Colon flushing or cleansing is an integral part of feeling healthy and happy. The colon, also known as the large intestine, plays a major role in digestive health, so you might consider colon flushing for many of the benefits it can offer.
What Is Colon Flushing?
Colon flushing is the act of flushing out and cleansing the colon. The aim is to remove any stagnant, potentially toxic, waste from the walls of the large intestine.
Potential benefits include improved digestion, increased mental clarity, improved immunity and reduced risk of colon cancer.
Recommended: What is Lactobacillus acidophilus?
Colon flushing gently done at home rarely pose significant risks, but cleaning your colon too often can lead to a change in the natural balance of the normal bacteria flora. This can lead to infection, abdominal pain, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, among other problems. It could even cause chronic constipation or intestinal injury.
These issues may be particularly dangerous for anyone with any other underlying health conditions, including those related to the heart and kidneys.
Ways You Can Cleanse the Colon at Home?
You may be surprised to learn that there are many ways in which you can reap the benefits of colon cleansing at home safely. While there are over-the-counter treatments that you can use, there are some simpler methods that you can try first.
Increase Your Water Intake
Drinking plenty of water is the easiest way to maintain good intestinal health. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day is the minimum recommended amount of daily water intake. Remember that fruits and vegetables also have a high water content, so including them in your diet will also increase your daily intake of fluids.
Recommended: Lifespan Of Your Liver: 10 Tried And True Ways To Enhance It
Salt Water Flush
Mix two teaspoons of salt (ideally pink Himalayan sea salt) with lukewarm water before your first meal of the day and drink it quickly. You’ll probably feel the urge to go to the toilet soon after. This method is particularly useful for those suffering from constipation.
Another somewhat more palatable option is to drink a glass of warm water with lemon juice, a pinch of sea salt and honey (optional) on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.
Eat More Of Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber is a vital micronutrient to maintain a healthy digestive system. It is found in whole plant foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, and seeds.
Fiber helps collect excess matter in the colon and regulates bowel movements, including overactive intestines. It may also be useful in promoting the formation of beneficial bacteria in the form of prebiotics and other beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Recommended: 12 Cancer-fighting Foods That Should Be Eaten Regularly
Fasting
Abstaining from eating can give your digestive system a rest and make it easier for the liver and kidneys to remove harmful toxins from the body. This, in turn, can help clean up the colon. Drinking plenty of water and fresh fruit and vegetable juice during this time can also help with the process of colon flushing.
Probiotics
Probiotics helps to clean the colon by promoting the spread of good bacteria in the intestines. Good probiotics include naturally fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vinegar and lacto-fermented pickles, along with kombucha, a slightly spicy tea.
Herbal Supplements
Natural ingredients such as aloe vera and psyllium husk can greatly improve digestive health through lubrication of the colon.
Ginger is another powerhouse for maintaining optimum digestive health and can be included in teas, juices, sauces, or even just eaten raw.
Recommended: 7 Immunity Boosters To Boost Your Immune System
Garlic and cayenne pepper also contains a number of phytochemical antimicrobials that are believed to suppress bad bacteria.
Products Good For Colon Cleansing
There are some products you can use for colon cleansing. They are generally safe and effective. They include:
- Dr. Tobias Colon 14 Days Cleanse Supplement
- Phillips Colon Health
- Colon Cleanser Detox For Weight Loss
- Super Colon Cleanse 240
- Colon Health Key
Conclusion
Colon flushing are safe to do at home unless they’re overdone. They can certainly improve your digestive health and therefore your mood and mental well-being. Whether they actually “clean” the colon remains to be seen, but at the very least, you may experience reduced bloat and increased energy, which will help you feel better overall.