Organic Colon Cleanse & Detox

If you are experiencing indigestion, constipation or other digestive problems you may want to try an organic colon cleanse. According to "Diet and Nutrition," periodic colon cleansing has a long history in natural medicine. However, there is not conclusive clinical evidence that colon cleansing helps indigestion or other medical problems.

Why Cleanse

According to "Diet and Nutrition" by Rudolph Ballentine MD, a seasonal colon cleanse may eliminate toxins from your body that could contribute to fatigue, a weakened immune system, digestive problems and chronic ailments. Ballentine recommends doing a colon cleanse every few months or more frequently if you feel sluggish or have digestive problems. You should consult with your own doctor before trying a colon cleanse.

The Colon

Your colon, or large intestine, is the pathway that all digested food passes through before leaving the body as waste. The colon is responsible for eliminating toxins and completing the process of digestion. Many bacteria and other microorganisms live inside the colon and participate in the process of digestion and removal of toxins. Certain types of micro-organisms are beneficial, while others are not, says Ballentine. If you are experiencing digestive difficulties you may have a problem with build-up of harmful microorganisms or simply too much waste in the colon that the colon could not properly eliminate.

Cleansers

There are a variety of organic colon cleansing systems available on the market. Most of them work on the principle of stimulating peristalsis--the movement that results in elimination of feces--along with a fibrous substances that will serve a a kind of scrubber to clean toxins and waste from the walls of the colon. Many colon cleansers also contain herbs that may help to eliminate toxins in the colon.

Organic Herbs

According to "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies," organic herbs that may stimulate peristalsis and clean the mucous membranes of the colon include psyllium seeds and husks, fennel seed, slippery elm and senna. Senna and psyllium are the strongest of these. Do not give them to children or pregnant women and use them cautiously for a limited amount of time only. Combining senna or psyllium with ginger, slippery elm or fennel may ease the harshness of cleansing. Slippery elm and psyllium seeds both produce mucus in the colon, which functions to remove wastes and soothe the colon walls. Talk to your doctor before starting a colon cleanse.

Post-cleansing

Ballentine suggests that you follow a colon cleanse with a consumption of probiotics. Probiotics are foods that contain a high level of beneficial bacteria that may help digestion and support a healthy colon. Probiotic foods include yogurt, natural miso, unpasteurized sauerkraut, kvass and kefir. Eating a small amount of probiotic-rich foods every day may help your colon to do its job better and keep toxins and waste out of your body. There is not conclusive clinical evidence about the effectiveness of probiotics for colon health, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Precautions

According to mayoclinic.com, cleansing your colon may put you at risk for dehydration. So, consume plenty of water if you choose to do a colon cleanse. Get a list of the ingredients contained in any colon cleansers to check for safety and don't use a colon cleanse to replace conventional treatments. There is not conclusive clinical evidence that cleansing the colon effectively treats any medical conditions. Talk to your doctor before trying a colon cleanse.