16 ways to cleanse your colon at home

The practice of colon cleansing dates back to ancient Greece. In modern times, this procedure gained popularity in the early 1990s. At that time, the theory was very popular that cleansing the intestines helps treat almost all diseases, prevents the appearance of new ailments, and also slows down the aging of the body. Years have passed and the theory has not become evidence-based, but many “followers” ​​around the world continue to believe that colon cleansing helps improve health. So who and in what cases may need intestinal cleansing, what procedures exist, and what is more of it - potential benefit or harm?

Colon cleansing: benefit or harm

Colon cleansing is a set of measures aimed at removing accumulated waste from the colon and intestinal tract.

Content:

• Colon cleansing: benefit or harm
• Colon cleansing methods
• Supposed benefits of colon cleansing
• Possible risks and disadvantages of cleaning
• What's the best thing to do for your gut?
• Colon cleansing products
• conclusions

Colon cleansing owes its popularity primarily to the theory of autointoxication of the human body. This theory states that undigested meat and other foods lead to the formation of excessive mucus in the intestines. And it, in turn, contributes to the accumulation of toxins that penetrate the bloodstream, poisoning the entire body. Symptoms such as fatigue, headache, weight gain, and lack of energy are often considered a signal of the presence of toxins in the body. But nevertheless, the theory of autointoxication has not found support in modern traditional medicine. On the contrary, experts remind that the liver neutralizes toxins in the body, and the specific intestinal microflora detoxifies food waste without outside help.

In addition, it is widely believed that regular colon cleanses can improve your immune system, lose weight, and even prevent colon cancer. Meanwhile, doctors are very skeptical about this theory.

But there are times when a colon cleanse is actually necessary. In general, cleaning may be necessary before certain medical procedures, such as colonoscopies.

Procedure

Manipulation cannot be called pleasant. In most cases, it causes discomfort that you have to put up with. If the patient experiences sufficient pain, then the procedure should be paused by turning off the tap on the tube. After the pain has subsided, fluid administration can be resumed. Massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction with light circular movements will help prevent discomfort.

After preparing the site for the manipulation, selecting the tip and assembling the device, the prepared solution is carefully poured into the container of the Esmarch mug, making sure that no air remains in the tube. Then:

• the tip is lubricated with Vaseline;
• the patient is placed on the couch on his side with the leg bent to the stomach, or placed in a knee-elbow position;
• lubricate the anus with gel (cream, Vaseline);
• spreading the buttocks, carefully insert the tip no more than 7-8 cm and squeeze the buttocks, holding the tip;
• open the tap so that the liquid flows into the intestines slowly;
• if the patient complains of painful sensations, distension, then the injection of the solution is suspended, waiting for the pain to subside, the procedure is continued;
• when the required amount of liquid is injected, the tip is smoothly removed, continuing to squeeze the buttocks;
• In order for the substance to be evenly distributed throughout the intestines, you should lightly massage your stomach, if possible, you can walk around the room for about 20 minutes, and then defecate on the toilet, bedpan, or use a toilet chair.

Colon cleansing methods

Colon cleansing can be done in two ways:

• consuming certain foods, medications and dietary supplements;
• using special hydro procedures.

The first method is based on the use of certain foods, herbal teas, dietary supplements or medications with a laxative effect. For example, in preparation for a colonoscopy, the doctor may prescribe the patient laxatives (bisacodyl, polyethylene glycol, magnesium citrate), which increase intestinal motility, thereby facilitating its rapid cleansing. In addition, magnesia, bentonite clay and other agents are used to cleanse the colon.

In addition to medications, natural remedies are often used to achieve a laxative effect. It has been known since ancient times that some plants and extracts from them make the intestines work faster. The effectiveness and safety of some herbal remedies have been scientifically proven. For example, in traditional medicine, to achieve a laxative effect, patients may be advised to use ginger, ginseng, maltose syrup, and Sichuan pepper extract. In Chinese medicine, hemp seeds are used to speed up bowel function, and in our region, mint or senna are often used for cleansing.

If colon cleansing does not have medical indications, but is solely a person’s initiative and is carried out “for prevention,” then it is better to rely on a diet rich in fiber. This is the safest way to cleanse your colon at home.

The second method of cleansing involves the use of enemas. For hydrotherapy, you can use either plain water or add vitamins, probiotics, enzymes, herbal decoctions, and citric acid to it. In medicine, this method of intestinal cleansing is usually used in cases where taking laxatives is impossible or does not give the desired result. The procedure may be prescribed to people taking drugs such as morphine or oxycodone, as they impair intestinal motility, causing patients to suffer from constipation.

Esmarch mug for treating children

The device is quite often used in the treatment of children, since it allows medications to be administered directly into the intestines, due to which the time before the medicine begins to act is significantly reduced. In addition, not all children can take tablets or other solid dosage forms. For example, by introducing a liquid into the child’s body, the temperature of which is 2-3ºC lower than the baby’s, you can reduce it. It is best to track fluid readings using an electronic water thermometer, which provides more accurate results.

