Detoxification programs generally focus on the colon as this is the most accessible and noticeable, but detoxification occurs through the skin and some internal organs, too. If you have ever been irregular or do not have at least one daily bowel movement, a colon cleanse might be in order. Avoid extreme programs and do not resort to laxatives or restrictive diets.
Hot Lemon Tea
Start each day by drinking a cup of hot water with the juice of half a lemon squeezed into it. This will prompt a bowel movement for most people in about 30 minutes or less. If not, that could mean you do not consume enough fiber, drink adequate water or exercise regularly. Eat dried fruits such as prunes or figs before bedtime and the next morning, sip more hot lemon tea.
High-Fiber Diet
Eat a high-fiber whole foods diet to cleanse the colon and all the internal organs. Author and physician, Elson Haas, MD, of The New Detox Diet, recommends people eat whole vegetables, fruits, whole grains such as brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats and lean proteins and non-saturated fats such as olive, canola and flax seed oil.
A meal could consist of brown rice, steamed kale, broccoli, carrots with olive oil and ground flax seeds and a small amount of mung bean. This way of eating will provide soluble and insoluble fiber to remain regular.
Drink Herbal Detox Teas
Sip herbal teas such as buckthorn, senna, cascara sagrada, sarsaparilla, dandelion and others that are designed to detoxify the colon and other internal organs. Many commercial detox teas will have as many as 20 herbs to cleanse the colon, liver, kidneys, pancreas and heart (and the bloodstream as a result). Some of these teas will have a strong laxative affect if consumed alone and are best taken in combination with other herbs. For example, senna might create a strong colon cleanse unless combined with slippery elm.
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