Do-It-Yourself Colon Cleanser Tips

Detoxing or cleansing the body should be done to get rid of built up toxins and waste that the body holds on to. The body and its organs are built to self-cleanse, comprised of the skin, liver, kidneys, lungs and colon. The colon is particularly important since it's main purpose is to remove waste from the body and absorb valuable nutrients and minerals from the diet. By regularly assisting the colon in self-cleansing, you reduce the chances of toxins, waste and bacteria from sticking to the colon walls causing illness and infection.

Colon Cleansing Diet

• One of the easiest ways to cleanse the colon on your own is to do a colon cleansing fast or diet. To keep the colon doing an optimal job, avoid sugar, refined foods, additives, alcohol and fatty or fried foods. These foods increase the amount of toxins in the body, creating bowel problems including constipation. Many individuals also find that an increased amount of toxins to the body lead to a lack of energy and other bodily functions.

  When doing a colon cleanse with natural foods, be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain plenty of fiber, and water ideal for toxin removal. Fruit juices help the body remove toxins while adding nutrients that water may not replace, including vitamins and minerals. Fasting should not last more than three days to prevent a lack of nutrition or starvation.

  Once the colon cleanse is over, be sure to incorporate at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day and at least 64 ounces of water to prevent constipation. Foods with great sources of fiber include:

  Cabbage
  Apples and bananas
  Citrus fruits
  Beans and lentils
  Whole grains
  Bran
  Skin of fruits and vegetables

Herbal Detoxifiers

• Many people choose to use natural herbs or teas to detox and cleanse the body. Herbal supplements may be found at natural health food stores, and should be taken according to bottle directions. Popular natural herbs that help the colon detoxify and promote waste removal include:

  Aloe vera: This works as a natural laxative, helping to relieve constipation.

  Fennel: Used in a tea form, fennel works as a laxative that restores a healthy balance of the intestinal tract.

  Green tea: One of the best antioxidants for the body, green tea helps to detox the body internally and contains valuable polyphenols that reduce inflammation and increase antioxidants.

  Psyllium husk: This herb is popular for colon cleansing since it softens waste matter by increasing the amount of water found in the colon, allowing bowel movements to be easier to remove.

  Senna: This herb is found in many laxative teas, since it promotes bowel movements with laxative like qualities. Senna should not be used long term, however, since it can create health problems such as intestinal problems or nausea.