Colon cleanse has been in practice since the time memorial. Our forefathers practiced it. Traditional healers embraced it, and modern science is now running with it.
But why colon cleanse?
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If you’re looking to jumpstart your digestive health, a natural colon cleanse at home might be the perfect solution.
With the right ingredients, you can easily and safely detox your digestive system in the comfort of your own home, without spending money on costly treatments or supplements.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use natural, simple ingredients to detox and cleanse your colon and enjoy improved digestion and overall health!
But before then, lets examine your digestive system.
The Role of Colon in your body
The digestion system plays a vital role in your body. Your gut’s health influences the health of your skin, brain, mood, sleep cycle, immune system, and heart function.
Many studies have established the relationship between a healthy gut and a strong immunity for body protection.
According to medics, most of your immune cells live in the gut.
As such, imbalances in the gut microbial composition may result in infectious diseases. Not caring for your gut may result in chronic illnesses like cancer and hypertension.
That is why this subject of gut health, more so colon cleansing, has garnered attention worldwide.
So
What is the role of the colon in your digestion system?
The colon or large intestine is the last part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The word colon usually refers to (colon, rectum, and anus). This tube-like organ connects the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other.
According to scientists, the colon’s primary function is to complete digestion.
The digestion in the colon involves the absorption of water, some nutrients, and electrolytes from partially digested food as they move along the digestive tract.
The remaining waste solid material, best known as stool moves through the colon, then is stored in the rectum, and leaves the body through the anus.
Why colon cleanse?
Unlike the small intestines, the digestion process in the colon is relatively slow and does not involve enzymes.
Here, friendly gut bacteria break down the remaining carbohydrates to produce essential vitamins (B and K).
These nutrients are then absorbed through the mucosa. This can take about 24 hours.
Also, the colon secretes mucus to bind and lubricate the food waste to help it pass through as it moves to the rectum.
When the food waste moves to the rectum, it resembles poop. Your poop consists of indigestible matter, and dead cells shed from your intestinal mucosa.
It also contains small amounts of mucus and water. The poop then enters the rectum, awaiting defecation.
So
What is the big deal about colon cleansing?
As digestion takes place, there is the allegation that not all wastes are cleared from your system, thus the need to do a colon cleanse.
There is an ancient belief theory behind colon cleansing called the theory of autointoxication.
According to the propellers of this theory, undigested meat and other foods may cause mucus buildup in the colon. This buildup produces toxins, which enter the blood’s circulation, poisoning the body.
Your lifestyle, food choices, and sickness can also contribute to multifunctionality in your gut.
They may change your microbiota, affect your colon linings or interfere with bowel movement mechanisms.
If this happens, you may feel a wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Low energy
Why are medics interested in these subjects of colon cleanse?
Medically, a patient was required to clean their colon in preparation for a colonoscopy.
A clean colon would help the doctor detect polyps –the small growth on the colon lining with the potential to become cancer.
Since then,
Proponents of colon cleansing took the prescription and spread the idea to the world.
Why?
Because they believe that toxins from your gastrointestinal tract can cause various health problems, like arthritis and high blood pressure.
Also, colon cleansing improves health by removing toxins, boosting energy, and enhancing your immune system.
But how true are these theories?
Let’s see what research has to offer.
But before then let have an overview of what colon cleansing entails.
What is colon cleansing?
Colon cleansing is an ancient practice that can be traced back to Greece traditions.
It involves flushing out your large intestines to remove digestive waste that can build up and become toxic to your body.
What are the benefits of colon cleansing?
According to a study, a colon can help improve abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome( IBS).
And not just that.
In the medical field, Colon cleansing is used as preparation for medical procedures such as a colonoscopy.
Additionally, it can be used as body detoxification to improve health by removing toxins, boosting your energy, bettering digestion, and enhancing your immune system.
However, there needs to be sufficient scientific evidence to support these many claims.
How can I naturally clean my colon?
There are many ways to do a colon cleanse, including supplements, pills, enemas, or herbal tea.
It all depends with your case.
