How to Cleanse Your Colon

When things aren’t going well in your colon, you may need a good cleanse to ensure that the nutrients you’re getting from food stay in your body and the rest is properly removed. You may have heard of a few different ways to get your colon back on track, but we’ve looked into it, and the ultimate solution is a healthier diet. If your discomfort persists, consider a lifestyle change and then talk to your doctor about more extensive options.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Adjusting Your Diet

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    Add more fiber to your diet. Fiber adds bulk, softens stool, and contributes to peristalsis (gentle, rhythmic contractions of the colon), which encourages elimination.[1] More fiber in your body means your colon can move waste out of your body more quickly and efficiently. Aim for about 20 to 35 grams (0.7 to 1 oz) of fiber a day.[2] Make sure you have five servings a day of fruits and vegetables as well as lots of whole grains in your diet.[3]
    • Have 100% whole grains in your diet, such as brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, millet, and corn.
    • Flax seeds, psyllium husk, wheat bran, and oats are super-sources of fiber.[4] You can prepare flax seed at home, have it in smoothies, or add it to other foods.
    • Fruits like strawberries, apples, and blueberries are high in fiber. Beans, seeds, and nuts are also good sources of fiber.
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    Eat more leafy green vegetables. In addition to providing fiber, leafy greens provide nutrients that help repair your intestines. Try to have at least one leafy green vegetable in each of your meals or as a snack.[5]
    • Alfalfa, wheatgrass, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, kale, spinach, peas, and barley grass are all good leafy greens.
    • You can also try snacking on vegetables by dipping them in hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush.
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    Drink lots of water. Your colon needs water to function properly and clean out any bacteria or waste in your gut. Try to have at least 13 cups of water a day if you are an adult male and nine cups of water a day if you are an adult female. You may increase your water intake if you are doing strenuous exercise or are in a hot, dry environment.[6]
    • You may get in the habit of carrying around a full water bottle with you wherever you go so you can hydrate throughout the day. You may also set a reminder on your phone so you can remember to have at least nine cups of water a day.
    • Try adding sliced lemons, limes, and cucumber to your water to make it taste more exciting. You can also add herbs like mint to your water.
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    Avoid alcohol. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine and hard liquor. They can dehydrate you and lead to constipation. Constipation can clog up the colon with large, impacted, hard-to-pass stool. Also, alcohol can suppress intestinal peristalsis and the urge to go, which makes constipation more likely.[7]
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    Limit dairy. Milk and dairy products may worsen the symptoms of constipation, especially if you consume a lot of dairy.[8] If you are suffering from constipation, yet are active and drink plenty of fluids, try to limit the amount of dairy products you consume or temporarily take them out of your diet completely.
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    Drink a cup of coffee or tea. Caffeine can help to stimulate your bowels, which may help to produce a bowel movement.[9] Having a hot beverage may also stimulate your bowels. Try drinking a cup of hot coffee or some black or green tea to get things moving.
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    Have fermented foods. Fermented foods contain probiotics, which are bacteria that are beneficial for your colon. These foods populate your gut with good bacteria, allowing your colon to function properly. Yogurt, miso, kimchi, and sauerkraut are four examples of fermented foods. Kefir, apple cider vinegar, and kombucha tea provide drinkable probiotics.[10]
    • You can also take a probiotic supplement. Make sure you buy a probiotic supplement from a reputable supplier online or in a health food store.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making Lifestyle Changes

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    Exercise on a regular basis. Physical activity stimulates the digestive system to increase bowel movements.[11] Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to ensure your colon stays healthy and functional. Make sure you are exercising on a regular basis, such as every day or at least three times a week. Go for a thirty minute walk every day or schedule in a workout at the gym three times a week to ensure you are burning calories and staying healthy.
    • You can also try doing a home workout with resistance bands to stretch your muscles and build strength. Or you may take an exercise class to help you workout regularly, such as a yoga class or an aerobics class.
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    Talk to your doctor before you take over-the-counter laxatives. Often, maintaining a high fiber diet, drinking enough water, and exercising regularly can help your colon function properly. If you are still having issues after making lifestyle changes, consult with your physician before turning to laxatives.<Dale Prokupek, MD. Gastroenterologist. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.</ref> There could be an underlying medical problem. If your doctor recommends that you try taking laxatives, ask for a recommendation. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label of the laxatives and never take more than the recommended amount. Do not take laxatives long term, as this can lead to serious health issues.[12]
    • If you are experiencing irritable bowel syndrome, irregular bowel movements, or digestive issues, you may try bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil, Citrucel or Psyllium. Take bulk-forming laxatives with lots of water. Side effects can include bloating, gas, cramping, and increased constipation.
    • If you are struggling with passing stool, you can try stool softeners. Stool softeners are generally safe for use and generate less bloating than bulk-forming laxatives.
    • Never take laxatives as a weight loss supplement. This is damaging to your health and may cause other medical issues.[13]
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    Do your research before taking colon cleansing products. If you are considering a colon cleansing product for daily use, make sure you research the product before using it. These products have not been proven to offer any health benefits.[14] Also, keep in mind that these products are not regulated by the government, so the potency, purity and safety of these products is not guaranteed. Just because a product is labeled as "natural" does not mean it is safe.[15]
    • Talk to your doctor before using any colon cleansing products.
    • Check the ingredients list on the product and make sure the specific herbal ingredients are clearly noted. If you are concerned you may be allergic to any of the ingredients or you cannot identify any of the ingredients in the colon cleansing product, do not use the product.[16]
    • Make sure you drink a lot of water while taking a colon cleansing product. This will ensure you do not become dehydrated and that the product can work properly.
    • Do not use colon cleansing products as a way to lose weight or diet. This is an unhealthy way to lose weight and can lead to other health issues. It has also been shown to be an ineffective way to lose weight.[17]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Talking to Your Doctor

