Colon cleansing is the act of removing harmful substances that can build up in the large intestine. Colon cleansing is thought to have many benefits, some of which include increased energy, improved digestion and enhanced immunity. There are many natural remedies to clean out your colon, some of which can be purchased for under $20 in health food shops and drugstores.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a herb used to treat a variety of conditions, including skin wounds and constipation. It is a common ingredient in many colon cleanse products due to its ability to stimulate bowel movements and remove fecal matter from the large intestine. Aloe contains compounds known as anthraquinones, which may help kill toxic microbes while soothing the lining of the colon.
As with other laxatives, aloe may cause intestinal cramping, diarrhea or abdominal discomfort. Do not use aloe daily for more than two weeks at a time, and ask your doctor before adding an aloe supplement to your colon cleanse regimen.
Enemas
Enemas are a method of cleansing that involve introducing water or other liquids into the colon through the anus. They are thought to promote colon health by removing built-up toxins via bowel movements. Purported benefits include improved immunity and cognitive functioning with a decrease in allergy symptoms and fatigue. Enemas have been used since ancient times in many parts of the world and are sometimes used today by surgeons before colon resection procedures and other surgical procedures.
Evidence on the effectiveness of enemas for colon cleansing is inconclusive. According to Aetna Intelihealth, enemas have not been proven safe or effective for treating conditions outside the colon, such as drug addiction, lupus or arthritis. Furthermore, enemas can cause serious side effects like bowel perforation and should not be used by people with diverticulitis or other intestinal disorders.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help prevent infections in the digestive tract caused by harmful microbes. Probiotics may greatly enhance mucosal immunity by competing with microbes like Candida yeast and E. coli bacteria for growth in the intestine, according to the American Society for Microbiology. They can be a useful adjunctive therapy in many health conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases, gastroenteritis, bladder problems and surgical infections.
Probiotics are generally considered safe, though they may cause initial cramping and frequent bowel movements. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus regularis are among the most commonly used strains and can be found in foods such as yogurt.
Psyllium
Psyllium seed is a natural source of fiber used in many fiber and colon cleanse products. Fiber helps cleanse the colon by adding bulk to stools, thereby promoting regular bowel movements. The rough texture of psyllium seed helps scrape built-up fecal matter from the colon wall, resulting in a cleaner intestinal environment.
To prevent choking, take psyllium supplements with a full glass of water. Do not take psyllium daily for longer than two weeks, and ask your doctor before using psyllium if you have a chronic digestive disorder like Crohn's disease or diverticulitis.
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