5 Benefits of Colon Cleansing
With additives in our food, pesticides on our crops, and pollution all around us, many might say we live in a toxic age.[1] Sometimes all that toxic buildup can take its toll on the colon, which negatively affects digestion and overall health. When your colon is backed up with toxic material, your entire body becomes sluggish and unable to perform its day-to-day tasks. Luckily, your body does a good job detoxifying itself on a regular basis; however, some toxins require some help to facilitate removal. Helping your body detoxify itself isn’t too difficult when you stop and think about it. Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise are two of the most effective strategies.[2] But, sometimes we need a bit more when it comes to toxins, many of which can easily store themselves in the colon. So, if you think you need a colon cleanse, or you just want to look into the idea, don’t put it off. Here are five great benefits of colon cleansing you should know.
5 Benefits of Colon Cleansing
1. Improves Digestion and Prevents Occasional Constipation
Occasional constipation can make for poor digestion and vice versa. When digestion is impaired, and constipation ensues, waste products can linger in your body. This whole process can lead to the inability to absorb many of the nutrients you’re taking in, leading to a lack of energy and hampered immune function. Detoxing your colon allows those undigested waste products to be pushed through your system and also puts some ease in your bowel regularity. Since lingering waste can breed bacteria, this purge clears the way for good nutrient absorption, thereby supporting good health.[3]
2. Increases Energy and Concentration
Purging your colon of toxins allows energy from the intestines to focus elsewhere, meaning your energy levels could improve.[4] Nutrition is crucial to mental health, and weak absorption of nutrients may lead to loss of concentration. In addition to having more energy, absorption of crucial vitamins responsible for mental clarity is improved — meaning concentration is supported.[5]
3. Jumpstarts Weight Loss
Low-fiber food is often part of an unhealthy diet. Without adequate fiber, digestion and the body’s ability to feel “full” are affected.[6] Low fiber foods also linger much longer in the gut. When you cleanse the colon, this matter is flushed from the system, and, in some, may lead to significant weight loss. But, if you’re looking to lose weight, one study suggests that increasing fiber intake can help you shed unwanted pounds.[7]
4. Supports Overall Colon Health
All the toxins you take into your body will eventually make their way to the colon. By not cleansing your colon (and liver), toxins can linger in the body and cause untold damage.[8] Ridding the body of waste supports the many functions of the colon, including digestion and proliferation of beneficial gut flora.
5. Encourages Whole Body Detox
The body is adept at constantly detoxifying itself every day. But sometimes the combination of environmental factors and poor lifestyle habits make it hard to catch up and your body may show signs of toxic colon overload. An oxygen-based cleanser like Oxy-Powder® may be helpful for encouraging colon detoxification by releasing oxygen.[9] Oxygen is important for facilitating removal of toxins, as is staying hydrated.
Something to Keep in Mind
If you find yourself feeling sluggish, detoxifying your colon might be just the thing you need. Perform the necessary research and talk to your trusted health care provider to determine the best solution for you. While most cleanses can be performed by virtually anyone, you need to listen to your body and do what’s right for you.
References (9)
- Salim S.Y., Kaplan G.G., Madsen K.L. "Air pollution effects on the gut microbiota: a link between exposure and inflammatory disease." Gut Microbes. (2014): 215-219.
- Fathallah N., Bouchard D., De parades V. "Diet and lifestyle rules in chronic constipation in adults: From fantasy to reality." Presse Med. 2017: 23-30.
- Jumpertz R., Le D.S., Turnbaugh P.J., et al. "Energy-balance studies reveal associations between gut microbes, caloric load, and nutrient absorption in humans." Am J Clin Nutr. (2011): 58-65.
- Vollebregt P.F., Elfrink A.K., Meijerink W.J., Felt-bersma R.J. "Results of long-term retrograde rectal cleansing in patients with constipation or fecal incontinence." Tech Coloproctol. (2016): 633-9.
- Rieder R., Wisniewski P.J., Alderman B.L., Campbell S.C. "Microbes and mental health: A review." Brain Behav Immun. (2017):
- Klosterbuer A., Roughead Z.F., Slavin J. "Benefits of dietary fiber in clinical nutrition." Nutr Clin Pract. (2011): 625-635.
- Slavin J.L. "Dietary fiber and body weight." Nutrition. (2005): 411-8.
- Haque T.R., Barritt A.S. "Intestinal microbiota in liver disease." Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. (2016): 133-142.
- Murakami K., Sasaki S., Okubo H., et al. "Association between dietary fiber, water and magnesium intake and functional constipation among young Japanese women." Eur J Clin Nutr. (2007): 616.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.