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    Speak to your doctor about colonic irrigation. Colonic irrigation, also known as colonic hydrotherapy, can help to flush waste material out of your bowels with water. Your doctor may be able to do this procedure for you or recommend a colonic hydrotherapist who can do it for you. Be sure to choose a colonic hydrotherapist who is licensed by a recognized national organization. Before you get the procedure done, speak to your doctor about your medical history to ensure you can safely get the procedure.[18]
    • During the procedure, a pump is inserted into your rectum and about five gallons of warm water are put into your system over a period of time. Once the water is in your colon, the therapist may massage your abdomen to get circulate the water through your colon and to help waste products pass out of your body. The procedure can take about 30 to 45 minutes.
    • You should not have a colonic irrigation performed if you have certain medical conditions, including diverticulitis, severe hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, bowel or rectum tumors, recent bowel surgery, heart disease, or kidney disease.[19]
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    Ask your doctor about an enema.[20] Your doctor may be able to perform an enema on you in their office if your bowels have become impacted or you are having issues with your colon. Enemas are often recommended for constipation and poor bowel movement.[21]
    • Your doctor may recommend a certain type of enema for you, based on your needs. The enema insertion should be done by a trained professional in a sterile space with clean equipment.
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    Talk to your doctor about taking medication for your colon. If you have had chronic constipation for longer than six months, ask your doctor about drug treatments that can help to stimulate your bowels. You may resort to this option if adjusting your diet and lifestyle, as well as other colon treatments do not work. Medication may also be a good option if you develop a bowel issue like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).[22]
    • Make sure you are aware of the side effects of the medication you are taking. If the side effects become severe, you should see your doctor right away. Side effects of colon medications can include short term nausea, dizziness, and cramps.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/diets/special/fiber-bulk.php
  2. ↑ Dale Prokupek, MD. Gastroenterologist. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
  3. ↑ https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/eating-healthy-colon
  4. ↑ Dale Prokupek, MD. Gastroenterologist. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
  5. ↑ http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16884/7-gut-cleansing-foods-to-add-to-your-diet.html
  6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
  7. ↑ http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/guide-to-constipation-relief/diet-for-constipation-relief/
  8. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation#1
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9581985
  1. ↑ http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16884/7-gut-cleansing-foods-to-add-to-your-diet.html
  2. ↑ http://www.livestrong.com/article/480125-bowel-movements-increase-with-exercising/
  3. ↑ http://www.badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/treating-constipation-with-laxatives/
  4. ↑ http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/laxatives-and-weight-loss/
  5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary?page=2
  6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary?page=3
  7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435
  8. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary?page=2
  9. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1997.aspx?categoryid=69
  10. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary?page=3
  11. ↑ Dale Prokupek, MD. Gastroenterologist. Personal interview. 16 April 2020.
  12. ↑ http://www.enemainfo.com/enema/enema_faq.htm
  13. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/basics/treatment/con-20024578

About This Article

Joshua Ellenhorn, MD
Medically reviewed by:
Joshua Ellenhorn, MD
Colorectal Doctor
This article was medically reviewed by Joshua Ellenhorn, MD. Joshua Ellenhorn, MD, is a board certified surgeon with advanced training in the fields of surgical oncology, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery. He runs a private practice at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California and is a nationally recognized leader in surgery, cancer research, and surgical education. Dr. Ellenhorn has trained more than 60 surgical oncologists and has spent over 18 years in practice at the City of Hope National Medical Center, where he was a professor and the chief of the Division of General and Oncologic Surgery. Dr. Ellenhorn performs the following surgical procedures: gallbladder surgery, hernia repair, colorectal cancer, skin cancer and melanoma, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer. He earned an MD from the Boston University School of Medicine, completed fellowships at the University of Chicago and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and finished his residency in surgery at the University of Cincinnati. This article has been viewed 1,372,164 times.
2 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 29
Updated: February 16, 2022
Views: 1,372,164
Categories: Body Cleansing

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

You can cleanse your colon by eating a fiber-filled diet to soften stool. For example, try eating whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, and leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. Additionally, try to limit dairy products and alcohol which can lead to constipation. You should also aim to exercise at least 3 times a week to stimulate your digestive system. You can try jogging or biking, or if you don’t have time to exercise, try walking for at least 30 minutes every day. To learn how to get medical help for your colon, read more from our Nurse co-author.

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