If you haven’t heard of colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy yet, chances are you’ve been hibernating for the last two years. Cleaning your colon has become the “in” thing, men or women, young or old. Previously, the domain of celebrities such as Princess Diana; Walk into any clinic, international hospital, or spa and you’re likely to come across advertisements extolling 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, as effective and stylish as it is! While I’m not questioning the benefits of colonic irrigation, coffee enemas and the like are not for everyone!
So what are the alternatives?
A few years ago, while flipping through a women’s health magazine, an illustration of a typical colon (for someone on a standard Western diet) was enough to take me to the pharmacy to check out their range of colon cleansing products. Here I found shelves stocked with a myriad of natural herbal supplements and teas that claim to get the job done.
Using an herbal colon cleansing supplement is simple to implement and maintain, not to mention much more convenient than regular trips to a clinic for colonic irrigation (although do-it-yourself kits are now available). There is also a wide range of herbs to choose from. of which these days are readily available from both high street dealers and online. Because there are generally no harmful side effects, they are also very safe, provided of course you follow the directions on the label. Just as a precaution though, if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, it is worth checking with your doctor about potential complications, as certain medications may not mix well with some supplements.
Why should I cleanse my colon?
Anyone with a stressful lifestyle or years of eating a typical Western diet low in fiber, high in fat, sugar products, white flour, fried and microwaved foods is likely to have a significant buildup of toxic waste material in the colon. Such diets reduce the efficiency of our colon and consequently our waste products harden and clog in our digestive system.
Our colon takes what we eat and separates the usable products from our digested food and returns it to our bloodstream. Any waste material needs to be eliminated quickly, but the problem arises when toxins and bacteria build up through a sluggish or blocked colon, causing them to seep back into our body, poisoning our system. Simply put, the higher the amount of toxins in our body, the higher the chance of developing disease. Constipation, IBS, bad skin, fatigue, joint pain, and unwanted weight gain can all be possible symptoms of a clogged colon.
Since cleansing your colon is the current rage, many of us have heard horror stories about how much and how heavy this waste product can be. What is often thought of as a “tummy” or “spare tire” could actually be a distended colon from years of accumulation of toxic waste. This is why some people, after a successful colon cleanse, not only feel much healthier, but often lose a considerable amount of weight!
Herbs to cleanse the colon
There are numerous colon-cleansing herbs available 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’s important to educate yourself and possibly see a doctor, as it’s helpful to keep in mind that what works for one person may not work as well for you. Depending on your budget and your own diet and lifestyle, some herbal formulas will be more suitable than others. For example, if your diet is low in fiber, you may benefit from taking a Pysllium supplement to provide the fiber you need.
- Pysllium is a widely used and highly effective natural cleaning agent due to its high fiber content. It acts as a lubricant for the colon, allowing waste to pass through unobstructed. Hard on uncooperative intestines, Pysllium adds bulk to waste and helps keep bowel movements regular. It can also ease feelings of hunger and ease chronic symptoms like diarrhea and colitis. Psyllium husk can be drunk in teas, water or milk, it is also a common component in herbal supplements.
- Linseed or Flax Seeds cleanse the colon and promote general good health by cleansing the liver. It aids digestion and turns into a soft gel-like substance that helps move the material through the intestine.
- Slippery Elm helps normalize stool in the colon and softens any buildup of dry waste. It helps with constipation and diarrhea and relieves inflammation of the stomach.
- Dandelion is another excellent natural herb that cleanses both the colon and the liver.
- Licorice root is also a popular ingredient in pill supplements and blends, a natural detoxifier that acts as a laxative.
Regardless of which colon cleansing herbs you choose, be patient. It may take days, weeks, or even months before you get the full benefits of ridding your body of unwanted waste. While one person’s body may respond quickly, another’s may take longer. All herbal formulas should be used sparingly to avoid dehydration from too many bowel movements and it is important not to exceed the dosage stated on the label.
Natural herbal supplements will provide you with a simple and natural alternative to colonic irrigation. It takes a bit of research and experimentation to see what works best for you, but they can all be conveniently integrated into your diet. By embarking on a colon cleansing regimen, you should feel a marked improvement in your overall health and well-being, as you begin to eliminate poisonous toxic waste from your body.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for information only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any type of health problem. It is important to consult a health professional if you have any questions.
