For example, obsessive colon cleanse can lead to eating disorders, uncomfortable colon spasms, dehydration, perforation or a tear in the rectum, and changes in electrolyte balance.

If you attempt to do a colon cleanse, make sure to take the right precautions. That being said, when performed correctly, a natural colon cleanse can have many benefits. For example, these include:. Toxins and waste leave your body. Based on the results of a study, cleaning the colon prior to colonoscopy removed approximately 1.

The easiest natural colon cleanse recipe is to create a salt water flush. The salt will automatically draw water to the intestine when you drink salt water. As a result, it may help remove toxins and waste from the digestive tract. Start by heating the water. Next, combine all ingredients in your jar and place on a lid.

Shake the mixture to make sure that the salt is entirely dissolved in the lemon water. When the colon cleanse drink is ready, have it right away. You will feel a bowel movement soon. Another easy natural colon cleanse recipe is mixing pure apple cider vinegar and raw honey.

This colon cleanse drink may have a positive impact on your gut flora. Here is what you need to create this delicious colon cleanse drink:.

Start by filling your glass or your cup with warm water. Pour some apple cider vinegar into the water and stir the raw honey in as well. This mixture works best when you prepare it right before bed. Make sure to consume it right away. You may expect colon spasms the next day, signaling a bowel movement.

This last natural colon cleanse recipe is delicious and healthy. Begin by filling a mug or a cup with hot water. Next, add your lemon juice and stir in the honey and the warming spices. Allow the ingredients to dissolve and consume immediately.

You may expect colon spasms indicating a bowel movement very soon. One of the best ways to cleanse your colon naturally is by having regular bowel movements. Make sure to consume plenty of the following fiber and antioxidant-rich foods to cleanse your stomach. These include:. On average, a typical American consumes approximately 13 grams of fiber daily.

However, professionals advise around 25 to 35 grams per day for optimal colon health. We provide expert treatment for all of our patients. Schedule an appointment with us now.

View Larger Image. What Is a Natural Colon Cleanse? Common Ways to Clean Your Stomach Two colon-cleansing techniques exist: You can use specific products to detoxify your body or see a professional and have a colon irrigation.

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of a Natural Colon Cleanse According to an ancient belief referred to as the theory of autointoxication, certain foods such as undigested meat can lead to mucus buildup in your colon. For example, these include: Weight loss Reduced risk of colon cancer Improved mental outlook Improved focus Improved immune system What Comes Out During a Colon Cleanse?

For instance, if administering an enema to yourself, the instructions may tell you to lie down on your left side with your right knee bent to your chest. Once in the correct position, you or the person administering the cleanse will need to insert the device into your rectum and release the liquid.

For an enema, this will be a bottle that you can squeeze. For a colonic irrigation system, this will be a nozzle that is attached to a tube. The tube is attached to a machine that can control the water's pressure, temperature, and flow.

The difference between an enema and colonic irrigation is the amount of water used and the length of time they take. Once the liquid from an enema is inside you, it can take about one to five minutes for you to have the urge to make a bowel movement.

Colonic irrigation uses more water up to 60 liters and can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Some colon cleanses can involve taking laxatives, teas, powder, or capsules by mouth. These products can contain probiotics, enzymes, and herbs like:. However, none of these products has been approved by the FDA for colon cleansing.

There are many purported potential benefits of colon cleansing. Most of these benefits are supported by anecdotal claims and are not supported by scientific evidence. Some of the potential benefits of a colon cleanse include:. There is no scientific evidence that can strongly support any of these health benefits.

There is some research that suggests colon cleanses can have positive effects on IBS symptoms and and that they could be used in preparation for colonoscopies.

The studies, however, had a low number of participants, making it difficult to reach reliable conclusions. More studies need to be done to prove the potential health benefits of colon cleanses. Colon cleansing procedures can have side effects ranging from mild to serious.

Some of the more common mild risks of colon cleanses include:. Depending on the type of liquid used, it's also possible to experience burns and inflammation. Colon cleanses that use hot water or coffee that is not room temperature brings the risk of burning.

These burns cause inflammation to the walls of the rectum. In some cases, the burns cause the rectum to narrow so much that surgery is required for treatment. Using equipment that controls the liquid's temperature might reduce this risk. A colon cleanse might also cause electrolyte depletion.

