The colon is the tail end of your large intestine, and it works to pull excess water from food waste and prepare your body for a bowel movement. No question about it, your colon does a big, dirty job. For that reason, occasional cleansing is good for your colon and your overall health. It relieves constipation and helps you be more regular. Here are 7 methods to try – just don’t overdo it. Colon cleanses are best done a few times a year or as needed.
1. Herbal Teas.
These herbal teas, however, have a true laxative effect. Herbs including aloe vera, slippery elm, psyllium, and marshmallow root are often used to manage constipation. You should ask your doctor before using these, but if you get the go ahead, one cup per day is sure to keep you regular.
2. Saltwater Flush.
A saltwater flush is also great for getting things moving. It works best when taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Sea salt or Himalayan is best; you can also use Epsom salt. Within a few minutes you’ll feel the urge to go to the bathroom. If you’ve been constipated for some time, stay near the bathroom after drinking saltwater as you will likely have to go a few times.
3. Dietary Adjustment.
Foods that are high in fiber, calcium, and vitamin D support your digestive system and help prevent constipation. Great choices include broccoli, milk, raspberries, oatmeal, and dark leafy greens. Another good addition to a colon diet is food high in water, such as lettuce, celery, watermelon, and tomato.
4. Probiotics.
Probiotics are found in fermented foods like kimchi, pickles, and yogurt. They are essentially good bacteria that reduce inflammation and support regularity. You tend to lose probiotics during a colon cleanse so it’s good to push foods with a lot of them after a cleanse. A smaller daily dose can keep you regular.
5. Castor Oil Cleanse.
This one is just the ticket if you want to kick back at home with a brew and clean your colon at the same time. Mix 1/3 cup of castor oil with 1/3 cup of beer and drink the mixture quickly. Then finish that can of beer within the next 30 minutes to get the full effects. If you do drink beer, we suspect that it could help you relax during the long process.
6. Apple Juice Cleanse.
Apple juice can form the base of a pretty powerful colon cleanser, but it needs to be the raw form. Highly processed juice has none of the fruit’s original fiber left. Add to the juice one tablespoon of powdered bentonite clay and a sprinkling of psyllium. When consumed, the clay has the ability to detoxify the body from heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens.
7. Water Cleanse.
You can’t get more natural than water. Obviously you should be drinking plenty of water every day along with your meals and in between when exerting yourself. But plain water on an empty stomach often has the effect of stimulating a bowel movement. Drinking the water is ultimately safer; plenty of people have experienced punctures in their colon from having a tube shoved up the rectum.