Infants, especially those who are bottle-fed, often have constipation and digestive problems, since even adapted formulas are more difficult to digest than breast milk. In school-age children, constipation occurs as a result of poor nutrition.

To make a correct diagnosis, specialists practice a diagnostic enema. For example, during X-ray examinations, a contrast agent is injected into the previously cleaned intestine, which facilitates the examination.

Possible risks and disadvantages of cleaning

Despite the fact that many perceive colon cleansing as a panacea for many health problems, most gastroenterologists are in no hurry to advise patients on this procedure. And they have at least three reasons for this.

First, there is no scientific evidence that colonic lavage improves patient health or is an effective treatment for chronic diseases.

Secondly, after cleansing, not only potentially harmful substances are washed out of the intestines, but also healthy microflora. But without it, the human body actually becomes vulnerable and prone to developing various diseases, and the activity of the immune system directly depends on the state of the intestinal microflora.

Third, if water cleansing is not done correctly, it can cause serious health problems, including colon perforation.

Colon cleansing should absolutely not be carried out if you have the following diseases:

• diverticulitis;
• ulcerative colitis;
• Crohn's disease;
• severe hemorrhoids;
• tumors in the sigmoid or rectum;
• severe heart or kidney disease.

Causes of slagging

Store shelves are filled every day with new products that are potentially dangerous to people. The percentage of carcinogens, nitrates and pesticides in food is also increasing. Consumption of canned food, semi-finished products, and fast food leads to intestinal obstruction and helps pathogenic bacteria accumulate.

Excess proteins, fats and carbohydrates lead to rotting of food in the body. A sedentary lifestyle leads to stagnation or constipation.

And, of course, it is worth mentioning bad habits that interfere with the functioning of internal organs and slow down the absorption of nutrients.

To identify the causes and make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the stool for the presence of microorganisms and toxins. Clostridium difficile is considered the causative agent of many serious diseases, ranging from diarrhea to ulcerative colitis. In a laboratory study, the concentrations of toxin A and toxin B in feces are determined separately using an immunoassay. Clostridial analysis will help to more accurately determine the treatment method.

What's the best thing to do for your gut?

Experts say that what a person eats is much more important for the intestines, and not what he does with the colon. A healthy diet can improve overall well-being, promote weight loss and prevent many diseases, including cancer.

For people with a variety of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation and diverticulitis, it is important to focus on fiber-rich foods. Experts estimate that your daily diet should contain 25-30 g of fiber (for comparison, most people only consume about 15 g of fiber per day). You can increase the amount of this substance in your diet through vegetables, fruits, bran and whole grains. In addition, the intestines will be very grateful if the diet contains a lot of liquid and a minimum of alcohol.

Colon cleansing products

Green leafy vegetables

Spinach, kale (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, savoy), asparagus, leeks, lettuce and other vegetables in this group are rich in chlorophyll, which helps cleanse the intestinal tract and soothe irritable bowels. In addition, these vegetables are beneficial for the liver and as a natural defense against toxins. Products from this group can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed, added to soups and stews, but they are also beneficial when combined with vegetable oil, such as olive oil.

Ginger

Ginger has antiseptic properties and also stimulates digestion. It can be added to any juice or consumed without additives. Ginger tea is very beneficial for the intestines (take 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger and natural honey per glass of hot water). Also, to improve the functioning of the intestines, a smoothie made from 1 tablespoon of chopped ginger, 1 apple, a bunch of spinach, 1 carrot and 1 glass of water is suitable. To gently cleanse the intestines, this drink should be drunk daily.

Apple-lemon juice

Apples and lemons are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, antioxidants and fiber. They, among other things, improve intestinal motility. Therefore, to stimulate the functioning of the colon, it is useful to drink lemon and apple juices. For example, you can make a drink with half a glass of apple juice, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Mix all ingredients and dilute with half a glass of warm water. Drinking this cocktail once a day is enough to improve your intestinal health.

Apple vinegar

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar helps cleanse the body of waste and toxins without disturbing healthy microflora. For people who want to cleanse their intestines, it is useful to take a remedy made from apple cider vinegar and honey, taken in equal quantities (2 tablespoons each) and 1 glass of water. By the way, this drink is useful not only for the large intestine, but also for the whole body, as it helps strengthen the immune system and reduce cholesterol.

Raw vegetable juices

To cleanse the intestines, the best juice is made from raw spinach, beets, carrots, tomato or cucumber. They can be used either individually or mixed. But it is important that the juices are freshly prepared and do not contain preservatives or other food additives. To achieve a laxative effect, you should drink several glasses of a vitamin drink a day.

