The purpose of a colon cleanse, as part of a detox diet, is to eat pure and natural foods that will aid the body in the task of clearing away toxins and poisons that might have been built up over time. Dietary fiber is an integral part of the diet in order to clean out the colon.
Fiber
Dietary fiber is the indigestible carbohydrate component found in the cells of plants. There are two main types: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, both of which contain very little nutritional value on their own. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and slows the absorption of food. Insoluble fiber cannot dissolve in water, so it is primarily used to add bulk to the diet.
Psyllium
A psyllium husk is the outer covering of a seed from the blond psyllium plant that can be used for medicinal purposes. According to Medline Plus, evidence suggests that psyllium alone can effectively relieve constipation and improve stool consistency by imitating a laxative for people with hemorrhoids, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and many medical conditions.
Features
Psyllium is a good source of soluble fiber, which becomes gelatinous and sticky in water. When it is broken down in the large bowels, the soluble fiber from psyllium becomes a food source for the bacteria that live in the colon. These healthy bacteria bulk up the stool, which creates a larger, softer stool that is easier to pass. However, psyllium also has some insoluble fiber, which passes largely intact through the colon and speeds up transit time.
Significance
Psyllium is a type of food, similar to oats and flax seed, that is rich in both types of fiber. Other foods tend to contain mostly one or the other. For example, whole grains are much richer in insoluble fiber, and fruits tend to contain soluble fiber. Psyllium is also a superior source of dietary fiber on the whole. A single 2 tbsp. serving contains 16 g, which is at least half of the recommended daily intake. This is the way in which it derives most of the differences from other fiber foods. For the purpose of a colon cleanse twice a week, psyllium is simply one of the most useful foods that you can eat.
Warning
One downside is that psyllium may not be right for everybody. In some people it can have the reverse effect of its intentions by causing gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and nausea. Other people may have an allergic response with the appearance of symptoms such as swollen nasal passages, sneezing, swollen eyelids, hives and asthma. You should seek medical attention if you develop flushing, severe itching, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the face or body, chest and throat tightness or loss of consciousness.
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