure to maintain a healthy diet and support your body with healthy foods during the cleanse. Also, obtain a doctor’s consent if you have never naturally cleansed your colon before.
Colon cleansing might not reap benefits right away. However, adding the foods and drinks mentioned above to one’s diet can help to keep the colon healthy and prevent future build-up of toxins, or waste, in healthy individuals. Along with regular exercise and/or yoga, the aforementioned home remedies can also aid in supporting and maintaining a healthy colon long-term.
