While most people do not want to have extensive conversations about their colon, this major organ is essential to waste removal and our health. An unhealthy colon cannot function properly, which leads to negative effects on our overall health, which can include sluggishness, depression, more frequent illnesses, weight gain, poor complexion and blemishes, abdominal discomfort, constipation, kidney or bladder infections, and a plethora of other ailments.
Stress, lack of exercise, environmental pollutants, diets high in meat and dairy, trans fats, processed foods, pesticides, low-fiber diets and chemicals found in many foods and beverages can all contribute to poor colon health, which inhibits the elimination of toxins and allows these pollutants to remain in the body negatively affecting our health. Fortunately, colon cleansing is an effective method for removing toxins from our waste elimination system and bringing the colon back to a place of health and proper function.
Most colon cleansing diets combine herbal supplements with dietary changes to enhance colon function and promote detoxification of the harmful pollutants inhabiting our waste elimination system. A central feature in any colon diet is to increase water intake. Dehydration can lead to higher levels of toxicity and constipation and is an essential component to our health. Most people do not drink the amount of water their body needs to function properly, and many people see a remarkable improvement in bowel movements, weight management and overall health simply by increasing their water intake to proper levels. Recommendations for proper water intake vary; however, a good rule of thumb it to divide your body weight in half and drink that many ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, it is recommended that you drink 75 ounces of water each day.
The herbs and natural supplements that are most commonly used in conjunction with a colon cleansing diet are senna, chickweed, slippery elm, psyllium, cascara sagrada and bentonite clay. There are a wide variety of prepackaged colon cleansing formulas available that are convenient and easy to use, making herbal supplementation a simple addition to any colon cleanse diet.
Dietary changes that promote proper colon function and assist in cleansing the colon include eliminating or limiting soda, coffee, alcohol and other chemical-laden, sugary beverages, avoiding fast food, limiting processed food intake, increasing dietary fiber and reducing the consumption of meat and dairy. Eat organic foods whenever possible to limit your exposure to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens and produce with a high water content.
A diet that is based on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy protein sources and limited low-fat dairy is generally accepted as the best diet for proper colon function, disease prevention and overall health and wellness.
While eliminating or limiting cheeseburgers from your favorite fast food restaurant may not sound exciting, achieving a healthy colon will be well worth the sacrifice. A colon cleansing diet can improve your complexion, assist in losing excess weight, alleviate abdominal troubles, improve your overall health and leave you feeling refreshed and more energetic.
