How Do You Cleanse Your Colon?
If you’re seeking to detoxify your body, you might be interested in colon cleansing. Here are the main ins and outs of this popular approach.
According to Florida Atlantic University, colon cleansing can help boost vitality and improve weight loss. A variety of methods exist to help you do this – however, before getting started with any of them, it’s always best to discuss your plans with your doctor and let him or her give you advice for your individual situation.
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Colon cleansing begins with a twenty-four hour fast. During this time, it’s vital to drink plenty of fluid in order to stay hydrated – most experts recommend two liters of water daily. Once the fast has ended, eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables for a week. The object here is to get plenty of fiber into your system, which in turn more effectively flushes toxins from your body. Make sure you’re also exercising during this time, though you won’t want to attempt a vigorous workout. Instead, walking can be helpful, with fifteen minutes or more an optimal amount of time.
Cleansing-Program Options
Cleansing programs can last for as little as three days, as with the Fruit Flush, or up to as many as 40 days or more, as claimed by some veterans of the Lemonade Diet.
If you choose to detoxify through a natural program, you’ll be using cleansing supplements such as psyllium as well as herbs. You can also choose to use home detoxification remedies, which can be as simple as increasing the amount of fiber you take in or adding diet supplements to your daily routine. Incorporating probiotics, also known as good bacteria, can prove helpful for natural programs as well as home remedies.
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You might also choose to go the commercial route. There is a wide array of commercial cleansing programs on the market, so you’ll want to choose carefully.
Here are a few commercial cleansing products:
- Dr. Natura’s Colonix Program - Made of psyllium husk, this fiber-based colon cleanser also includes senna and other herbs. Many online reviews claim the program offers fast results – typically within the first few days – and helps eliminate parasites while detoxifying. Other reviewers say the program helps with weight loss, with some saying they’ve lost between 10 and 15 pounds in a month. Dr. Natura’s Colonix Program costs $88 for a three-month supply.
- Oxypowder, an oxygen-based, best colon cleanse program. It can be effective for constipation, but should not be used by those who do not need to lose weight. The program does use fiber, however, which is a beneficial cleansing agent, and is easy to use – you just swallow flavorless capsules. OxyPowder costs $42 for 120 vegetarian capsules.
- Dual Action Cleanse - This dual-part system is considered a good short-term solution for constipation and helpful for those with minor constipation. However, it is not considered effective as part of a colon-cleansing regimen, and requires probiotic supplements such as Toxinout.
What Should I Expect?
During a cleansing program, you’ll be consuming a lot of fluids and fiber, which includes raw fruit and vegetables. You might also experience the following:
- Bloating, which should subside after the first few days
- Passing something resembling a tapeworm, which is leftover parasite matter that has accumulated in the body
- Weight loss.
After you’ve finished with the program, here are some benefits you can expect:
- Continued weight loss
- Increased energy
- Purified blood
- Fewer headaches
- A renewed and possibly increased commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
