Natural Colon-Cleansing Ingredients

There are many reasons to cleanse your colon. Given the amount of processed foods we consume, our colons must work harder then ever. Processed foods become trapped in the colon, inhibiting proper absorption of nutrients by the body. Colon-cleansing removes toxins and parasites that steal our nutrients and cause illness. There are a variety of colon-cleansing products available, many with effective, all-natural ingredients.

Psyllium Husk

• Psyllium husk is an all-natural fiber composed of complex carbohydrates derived from the outer shell of the psyllium plant seed. For colon-cleansing, it is used in powder form and mixed with a teaspoon of your choice of liquid. Once inside your colon, psyllium husk swells up, bulks up fecal matter and pushes it out comfortably. It is found in numerous colon-cleansing products and, in that form, is free of side effects. If it is taken alone, there are risks of stomach discomfort and dehydration.

Bentonite Clay

• Bentonite clay is used in most colon-cleansing products. It detoxifies and removes impurities that become trapped in the colon--parasites, pesticides, bacteria and pathogens--via absorption. Bentonite clay cannot be absorbed by the body and should not be taken alone. Taken with psyllium husk, the two substances work as a team to trap and then push the toxins out of the body. There are trace amounts of aluminum in bentonite clay, so if you have any intolerance to aluminum, do not use. Bentonite clay should be taken on a full stomach.

Cascara Sagrada

• Cascara sagrada is an herbal laxative marketed to regulate bowel movements by stimulating intestinal muscles. It is not used exclusively for colon-cleansing; it is also used for hormone regulation. Studies have been done concerning cascara sagrada as a possible carcinogen. The studies were done on rats, and initially the herb shown to have detrimental effects on the digestive system. But further research has proven it to be safe for consumption and effective for relieving constipation.

Turkey Rhubarb

• Turkey rhubarb is an ancient herb that grows naturally in China, but is grown under controlled conditions in the U.S. It is a powerful herb, used both for constipation and diarrhea. Small doses help diarrhea, while large doses aid in relieving constipation. It is highly irritating to the digestive tract and can cause abdominal pain and may even stimulate menses. Turkey rhubarb is not recommended for children or pregnant women and should not be taken by anyone for extended periods of time.

Seeds

• Black seed, flaxseed and wormseed all contain high amounts of fiber and promote bowel regularity, thus relieving constipation. Black seed has been used for centuries in Asia and Africa and contains high amounts of amino acids, protein, carbohydrates, minerals and alkaloids. Flaxseed should be taken ground or your body may pass it without digesting it and without absorbing the fiber and amino acids that add bulk to stool. Wormseed should only be taken under the care of a professional because it is toxic in large doses. It is not to be consumed during pregnancy. As its name implies, it can oust roundworm and hookworm.