Home Colon Cleanse Diet

Colon cleansing is part of an overall detoxification program, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Diets. Alternative and holistic medicine advocates may consume a colon cleanse diet to eliminate built-up fecal waste and toxins from the body, but MayoClinic.com reports that scientific studies confirming the benefits of colon cleansing are lacking. In some cases, colon cleansing may even be dangerous, so talk with your doctor before starting a colon cleanse diet at home.

Purpose

Colon cleansing diets focus on restricting foods that reportedly add to the accumulation of toxins in the colon, while increasing the consumption of foods and liquids that flush out the entire digestive system. Numerous diets, including many fad diets, claim to detoxify the colon and restore vitality and energy, according to the Gale Encyclopedia.

History and Tradition

Dietary cleansing has deep roots, dating as far back as 3500 BC in ancient India, where Sanskrit records reveal it was a vital part of disease prevention, spiritual enlightenment and health care. Although colon-cleansing diets are a part of many cultures, a growing environmental movement that focuses on ridding the environment and the physical body of toxins may be the cause of a recent increased popularity of colon cleanse diets at home.

Restricted Foods

During most colon cleanse programs, dieters do not eat foods containing chemicals and preservatives. Depending upon the individual diet, the dieter eliminates junk foods, fast foods and processed foods that contain additives from his diet. Some diets do not allow the consumption of meat, fish or poultry. Coffee, sugar and alcohol may also be on the list of banned foods.

Types

In some cases, a colon cleanse diet may consist of only liquids, obtained by juicing fresh fruits and vegetables. Other colon cleanse diets allow fruits, steamed vegetables or raw foods that contain enzymes, which may aid in digestion. Mono diets focus on cleansing the system by eating only one food, usually a fruit or vegetable, for a few days.

Fad colon cleanse diets may include drinking lots of water, combined with lemon juice, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar or even cayenne pepper, which may result in loose bowel movements or diarrhea, reports the Gale Encyclopedia.

Other colon cleanse diets may rely upon eating foods high in nondigestible fiber to soften stools and increase bowel movements. Use these diets only under a doctor's supervision.

Considerations

Colon cleanse diets that cause diarrhea increase the risk of dehydration from fluid loss, states Harvard Medical School. Dieters also run the risk of not getting enough calories or nutrients. In rare cases, cleansing diets may cause metabolic acidosis, a dangerous medical condition.

Other dangers from a colon cleanse diet include an electrolyte imbalance, the disruption of intestinal flora and impaired bowel function.