While some cases need specialists ,other people are encouraged to perform a natural colon cleanse at home as away of routine body care to prevent build up of toxins.
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9 Ways to Do a Natural Colon Cleanse at Home
1. Intermittent fasting to rest your organs
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a voluntary time-restricted feeding schedule. Normally, you come up with a period of non-eating time between meals.
This period of non-eating could be minutes, hours, or days.
The approach to intermittent fasting depends on your goals and schedules.
For colon cleansing, allowing at least four to six hours between meals helps the migrating motor complex complete an entire digestion cycle.
When this happens, residual undigested material is swept through the digestive tract, reducing toxins’ buildup and enhancing a smooth bowel movement.
Timing your fasting
Also, another consideration you must take with intermittent fasting is timing.
According to research, our digestive system works efficiently on a regular cycle.
For instance, your body produces a lot of melatonin after the sun goes down to promote sleep.
Melatonin production also sends signals to the liver to slow its activity, including bile production, which is vital for the digestion and absorption of fats.
Therefore, during the intermittent fast, try to restrict foods during all hours of darkness, it may be more effective in terms of digestive benefits than if foods were not restricted at nighttime.
Changing gut microbiome
One study shows that intermittent fasting, like Islamic fasting, may also change your intestinal microbiota.
According to this study, reducing food in your track for specific periods may shift microbiome composition.
Less to no food in your track may increase particular bacteria like—Akkermansia muciniphila—associated with positive health markers like decreased intestinal inflammation and a healthier gut barrier.
Your gut barrier is the lining of the intestines. It lets nutrients pass through but blocks harmful bacteria and other bugs from entering your system.
2.Do a Warm Saline Water Flush and Yoga for Colon Cleanse
Another excellent way of doing a natural colon cleanse is a warm saltwater flush.
Traditionally salt water was branded as an effective tool for colon cleansing and treatment of chronic constipation.
Additionally, Supporters of complementary medicine suggest that salt water flush can be used for body detoxification and regulation of bowel movement.
What does the research say about saline water flush for colon cleansing?
One study shows that drinking warm saline water and doing specific yoga postures can effectively cleanse the bowel in preparation for a colonoscopy.
This pilot study involving a group of 54 adults found that 88.9% of patients who alternated warm water flush and specific yoga moves registered excellent results compared to the placebo group.
How do you do a warm saline water flush for a colon cleanse
- Dissolve two teaspoons of non-iodized sea salt (such as Pink Himalayan sea salt) in one litre of warm water
- Add lemon juice to improve the taste, if desired.
- Drink the mixture as quickly as possible –about 5 minutes or so on an empty stomach.
A saltwater flush for a natural colon cleanse is typically done first thing in the morning.
Warm saline water has a laxative effect and can enhance bowel movement. Additionally, the sea salt may help restore electrolyte balance in your body.
You should drink your water very fast, within a few minutes. Afterward, you may experience the urge to have a bowel movement frequently.
What are the side effects of salt water flush?
Common side effects include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and weakness.
Don’t do a saltwater flush if you have:
- heart problems
- diabetes
- edema
- kidney problems
- high blood pressure
- gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease
3. Ground Flax Seed and Kefir for Natural Colon Cleanse and Gut Fortification.
For years, research has posted positive results about the influence of flax seeds on gut microbiota.
This study found flax seed to effectively increase bowel movement and decrease abdominal distension in patients with chronic constipation.
And not just that.
Flaxseed contains a high level of mammalian lignin precursors, like secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, which has cancer-preventing effects in the colon.
One study shows that flaxseed has a colon cancer protective effect, which is associated with increased beta-glucuronidase activity.
Also, Flaxseeds are a rich source of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). ALA is a form of omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve irritable bowel syndrome and protect your colon against tumor development.
Additionally, it contains cellulose and fibers to enhance the “bulking” up of the excess matter to ease bowel movement. It is also an excellent prebiotic that can boost the survival of gut bacteria.
Dietary flaxseed can reduce the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. This buildup is called plaque. The plaque can cause arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow.
And how about kefir?
Health Benefits of Kefir
Kefir is a fermented drink with numerous probiotics.
