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Some natural health practitioners recommend a periodic colon cleanse, which may remove toxins from your digestive system. You can complete this kind of cleanse by altering your diet, using colon-cleansing supplements, trying natural treatments, or getting a colonic.
Steps
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Avoid certain foods. The best way to start detoxing your colon is to eliminate the foods that are causing problems. Start to eliminate all the foods that are a burden to your liver and your colon. This includes coffee, white sugar, white flour, dairy, and alcohol.
- Stop eating processed sweets, which are full of white sugar and flour. Also avoid excess amounts of cheese or ice cream. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Eat foods that help your body detox. There are certain foods that will help you detox your body. These include vegetables in the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, and cabbage. These vegetables contain many nutrients and specific complexes called sulforaphanes that are very important in helping your body detox. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Also make sure to eat plenty of fiber, because fiber-rich foods scrub the walls of the colon and push food through the intestines quickly. Some great high-fiber foods are green vegetables, apples, berries, and brown rice. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- High fiber consumption can improve colon health by helping remnants inside the colon pass through.
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Eliminate all food allergies and intolerances. If you have never been tested for food intolerances, you may want to visit a doctor or natural doctor to have this done. Eating foods that your body has an intolerance to slows down colon functioning and increases the likelihood of bowel toxicity.
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Eat foods rich in chlorophyll to reduce toxins. There are certain foods that will help reduce the toxins in your blood. Studies have shown that chlorophyll reduces the absorption of toxins and helps with toxin excretion. Dark, leafy greens are very high in chlorophyll. Increase your intake of spinach, kale, collard greens, parsley, wheatgrass and seaweed. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Try incorporating these into every meal. Add your eggs to a bed of steamed kale or throw some spinach and wheatgrass in a smoothie. You can also buy dried seaweed chips as a snack.
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Take probiotics. Probiotics are good for overall colon health and also specifically help with detoxification. Probiotics decrease an enzyme in your body that causes your colon to hold onto toxins instead of excreting them. While it is a good idea to take a probiotic capsule every day for general health, you may want to take 1 to 2 extra probiotic capsules per day during a colon cleanse. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [9] X Trustworthy Source Nature Respected Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Go to source
- You can also get probiotics through yogurt and other foods as well.
- If you take a probiotic supplement, choose one with 1 billion CFU per dosage. Buy them from a reputable health food or grocery store and make sure they aren't expired. Probiotics are live organisms, so most need to be kept in the fridge. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Drink more water. Your body needs lots of water to help flush toxins. Most people should drink half their body weight in ounces per day for optimal bowel health. This means that, for example, you weigh 140 pounds, you need to drink 70 ounces of water per day, especially if you want to increase your colon health. [11] X Research source
- This may seem like a lot of water, but if you incorporate a glass or two every few hours, it won't seem like so much. Don't try to drink it all at once. This can make you very sick.
- It is especially important to increase water intake when increasing fiber intake or taking a fiber supplement. The added fiber in the diet needs added water consumption in order to digest properly.
- Speak with your doctor about how much water is right for you, especially if you have kidney disease.
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Ask your doctor to recommend a supplement. There are many colon-cleansing supplements on the market today. Some are designed to help to flush the colon of impurities, while others are made to support your organs in the act of detoxification. Before you take any of these supplements, you should consult with your doctor to make sure these products are safe for you.
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Use laxatives. Laxatives are products that stimulate your colon to work faster and to empty its contents. Take great caution with laxatives, because they can cause uncomfortable cramping and diarrhea if taken in high doses. They can also cause other side effects such as belching, bloating, gas, or stomach cramps. Try brands such as Milk of Magnesia, Miralax, or Dulcolax.
- If you use laxatives on a long-term basis, your colon will actually become dependent on them, so make sure to use them only for a few days a time. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you want a more natural laxative, a gentle laxative tea is usually sufficient during a colon cleanse. Step 1 to 2 tea bags of Yogi Tea Soothing Mint Get Regular Tea in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink the tea at night and 6 to 8 hours later you should have a normal bowel movement.
