Colon cleansing has become a way to improve your overall health, according to the Cleansing Clinic. People that do regular colon cleansing claim to lose weight, feel more energy and feel less bloating and gas in their abdomens. There are a few options to choose from when considering a colon cleanse: diet, supplements and colonic treatments. All three methods claim to clean out your colon and promote health in various ways.
Colon Cleanse Diets
Puristat Digestive Wellness Center is an example of a colon cleansing and detoxification diet for improved health and internal function. On this program, you eat only fruit, in unlimited quantities, until noon. After that you can have healthy meals of lean protein and vegetables or complex carbohydrates and vegetables. They advise that you do not eat carbohydrates and proteins at the same meal because they digest at different rates. They further recommend that you do not eat for two to three hours before bedtime and drink half your body weight in fluids each day.
Colon Cleanse Supplements
There are many choices of colon cleanse supplements on the market. They promote bowel movements to rid your body of accumulated debris that causes bloat, excess weight and toxins. They are found in pill or capsule form and the ingredients vary from product to product. You may take two or more pills per day depending on which product you choose and may do this for one day or up to 21 days depending on the length of your cleanse. You will have an increased number of bowel movements while on the product.
Colonics
Colonics are a mechanical method of cleansing your colon of impacted debris. They are performed at a clinic where you are monitored and assisted. You may have one treatment or go back on a regular basis, depending on your needs. A small tube is inserted into your anus and warm water is flushed directly into your colon to break up feces. It is then evacuated through a tube until empty.
Healthy Diet Recommendations
Nancy Clark, MS, RD advises a healthy, balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Adequate fiber will keep your digestive tract functioning properly and can be consumed in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. There is no scientific evidence against combining foods for improved colon health, according to the Mayo Clinic. So make healthy, balanced choices at each meal. Choose lean sources of protein and heart-healthy unsaturated fats and complex carbohydrates.
Considerations
Before you try a colon cleanse or diet, consider your goals and current health. If you are on medications, or are being treated for a chronic medical condition, speak to your physician before beginning a colon cleanse. Do not do a colon cleanse if you are pregnant. Also avoid mixing different products or taking more than the recommended dosage. Take care to drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration, and if you feel any adverse effects such as dizziness or nausea, stop use immediately.
References
- Puristat: The Basic Colon Cleanse Detoxification Diet
- Mayo Clinic: Colon Cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?
- Compare Colon Cleansing Products: Choosing Colon Cleanse
- High Colonic.org: High Colonic
- "Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook"; Nancy Clark, MS,RD; 2008



Member Comments