Is colon cleansing for everyone?

What is a colon cleanse?

Colon cleansing, also known as colonic irrigation, involves flushing the colon with fluids to remove waste. It’s a practice that’s been around since ancient times, and based on the premise that digestive waste can be a toxin to the body. 

Like most lifestyle practices, it should be approached carefully, with sufficient knowledge of the potential dangers.

Why do a colon cleanse?

Practitioners of colon cleansing say you can reap numerous benefits by removing the toxins from your digestive system. They say it can lead to:

-weight loss

-better digestion 

-increased energy 

-clearer thinking

Why to not do a colon cleanse?

-Dehydration: weight loss associated with colon cleansing also causes the removal of fluids

-Electrolyte imbalance: colon cleanses can upset the balance of electrolytes like potassium and sodium in your body

-Bacterial imbalance and infection:  can invite unhealthy bacteria into the lower digestive system with fluids used and also remove the healthy bacteria that can fight that infection 

-Bowel perforation: happens when a tear occurs in the wall of the lower intestine

Sounds risky, right? Safe cleansing is an alternative.

What foods to eat during a colon cleanse?

1. Broccoli
2. Dark, leafy greens - like spinach, kale, and chard 
3. Milk
4. Raspberries
5. Oatmeal

All of these foods contain high amounts of fibre, calcium, and vitamin D, which are great at keeping your digestive system working properly and preventing constipation.

What else can you do?

-Exercise at least a few times a week

-Maintain a healthy weight

-Quit smoking

-Limit your alcohol use

-Cut down on red and processed meat