There are many different ways to cleanse and detox the colon that can be done at home, but they all require precautions. Gastroenterologist Michael Picco of MayoClinic.com explains that while colon cleanses in general are not dangerous, there are potential side effects that should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you're on any medication or taking herbal supplements. Additionally, when performing the detox be sure to drink a lot of water. The preparations intended to clean out the colon are laxatives, so you'll need to replenish the fluids you are losing during the detox.
Juice Fasting
Juice fasting can be done over a long weekend or anytime you've got three days without much going on. It doesn't take much digestive action to process fruit juices, so this detox gives much of your digestive tract a rest while focusing on the colon. Make your own juice as it will work better, according to colonhealthadvice.com. Add psyllium husk to the detox to more efficiently clean out the colon. In addition to the fresh fruit and vegetable juices that you drink exclusively throughout the day, make sure to drink water, especially if you develop a headache. This is a moderate cleanse that requires a little effort and should only be attempted if you're having at least one bowel movement per day.
Master Cleanse
The Master Cleanse is the most popular and most stringent of home colon detoxes. During this cleanse, you drink a mixture of filtered water, lime or lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper six to 12 times per day. Some people will add a laxative tea or salt flush to get the bowels moving, too. Proponents of this detox recommend drinking this concoction--and only this--for 10 days, although many people find that much too harsh. There are some foods, such as the occasional piece of fruit that can be eaten during the detox, but true Master Cleansers stick only to the lemon/maple syrup drink.
Five-Day Detox Diet
Try the detox diet if fasting or cleansing seem too harsh for your digestive tract or lifestyle. The detox diet consists of eating raw fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water and having the occasional handful of nuts throughout the day. You can add some potato or rice to your diet, but use those sparingly for the best results. Stay on this diet for five days, making sure to drink a lot of water as your body gets rid of toxins.
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