Cleaning out the intestine --- more commonly referred to as colon cleansing --- is the practice of detoxifying the gastrointestinal tract. Proponents of colonics believe that toxins accumulate within the large intestine and contribute to a number of health conditions including asthma, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and even cancer. By increasing the rate of bowel movements, it's thought to remove the toxins, thereby improving your health and wellbeing. Prune juice isn't often used as part of this practice, but it can help to relieve constipation, which is essentially cleaning out the colon of waste.
Step 1
Drink 8 oz. of prune or plum juice each day. A study published in the 2009 Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness found that plum juice, which is similar to prune juice since prunes are simply dried plums, was effective in softening stool, thereby relieving constipation. Plum juice has 3 g of fiber per 8 oz., whereas prune juice has the same.
Step 2
Increase your fluid intake --- preferably water --- to at least 64 oz. a day. While fluid doesn't necessarily affect the consistency of your stool, getting enough of it in your diet can prevent dehydration, explains the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Even mild dehydration can lead to constipation.
Step 3
Look for ways to increase your fiber intake. Unlike many juices on the market, prune juice contains fiber. However, you still want to ensure you're getting at least 20 to 35 g per day, according to MayoClinic.com. Along with the prune juice, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains can help you reach this amount.
Step 4
Incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. Although exercise has nothing directly to do with prune juice, physical activity is known to stimulate bowel movements, which can keep you regular, thereby helping prune juice rid the colon of excess waste.
Things You'll Need
- Prune juice
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; What I Need to Know About Constipation; December 2008
- Today's Dietitian; The Top Fiber-Rich Foods List; Sharon Palmer; July 2008
- Harvard Health Publications; The Dubious Practice of Detox; June 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Colon Cleansing: Is It Helpful or Harmful?; Michael Picco; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Constipation; January 2011
- Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness; A Naturalistic, Controlled, Crossover Trial of Plum Juice versus Psyllium versus Control for Improving Bowel Function; Lawrence Cheskin, et al.; 2009
Member Comments