Cleansing the colon on a regular basis is the first step in achieving optimal health naturally. The National Institute of Health conducted a study involving 1200 volunteers to determine the efficacy of colon cleansing. The NIH singled out cascara sagrada as the herb to study. Using only this one herb, the study revealed that cascara sagrada was an effective colon cleanser in 52-80% of subjects. Followed an hour later with an enema, 96% of these people were clinically shown to have clean colons.
How the Best Colon Cleanses Work
The most effective colon cleansing products work in two ways. The first way involves an herbal formula which stimulates the large intestines in a process known as peristalsis. These herbs cause muscular contractions in the colon which “squeeze” the contents of the bowel to stimulate evacuation. The second way colon cleanse products work is with another formula which adsorbs, meaning “draws to itself like a magnet,” old accumulated wastes off the colon walls and out of the diverticuli (bowel pockets), thus potentially preventing certain colon diseases. Many people take probiotics after a thorough colon cleanse to restore beneficial intestinal flora (good bacteria). These combined protocols form an effective colon detox.
Organic Herbs for Stimulating the Colon
Intestinal stimulators usually come encapsulated and are very easy to use. Effective bowel stimulators contain organic herbs such as curacao and cape aloe leaf, senna, cascara sagrada, ginger root, garlic, and either African bird pepper or cayenne. These herbs also help to strengthen the walls of the colon. To stimulate the colon into peristaltic action, start by taking one capsule of an intestinal stimulator with dinner. In the morning, there should be a noticeable increase in the volume of the bowel movement. If there is not, take two capsules of stimulator with dinner the next night. Continue increasing the capsules by one per night until two to three large bowel movements occur every day. If the bowels become uncomfortably loose or diarrhea occurs, back off by a capsule at dinner.
Psyllium and Bentonite for Vacuuming the Colon
The second ingredient in a great colon cleanse product is a blend of herbs, clay and charcoal which forms a black powder. This powder is stirred into a glass of water or juice and drunk like a shake. The ingredients in this formula, sometimes called a psyllium and bentonite, or “P & B” shake, are usually organic golden flax seeds, bentonite clay, apple pectin, activated willow charcoal, psyllium seeds and husks, slippery elm, peppermint, marshmallow root and cayenne. These herbs and charged minerals serve to draw old fecal matter, heavy metals, bacteria, old drug residues and parasites that can get stuck in an unhealthy colon. They also help to reduce colon pain and other colon problems. Once the bowels are moving, begin taking the intestinal “vacuum.” Stir the powder into an eight to 10 ounce glass of purified water or juice, drink quickly and finish with a second glass of water. Drink this shake five times a day between meals, such as on wakening, right before work, right before lunch, upon arriving at home, and right before bed.
Follow with Probiotics Such as Lactobacillus and Acidophilus
The best colon cleansers take 30 days to complete and can be repeated. Once you have finished cleansing, it is advisable to add probiotics to your diet for at least a couple of weeks. Although not essential, adding a good probiotic after a colon cleansing regimen restores microbial balance to the intestines. This helps to keep the colon healthy. These beneficial microbes help digest nutrients as well as overtake so-called pathogenic bacteria and other parasitic organisms such as E.coli. Probiotic supplements may be taken, but eating fermented foods such as raw cultured vegetables, kimchi, kefir and kombucha tea also restores intestinal balance.
References:
Ncbi.nlm.gov/pubmed, Gastrointest Radiol. 1982;7(4):383-9. Colon cleansing regimens. A clinical study in 1200 patients. Fork FT, Ekberg O, Nilsson G, Rerup C, Skinhøj A. [Accessed June 21, 2010]
Nutriceutical.com, "Cascara Sagrada: Nature's Gentle Answer to Constipation"
Rpi.edu, "Adsorption"
Mayoclinic.com, "Is It Important to Include Probiotics in a Healthy Diet?"
Donna Pravel - Donna Earnest Pravel is the owner and senior editor of www.Heart of Texas Copywriting Solutions.com.
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