This is because absorbing large amounts of water through the rectum can lead to low blood sodium or potassium. The inappropriate use of oral laxatives can also cause electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration is also a risk.

You may also develop an infection from a colon cleanse. This is usually caused by bacteria from the gut inadvertently invading the blood or other nearby tissues through the large amounts of water used.

One of the most serious risks is the tearing or the perforation the making of a hole of the bowel walls. Another serious side effect can be renal failure. Some herbal colon cleanses have been linked to aplastic anemia when your bone marrow can't make enough new blood cells and liver toxicity.

People with a history of gastrointestinal disease, colon surgery, hemorrhoids , kidney disease, and heart disease are more susceptible to the more serious side effects of colon cleansing. Editor's Note: The FDA and Federal Trade Commission have tried to punish companies that sell medical devices for claiming that the devices can also work for colon cleansing.

A colon cleanse is a procedure in which your colon is flushed out and cleared of its contents. Many people believe colon cleansing has impactful health benefits like improving your immune system, reducing blood pressure, improving digestive health, among many others.

However, these benefits are anecdotal. Currently, there is no strong scientific evidence that can support these claims. While colon cleanses have some purported benefits, they also carry some risks. Potential risks and side effects of a colon cleanse include infection, burns, dehydration, electrolyte depletion, and perforations.

Some individuals may be at higher risk of experiencing these side effects. If you or a loved one are interested in getting a colon cleanse, talk to your healthcare provider about your options and to determine if a colon cleanse is right for you.

National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health. Adverse effects after medical, commercial, or self-administered colon cleansing procedures. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Laxative overdose.

Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution PEG-ES. Food and Drug Administration. Prepopik citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate powder for oral solution. Sodium phosphate rectal. CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title Mishori R, Otubu A, Jones AA.

The dangers of colon cleansing. J Fam Pract. Bazzocchi G, Giuberti R. Irrigation, lavage, colonic hydrotherapy: from beauty center to clinic? Tech Coloproctol. doi: Hsu HH, Leung WH, Hu GC. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with a novel colonic irrigation system: a pilot study.

Teich N, Klecker C, Klugmann T, et al. Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy with a new colonic irrigation device: Results of a prospective observational study. Endosc Int Open. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

in ancient Egypt. Most colon cleanses use water to infiltrate hardened stool and loosen it up so it can be passed more easily.

The colon is home to billions of microflora bacteria that actually make up approximately 70 percent of the dry weight of feces. Besides forming stool, the various beneficial bacterial organisms living within the colon and digestive tract are important for proper nutrient absorption, maintaining pH balance , controlling hunger and counteracting potentially dangerous bacteria.

This is why a well-functioning colon is so important for overall well-being. Are colon cleanses really necessary? While the digestive system has its own processes for removing waste, many people struggle with having regular, complete bowel movements due to various reasons like poor gut health, allergies, consumption of pesticide chemicals and inflammation within the digestive system.

Irritable bowel syndrome is estimated to affect about 15 percent to 20 percent of the adult population worldwide, while chronic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in the world, with around 4 million Americans with frequent constipation according to Johns Hopkins.

These problems are especially common among people with poor diets, women during pregnancy, older adults, people recovering from surgery and those taking medications. Failing to have regular bowel movements also poses the risk for problems absorbing nutrients properly, which can lead to low energy and other complications.

The colon is the longest part of the large intestine, which is attached to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other.

There are many different methods for performing a colon cleanse, which sometimes go under the names colonic, colonic irrigation, colon therapy or colonic hydrotherapy.

You can also effectively flush the colon doing something like a juice cleanse such as a homemade colon cleanse , salt water flush or performing an enema. Colon cleanses are split into two main categories: one type requires that a professional perform the cleanse, while the other involves using a solution or supplement at home.

One of the most common reasons someone would have a colonic done by a professional is because he or she is preparing for surgery or a medical procedure such as colonoscopy that requires the colon to be completely clear from accumulated waste.

On the other hand, cleansing is commonly done at home using an enema, laxatives or herbal supplements like senna or cascara sagrada to relieve constipation, stomach bloating and other digestive symptoms. Many colon cleanses work by inserting a tube into the rectum followed by large amounts of water, which makes its way through the colon.

