what is a good at home treatment for a colon cleanse?
I have heard to help lose weight one should do a colon cleanse to get rid of toxins. I just want to know what I can do with out spending lots of money.
I love questions like this. There are hundreds of books out there that say something like “death begins in the colon” and “cleanse the toxins” and other rubbish.
While there is truth to poor diets causing ill health (Americans eat a lot of fat and have a very high incidence of colon cancer), there’s a lot of myths too.
Fiber is the key. Instead of looking for miracle cures, adapt a healthy lifestyle. Eat whole-fiber, low fat foods and read labels. (While you’re at it, cut down on the salt too). Just reaching the FDA’s recommended allowance of fiber daily can be a challenge. (No more fast food!) Also, drink plenty of water. You can’t flush out the bad if it’s stuck like a rock inside of you. (Constipation hurts). Finally, exercise. Along with all the other health benefits (and burning calories, duh) regular exercise will promote peristalsis (the regular movement of stuff through your insides).
Seriously though, it takes some work to keep yourself healthy. Keep at it. And please stay away from people who are going to shove stuff where it doesn’t belong and “flush you out”. That’s really not good for you. Also, stay away from laxatives unless your doctor suggests it. They can have very bad side effects.
Just eat right and exercise.
Footnote: Enemas and Go-Lytly are not good! You can severely imbalance your sodium and postassium levels! (read: heart failure) Don’t stick things up there unless a doctor (a real doctor) tells you to!
What diet should I have to rid of constipation?
What diet should I have to rid of constipation?
Any idea how can I get a healthy intestinal transit?
Thanks,
High fiber diets are the best for your intestinal tract and for constipation. The fiber helps stimulate your GI tract to push everything down and out. high fiber diets are also a good way to protect yourself from colon cancer. you can find fiber in cereal, whole grain bread, fruits and vegetables. you can also take a fiber supplement, but it is never as good as getting it in your diet.
Colon Cleanse For Colorectal Cancer Prevention
National statistics show that colorectal cancer is one of the top three common forms of cancer, with 130,000 Americans affected yearly and resulting in 60,000 deaths. Colorectal cancer can be said to be a disease of modern times, since it is virtually unknown 100 years ago.
Colorectal cancer is also known as colon cancer or bowel cancer. It refers to cancer in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is found that many colorectal cancers develop from polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are more often than not, benign and not therefore not life threatening. But some may become cancerous over time. You would need a colonoscopy for a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer treatment usually involves surgery followed by chemotherapy.
While colorectal cancer has been studied to be one of the most common forms of inherited cancers, the condition of the average digestive system must be taken into consideration. After all, can it be truly said that the genes in the human body have mutated fast enough in 100 years to cause an inherited disease?
Since many people also show many other digestive disorders, natural health experts pinpoint the cause to be toxins. Toxins can come from various sources such as dietary and environmental factors. To prevent colorectal cancer, therefore, a colon cleanse would be beneficial. This process can heal herniations of the colon and polyps. In addition, a colon cleanse is soothing to the intestinal tract, relieving it years of accumulated waste.
Colon toxicity also results from the growth of parasites and unhealthy bacteria. This can add to the problem of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and gas. To a great extent, it is impossible to avoid toxins altogether while living in the modern world with its many conveniences. The only way around the toxicity issue is to do regular colon cleanse.
Do note, however, that a colon cleanse would not be suitable if you have serious problems or are already on medications. You should always check with your physician to make sure that you are safe to do one.
There are several ways to do a colon cleanse for the prevention of colorectal cancer. You can get colon cleansing herbs from your local health store. The benefits of cleansing are several. They include less bloatedness, more energy and easy bowel movements of at least once a day. You also strengthen your immune system and improve your overall health with a colon cleanse.
Sandra Kim Leong
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/colon-cleanse-for-colorectal-cancer-prevention-119776.html
How to Use Cascara Sagrada as a Constipation Remedy
Cascara Sagrada comes from the bark of the buckthorn tree. It stimulates your colon to produce stronger contraction than normal. When it does this, it can work on the most difficult and chronic cases of constipation.
It is one of the herbal constipation remedies with a strong laxative effect. It will be found in many herbal combinations that are mixed for constipation. Cascara has Chrysophanic acid, which stimulates your colon wall to produce peristaltic action. Cascara also contains a chemical called emodin, which controls the strong action of Chrysophonic acid thus producing a balanced laxative effect.
If you use cascara in a constipation remedy mixture, do not use this mixture for more than thirty days. After 30 days take a rest from it. Do not use Cascara in large amounts and for long periods since it can cause intestinal distress and become habit-forming. When you use it, you will see results in 1-2 days.