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Take fiber supplements. In addition to fiber-rich foods, supplements that contain fiber bind toxins and help the colon excrete them. Add 2 tablespoons (~7.4 g) per day of rice bran, psyllium, or oat bran fiber. An easy way to consume fiber is to add it directly to smoothies or oatmeal.
- Make sure to drink lots of water when you are adding fiber supplements. Otherwise, fiber can cause constipation or intestinal obstruction.
- You can also take dissolvable fiber supplements, such as Benefiber and Metamucil. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Consider magnesium. Magnesium gently draws water into your colon and has a natural laxative effect. Unlike herbal or over-the-counter laxatives, magnesium is non-addicting and will not cause dependence when used long-term.
- Take 300 to 600 mg of magnesium citrate per day. Make sure not to exceed 900 mg per day because excessive magnesium can cause health issues.
- You can also buy liquid magnesium citrate and drink it instead of using a supplement. Make sure the amount in the drink does not exceed 900 mg of magnesium a day. [14] X Research source
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Ask about N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione, which is one of the major detoxifying substances in the body. It is found in many natural foods such as some yogurt and protein rich poultry, but it can also be taken as a supplement when you are detoxing your colon. When you supplement with NAC, your body turns it into glutathione that can be used to help you detox more quickly and effectively.
- Take 500 to 1500 mg of NAC per day in capsule form during a cleanse. You can buy these supplements in health stores or pharmacies. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
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Use castor oil packs. Castor oil packs aid in the elimination and detoxification of the colon. Get a cotton or wool cloth, plastic wrap, a bath towel, a hot water bottle or heating pad, and castor oil. Pour the oil onto the cloth until it is well moistened. Lie down and place the cloth directly onto your abdomen. Place plastic wrap over all sides of the cloth to prevent staining of your clothes or bedding. Wrap the towel around your torso over the plastic. Then apply the hot water bottle or heating pad (set to medium) over the towel. Rest for 10-30 minutes. [16] X Research source Bailey, Steven ND, The Fasting Diet. (New York, NY: Contemporary Books), 2002. Krohn, Jacqueline MD and Taylor, Frances, MA. Natural Detoxification, 2nd Edition. (Port Roberts, WA: Hartley & Marks Publishers, Inc.), 2000.
- After 10-30 minutes, remove the cloth and clean your abdomen. You may reuse the cloth without washing it for approximately 3 weeks.
- Make sure you don't fall asleep with the heating pad on as it could burn you or make you overheated.
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Try an enema. Enemas can be used to help with bowel cleansing during a detox program. When you do an enema, you inject fluid into your colon in order to stimulate a bowel movement and help flush the colon of impurities.
- Like laxatives, enemas can cause dependence if used too frequently, but they are safe and effective when performed properly during a short-term cleanse. [17] X Research source Bailey, Steven ND, The Fasting Diet. (New York, NY: Contemporary Books), 2002. [18] X Research source Krohn, Jacqueline MD and Taylor, Frances, MA. Natural Detoxification, 2nd Edition. (Port Roberts, WA: Hartley & Marks Publishers, Inc.), 2000.
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See a natural doctor. Natural doctors, like naturopaths, are trained in how to safely and properly detoxify their patients. A naturopath can look at your medical history as well as you medications and decide what kind of detox protocol would be best for you. They can tell you how often you should get colonics, and they can also prescribe herbs, supplements, and home treatments to help your body detox safely and naturally.
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4Avoid toxins. Environmental toxins found in cigarette smoke, recreational drugs, pesticides, and herbicides can be counterproductive to your cleanse. It's important to stay away from these types of toxins in general, but especially during a colon cleanse.
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Consider a colonic. Colon therapists perform colonics, or colon irrigation procedures, at their offices each day. Colonics can be somewhat uncomfortable, but they can be very effective in detoxifying the colon. Make sure you go to a colon therapist who is trained in practicing safe and sanitary procedures.
