How to Start a Colon Cleanse

Colon cleansing is a popular alternative health treatment. Its proponents boast of dramatic results in digestion, the reduction of belly flab, improved skin and increased energy. Generally, people who stick with it for more than a week do so because they feel better and report benefits. What is often not discussed enough is getting off to a safe start, to minimize potential side effects like diathermia and stomach cramps. Follow these steps to help with a mild transition that increases the long-term benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Fruit juice Colon-cleansing product like Colonix, Bowtrol or Trader Darwin's

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Instructions

Start a colon cleanse safetly and slowly

• 1

  Prepare a week ahead with a diet change. Eliminate processed and fatty foods, especially things like chocolate. Replace with fresh vegetables and fruit juice.

• 2

  Start cutting back on caffeine. Most colon cleanse products suggest you use decaffeinated products while taking the cleansing medication. It won't hurt you -- let's face it, for some that's asking way too much -- but it would be good to start cutting back, even mixing decaf and caffeinated coffee leading up to your cleanse.

• 3

  Begin the cleanse at the start of a weekend, so you can stay relatively close to home and free of obligations. The first day your body will react the strongest to the cleansing products. You may have several bowel movements, mild stomach cramps and some initial loss of energy. Who wants to try to go to work with all that going on?

• 4

  Cut the recommended dosage in half for the first 2 or 3 days. Generally, most products start you off with smaller doses and increase as your body adjusts. But starting even slower by cutting the initial dose in half can greatly reduce any potential shock to your system, thus better preparing your body for the effects of the cleanse.

• 5

  Have juice or water with you all the time. Sip constantly and drink well to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration from the fluid loss during the cleanse is the most common side effect. Keep those liquids coming.