Healthcare practitioners usually require a colon cleanse before a patient undergoes certain procedures, like a colonoscopy. A colon cleanse flushes out everything in your colon, also known as your large intestine. Many people also opt for this procedure to flush out toxins, especially those suffering from headaches, bloating, constipation, or low energy levels. Some even undergo this procedure to help them lose weight. And it can be done naturally, from the comfort of home.
People have been doing colon cleanses since ancient Egypt, around 1500 BC. Egyptians believed it improved your overall health and was often used to address anxiety and various health issues.
Fast forward to the early 1900’s in the USA, and colon cleansing became quite common. From the 1960’s onward, however, there was a sharp decline in colon cleansing due to the advent of laxatives and enemas.1
Yet in recent years, there has been an increase in interest in natural colon cleansing procedures. Anecdotally, many report an increase in their overall health and a decline in various health symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal problems, after a cleanse.
Please note, however, that not much scientific research supports claims about the benefits of a colon cleanse.2
Colon hydrotherapy is a procedure whereby a healthcare professional uses tubes to cleanse your colon with water. This procedure aims to clear the area of fecal matter. The water often contains other substances to facilitate the process. The water and other matter within the colon are then expelled through an additional tube in the rectum. Medical practitioners often use this procedure for patients having to undergo other procedures involving the colon.
However, a colon cleanse at home is typically less invasive than hydrotherapy. There are several options to choose from.
Many colon and gut health issues relate to inflammation and gut dysfunction. Gut dysfunction often arises due to inflammation of the gut lining, leaky gut syndrome, or an imbalance in the intestinal microbiome, or gut bacteria. In many cases, detoxification may help improve gut health and associated symptoms.
The colon and liver are two of the main organs involved in the detoxification process. During detoxification, your body gets rid of toxins. A buildup of toxins results in inflammation and many health issues that may seem unrelated. A colon cleanse is one method of detoxification and may help address symptoms of toxic build-up.3
Common symptoms of a toxin buildup in the body include the following:
Inflammation is due to your Immune system’s response to foreign pathogens. It is regulated by the Inflammation circuit of the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response, composed of your gastrointestinal tract, microbiome, and immune system.
Inflammation of itself is a good thing. It tells you that your immune system is working. But if the inflammation persists long term, it creates new health problems and could lead to multiple issues.
Many health issues can be connected to inflammation, including:
In many cases, inflammation starts in the gut. Thus, addressing gut health may help symptoms throughout the body.
Colon cleansing may have several health benefits including:
Decreased toxic buildup (which may help reduce inflammation)It is important to note that a healthy colon regularly removes toxins and cleanses itself in the process of having a bowel movement. This process maintains a healthy gut microbiome, or the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. The microbiome is necessary to maintain a healthy immune system and prevent inflammation. A colon cleanse can, however, change your microbiome, as it can also flush out beneficial bacteria.
While some natural colon cleanses are likely safe, more invasive types and mechanical colon irrigation can have risks. You may also need to be cautious about considering a colon cleanse if you:
A colon cleanse may also have various side effects. These include the following:
Dehydration is a fairly common hazard. So, please remember to drink plenty of water or electrolyte solution when undergoing a colon cleanse.
You do not have to see a professional to do a colon cleanse at home. Some of these methods are also more natural and less invasive ways to ensure your gut stays clean and healthy, often without the risk of destroying good gut bacteria. We will look at some of these options.
An enema involves flushing your colon with water manually. You can buy an enema kit at a pharmacy. The kit should have instructions included as to usage. You can use various natural enema solutions. A good one to try is four cups of warm water with two teaspoons of salt.
It is best to talk to your healthcare provider before doing this type of procedure on yourself, however. This is also the most invasive natural colon cleanse and carries the most risks.
Several drinks can help with colon cleansing.
In a bowl, mix a teaspoon of salt, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and two cups of water. Drink the mixture and wait for a bowel movement to start. It may start within a few minutes. This mixture can help flush out waste and toxins.
To a glass of warm water, add two tablespoons each of honey and apple cider vinegar. Having this drink before bedtime could help encourage a bowel movement in the morning.
The most natural way to a healthy, clean colon is by eating vegetables, fruit, and grains that are high in fiber and promote bowel movements. Foods high in fiber and antioxidants include the following:
You should also eat foods high in probiotics and digestive enzymes. These foods facilitate gut health by breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Examples of such foods include:
PineappleHerbal Teas
Many herbal teas have laxative effects that will promote colon cleansing. Examples include:
Camomile tea, commonly known for its calming effect, may also help improve soothe gut problems.
Certain supplements may help protect the lining of your gut while promoting natural bowel movements. A good example of this is Adrenal Gut Restore. You could also consider taking probiotics to restore gut flora balance. Many health issues result from gut dysbiosis, and imbalance of gut bacteria.
Other supplements that may promote gut health include the following:
Low magnesium levels may impair enzyme function in the gastrointestinal tract. Magnesium plays an important role in the movement of food throughout your entire gastrointestinal tract. It also helps to facilitate peristalsis, or the movement of your intestine to promote defecation.
Drink plenty of water. Water makes up over 55 percent of an adult human body. Blood is around fifty percent water. In addition to this, water plays an important role in maintaining gut health. It helps prevent constipation and facilitates the movement of waste and toxins out of the body.
You are also more vulnerable to dehydration if you have recently undergone a colon cleanse procedure, so try to get at least eight glasses of water a day.
While colon hydrotherapy may have its place in a healthcare routine, you can also ensure a healthy colon at home. Eating high-fiber fruits and vegetables, foods with probiotics and enzymes, using certain herbs and supplements, and staying hydrated can promote colon cleansing. However, if you are considering a more invasive colon cleanse, do talk to your doctor first, as it can have negative side effects.
If you would like to know more about how to do a colon cleanse and the pros and cons, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.
Admin. “History of Colon Cleanse.” Colonic Hydrotherapy Melbourne, 27 Feb. 2019, colonicshydrotherapy.com.au/history-of-colon-cleanse/#:~:text=Cleaning%20the%20colon%20is%20estimated,cure%20fever%2C%20anxiety%20and%20illness.
Kulkarni, Ketan. The Journal of Lancaster General Hospital, vol. 9, no. 2. https://www.jlgh.org/Past-Issues/Volume-9---Issue-2/Colon-Cleansing.aspx#1.
“Colon Cleansing: A Popular, but Misunderstood Natural Therapy.” PubMed, 2006, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17182488/#:~:text=The%20concept%20of%20cleansing%20is,membranes%20of%20the%20GI%20tract.
An invasive colon cleanse may actually worsen or create a gut flora imbalance, but a natural cleanse may help. Some cleanses could flush out both good and bad bacteria. However, probiotics may offer a solution.
