Detoxification can be the last step of the digestion process. We eat foods that must be digested and the nutrients absorbed and later, the waste is released. Eating fast foods that are low in fiber and high in refined flour, saturated fat and refined sugar, can lead to irregularity and weight gain. Eating a whole foods diet and including certain herbs and herbal teas can flush the colon of "stored" waste and help you re-establish a healthy colon. You should discuss your plans to follow a cleansing regimen with your doctor.
Drink Herbal Detox Teas
Start each day with a cup of hot water with real lemon juice squeezed into it. This can prompt a bowel movement within an hour. Or, sip herbal detox teas designed to clear the colon. Herbs such as senna, cascara sagrada, buckthorn and slippery elm can help the colon detoxify. Read all the labels for each detox tea as each will have a different strength, and do not exceed the recommended amount. Some detox teas can be consumed throughout the day, others are best at one to two cups at most. You should discuss use of these teas with your doctor, especially if you take medications or are being treated for any conditions.
Psyllium Seed Husks
For a directed colon cleanse, start each day with a tablespoon of psyllium seed husks stirred into four ounces of water and an ounce of apple juice. Drink immediately before the husks congeal. Psyllium seed husks absorb several times their weight in water and will create soft stool.
Juice organic fruits and vegetables and consume at least four or five eight-ounce glasses of fresh juices. Also, drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water. Doing this liquid cleanse for one to three days can help to cleanse the colon. Return to solid food by eating a whole foods diet.
Eat a High-Fiber Diet
Elson Haas, MD, of The New Detox Diet, has advised people to do periodic juicing to cleanse the colon safely. He also recommends a whole foods, high-fiber diet of whole vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy foods, legumes, nuts and non-saturated fats such as olive, canola and flax seed oils.
Eating soluble and insoluble fiber found in fruits and vegetables and whole grains such as brown rice, millet, oats, and quinoa will provide the roughage to cleanse the colon and remain regular.
