Bowel Cleansing

Bowel cleansing is another method of colon cleaning. Bowel cleansing removes the accumulated fecal matter, parasites and also helps with constipation. Most of the digestive process occurs in the small intestine, from which nutrients are absorbed into the body. The remaining mixture of food and undigested particles goes into the large intestine, which is extremely long, around 40 inches. The large intestine's main purpose is to transfer food wastes from the small intestine to the rectum for elimination and to absorb minerals and water.

Some professionals believe that waste is left behind and starts to choke the large intestine, which is now usually referred to as the colon. This waste causes maladies such as constipation, acne, depression, bloating, weight gain and a general sluggishness of the body and mind. The waste also can block the colon from absorbing nutrients that maintain the body's health.

Bowel Cleansing Foods

Bowel movements should generally occur at least once a day. Some proponents of bowel cleansing believe that if you don't have one healthy movement a day you could already be accumulating too many toxins in your colon. One of the main elements that interfere with bowel movements is the food we eat - low fiber, highly processed foods, refined sugars, meats treated with hormones and antibiotics and the list goes on. If the toxins are to be removed then the bowels must be cleansed.

Bowel cleansing foods are those high in fiber - whole fruits and vegetable (not juices), whole grains and beans. Because bowel cleansing foods are high in fiber, waste moves through the colon more quickly, sweeping out toxins as it passes through the bowel. Learn more about a detoxification diet.

Bowel Cleansing Treatments

Bowel cleansing treatments include natural supplements, enemas, colonic (which is similar to an enema), a detoxification diet, fasting and colon cleansing therapies that combine drinks high in fiber and pills. It is also important to drink copious amounts of water during the day - up to eight glasses. These treatments are all geared to flushing out the bowels so that the toxins don't remain in your colon and ferment or, possibly, be absorbed through the colon wall and sent back into your system.

If the colon starts to fill up with waste, its shape and function could be negatively affected. It could stretch in certain areas, or develop something called "diverticula", which are pouches on the intestinal wall that can become infected, or it could fall down upon itself; this is called a prolapsed colon. Any of these things can impact the proper function of the colon.

Take the FIRST step to cleaning your colon

Cleansing your colon starts with eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water. This helps keep you regular and puts your body back on track.

But your body can't do it all.

When you're ready to cleanse your body of toxins and undigested food, then you're ready to take the next step in colon cleansing. Keep in mind that colon cleansing isn't for everyone – only for those who want optimal health.