Guide to Intestinal Cleansing for Beginners

by Janice White, Natural Healer

It is common knowledge in most cultures that the majority of illnesses are caused by an unhealthy bowel. That is why an intestinal cleansing is vital to clean and flush this breeding ground for serious diseases.

Advocates of detox cleansing believe that years of eating highly processed foods which are low in fiber and high in sugar and fat leads to the buildup of residual fecal matter inside of the colon.

This interferes with the body’s normal digestive process by preventing the absorption of nutrients and water, resulting in the growth of harmful bacteria inside the colon.

If this condition goes untreated, toxins form and spread throughout the body, causing symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, headaches, dizziness and liver disease, as well as abdominal bloating, cramping and constipation.

Detox Cleansing for Improved Wellness

Because of poor eating habits, serious problems in the intestinal tract can develop which in later years may contribute to diseases such as cancer, heart trouble and diabetes. Furthermore, lack of energy, premature aging, poor eyesight, memory loss, a poor complexion and wrinkles can also be linked to poor colon health.

A congested and polluted bowel contains toxins that may seep into the bloodstream and lymph glands. These toxins eventually settle in the weakest areas of the body. An herbal colon cleanse can help remedy this condition.

During an intestinal cleansing, it is important to incorporate a variety of fresh organic vegetables and fruits in juices and broths to ensure that your body gets a wide range of nutrients. Herbal supplements and bentonite or psyllium supplements can also be taken during your cleanse to assist with the removal of toxins from the body.

During the first stages of your cleanse, avoid solid food to give your digestive system a complete rest. Your body will be able to fully concentrate on cleansing at a cellular level by releasing toxins that have built up over time. A detox cleanse will be allow your body to repair and heal on three levels: physically, emotionally and psychologically.

Be aware that as toxins are being released, you may experience a variety of reactions. Typical cleansing reactions include headaches, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, intestinal disturbances (gas, bloating, cramping), flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, and fatigue.

On an emotional level, you may experience intense feelings and mood swings, strange dreams while sleeping, and strong food cravings. This is because toxins are being stirred up and eliminated from your system.

If toxins are being stirred faster than you can eliminate them from your system, you will feel sick as a result. Balance is thus maintained by either slowing down the rate of toxin release or by speeding up the rate of elimination.

There are several ways to help your body to eliminate toxins during your detox cleanse. The best way is by doing some sort of colon cleanse in the form of an enema or a colonic.

An enema you can do yourself with an enema bag, twice a day as needed. Alternatively, if you have a colon therapist in your area, you can schedule a colonic which will empty and cleanse your intestinal tract.

Why You Should Detoxify your Bowel

Every tissue in the body is nourished by the blood, which is in turn supplied by the bowel. Therefore when the bowel is toxic, the bloodstream spreads these toxins around the body to the various organs and tissues.

Disease can only be eliminated when its root cause is addressed, rather than simply treating the symptoms. An intestinal cleansing program gets to the root cause by removing toxic fecal matter, the source of most disease.

Fecal plaque may build up until it is an inch or more thick and can cover the entire length of the stomach, small intestines and colon itself. This plaque can become so hard and stiff that it is difficult for the body to get rid of them on its own.

However, during an intestinal cleansing, these layers of feces can be successfully removed. Since they are often full of parasites, dead tissue and decaying food, their removal allows the bowels the opportunity to function effectively once again.

Colonic Hydrotherapy

There are several different ways to cleanse the colon. Colonic hydrotherapy uses warm water to irrigate and drain the colon. This should be performed by a licensed and certified colon therapist, although self-colonic kits for an intestinal cleansing at home are available.

Another way to do an intestinal cleansing is with enemas and laxatives to soften stools and move waste material through the body. But these internal cleansing  products can be harsh on the sensitive tissues of the intestinal tract. They can also become addictive, making it difficult to go to the toilet without their use.

An intestinal cleansing recipe using natural ingredients can be a safe and effective way of cleansing the colon. By helping to remove hardened debris and leftover fecal matter in the bowel, you are improving your body’s ability to handle toxins. Look for a high quality colon-cleansing supplement that will allow you to achieve a total body cleanse.

If you are not eating enough fiber, poor quality and infrequent bowel movements over many months and years can become hazardous to your health. The simple fact is that the longer your body has decaying food in the intestines, the greater your risk of developing a serious disease.

(published April 11, 2010)