The Importance of Colon Cleansing
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This topic always strikes home with me because I am a colon cancer survivor. At 28 years old I was not at all concerned about colon health ( I thought the subject was a bit taboo) but then my colon rocked my world and now I think about colon health OFTEN!
A great many physical ailments have been attributed to a colon in need of cleansing. While colon cleansing is not a cure-all, it does have a valid place in a healthy lifestyle. Here are some reasons why, and some suggestions for how to do a colon cleanse.
What does the colon do?
In short, the colon eliminates solid waste from the body. After the nutrients from the food you eat are absorbed through the small intestine and distributed via the liver into the bloodstream, the “leftovers” move into the large intestine, or colon, where they are eliminated when you go to the bathroom.
Problems arise when wastes accumulate in rather than exit the colon, causing constipation, bloating, and/or a condition known as systemic intoxication or poisoning. Systemic intoxication can lead to cognitive difficulties such as confusion, and even emotional problems such as depression and irritability. Some sources suggest that allergic “attacks” of hives, sneezing, and coughing are due to systemic intoxication. Accumulated waste in the colon has been implicated in cancer, diverticulitis, and nutrient deficiencies.
How is colon cleansing done?
The term “colon cleansing” is relatively broad, and can refer to anything from fasting to taking an enema. Usually colon cleansing involves multiple steps. Here is a typical, multi-step cleansing program for the lower intestine.
1. Fast
The simplest way to remove toxins and impurities from the body (and colon) is to fast (unless you are pregnant or lactating). It is the most sensible first step in a cleansing program, after checking with your physician of course. A cleansing fast should last about 3 days. Begin by eating only raw fruits and vegetables for 1 or 2 days, then drink plenty of water and pure juices for 24 hours. During that time, you can drink herbal teas as well. Good cleansing herbs are:
-Milk thistle
-Dandelion root
-Garlic
-Slippery elm
After 24 hours of only liquids, eat only raw fruits and vegetables for a couple of days to help you come out of the fast.
2. Fiber
A cleansing drink can be made from fiber-rich psyllium seed, and taken once daily until the colon is “clean.” Mix 1 teaspoon of psyllium seed with 1/2 cup each of apple juice, aloe vera juice, and water.
3. Enemas
No one likes to talk about them, but enemas are a straightforward and effective means of colon cleansing. An enema made from catnip tea is particularly effective at relieving congestion and accumulations in the colon. Make the tea by steeping 2 tablespoons of dried catnip per cup of pure, boiling water. Steep for about 8 minutes, strain, and cool to a comfortably warm temperature (about 99 degrees F). Using an enema bag and rubber tip, introduce the catnip tea into the colon. Because this is a cleansing enema, it does not need to be retained for more than 2 or 3 minutes.
These are just some ideas about enhancing your colon’s health via cleansing. Those who have undergone cleanses claim all sorts of health benefits. At the least, you will feel better.
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12.12.09 at 9:53 pm
Casual Friday Every Day comments:
Really good information here, Tiffany. A colon cleanse – along with a liver cleanse – has been recommended to me while putting my body back into balance and clearing up my yeast. I’m a little nervous to do this because I attempted a colon cleanse a few years ago and ended up in the ER because of it.
Apparently I took too much cleanse and drank another herbal drink that I didn’t realize had cleansing powers. My fault and I know it’s totally irrational, but I’m still nervous about it.
I will likely go very easy this time and make sure I’m not shocking my body while doing it. My poor body is dealing with so much right now, with all these toxins dying off, that I better not attempt at the moment any way.
Can I ask a question? Do you have your kids do cleanses? If so, how often and do you have any specific advice for children doing cleanses that would be different from the advice in this post?
Janelle (Nell)
1.27.10 at 12:26 am
Mark Ament comments:
Hi Tiffany,
Thank you for sharing this information. As a cleansing enthusiast myself, I am well aware of the benefits of colon cleansing. It was only after several cleanses that I feel I got the true benefits of eating a diet based on raw vegetarian foods. I think that’s because the cleanses I did really helped to get the mucoid plaque out of my system, which in turn allowed my body to absorb more nutrients from the foods I eat.
Kudos on a great site and best of luck to you!