The water carries out any matter that might be dry and lodged in place. Colonics, for example, can use up to 16 gallons about 60 liters of water at one time. Studies show that bowel movements are important for removing bacteria, heavy metals or eliminating excess fatty acids from the body.

A colon cleanse can also impact the nervous system positively, which is why it might help symptoms like anxiety and fatigue.

In fact, there are lots of foods that help cleanse the colon naturally through diet. You can also try a salt water flush. This could be an option for people experiencing constipation and irregularity.

In addition, there are anecdotal claims stories on the internet from people who believe saltwater flushes worked for them. Before eating in the morning, mix 2 teaspoons salt with lukewarm water.

People often use sea salt or Himalayan salt. Drink water quickly on an empty stomach, and in a few minutes, you may feel the urge to go to the bathroom. Do this in the morning and in the evening, and make sure to stay home near the bathroom for a while after the cleanse.

You may need to go to the bathroom multiple times. Fiber is an essential macronutrient to have in the diet. They also regulate constipation and overactive bowels while boosting helpful bacteria as a prebiotic.

Make sure to eat plenty of high fiber foods , which help a healthy colon. They can also be great for gut bacteria too. Juices are popular colon cleansers. These include fruit and vegetable juice fasts and cleanses like master cleanses.

In fact, some research points out risks. Even so, a moderate intake of juices and juicing can be good for you. Juice blends contain some fiber and nutrients that benefit digestion.

They also hold water to help hydrate and keep up regularity. It can also help reduce constipation. Popular juices in juice fasts and cleanses include apple juice, lemon juice, and vegetable juices.

However, smoothies over juices could be more beneficial for the colon and overall health. Since pulp and skins are removed when juicing, juices contain less fiber.

Fiber is great for the colon, and smoothies hold a lot more fiber. A study found that going on a fruit or vegetable diet for three days was associated with weight loss, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. Just try including more in your diet, such as with a daily juice or smoothie.

Resistant starches are similar to fiber. These promote a healthy colon by boosting gut microflora. There is a downside, though. Resistant starches are found in carbohydrates. Still, if following a low carb diet, you can choose options that cause fewer blood sugar spikes. These include whole wheat, green bananas, or lentils.

Adding probiotics to your diet is another way to cleanse the colon. This also boosts overall health in many other ways. You can get more probiotics by taking probiotic supplements. Also, eat lots of probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and other fermented foods.

Probiotics introduce good bacteria to the gut with the help of fiber and resistant starches. These curb inflammation and promote regularity — two elements of digestive health related to the colon.

Apple cider vinegar is also considered a probiotic and is included in colon cleanses. The enzymes and acids that apple cider vinegar contains supposedly suppress bad bacteria. Currently, there are very few animal-based studies on this. Herbal teas may assist digestive health via the colon.

Laxative herbs like psyllium , aloe vera , marshmallow root , and slippery elm may help with constipation. Make sure to talk with your doctor and follow directions closely before using these herbs.

And use them sparingly — otherwise, they can be harmful. Other herbs like ginger , garlic , and cayenne pepper contain antimicrobial phytochemicals.

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Your colon already keeps you healthy Your colon is a long, muscular tube. What's behind colon cleanses? If you regularly cleanse your colon, you could cause serious harm, Bresalier says.

Potential side effects include: Vomiting, nausea, cramps Dizziness Dehydration Bowel perforation Infection Depletion of probiotics, sodium and potassium Kidney damage Plus, colon cleansing changes your microbiome.

How to improve your colon health There are steps you can take that are proven to improve your health and reduce your risk for colon cancer: Eat a plant-based diet. This means ditching the fried and processed foods, and eating more vegetables, whole grains, fruit and beans.

Limit red meat. Eat no more than 18 ounces of cooked red meat a week. Red meat includes beef, pork and lamb. Avoid processed meats. Say goodbye to bacon, sausage, deli meats and hot dogs. Cancer-causing substances form when meats are preserved. Get Screened.

Screening exams for colorectal cancer are your best bet to prevent the disease. Exams can remove cancer-causing polyps. Maintain a healthy weight. A higher percentage of body fat puts you at greater risk for colon cancer.

You can reduce your risk for cancer through healthy lifestyle changes and regular screening. Learn more. Related Posts. More Stories From Focused on Health.