Cascara Sagrada also stimulates secretions from the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and stomach. These secretions give Cascara additional laxative effects.
Do not use Cascara Sagrada if you have irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, or ulcers. Use Cascara for a limited time. It can become habit-forming and, if used for an extended time, it can increase the risk of colon cancer. Its use also causes you to lose potassium with each bowel movement.
If you have liver problems do not use cascara sagrada full strength. Use it in combination with other herbs. Cascara is known to put a strain on the liver.
You can take Cascara Sagrada as a single herb for constipation. As a single herb, it can cause cramping and nausea. However, I recommend you used it with other herbs. In an herbal combination, the combination can detoxify your colon, tonify your colon walls, cleanse the blood and produce other synergistic actions.
In Michael Murray, N.D., book called The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines, he talks about the drug interaction of cascara sagrada,
“Cascara and other stimulant laxatives may decrease absorption of other drugs that pass through the gastrointestinal tract. If you are currently taking an oral medication, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before self-medicating with cascara. Cascara may potentiate the action of digoxin and other heart medications due to potassium depletion. The use of cascara with thiazide diuretics and corticosteroids may further decrease potassium levels.”
Recommend dose for the cascara sagrada, as a single herb, is 350 – 1000mg just before bedtime.
Use 1-4 cascara sagrada powder capsules a night, but do not use these capsules for more than 10 days. Start with 1 capsule a night and increase the amount each day until you get results you want.
For a laxative tea, use one teaspoon of cascara bark in 3 cups of boiling water for 20 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups of tea just before bedtime after it has cooled to room temperature.
Cascara Sagrada is a strong constipation remedy and will help you clean out your colon even if you have chronic constipation. Use it sparely and for a short time.
Rudy Silva
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/how-to-use-cascara-sagrada-as-a-constipation-remedy-123844.html
Colon Health: Why Colon Cleanse Can Almost Always Boost Your Well Being
Imagine yourself feeling healthier and more energetic. Can you see yourself having regular bowel movements without laxatives? Can you afford to ignore your colon health? Inefficient waste elimination from your body can lead to many sickness such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation,allergies, Candida, and chronic sinus infections. Regular cleansing can promote a healthy intestinal system.
When you perform bowel irrigation, it improves your digestion. This in turn helps your body better absorb whatever medications you are taking to treat disease and infections. You will find relief from illnesses such as bad breath, cold, constipation, flu, headaches, sinus, joint pain, and stress. Usually after colon cleansing, your complexion and muscle tone improves. It also slows down the aging process. As your system removes the toxins, your digestive system can absorb nutrients more effectively. Sometimes, you lose weight because of elimination of large quantities of toxins.
Your colon acts like a septic tank. It stores waste and toxins. So, when it reaches above its storage limit, it cannot get rid of those waste fast enough. Some of your organs such as bladder and kidney will have to take the burden of eliminating those excess waste. If your body fails to get rid of them, the toxins will remain in your system and create health havoc for you.
To jump start your colon health, you should use cleansing methods such as colon hydrotherapy (colonic irrigation) and high enema programs. These alternative conventions gradually and gently cleanse the colon by purging your large intestine. The colonic irrigation pumps clean and warm water into the colon to loosen the waste which has hardened over the years. Your body can then easily remove the softened waste .
What if you decide not to have any bowel irrigation? Untreated bowel system may lead to serious conditions such as colon cancer. Colon cancer ranks second for cancer death in American men and women. 90 percent of colon cancer patients fall in the age group of 50 and above. It usually develops with a polyp which is not cancerous. Studies show that if the doctor detects your cancer earlier. your possibility of recovery increases by 50 percent. So, if your family has a medical history of colon cancer or polyps and you are below 50 years of age, you should undergo a screening. If you are worried about the medical cost, check with your Medicare as they should cover the cost of colon health screening.
Regular bowel irrigation can help you to achieve optimal colon health. Your body will attain more vitality than before after getting rid of toxins and contamination. Apart from relieving you from common diseases, it can prevent serious health disorders from developing.
Andy Lim
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/colon-health-why-colon-cleanse-can-almost-always-boost-your-well-being-136973.html
What can a gal with gastroparesis do to ease constipation from lack of fiber?
I have recently been diagnosed with postviral gastroparesis. Although I am tolerating the low fat low diet fairly well (oh how I miss fresh veggies and loathe baby food!), I have developed a strong tendency towards constipation. I believe this is due to the "low fiber" part of my diet. I am a little concerned about this because of a strong family history of colon cancer, and fiber is said to help prevent it… What can I eat or take to relieve the constipation?
