How to Prepare for a Colonic

Medically reviewed by Joshua Ellenhorn, MD

Last Updated: February 16, 2022 References

Colonic irrigation, also called a colonic, is a procedure intended to remove waste and toxins from the bowel. To get the most out of the procedure, you'll need to tweak your lifestyle two days before and again on the day of. Afterwards, you'll need to allow your system to readjust and consider making long-term lifestyle changes. Although many people claim colonics alleviate a variety of conditions, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. Talk to your doctor first to discuss if the procedure is appropriate or safe for you.^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Adjusting Your Diet 48 Hours before Your Colonic

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Drink 64 fluid ounces (1.9 L) of water each day. Hydration is highly important for colonics and daily life. Don't just drink water to prep for the procedure. Make it part of your everyday routine.
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Supplement with herbal tea. Opt for ginger, peppermint, or cardamom. These herbs promote healthy digestion and keep your system from getting to gassy. Teas containing them are also free of dehydrating caffeine. Aim for a few cups a day.^{[2]
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Eat plenty of vegetables. Aim to make vegetables at least 50 to 70 percent of your meals. Load up on dark leafy greens, zucchini, peas, cucumbers, chard, and fennel. Eat them raw or lightly steamed.^{[3]
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Drink 16 to 32 fluid ounces (470 to 950 mL) of juiced vegetables daily. Use a juicer or order a pick-me-up at your local juice bar or coffee shop. Juice 5 or 6 stalks of kale, 1 head of romaine lettuce, 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 g) of ginger, a whole lemon, and 1-2 whole apples for sweetness. If possible, use organic ingredients.^{[4]
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Cut back on animal protein. These foods can trigger constipation. If you eat meat, stick to broiled chicken or freshwater fish. Substitute animal protein with chickpeas, raw nuts, and unprocessed seeds.
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Avoid processed foods. Steer clear of carbonated drinks, baked goods, fast food, and frozen meals. Avoid simple carbohydrates (bread, pasta, and white rice) dairy products, red meat, and shellfish. These foods tend to bind and get stuck in the bowels.^{[5]
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Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or consume caffeine. Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine dehydrate the body. Unlike alcohol and caffeine, tobacco products have no known health benefits. If you smoke, let this be a trial run or preparation for quitting for good!^{[6]
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Chew your food thoroughly. Try to chew each mouthful 20 to 30 times before swallowing. Take small bites and chew slowly. Thorough chewing will reduce the buildup of undigested food and pockets of gas in your colon.^{[7]
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Exercise. This should be part of your regular routine, about 3 to 5 days a week. A good workout the day before your colonic will help to stimulate the bowels. Stick to your usual routine. If you don't normally exercise, go for a walk or do some yoga.^{[8]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Taking Precautions the Day of the Colonic

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Eat light foods. Stick to fruits, raw vegetable salads, and steamed greens. Skip foods that cause gas, such as legumes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and leeks. This will make the procedure go more smoothly and save you some embarrassment.
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Avoid eating or drinking two hours before. If you have an overactive bladder, consider cutting off liquids earlier. Your abdominal area will be massaged during the procedure. An empty bladder and stomach will make you feel more comfortable.^{[9]
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3
Arrive a little early. This will allow your entire body, including your intestines, to relax. Rushing only stresses you out. If you feel stressed before your colonic, try laughing, breathing deeply, and/or listening to calming music.^{[10]
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Talk openly and honestly with your colonic therapist. Discuss your lifestyle and medical history. For example, mention how often you exercise, what you typically eat, medications and nutritional supplements you take, or digestive problems you might be experiencing. Have questions about the procedure and follow-up measures ready to ask. Feel free to voice any concerns.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Taking Steps after Your Colonic

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Eat light for 24 hours. Stick to soup and salads. Avoid spicy ingredients like pepper or curry powder. After a colonic, your bowel muscles become stimulated. A light diet will allow your muscles to readjust to their usual state.^{[11]
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2
Don't slack off on the water. Keep drinking 64 fluid ounces (1.9 L) every day. Hydrating will help your body to readjust. It will also give you a full feeling that will prevent you from reaching for heavy foods.^{[12]
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3
Make lifestyle changes. If you were sedentary before the colonic, talk to your doctor about starting an exercise regimen. Invest in a juicer to enjoy fresh vegetable juice everyday. Eliminate dairy, which is a common cause of constipation. Finally, if you think you might have gluten sensitivities, talk to a dietician about going gluten-free.^{[13]
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Warnings

Avoid taking laxatives before your colonic. They irritate the digestive system and don't solve the underlying problem causing any constipation.

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There are health risks associated with colonics in certain conditions. Don't undergo this procedure if you have have painful hemorrhoids, fissures, kidney disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart problems, or any condition that causes inflammation. You should also avoid a colonic if you're pregnant.^{[14]
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