It’s also an excellent source of protein with minerals, essential amino acids, and B vitamins.
One study suggests that regular consumption of kefir can promote the multiplication of probiotic bacterial flora in the large bowel.
This will significantly improve your digestion process since activities in the colon largely depend on good probiotics.
Another study links kefir-associated strains to exhibit many antibacterial and antifungal activities, enhancing immunity, restoring a smooth digestive system, and relieving inflammatory bowel disease.
So,
How do you use ground flaxseed and kefir for natural colon cleanse?
- Get your glass of kefir.
- Mix one tablespoon of grounded flaxseeds.
- Consume it before breakfast and then again before bed.
According to propellers of these recipe, it should take you about 21 days to fully cleanse your gut with flax seed flour.
-
Week 1: Take a tablespoon of flaxseed flour and 100 ml of kefir
-
Week 2: Take 2 tablespoons of flaxseed flour and 100 ml of kefir
-
Week 3: 3 tablespoons of flaxseed flour and 150 ml of kefir
To make this colon cleansing method more productive, drink a lot of water, at least two litres a day. It is also recommended to do this cleanse at least once a year to maintain a clean colon.
Caution
Kefir is fermented milk and may not go well with some people. Be sure to start small by introducing kefir into your diet before trying it out in large quantities during the cleanse.
4. Neem Leaf and Turmeric for colon cleanse at home
Neem is a bitter herb with powerful detoxifying properties that are mainly grown in india.
Traditionally, this herb was known as “the village pharmacy‘ due to its numerous benefits.
Neem herb is widely used in ayurvedic practices for blood body detoxification, ulcer treatment, and reduction of bile duct disorder.
According to research, Neem contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
Studies suggest that neem leaf and bark extracts may help digestion and protect your stomach from ulceration.
Also, it helps boost the effectiveness of your liver and kidney by protecting them from damage induced by chemotherapy medication.
How do you make Neem juice for a natural colon cleanse?
- Get a few fresh neem leaves(about 5-10)
- Wash them thoroughly with clean water.
- Put your cleaned neem leaf in a blender.
- Add a glass of warm water and blend till the mixture is smooth.
- Drink it on an empty stomach.
If you find Neem preparation hectic, you may opt for a supplement like Nature’s Way Herbal Neem Leaf, supplement for intestinal remedy.
Add Turmeric
Additionally, consider taking Neem together with turmeric for a colon cleanse.
Curcumin, the main turmeric compound, could help ease symptoms of IBS.
And not just that.
A 2021 study found that turmeric has the potential to ease the symptoms of IBS and ulcerative colitis.
Similarly, regular consumption of turmeric could help improve other gastrointestinal conditions, like peptic ulcer and Crohn’s disease.
Another study shows that Curcumin in turmeric was able to reverse the accelerated polyp development associated with the HFD significantly. As such, the researchers suggest that it may be effective clinically in helping prevent colon cancer even when ingesting high amounts of fatty foods.
There you go.
How to take turmeric and Neem for colon cleanse?
According to the Eastern yogic tradition and Ayurveda, consuming neem and turmeric first thing in the morning may help to awaken the energy centers within our body cells naturally.
It also cleanses your liver and digestion track, thus boosting your energy and focus throughout the day.
If you’re interested in trying out neem and turmeric first thing in the morning, here’s how to do it based on yogic tradition:
- Take a marble-size ball of Neem and turmeric mixed first thing in the morning. Wash down with some lukewarm water. OR take 1 capsule of Neem and 1 capsule of turmeric, or as recommended by your Ayurvedic or yogic practitioner. Also, You may opt for Neem and Turmeric balls supplements.
Many Ayurvedic practitioners and yogis take this combination daily for life and experience excellent health. However, this practice can be continued daily for a weeks or as long as you desire.
Who should not take Neem?
- Pregnant women
- diabetic patients
- If you have done surgery
Always check with your healthcare practitioner, incase of any issues.
5. Vegetable and Fruit Smoothies
Plants are ideal natural colon cleansers because they contain cellulose and fibres.