Hey, I’m very sorry about your recent diagnosis. I also have gastroparesis. My gastroenterologist recommended Miralax to me. I haven’t tried it yet because I haven’t had problems with constipation, but it’s supposed to be a mild, but effective laxative. I know what you mean about baby food… ugh! I prefer blended up soups now to baby food, except the fruit ones are ok. You should check out the yahoo group for gastroparesis. They offer a lot of support and advice for fellow patients. The link is http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/gastroparesis/. They are a wonderful group and it’s a great place to vent when you’re having a rough day. Good luck to you.
Two Simple Ideas for Preventing Colon Cancer
Colon cancer starts with colon polyps. Polyps are growths in the inner lining of your colon walls. They are formed when the inner lining is irritated or attacked by fecal matter toxins. When you have polyps your risks of getting colon cancer increases dramatically.
To prevent getting colon cancer you need to prevent getting polyps.
If you have polyps then you need to prevent them from becoming cancerous.
Here are some ideas that you can use in preventing colon cancer whether you have or do not have polyps.
Polyps occur when your fecal matter is toxic and becomes stagnant. When your fecal matter stops moving in your colon, then toxic matter in the fecal matter comes in contact with your colon wall. It is this colon area that becomes irritated and over time weakens. As inflammation sets in and irritation continues, toxins are absorbed into the colon wall and a growth occurs. This growth will continue as long as you continue to have toxic fecal matter and constipation.
Here are two things that can help you from creating and irritating polyps.
First eliminate any form of constipation. You have constipation if you don’t have at least two bowel movements daily when you have three meals a day. Determine how long it takes for your food to pass through your body. A good rule of thumb is, it should take about 24 hours for food to travel from your mouth and out your anus.
After you eat breakfast in the morning, drink 6 – 8 oz of any juice with 2 oz of liquid chlorophyll. You can use 2 oz of red beet juice if you prefer. Then check when you start to see either green or red stools. This is your colon transit time. If it takes more than 24 hours then you need to reduce this time.
Preventing colon cancer requires that fecal matter move through your colon without remaining at one spot for too long.
The second thing you can do to prevent colon cancer is to change your fecal matter toxic level. Two things that make your fecal matter more toxic are undigested food and carcinogenic chemicals.
Since, most processed foods such as breads, packaged foods, cooked foods, processed meats, and pasteurized liquids lack digestive enzymes, your body is unable to digest all of the food that you eat. When undigested food reaches the colon, it is decomposed by bad bacteria and becomes highly toxic.
To correct this toxicity, start eating more raw foods such as fruits and vegetables, which are filled with enzymes. Try ten servings a day. It’s a lot isn’t it? But, that what we need to stop colon cancer or other colon irritations.
Next, read food labels and avoid those foods, as much as possible, which contain excessive preservative, coloring, dyes, fillers, and food stabilizers. There are hundreds of chemicals that are added to your food which help to keep the food from falling apart and decaying. Many of these chemicals are not digested in the small intestine and move into the colon where then make the fecal matter more toxic.
These are two steps that you can start applying for preventing colon cancer. If you have polyps, then these steps will help to keep them in check and reduce your risk of getting colon cancer.
Diseases of the Colon Caused by Constipation
It was estimated that of all the people who died of cancer – colon, lung, prostate, and breast – in 1999 sixteen percent were attributed to colon cancer. But, how many of these other cancers originated in your colon? We do know that colon cancer is the second leading cause of deaths in the United States.
We don’t know what cancers originated in your colon because the medical profession treats symptoms not the causes. Many doctors do not go looking for the cause of your problem. They don’t have the time. In fact, they normally will not tell you what you need to do to prevent your illness. Sometimes the reason they will not tell you is they just do not know.
It is the nutritionist’s job to tell you what foods and supplements you need to prevent and to overcome specific illnesses and what to eat to eliminate or stop constipation.
Why is it that some many people are dying of various diseases at such an early age – at forty, at fifty, at sixty, even 30, or younger? They die of heart diseases, blood diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases and the list goes on. It has been know for a longtime why diseases occur and what you can do to prevent it.
These death producing illnesses are a result of our life style – the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air pollution we breathe, the thoughts we think, the toxins we are exposed to at work, and the cleaning products we use at home.
What is it that causes us to behave in a way that is harmful to others or ourselves in ways that affect our health, our relationships, and our life? Why do people smoke when they know it causes Cancer? Why do people drink coffee when they know caffeine affects their adrenal gland, which eventually leads to exhaustion? Why is it that people eat sugar when they know it has untold health effects beyond diabetes? The answer is simple but difficult to accept.
