If you haven’t heard of colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy by now, you’ve probably been hibernating for the last few years. Cleansing your colon has become a trend, whether male or female, young or old. Formerly the domain of celebrities like Princess Diana; When you enter a clinic, international hospital or spa, you will likely come across advertisements promoting the benefits of detoxifying your body through colon cleansing.
However, some people don’t like the idea of lying on a table with a pipe up their butt, effective and fashionable as it may be! While I’m not questioning the benefits of colonic irrigation, coffee enemas and the like aren’t for everyone!
So what are the alternatives?
Flipping through a women’s health magazine a few years ago, an illustration of a typical colon (for someone eating a standard western diet) was enough to send me to the pharmacy to check out their range of colon cleansing products. Here I found shelves full of natural herbal supplements and teas that pretend to do the job.
Using an herbal colon cleansing supplement is both easy to implement and maintain, not to mention a lot more convenient than regular visits to a colonic irrigation clinic (although do-it-yourself kits are now available). There is also a wide variety of herbs to choose from which are readily available both from specialty retailers and online these days. Since there are generally no harmful side effects, they are also very safe, provided of course you follow label directions. However, if you’re taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor about possible complications, as certain medications may not mix well with some supplements.
Why should I clean my colon?
Anyone who leads a stressful lifestyle or has eaten a typical western diet of low fiber, high fat, sugar products, white flour, microwaved and fried foods for years probably has a significant buildup of toxic waste in the colon. Such diets reduce the efficiency of our colon, and as a result, our waste products harden and clog our digestive system.
Our colon takes what we eat and separates the usable products from our digested food and puts them back into our bloodstream. All waste should then be eliminated quickly, but the problem arises when toxins and bacteria build up through a sluggish or blocked colon, allowing them to back up into our bodies and poison our systems. Put simply, the more toxins in our bodies, the more likely we are to develop disease. Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, blemished skin, fatigue, joint pain and unwanted weight gain can all be symptoms of a blocked colon.
Since cleansing your colon is all the hype today, many of us have heard horror stories about how much and how severe this waste product buildup can be. What’s often referred to as a “hammer belly” or “spare tire” may actually be a bloated colon caused by years of toxic waste accumulation. Because of this, some people not only feel a lot healthier after a successful colon cleanse, they often lose a significant amount of weight as well!
colon cleansing herbs
There are numerous colon cleansing herbs on the market, and while all commercial herbal supplements basically claim to do the same job, it’s worth doing a little research to find out which ones are right for you. It is important to educate yourself and possibly consult a doctor as it is useful to remember that what works for one person may not be as successful for you. Depending on your budget and your own particular diet and lifestyle, some herbal formulas are more appropriate than others. For example, if your diet is low in fiber, you may benefit from taking a Pysllium supplement to provide you with the fiber you need.
- A widely used natural cleanser, Pysllium is very effective due to its high fiber content. It acts as a lubricant for the colon, allowing waste to pass through freely. Pysllium is very harsh on uncooperative bowels, adding bulk to waste and helping to maintain regular bowel movements. It can also relieve hunger pangs and relieve chronic symptoms like diarrhea and colitis. Psyllium husks can be drunk in teas, water or milk, they are also a common ingredient in herbal supplements.
- Flaxseed or flaxseed cleanses the colon and promotes overall health by cleansing the liver. It aids in digestion and turns into a soft, jelly-like substance that helps move material through the intestines.
- Slippery Elm helps normalize stool in the colon and softens any dried waste residue. It helps with both constipation and diarrhea and relieves stomach inflammation.
- Dandelion is another excellent natural herb that cleanses both the colon and the liver.
- Licorice root is also a popular ingredient in pills and supplements, a natural detoxifier that acts as a laxative.
Whatever colon cleansing herbs you choose, be patient. It can take days, weeks, or even months to reap the full benefits of ridding your body of unwanted waste. While one person’s body reacts quickly, another takes longer. All herbal formulas should be used in moderation to avoid dehydration from excess bowel movements, and it’s important not to exceed the dose stated on the label.
Natural herbal supplements offer you a simple, natural alternative to colonic irrigation. It takes some research and experimentation to find what works best for you, but they can all be conveniently incorporated into your diet. When you begin a colon cleansing program, you should feel a marked improvement in your overall health and well-being as you begin to remove the toxic toxins from your body.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any health problem. It is important to consult a professional doctor when in doubt.
Thanks to Gill Hart
