The body is always generating waste material as a by-product of metabolic processes. Other waste is derived from food residues that have no use to the body, such as salt, artificial colorings and preservatives, processing by-products and other additives. Significant levels of toxins also accumulate in the body tissues as a result of environmental pollution – not only from air, water, and chemicals, which are consumed or contacted directly, but also from pesticides and industrial waste, which spread through the food chain from the air, water and soil to the plants, fish and animals that end up on our dinner plates.

The build-up of toxins in our body tissues and bloodstream is the pathway to lowered vitality and disease. Intestinal stasis is in particular implicated in a wide range of illnesses, including fatigue, headache, asthma, hypertension, degenerative ocular changes, arthritis, and degeneration of the muscles, liver, kidneys, lungs, ovaries, prostate, nerves and, indeed, the whole body.

Why Does Colon Health Affect Body Health?
There is a relationship between the tissue of the bowel and the tissue of the rest of the body. When we look at embryology (the study of the developing fetus), we see the “gut tube” is the first to develop. When gestation is complete, the “gut tube” has become the large intestine. Essentially, every cell in our bodies developed from the large intestine.

How Do I Colon Cleanse?
There are numerous ways to cleanse the colon. Some people do well with just herbs, while some need both herbs and colonics, whether professional or at home. The following is an explanation of different colon cleansing methods.

Herbs – There are many individual herbs and herbal formulas that cleanse the colon. These may include: turkey rhubarb, cascara, buckthorn and senna. Many herbal recipes contain bulking agents such as psyllium or seeds and carminatives for relaxing the bowel to reduce flatulence and griping. Other recipes add astrignets to tone the bowel and prevent fluid loss; alteratives to balance metabolic processes; anti-inflammatories to sooth mucus membranes; and anti-spasmodics to promote smooth and regular peristalsis. If one is mildly constipated, then a balanced herbal formula will probably be sufficient.

Enemas – This process consist of a 2-quart bag, tubing and tip. Enemas are administered while lying on the floor, often on the left side and sometimes with massage to help move the water along. For evacuation, the tip is removed from the rectum and the fluid is expelled in the toilet. This procedure is repeated until all the water is used. There are two drawbacks to this method: (1) it can be messy, if you don’t make it to the toilet in time, and (2) the procedure only flushes the last section of the large intestine. This in itself is beneficial, but cleansing of the whole large intestine would be more beneficial.

Professional Colonics - Professional colonic systems vary; however, most operate by flushing the bowel quickly and efficiently with water pressure. With the individual lying on a table, the Colon Therapist inserts the rectal speculum. Water is then flushed through the large intestine under gentle pressure and evacuated through a tube. One can actually see what is being flushed. This is known as a closed system; there is no smell and no exposed fecal matter. Professional colonics may be cost prohibitive ($60 plus per session) or unavailable because of office hours, while the home system is available for repeated use at your convenience.

Colonic Or Colema Boards For Home Use – The Colonic or Colema Board is designed to flush the large intestine with the ease of a one-time insertion and continuous evacuation without the removal of the tip. A 5-gallon bucket of water and/or solution is dispensed at will without getting off the Board to expel. Any evacuation material will fall into the toilet. The procedure usually takes from ½ to 1 hour to exhaust a 5-gallon container. The rectal speculum is half the size of the little finger and inserted yourself about 2 inches into the rectum. In my opinion, home colonics are just as effective as professional colonics and, because you are in the privacy of your own bathroom, a more comfortable experience.

Will Friendly Flora Be Washed Away?
Residential bacteria live in colonies in the gastrointestinal tract as well as in the mouth and vaginal tract. Friendly bacteria including lactobacillus acidophilus, bifido-bacterium bifidum, and lactobacillus bulgaricus are the body’s first line of defense against potentially harmful microorganisms that are inhaled or ingested. Actually, most of us are deficient in friendly flora due to antibiotic therapy, imbalanced diet or even stress as well as poor colon health. One of the functions of the first half of the colon is to gather the intestinal flora needed for the colon. When the accumulation of feces in the bowel leads to fecal encrustation, the glands in the lining cannot produce the necessary intestinal flora. The resulting lack of lubrication intensifies a state of constipation and generates toxemia. This upsets the normal acid-alkaline balance and stunts the growth of friendly bacteria. Cleansing the colon will help bring the acid-alkaline ratio back into balance. In this environment, the friendly bacteria will again thrive and disease causing bacteria will find it difficult to develop.

Is Anything Added to the Water?
Distilled or pure water is recommended. Some additions to the water may include:
Coffee – the caffeine activates the gall bladder and liver bile stimulating peristalsis;
Garlic – kills parasites and bacteria;
Aloe Vera – soothing and healing;
Flora – adds friendly bacteria;
Catnip – calming;
Slippery Elm – soothes and neutralizes acids.

Do I Need Colon Cleansing?
Ideally, bowel movements should happen without effort and grant a complete emptying of the colon two to three times per day. A nonconstipated person produces stool that is between one to two feet in length, two to three times daily. The color of the stool should be brown with a green tinge. A nonconstipated person does not produce stool that is light yellow, gray or dark green, have regular diarrhea, small, thin, short or hard goat pill stools, or have mucous, undigested food or blood in their stools. Bowel movements should be firm like a banana and sink to the bottom of the bowl.

Common symptoms of those that could benefit from colon cleanse include fatigue, constipation, excess weight gain, stomach bloat, gas, bad breath, coated tongue, body odor, skin problems, lower back pain, depression, poor memory, weakened immune system, lethargy, etc.

Simple Help For Your Other Eliminatory Organs…
Kidneys – drink plenty of pure water;
Lungs – be careful what you breathe;
Skin – brushing, saunas; avoid congesting lotions and oils;
Lymphatic System – moderate exercise;
Rest – your body is repaired only when you sleep. If you are not getting your sleep, it may be due to an overabundance of toxins created by constipation.

Remember: Because a congested bowel weakens the entire body, it can be the cause for any illness. For your health, keep your colon clean!

Note: Detox programs and colon cleansing are not for the purpose of addressing any specific condition, but rather is intended only to help the body to do its natural activities of detoxification and elimination. Please work with your health care professional.