All illness originates from repressed traumatic memories resulting from early life trauma.
Dr Arthur Janov explains this clearly in his book, 1996, Why You Get Sick How You Get Well.
“Over the last thirty years I have learned a great deal about humans and what drives them. As trite as it may seem, what I have found is a single yet complex emotion called love. Not the romantic love of novels, but a fundamental love – the love of a parent for a child. When a child lacks love and nurturing, no matter how that lack is manifest, it creates pain, and if this pain is not “felt” or integrated into the system, it will in turn cause physical and emotional illness in later life.”
It takes disciple to change behavior, thought, and life style, which are good for health. This is what is necessary to reduce or eliminate illness. This is what is necessary to bring on a feeling of well-being way into your old age – at 80, at 90, at 100, and well beyond that. With the new anti-aging nutrients and supplements on the market, I can see people living well into 120 years provided they follow a good lifestyle.
How many people are willing to devote the time and money to start eating the right foods and change their lifestyle? This is the first step in reducing or eliminating constipation.
Best Colon Cleansing Methods
Colon health and colon cleansing are topics that have only recently been much discussed. This can be directly attributed to the fact that the problems originating directly from the colon have been increasing every year and the colon cancer is something which is terrifying the whole nation these days. With most number of cases reported cases in the entire world and an increasing number of deaths due to colon cancer, colon health is one topic which the Americans can no longer neglect.
To ensure that your colon is in its prime condition you should always get your colon cleansed at regular intervals. There are various methods which you can use to get your colon cleansed. While some are expensive, some are quite affordable and while some can be administered at home, for some you need to pay visits to the therapist. The best method depends n your needs. What we will provide here is an outline of the various methods available.
Juice Fasting
It is better to practice juice fasting than simple fasting to get your colon in proper shape. Vegetables and fruits contain a lot of fiber in them and this helps in bowel movements. Since you are not consuming anything else there is nothing additional that gets deposited. However consuming entire fruits and vegetables would not be a nice idea as the fibers in that form can be harder to digest. When you take them in the form of a juice you are much likely to yield better results. Also the fact that since most fruits and vegetables have high nutritional value, your body will not be deprived of energy to work which would have been the case if it was a complete fast.
Colon Hydrotherapy
One of the most effective ways of getting your colon cleansed is to go for colon hydrotherapy. This process involves the insertion of a tube through your anus into the colon. Plenty of pure water is poured into the colon through the tube to flush out the contents of the colon. This is a natural method and doesn’t involve any use of drugs. A colon hydrotherapy program would require you to attend 10 to 12 sessions over a period of two months, each session spanning for something around 45 to 60 minutes.
Herbal Laxatives
The colon cleanse herbs and the herbal laxatives claim to be harmless and position themselves as alternatives to commercial laxatives. They further their claim saying that since they are natural, they are safe. The herbs are generally very strong and they start showing results in 6 to 12 hours time after consumption. They should be had only in moderate amounts as a prolonged use can have serious side effects.
Advantages of having a Colon Cleansed
If you think that too much of unwanted toxins have accumulated inside your colon it may be time for you to go for a colon cleanse. Excess of waste matter in your colon can cause you to feel sick and depressed. On the other hand a clean colon will make you feel healthier and happier. So if you want a better life and make the most of it then get your colon cleansed.
One of the great benefits of having your colon cleansed is to lose excess weight. Of course having your colon cleaned will reduce your weight directly by quite a few pounds. But a clean colon will mean that you would be able to digest your food better. So you would no longer feel uncomfortable and would tend to stay away from junk foods. Since a major cause of binging is depression and having a clean colon helps you stay happy and cheerful, there is less chance of you going for a binging bout.
It must be understood that our country has the most number of reported cases of colon cancer among both men and women. This should obviously tell us to take extra care of our colon. Colon cleansing is a very important part of that process of care. As you are more aware of your colon health you will reduce the chances of colon cancer by that much.
A clean colon also has a very positive effect on your mind. You will no longer feel tired or depressed. You will remain always cheerful and there would be renewed interest in life. You will once again be ready to do things which you would have been afraid of lately. In fact it is told that having a clean colon also improves one’s sex drive.
Eliminating waste from your body can also ensure that you will have less of aches and pains. The toxins produced by the waste matter are often held responsible for headaches. You will no longer need to worry about those headaches any more. Get your colon cleansed and such headaches will be a thing of the past.
Undergoing a colon cleansing program will also make you look good with a skin that will glow and feel much better. The effects of ageing are significantly reduced if you go for colon cleansing. After the process you will not only feel younger, you will look much younger too.