Colon Cleanses: Everything you need to know
Colon cleanses are becoming more popular recently. But are they really all they’re cracked up to be? Or are colon cleanses more of a nuisance than beneficial? In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about colon cleanses and give you tips on how to do them if you decide to move forward with them. 
What are colon cleanses?
Colon cleansing, also known as colon irrigation, is a practice that involves flushing out the colon with water or other fluids. This can be done in one of two main ways:
- Purging the bowels orally by taking large amounts of laxatives
- Having a colon hydrotherapy flush where an enema is performed
The idea behind colon cleansing is that it can help to remove toxins and waste products from the colon, thereby improving overall health and well-being. However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of colon cleansing, and it may carry risks.
What are the supposed benefits of colon cleansing?
Colon cleansing is a way of removing toxins from the body. When our bodies are exposed to high quantities of toxins, our systems become overloaded and we experience toxin overload. Toxin overload is a rising concern with all of the chemicals our bodies are exposed to on a daily basis.
Everything from our laundry detergent to pesticides to our soap contains chemicals that can throw off our bodies and contribute to the toxic load. Toxic overload can cause symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Negative hormonal changes
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Negative changes to our body’s natural chemistry
Our bodies are designed to deal with these toxins and remove them through different methods. However, modern diets and exposure to extra toxins on a daily basis stresses our bodies more than they ever have before.
So reducing toxic load is a very important thing to focus on so our organs are not overworked to remove the excess toxins.
Colon cleansing is believed to be an effective way to remove toxins and combat these symptoms and conditions.
Though colon cleansing is suggested to remove toxins and reduce the toxic stress on the body, there is no scientific evidence proving that it does any of these things. And actually, it can be more dangerous and cause more problems than it is believed to reduce.
Risks of colon cleansing
The human body is designed to eliminate waste products and toxins naturally, and the colon plays a crucial role in this process. Colon cleansing can disrupt the natural balance of the microbiome bacteria in the colon, which can promote disease.
Additionally, colon cleansing can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to complications such as kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
In the case of colon hydrotherapy, the equipment used for colon cleansing may cause injury to the colon or rectum, leading to bleeding or infection.
In these cases, the benefits are often not worth the risks — especially when you take into account the fact that there is no evidence that they even have benefits to begin with.
How to Safely do a Colon Cleanse
If you and your doctor have determined that a colon cleanse is still something you want to do, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it is done safely and effectively:
- Use only FDA-approved equipment and products: If you choose to do a colon cleanse, make sure to use only FDA-approved equipment and products. This can help to reduce the risk of infection, injury, or other complications.
- Stay hydrated: Colon cleansing can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids before and after the procedure. Also make sure what you’re hydrating with is not adding to your toxic load. Stay away from sugary drinks. Your best bet is water or coconut water (make sure it doesn’t have added sugar).
- Follow the instructions carefully: If you are using a colon cleansing kit or product, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Overuse or misuse of these products can lead to complications. It is also important to note that colon cleansing should only be done under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
If you have any problems or questions, consult with your primary care physician. They can best advise you in your individual situation.
How to remove toxins without a colon cleanse
Your body was designed to deal with toxins. The liver is one of the main organs responsible for detoxification. But your digestive system has multiple aspects that deal with detoxification as well. In your digestive system, the following assist in removing toxins:
- Gut bacteria in the microbiome
- Mucous membranes
- Intestinal lining
- The act of digestion into bowel movements to remove the remaining waste and toxins that the rest of your digestive system may have missed
If you notice, the parts of the digestive system that help remove toxins naturally are the same parts that can be negatively impacted by colon cleansing. So if you’re inhibiting the ability of your body from doing what it does naturally, can it actually be a helpful thing to do? No, it really can’t.
So here are some ways to support your digestive and detoxification systems naturally to remove toxins from your body.
- Drink enough water. Water helps to support your entire body on a cellular level. Water keeps your organs working properly and assists in moving molecules where they need to go. Proper hydration supports digestion by keeping your intestinal tract moist allowing your stool to move through your at a healthy pace — which, believe it or not, does clean your colon out.
- Eat fibrous foods. Fiber adds bulk to your stool. This helps to keep the insides of your intestinal tract clean. Fibers are what your gut microbes like to eat which provides them with their favorite foods and therefore your body with molecules that keep you healthy some of these molecules actually help with reducing toxic overload as well.
- Eat fruits and veggies. While they’re high in fiber, these foods are also extremely high in antioxidants and polyphenols. Both of these have been proven to help remove toxins from your body. Polyphenols pair off with toxins and antioxidants pair off with reactive oxygen species to help remove the excess from your system. As they pair off they escort them from your body allowing space for healthier cells and molecules to repair any damage done.
- Remove toxins from your daily routines as much as you can. The best way to remove toxins from your body is by removing them from your routines altogether. Check your food, makeup, hair care, skincare, and cleaning products to start. The above-mentioned are the ways we are exposed to toxins without even realizing it. Check into brands that offer healthier options to reduce your toxic load. These brands are often conscious about their carbon footprint too so while you’re protecting yourself, you’re protecting the future of our planet also.
All in all, colon cleansing isn’t necessary. Choosing healthy options to expose your body to in addition to clean eating is the best way to keep your toxic load under control.
Share your favorite “clean” brands in the comments to help fellow readers on reducing their toxic load.