The Best Way to Clean Out a Colon at Home

The Best Way to Clean Out a Colon at Home
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Your body's colon is a remarkable part of the digestive system which serves to remove liquid and salt from solid waste. Basically, the colon is the last stop prior to a bowel movement. Your overall health suffers when your colon does not function properly due to a buildup of toxins. A colon cleanse is an alternative medical treatment that can flush out toxins. Many people undergo colon cleansing at a medical facility or spa, but there are ways to clean out your system safely and effectively at home.

Step 1

Increase your daily intake of water. Water is essential in cleansing your colon. It serves to flush out toxins and impurities and helps the body to digest food properly. This most natural of beverages helps prevent constipation. Eat vegetables containing a lot of water, like celery, to increase your liquid consumption.

Step 2

Consume substantial meals three times a day. This will help the colon function correctly and rid the body of solid waste in regular intervals. This advice is contrary to that given for those seeking to lose weight, as eating many small meals helps keep your metabolism and energy levels high.

Step 3

Increase the Vitamin A in your diet. Dr. Ben Kim, in his article "How to Keep Your Colon Clean and Healthy," reports that an intestinal lining must produce an adequate amount of mucous to lubricate the digestive material. This lining can be compromised by insufficient vitamin A. Eat more liver, cheese, carrots and sweet potatoes to correct this deficiency.

Step 4

Restrict your diet for a week to only fruits and vegetables and healthy fats such as olive oil, to cleanse out your colon. Consume some of these items in their raw state for more effective cleansing. These foods add needed fiber and necessary fat to your diet which promotes the passing of more solid waste and, therefore, more toxins.

Step 5

Perform an at-home enema once every few months. Sally James and Nicholas Foley, naturopaths who write for Ask a Naturopath, recommend enemas for cleansing the colon and improving health. The procedure involves inserting fluid into the colon via the anus which is retained for a short period of time before being expelled.

Step 6

Add a probiotic supplement to your daily regimen. This will aid the bowels by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in your digestive system. You can find these supplements in pharmacies, online and at many health food stores.

Tips and Warnings

  • Reduce the stressors in your life which can result in constipation or diarrhea. Stress's physical effects on the body, including the digestive system, should not be ignored.
  • Do not resist when the urge to have a bowel movement occurs. Waiting can cause your system to retain toxins and may cause constipation. Limit the refined and processed foods you consume to help keep your colon healthy. Check food labels and eliminate foods that have more than a few non-natural ingredients.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Foods high in vitamin A
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Enema kit
  • Probiotic supplement

References

Article reviewed by Dan Mausner Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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