Sea salt and water

Water plays an important role in detoxifying the body. If the body is dehydrated, toxins penetrate more easily, including into the intestinal walls. To ensure optimal functioning of the intestinal tract, you need to drink about 2 liters of water daily. If you add sea salt to water (1 teaspoon per 500 ml of water) and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach, it gives a laxative effect. The fact is that the absorption of salt water increases the contraction of the intestines, thereby accelerating the elimination of accumulated toxins and feces.

Flax and chia seeds

Both of these products contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in the colon and remove accumulated toxins. In addition, the seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which, when released into the intestinal tract, causes a laxative effect.

The easiest way to consume the seeds is to add them to salads, baked goods and other dishes. Even more beneficial for the intestines is a mixture of seeds and natural yogurt. To do this, pour 1 tablespoon of seeds into a glass of water and leave for 5-10 minutes (so that the fibers swell). Then mix the seeds with a glass of yogurt. To achieve an effective but gentle cleansing, this mixture must be consumed 4 times a day for a month.

Fiber-rich foods

Fiber is the best thing you can give to your intestines. Fiber, entering the intestines, works like a natural brush, cleansing its walls of everything unnecessary.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera juice increases the frequency of bowel movements, thereby creating a natural cleansing effect on the intestinal tract. Aloe juice contains vitamins, minerals, various enzymes and antioxidants that are useful for detoxifying the body and also create a mild laxative effect. A detox drink is prepared from 1 glass of water, 200 mg of aloe gel and 2 teaspoons of honey. The product must be drunk in several doses over 3-4 hours.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to neutralize toxins present in the body. Interestingly, coconut oil is useful not only for cleansing the intestinal tract, but also for improving the functioning of the entire digestive system.

You can use a mixture of coconut oil, lemon juice and yogurt as a colon cleanse. You can also use only pure coconut oil - 2 tbsp. l. per day (this amount can be divided into several doses). A course of colon cleansing with coconut oil is from 3 to 7 days.

Castor oil

1-2 tbsp. spoons of castor oil mixed with the same amount of lemon or orange juice and drunk on an empty stomach give a good laxative effect. On the day of cleaning, you should drink a glass of warm water every 15-30 minutes, and continue this until you have no bowel movements at least 2-3 times. After cleansing, you should drink a glass of kefir or natural yogurt without additives. The fermented product will restore normal intestinal motility and microflora.

Caution: Colon cleansing with castor oil is prohibited for pregnant women. Ricinoleic acid contained in the product may cause miscarriage.

Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia is a tropical evergreen tree. Dietary supplements containing extract of its fruits have recently become very popular as a means for weight loss and intestinal cleansing. Garcinia suppresses appetite, speeds up metabolism, and also contains fat-burning substances. In addition, the exotic extract is able to accelerate intestinal motility, thereby creating a natural cleansing effect.

Cayenne pepper

These small bright red pepper pods are well known to lovers of spicy foods. But cayenne spice can also be useful for colon cleansing. For example, if you mix a quarter teaspoon of dry crushed pepper with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, the same amount of honey and a glass of warm water and drink it all, the product will work as a laxative. To more effectively cleanse the intestinal tract, you should drink 4-6 glasses of this drink per day, and extend the cleansing course for 7-10 days. Cayenne pepper contains the antioxidant substance capsaicin, which quickly removes toxins from the body and increases the number of bowel movements.

Soda

Half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of warm water is also a very effective laxative. When the soda solution reaches the intestines, it softens the stool and thereby facilitates colon cleansing.

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But when resorting to this method of cleaning, you must take into account that you should drink soda no later than an hour before meals. Sodium bicarbonate (soda) neutralizes stomach acid. That is, if you eat food immediately after taking soda, the stomach will not be able to digest it (due to a lack of acidic environment). In addition, you must strictly adhere to the dosage of soda: half a teaspoon and no more. Excessive bicarbonate cleansing can disrupt the natural pH levels in the stomach, causing very serious health consequences.

The danger of fecal stones

Fecal stones are dense fecal masses formed from undigested food, provoking rotting processes (coprolites).

Causes:

• Binge eating;
• Passive lifestyle;
• High levels of stress;
• Lack of water consumption;
• Long-term use of antibiotics;
• Intestinal pathologies;
• Tendency to constipation;
• Consumption of seeds or foreign bodies in food;
• Tumors in the intestinal area.

Ideally, the body should have bowel movements 2 times a day. Long-term presence of coprolites in the body leads to injury to the intestinal walls and the appearance of ulcers from stones. The stones reach sizes of 15 centimeters. A large stone often causes bleeding.

Signs indicating the need for cleaning:

1. Increased fatigue, weakness.
2. Migraines, joint pain.
3. Sleep disorder, teeth grinding.
4. Allergic rashes, itching, dry skin.
5. Bloating, feeling of heaviness.
6. Decreased performance, rapid mood changes.
7. Unpleasant body odor, increased sweating.
8. Decreased appetite, abdominal pain.
9. Plaque on the tongue and teeth.
10. Decreased immunity.