Last updated on March 29th, 2023 at 11:12 pm
A colon cleanse is a popular alternative therapy aiming to remove wastes and toxins from the large intestine. Many wellness enthusiasts believe this can improve overall health, prevent disease, or even promote weight loss.
While the theories behind the practice fell out of favor in the 1930s, interest in colonic irrigation has recently re-surged [1]. Individuals are seeking natural substitutes to prescribed medications that help achieve optimal digestive well-being.
So, do colon cleanses really offer any benefits? And are there risks you should consider before starting such a treatment? Let’s answer these questions, flush out your concerns, and explore the must-have supplements to promote gut health before and after an intestinal detox.
But before we get to that, let’s take a closer look at what a natural colon cleanse is.
What Is a Natural Colon Cleanse?
Natural colon cleansing is a broad term covering various methods of promoting colon health, including fasting, juice diets, and ingesting laxatives, herbs, or probiotics [2].
Unlike colon hydrotherapy, which involves a colonic hygienist flushing water through your large intestine via a small tube, you can perform a colon cleanse yourself.
Most colon cleansing products reportedly eliminate toxins and substances such as mucus and dry stool from the body. This can help expel these harmful contents, and return the digestive system to a more natural state, encouraging it to function properly.
There are a few common ways to perform a natural colon cleanse safely at home:
| Method | What It Involves | Recommended For |
Hydration | Drinking plenty of lukewarm water and eating foods with a high water content | Individuals aiming to cleanse their colons through diet |
Saltwater flush | Consuming salty water before eating in the morning and evenings | People experiencing constipation and irregularity |
Juices or smoothies | Ingesting only fruit and vegetable juices for three days to several weeks | Detoxing while adding more nutrients to your diet |
Probiotics | Taking supplements and eating probiotic-rich meals including yogurt, pickles, and other fermented foods | Those looking to improve gut health and increase beneficial bacteria |
Herbal teas | Drinking teas made of herbs, spices, and other botanicals a few hours before bed | Individuals feeling bloated and low on energy |
The Benefits of Natural Colon Cleanses
Clearing your gut with detox powders or through other natural methods provides several health advantages. Let’s go through some of the most prevalent benefits of colon cleansing to help you decide if the remedy is right for you.
Helps Provide Relief From Constipation
Constipation is one of the most frequently reported digestive complaints in the US, with around 16% of all adults experiencing symptoms. A natural colon cleanse can offer relief from stubborn bowel movements.
When the large intestine processes and expels solid wastes from the body, it can lose its ability to function properly. It becomes layered with excess residue, resulting in harder stools that are more difficult to pass.
Colon cleanses may loosen this build up to help your gut process waste more efficiently and reduce bowel movement transit time [3].
Promotes Weight Loss
Successfully completing a colon cleanse doesn’t directly make you lose weight.
In truth, the procedure affects your bowel movements and won’t result in the loss of body fat, despite a lower number on the scale.
That said, colon cleansing might help you reduce your mass through rejuvenating your digestive system. Should your gut be in poor health, it won’t effectively get rid of waste, making you more likely to accumulate unwanted pounds.
A clean colon working at optimal capacity positively affects the way your body uses and stores calories [4]. This healthy detoxing might encourage better results when using conventional weight loss techniques.
Impacts Your Energy Levels
Colon cleansing allows your body to focus energy on processes other than removing waste, leading to improved absorption of vitamins and nutrients, enhancing mental clarity, and concentration.
The Risks Associated With Colon Cleansing
Unfortunately, even natural colon cleansing comes with potential risks. Before starting your detox, be aware that you may experience the following adverse effects [5, 6]:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Important note: Consult with your doctor if you take any medications before starting your colon therapy.
It’s also best to avoid any colon cleansing procedures if you have any preexisting bowel problems or one of the following medical conditions:
- Previous colon surgeries
- Kidney failure
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Heart disorders
- Liver issues
Should a kidney condition prevent you from undergoing any colonic irrigation therapies, consider trying our renal complex. This comprehensive nutritional formula promotes healthy kidney function and supports the elimination of waste materials from the body.