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Ask your doctor about the procedure. If you are having colon issues, ask your doctor about a colonic and what to expect. During a colonic the colon therapist gently inserts a tube in your rectum. The tube is attached to a pump that forces water or some other liquid into your large intestine. After your colon is saturated, the therapist removes the first tube and carefully inserts a new tube. The therapist will massage your abdomen to expel the water and waste from your colon.
- The therapist may repeat the process to fully cleanse the bowels. Up to 16 gallons (61 L) of water can be pumped and expelled during this procedure.
- Subsequent procedures may involve water treated with probiotics, herbs, or coffee, which help extract things from your colon. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Make sure you have at least 1 bowel movement per day. The longer that stool stays in your colon, the more time your body has to re-absorb toxins. Many of the changes listed above should help you to have a daily bowel movement if this is not happening for you currently.
- If you have improved your diet and tried other options to help and are still not going once a day, it is a good idea for you to visit your doctor for further evaluation and advice.
- If you are having more than 2 bowel movements per day or your bowel movements are loose, consider consulting with a doctor before proceeding.
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Foods and Supplements to Eat and Avoid
Expert Q&A
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QuestionDoes your colon really need cleansing?Dr. Gary Hoffman is a board certified Colorectal Surgeon and the Clinical Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Hoffman has helped to advance laparoscopic and robotic surgery for the treatment of colon and rectal cancer. Dr. Hoffman holds a BS from the University of California, Irvine, and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Vanderbilt University. He completed his surgical internship at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center and his surgical residency at Louisiana State University-Charity Hospital of New Orleans Medical Center. Dr. Hoffman is an Attending Surgeon in the Division of General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at The David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Hoffman is a member of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, The Southern California Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, The American College of Surgeons, and The American Medical Association.No. Unless you're getting a colonoscopy or something, fasting and cleansing are really unnecessary. Your body doesn't produce poisons that you'd even theoretically need to get rid of, so there's no meaningful point.
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QuestionI want to clean my bowels -- is it okay to eat fruit & vegetables for a day?Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.Yes, eating lots of fruits and vegetables for a day is fine for most people. Make sure you are also drinking plenty of fluids.
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QuestionDo humans have worms in their intestines?Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.Humans can have parasite infections that are typically diagnosed from a stool sample. Parasite infections are treated differently than the colon detox suggestions listed above.
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Tips
- Remember to discuss all supplements and procedures with your doctor before you start a colon detox program.Thanks
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Warnings
- Monitor your weight while on a restrictive diet or using laxatives as these may cause weight loss.Thanks
- Avoid a colon-cleansing program if you've recently had abdominal surgery or suffer from tumors anywhere in the digestive system, heart disease, any kidney ailment, Crohn's disease, internal or serious hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and rectal prolapse.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19144376
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10837004
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19144376
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2404114/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10837004
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2404114/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10837004
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17327863
- ↑ https://www.nature.com/articles/1602706
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3424311/
- ↑ http://www.pbs.org/americaswalking/fuel/fueldrinking.html
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
- ↑ http://www.pamf.org/gastroenterology/forms/colonoscopy-magnesium-citrate-instructions.pdf
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0801/p265.html
- ↑ Bailey, Steven ND, The Fasting Diet. (New York, NY: Contemporary Books), 2002. Krohn, Jacqueline MD and Taylor, Frances, MA. Natural Detoxification, 2nd Edition. (Port Roberts, WA: Hartley & Marks Publishers, Inc.), 2000.
- ↑ Bailey, Steven ND, The Fasting Diet. (New York, NY: Contemporary Books), 2002.
- ↑ Krohn, Jacqueline MD and Taylor, Frances, MA. Natural Detoxification, 2nd Edition. (Port Roberts, WA: Hartley & Marks Publishers, Inc.), 2000.
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435
About This Article
Article Summary
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To detox your colon, try eliminating foods that are bad for it, like coffee, white sugar, dairy, and alcohol, which burden your colon. Instead, eat foods like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale, which help to detox your body. You should also aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush toxins from your body. Additionally, you can try using an enema to inject fluid into your colon, which aids bowel movement and flushes out impurities. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to use castor oil packs to help detox your colon, read on!
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