5 Things You Need to Know About Safe Colon Cleanse Remedies

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1. Keep it Moving

Having a clean colon is a key to good health. There are many colon-cleansing products on the market, but finding one that is safe is another story. Perhaps the simplest cleansing method is to eat a healthful diet full of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. Avoiding sugar, processed foods and heavy meats is a good way to keep things moving out. Cleansing your colon through diet may take a few weeks. By continuing your healthful diet, you can keep constipation from causing toxins to build up in your body.

2. Kill the Bugs

Natural herbal supplements can flush out parasites and fill your gut with probiotics, which are good bacteria that aid digestion. Some of the safe, colon cleansing herbs include psyllium husk or seeds, flax seeds, slippery elm and Cascara Sagrada. Taking one or more of these herbs regularly along with a healthful diet can keep your colon healthy and free from build up.

3. Get on the Fast Track

Fasting helps flush out your colon. Juice fasting for a few days and gradually adding foods one at a time back into your diet will help cleanse your colon and detoxify your body. This allows your colon to rest and relax. During your fast, you should take probiotic and enzyme supplements to keep the good bacteria alive in your colon. Check with your health care provider before you fast. If you're diabetic, nursing or pregnant, fasting is not a good idea.

4. Clean Your Colon with Clay

Bentonite clay will absorb water and collect toxins and pesticides that are in your colon and carry them out. While your taking bentonite, it is important to drink lots of water since the clay absorbs water from your colon and may cause constipation if you don't hydrate. Check with your doctor before taking bentonite since it can aggravate some medications and medical conditions.

5. Flush it Down the Drain

Enemas and colonics are quick ways to eliminate waste from your colon. Many people give themselves enemas using coffee or warm water. However, there are clinics that offer colonics. Before you decide to have a colonic or enema, you should talk to your health care provider. There are some medical conditions where a colonic may be dangerous, such as pregnancy, cancer or diverticulitis. If you choose to have a colonic, check the credentials of your colon therapist to make sure she has had the proper training.

About this Author

J.R. Waggoner practiced family medicine for 30 years then embarked on a second career as a medical journalist and author. He has written a number of op/eds that have appeared in The Journal of the American Medical Association as well as many national publications. In 2007 he published a book, Medical Metamorphosis--The three step cure for America's health care crisis.

Last updated on: 11/18/09

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