Detox programs are designed to rid the body of debris and toxins that may be affecting the body's efficiency. Bowel cleanses in particular are intended to get rid of any impacted waste that has adhered to the colon, while giving the digestive tract a chance to rest. There's no scientific evidence to suggest that bowel cleanses cure disease, said gastroenterologist Michael Picco in an article at Mayoclinic.com, but anecdotal evidence suggests people do feel lighter and more energized after a cleanse. Picco also suggests discussing the herbs in a commercial preparation with your physician as they may be harmful to you.
Step 1
Give your digestive tract a rest for a day. You don't need to fast, but try cutting out all processed foods, simple sugars and white flours. Eat as much as you normally do, but try to up the volume of fruits and vegetables for that day, and eliminate red meat. Increase your intake of water, fruit juices and decaf teas.
Step 2
Prepare or purchase a detox program. Visit your health store or vitamin shop to purchase a kit specifically intended for a 5-day cleanse. The kit will include capsules or a mix to prepare with water that will be taken once or twice a day. An article at ColonZone.org suggests making your own drink by mixing one teaspoon psyllium husk with the contents of one capsule of activated charcoal and eight ounces of water.
Step 3
Drink the homemade mixture two or three times a day, followed immediately by a second glass of water. Do not eat anything two hours before you take the drink or two hours after. Commercial detox products are traditionally targeted for once-a-day use, usually prior to dinner, to allow the fiber and herbs to work overnight.
Step 4
Eat as healthy a diet as you can manage. Fresh fruits and vegetables will aid the process of cleaning the colon by adding addition fiber to your system. You may eat lean means and fish sparingly.
Step 5
Pay attention to your bowel movements. While cleansing it is not unusual to have as many as four bowel movements per day. If you are still constipated, you can add an additional drink to your regimen or follow package instructions for a commercial program. It may take 24 hours for the program to work.
Step 6
Follow the program for five days (or as long as two weeks if you are doing the homemade version). Slowly add meat and whole grains back to your diet.
Tips and Warnings
- For continued results, try to maintain a diet with as little processed food and saturated fat as possible.
- Do not begin a cleanse without checking with your health care provider. If you experience any adverse effects, including dizziness, watery or bloody diarrhea or difficulty swallowing, seek immediate help.
Things You'll Need
- Decaffeinated tea
- Freshly squeezed juices
- Commercial 5-day cleanse preparation
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