Also referred to as the "large intestine," the colon is the part of the digestive system where mineral salts and water are absorbed into the body. The remaining waste matter (feces) then passes into the rectum and exits the body through the anus. When your colon gets backed up or "impacted" with fecal matter and mucoid plaque, your body cannot absorb nutrients properly. You can then end up feeling sluggish and fatigued. You can cleanse your colon and digestive system in a healthy way by following some key steps.
Step 1
Stop eating junk foods. Foods that are hard to digest and have low nutrient value should be eliminated from your diet. These foods are generally high in fat, sugar and sodium. Examples are fast food, deep-fried foods, dairy products, red meats, processed meats, cakes, cookies, candy and commercially baked goods.
Step 2
Eat more fiber. A lack of fiber in the diet is one of the main causes of having an impacted colon. There are two kinds of fiber: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble does not get absorbed in water, and soluble fiber does get absorbed in water. Both help when you are trying to cleanse your colon and digestive system. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women get 21 to 25 g of fiber a day and men get 30 to 38 grams. Eat high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains to get your daily intake.
Step 3
Drink water instead of liquid calories. Avoid any beverages that are high in sugar or calories such as sweetened teas, soda, flavored coffee drinks, processed fruit drinks and alcohol. Drink water instead as it helps flush toxins from your system, aids in digestion and helps bind with fiber.
Step 4
Use herbal supplements. Natural herbs can be used to help promote evacuation, kill parasites and keep your colon and digestive system healthy. Examples of these are wormwood powder, papaya fruit, licorice root, aloe vera and psyllium husks.
Step 5
Get a high-powered enema. Colonic irrigation, also known as "colon hydrotherapy," is a treatment that takes about 60 minutes. A practitioner inserts a speculum with a hose into your rectum. Warm, mineral-rich water is then filtered into your colon to break up fecal matter. The water pressure is reversed and the waste matter is then evacuated from your body.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure the foods you eat are organic, which means they were produced with no chemicals or pesticides.
- If you use herbal supplements, be sure to take them as directed. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
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