The fibre in plants can help “bulk” up the excess matter in the colon, thus encouraging smooth bowel movement.
Additionally, regular consumption of vegetables and fruits can help regulate constipation and overactive bowels, thus, keeping your colon healthy.
Additionally,they are excellent prebiotics that can boost the multiplication of good bacteria in your gut.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and Polyphenols to improve your gut health.
They are also a great source of dietary fibre necessary to keep your bowels moving.
Here is a list of fruits and vegetables you should take as natural colon cleanses.
- Apples to help cleanse toxins from your colon
Research shows that apples and berries contain chemopreventive effects against colon cancer. Regular consumption of one or two apple fruit a day, including the skin or exocarp, to help lower the risk of colon cancer.
Also, apples contain pectin, a type of fibre that can help bulge your stool and make it easy to pass. Be sure to blend green apples for maximum benefits.
- Cranberry juice to improve your colon health
Some scientific studies show that Cranberry juice can improve your gut microbiota and enhance your digestive tract health.
- Cruciferous vegetable smoothies for colon cleansing
Cruciferous vegetables are rich in folate, several carotenoids, vitamins C, E, and K, and fibre.
Additionally, the National Cancer Institute recommends regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables due to the abundance of substances known as glucosinolates.
Glucosinolates are sulphur-containing chemicals. These chemicals are responsible for cruciferous vegetables’ pungent aroma and bitter flavour.
The glucosinolates may be broken down during food preparation, chewing, and digestion to form biologically anticancer-active compounds.
This can help lower the risk of developing cancer in your colon.
Cruciferous vegetables include;
- Broccoli
- Arugula
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Watercress
6. Warm Castor Oil to Promote Effective Bowel Movement
Castor oil is a stimulant laxative known to clean out the intestines before surgery or bowel extermination.
According to a study, Castor oil can effectively treat constipation. Castor oil can increase bowel movement as a plant-based gentle laxative while still lubricating and nourishing the colon.
Traditions used castor oil for several reasons.
Castor oil may help draw out any excess heat from the body, thus reducing gastric inflammation or chronic inflammation in the colon.
How to use castor oil for colon cleanse
The dose of castor oil used to cleanse your colon depends on age and body weight.
Most adults are advised to take about 15 millilitres or one tablespoon of food-grade (medicinal) castor oil for three nights to cure constipation.
For Detox-flush of the colon
- Add two-three tablespoons of medicinal food-grade castor oil to a glass of fruit juice, like freshly squeezed orange juice, mix and drink up fast.
- Do this on an empty stomach.
- Wait for bout 30 to 60 minutes, then have a glass or two of warm water.
- Relax till you get the urge to go to the washroom.
Castor oil works very quickly. You should see results within two to six hours after taking it.
Most people prefer to do a colon cleanse every three months, or once a quarter is the perfect time to perform a castor oil cleanse because the toxins are still in your digestive system.
Castor oil isn’t right for everyone.
It’s not recommended for pregnant women and people with certain health conditions since it may cause uterus contractions.
It’s also not advised for regular use in children under age 12. If you’d like to give castor oil to your child, ask their pediatrician first.
7. Herbal Tea for Colon Cleanse at Home
Herbal teas are loaded with beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that defend the body against harmful free radicals.
Studies indicate that regular herbal tea consumption may boost your immune system, cardiac health and cognitive functions.
Studies show that Herbal teas are a great choice for a colon cleanse since it is carefully curated concoctions of medicinal herbs, and spices, to soothe your guts and relieve IBS syndromes.
For instance
Laxative herbs like psyllium may help with constipation. Other herbs, like ginger, contain antimicrobial phytochemicals, which are thought to suppress the growth of bad bacteria.
For this reason, they’re included in many cleanses, though studies are needed.
Here is a list of herbal tea you should consider for a healthy colon.
Peppermint; Animal studies show that peppermint relaxes the gut, which may relieve intestinal spasms. It can alleviate abdominal pain, bloating, and other digestive symptoms
Ginger tea; studies show that ginger may speed up stomach emptying, relieve digestive upset, and reduce intestinal cramping, bloating, and gas
Angelica root extract: widely used in Iberogast and other herbal digestive products for stimulating digestive juices to promote healthy digestion.
