Advertisement
Common Colon Cleanse Methods
With appealing promises of weight loss, an increase in energy, and clearer skin, public interest has grown in colon cleansing. For the individual interested in investigating this timeless facet of natural medicine, there are a number of colon cleanse methods to choose from.
One of the most traditional and simple of the colon cleanse methods is to combine a high-fiber diet with mild use of laxatives, such as herbs ingested in a tea. Other alternatives include oxygen cleansers, or therapist-assisted colon cleansing including enemas or hydrotherapy.
Dietary Colon Cleanse Methods
Some simple changes in diet can be a great way to start a colon cleanse, improving the body’s regularity and promoting an overall feeling of well-being. Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, along with whole grains and cereals. This roughage helps the colon perform at the height of its ability.
Additionally, high fiber foods relieve constipation, reduce the risk of heart disease, and may help prevent colon cancer, making dietary changes one of the simplest yet most rewarding colon cleanse methods available.
Recommended Foods:
- Bran cereal
- Black beans
- Peas
- Guava
- Chickpeas
- Barley
However, while dietary colon cleanse methods may improve the body’s regularity and overall health levels, increases in fiber alone will not serve to purge toxins caused by buildup in the digestive system.
Herbal Colon Cleanse Methods
Natural herbs are another way of stimulating colon cleansing, acting as a laxative and flushing out the contents of the intestines and colon, including toxins that may have accumulated over time. This is best used in conjunction with an increase in a healthy, fiber-rich diet.
The following herbs, ingested as a tea or in supplement form, have a laxative effect on the body.
- Psyllium
- Senna
- Cascara
- Buckthorn
- Licorice
It is important to note that these herbs, or any form of laxatives, should not be used on a long-term basis. The body can form a dependence on them, thus care should be taken with these colon cleanse methods.
Oxygen Based Cleansers
One of the newer advances in colon cleanse methods is the use of oxygen-based colon cleansers. These are usually ingested in a capsule form, and work through a chemical reaction in the body that releases oxygen within the digestive tract. This blast of oxygen melts any stubborn fecal matter that is clinging to the colon or intestines and helps the body to eliminate it in a liquid form.
Therapist Assisted Colon Cleanse Methods
Hydrotherapy is another common path to detoxification, using the assistance of a colon therapist and a machine. These colon cleanse methods are also known as “colon irrigation” or “high colonics.” A therapist, with the assistance of a pump, will flush up to 20 gallons of water up the rectum and through the digestive system, eliminating excess waste products and toxins during the process.
All of the colon cleanse methods outlined above are effective in their own way, yet care should be taken as all, with the exception of dietary methods, also include the possibility of side effects.
Possible Side Effects of Colon Cleanse Methods
- Cramping
- Dehydration
- Dependence on laxatives
- Mineral imbalance
Ultimately, it is up to the individual, in cooperation with a healthcare professional, to find the best of the colon cleanse methods according to his or her needs.
Advertisement
