Despite the importance of our colon, we tend to ignore it. Sometimes, we neglect even the obvious signs of a problem, like persistent bloating or irregularity. When it comes to our digestive health, we assume that the body will take care of the problem. But if we do not do our part, the problem will only get worse.
The Problem of an Unclean Colon
The reason why the colon needs our attention is simple. A problem in the colon can give rise to a host of different diseases affecting both the digestive tract and other body systems. When the waste and toxins that accumulate in our colon do not get eliminated in a timely and efficient manner, our bowels become clogged. As a result, the colon can no longer absorb water, vitamins, and minerals into the blood. This can translate into nutrient deficiencies, fluid imbalance, and indigestion.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A toxic colon can cause unnecessary stress on the heart, affect the lungs, cause bad breath, make you gain weight, disrupt your sleep, and even bring about memory problems, mood swings, and fatigue. Improper toxin elimination means extra work for the liver. Weak muscles and stiff joints can also be side effects of your colon intoxication—or rather, autointoxication or self-poisoning.
As a result, you end up in a sort of cul-de-sac. You need clean blood to maintain your health, but to have clean blood, you need to have a healthy colon.
The Secret behind a Clean Colon
First, as with any other health problem, it is always easier to avert a crisis rather than deal with its aftermath. If your colon does not cause any trouble, ensure you continue supporting its healthy functioning. Prevention, in most cases, is all about lifestyle. What we eat and how we live substantially affect our colon.
Ideally, the transit time of food through the digestive system should be under 24 hours. However, for many people nowadays, this is a target that is hard to reach. One culprit is the food we eat.
The popularity of processed foods means we ingest loads of sugar and not enough enzymes and fiber. At the end of the day, you end up with waste accumulation in the colon.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your colon clean:
- Drink more water to promote regularity
- Cut your processed red meat intake to avoid irritation of the bowels
- Snack on walnuts—believe it or not, they can act as a probiotic
- Avoid chemical laxatives and antacids
- Go for regular colon cancer screening starting at the age of 50
Benefits of a Natural Colon Cleanse
A natural colon cleanse can tremendously affect one’s overall health and well-being. It helps to support digestive health by flushing out toxins and supporting colon walls, regulating natural waste elimination within the colon, reducing gastrointestinal discomfort and bloating, supporting immune system health, increasing energy levels, and improving mental clarity. Incorporating even a few natural colon cleansing practices into your lifestyle can benefit your life.
Natural Remedies to Clean Your Colon at Home
Hydration
Staying hydrated is one of the most important steps to kickstart a colon clean. Water helps your colon flush out toxins and excess waste, reducing health risks such as colon cancer. The risk of colon cancer can be reduced by drinking adequate water daily, as it loosens and absorbs hard-to-release stool.
Not only that, but being hydrated helps to keep other organs functioning properly, ensuring toxic buildup is avoided and promoting regular bowel movements, which are essential for overall colon health. If you want to experience the natural benefits of a colon cleanse, start from the top and stay hydrated!
High Fiber Diet
Eating a high-fiber diet is one of the best things you can do to keep your colon clean. Fiber helps absorb water, making the stool softer and more regular. Keeping your colon clean reduces the symptoms associated with constipation and colon-related illnesses such as colon cancer.
Additionally, soluble fiber absorbs toxins and the buildup of fats in the colon, preventing further colonization and maintaining healthy bacteria. Eating foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes are great sources of a variety of fibers needed to keep your colon clean. So, if you want to start a natural colon cleanse, think high fiber.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are an effective, natural way of colon cleansing. Drinking herbal teas to clean your colon can help support healthy digestion and regularity. Certain teas contain a combination of colon-supportive herbs, including psyllium husk, slippery elm bark, fennel seeds, and peppermint leaves.
Drinking these teas frequently or using them as a colon cleanse can help flush out toxins while promoting optimal gut health. Fasting with herbal teas is another form of colon cleansing that can be beneficial both physically and spiritually. Herbal teas provide a gentle yet effective way to keep your colon in top shape, so try having one (or more!) today!
Saltwater Flush
A saltwater flush is a popular colon cleanse used to help relieve constipation. This process involves flushing the colon with a mixture of salt and water which helps nourish the colon environment and encourages increased hydration. When used on a regular basis, a saltwater flush can be an effective way to naturally detoxify the colon and promote healthy digestion. It is also said to reduce bloating and improve gut health, making it an appealing choice for those seeking colon cleansing benefits. This simple but powerful technique involves drinking a liter of warm water mixed with two teaspoons of sea salt (which contains essential electrolytes). By following the directions carefully, you can reap the maximum benefits of a natural colon cleanse.
Ginger
Adding ginger to your diet is an effective way to improve colon health through natural means. Ginger aids digestion and works as a powerful detoxification agent; its unique chemical makeup can help clear debris and increase colon functioning. This makes it the perfect ingredient in a colon cleanse, as you can use the fruit and its extract to flush out toxins and support colon health. An added bonus? Ginger has many other medicinal benefits, all of which are advantageous when a colon cleaning takes place.
Fish Oil
A fish oil colon cleanse is a gentle yet effective way to cleanse without putting any pressure on your colon. Fish oil contains essential fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, which have anti-inflammatory benefits helping soothe an irritable colon. Compared with other colon cleansing methods, a fish oil colon clean can be easily incorporated into your diet. Simply take a supplement daily or increase your intake of oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines.
There is a reason why experts consider the vegetarian diet a good preventive strategy against digestive problems and even colon cancer. Lots of veggies mean lots of fiber, and fiber is everything when it comes to colon health.
When the microorganisms populating the digestive tract do not get enough fiber, they use up the mucous layer lining the intestines, exposing the colon walls to dangerous bacteria. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed with the fiber you need. This does not mean you have to become vegetarian, but shifting your dietary focus toward the greener side can make a big difference in your colon health.