Use N-Acetylcysteine Supplements to Support Colon Cleansing
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of the semi-essential amino acid L-cysteine. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic characteristics.
NAC’s primary role is to increase the body’s intracellular glutathione concentrations [7]. This crucial compound ensures proper immune system functioning, combats free radicals, and helps build and repair tissues.
Scientific evidence shows the mechanisms of NAC strengthen the gut and reduce overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. They also play a vital role in nutrient metabolism [8].
Taking NAC before and during your colon cleansing could promote the detoxification process by maintaining a steady supply of glutathione.
Incorporating the supplement into your daily routine may increase your body’s ability to deplete toxins, prevent constipation, and improve your overall gut function.
Check out this article to learn more about NAC and its potential effects on wellness.
The Must-Have N-Acetylcysteine Supplements
These NAC supplements are all manufactured by reputable brands who regularly test and certify their raw ingredients as free from impurities. All products are non-GMO and contain only hypoallergenic components with no artificial preservatives or flavors.
Select any of these excellent NAC options to start your journey towards optimal gut health.
Pure Encapsulation NAC 600 MG Capsules
Pure Encapsulation NAC capsules are an excellent source of the amino acid. The product contains 600 mg of NAC and 5 mg of vitamin C in each gelatin pod.
The ascorbic acid in this product also improves gut barrier function by helping your body absorb nutrients and increasing microbial diversity [9]. The capsules contain only a moderate amount of the vitamin, as large quantities can irritate the stomach.
Designs for Health N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAV) Capsules
One capsule of Designs for Health N-Acetyl-Cysteine contains 900 mg of pharmaceutical grade NAC. Along with boosting glutathione levels, the high-quality dietary supplement detoxes the entire body to improve various skin conditions [10].
NutriDyn NAC-600 Capsules
NutriDyn NAC-600 capsules provide 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine to support metabolic reactions in the gastrointestinal system and regulate oxidative stress. The supplement also enhances the immune system and increases your longevity.
Achieve Your Best Colon Health
Natural colon cleanses help you eliminate illness-causing microorganisms, allow you to digest your food properly, and increase nutrient absorption. Maintaining a healthy gut filled with good bacteria could enhance your overall wellness and reduce your risk of developing other illnesses.
Treat your colon with care by eating a diet full of whole grains and enough fiber, and schedule regular screenings with your doctor for colorectal cancer.
Combining this approach with a natural colon cleansing regimen keeps you and your digestive system feeling happy, healthy, and well.
Are you looking for a supplement supplier who’s as passionate about nutrition as you are? Simply Nutrients is a doctor-owned provider of top-quality wellness products that enable you to control your own health.
We pride ourselves on our customer-centered service and are always happy to answer your questions or offer advice on natural therapies. You never receive impersonal, automated responses from our knowledgeable team.
Visit our blog for more information on holistic wellness that could help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
Resources
[1] https://www.meridianinstitute.com/reports/Colonic_Irrigation_Full_Review.pdf
[2] http://www.jlgh.org/Past-Issues/Volume-9—Issue-2/Colon-Cleansing.aspx
[3] http://www.imedpub.com/articles/colon-irrigation-effective-safe-and-welltolerated-alternative-to-traditional-therapy-in-the-management-of-refractory-chronic-const.pdf
[4] https://blackdoctor.org/this-is-how-much-weight-youll-lose-if-you-clean-your-colon/
[5] https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ranit-Mishori/publication/51545468_The_dangers_of_colon_cleansing/links/53e0aef80cf2d79877a4e1f4/The-dangers-of-colon-cleansing.pdf
[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8234027/
[8] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151106062708.htm
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231718309480?via%3Dihub
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6561714/#:~:text=NAC%20has%20been%20reported%20useful,toxic%20epidermal%20necrolysis%2C%20and%20dermatitis.&text=Acne%20vulgaris.,used%20topically%20for%20acne%20vulgaris.
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