Green tea
Green tea naturally cleanses your colon because it contains high levels of antioxidants that help to flush out toxins.
Studies suggest that catechins in green tea have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Consuming green tea has been linked to the prevention of colon cancer.
Best herbal teas for colon cleanse
- HYLEYS Tea Wellness Colon Cleanse
- Traditional Medicine- organic smooth move
- Bigelow Lemon Ginger plus Probiotics Herbal Tea
8. Drink a Glass of Warm Water with Lemon for a Colon Cleanse
One of the best natural colons cleanses methods is drinking plenty of water.
According to research, water is crucial for an effective digestion process. Drinking plenty of warm water can help in bowel movement and o protect the intestinal tract from various gut diseases.
Also, add raw organic apple cider vinegar with the mother or lemon juice to your water for more colon cleanse benefits.
Citrus juices are rich in vitamin C and have also been found to be excellent for colon health.
It can even be used in patients who are preparing for colon screening. Studies suggest that these juices may help prevent colon cancer.
Additionally, you may add a spoon full of organic olive oil to your water to help push things out in your colon.
Unlike castor oil which causes contraction in the walls of your colon, olive oil is a lubricant. Consuming a teaspoon of olive oil in the morning on an empty tummy may soften stool and encourage smooth bowel movement through the gut, thus reducing the risk of constipation.
9. Taking Supplements for Natural Colon Cleanse
Colon cleansing supplements are manufactured products intended to supplement one’s diet . You can take them as a pill, powder, capsule, tablet or liquid.
Most colon cleansing products supposedly help detox the colon or remove harmful substances, such as clogged mucus and dry stool. Some people also use colon cleanses to help relieve bloating and constipation.
- Best Colon cleanse powder; Global Healing Oxy-Powder Colon Cleanse
- Best Colon Cleanse with probiotics and fiber: Dr. Tobias Colon 14 Day Cleanse
- Best Colon cleanse capsules; Super Colon Cleanse
Omega 3 fish oil supplements for colon cleanse
Some clinical trials suggest that fish oil or omega-3 may help the colon lining by reducing colon polyps and colon cancer. This happens through chemical changes in the colon lining and blood.
In fact, some research suggest that people who consume the most omega-3s have up to a 55% lower risk of colon cancer compared to those who do not.
Wandering where to get your fish oil? click here for varieties.
Are There Side Effects to Colon cleanses ?
Having a natural colon cleanse often have no to low risks. However some people may experience some side effects after intense cleansing which include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- dehydration
- electrolyte imbalances
- cramping
If these symptoms occur, stop your cleanse immediately and talk with your doctor. These symptoms risk leading to heart failure and digestive damage if the cleanse is continued. An enema or colon cleanse occasionally poses little risk for a healthy individual. But overuse can quickly lead to chronic constipation or even bowel injury.
Take away
Natural colon cleanse is meant to balance your gut microbiota and enhance the efficiency of bowel movement.
Here are a few tips for maintaining a healthy colon.
The best way to cleanse your colon and detox your body is to support your body’s natural digestion process.
Do not stuff food in your colon most of the time but rather allow your body some hours to digest the food.
Also, take care of your detoxifying organs like liver and kidney to help them efficiently filter toxins from your blood through your bowels or kidneys.
You can show your liver and kidneys some love by:
- Drinking plenty of water; a 2013 study suggests that drinking more than four cups daily decreases the risk of colorectal cancer and constipation, which may result in colon issues.
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, especially foods that are rich in fibre to keep your bowel moving smoothly
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting your consumption of alcohol or smoking
- Limiting your exposure to toxic substances in cleaning products, pesticides and personal care products
- Eating in an intervals of about four hours to give your system time to digest food
- Use olive oil, flaxseed oil, and mineral oil in your cooking to curb constipation.
- Eating probiotics often to promote the growth of good bacteria.
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DISCLAIMER The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. I’m not a health practitioner and as such, this information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your professional service provider.
