Natural Colon Cleansing: Health For The Intestines

The human body contains natural cleansing mechanisms. The kidneys eliminate excess fluids, salts and wastes from the blood. The liver has specialized cells that trap bacteria and toxins from the bloodstream, break them down and eliminate them from the body. The colon, also referred to as the large intestine, works to maintain the body's fluid balance as well as to eliminate wastes from the body. Many natural health advocates believe maintaining a healthy colon is vital to a healthy body. Always consult your health care provider before starting any colon cleansing regime.

Importance of Colon Health

Natural health advocates who believe in cleansing the colon believe that toxins from the colon can contribute to a range of other health problems including asthma, allergies and arthritis. They believe that by cleansing toxins out of the colon, the body is better able to absorb nutrients and thus improve health and energy levels. When the colon is not working well, these toxins are absorbed into the blood stream instead of being eliminated. Natural health advocates also believe pesticides, chemical additives, preservatives and other chemicals from food negatively impact colon health.

Colon Cleansing Foods

Whole foods that are high in fiber help clean out the colon. Even though the human body cannot digest or absorb fiber, it is an important component of a healthy diet. Fiber comes from indigestible parts of plants and in our diet is found primarily in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Dietary fiber increases the bulk of stool matter in the colon and helps matter pass through the colon faster.

Colon Cleansing Procedures

Colon hydrotherapy, also known as a colonic or colon irrigation, is a procedure that involves cleaning the colon with filtered water. The colon hydrotherapy is performed at a health clinic with a machine designed to do this. The process is painless and does not involve drugs or chemicals. When having a colonic, a small sterile speculum is inserted a few centimeters into your rectum. This small tube then allows a gentle flow of water to enter the colon, stimulating contractions in the colon. Decay matter in the colon is expelled because of the contractions. The waste is eliminated through a waste hose so the process remains clean and sanitary. The goal of the process is to clean waste that may be stuck to the walls of the colon out of the body, leaving you with a clean and empty colon. Colon hydrotherapy also helps individuals with constipation return to regular bowel movements.

Fasting to Cleanse Colon

Liquid fasting is another way to cleanse the colon. Most liquid fasts last five to 10 days. During the fast, you consume only liquids. According to Dr. Paul Bragg, the author of "The Miracle of Fasting," the liquid fast should contain only natural fruit and vegetable juices and distilled water. These juices are not the pasteurized, bottled juices found in grocery stores. Instead, the juice should be freshly juiced from raw fruits or vegetables. Another type of liquid fast is the popular Master Cleanse detox fast. Stanley Burroughs, creator of the Master Cleanse, instructs participants to fast for at least 10 days on a lemonade mixture made from water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. The idea behind liquid fasts is that by not overworking your digestive system with the effort of breaking down food, the body will heal itself by expelling stored toxins in the system.

Considerations

If you are concerned about the health of your colon, consult a doctor to discuss options for evaluating colon health and cleansing your colon. A naturopathic doctor will be able to give you information about colon hydrotherapy and other methods.