If you've ever wondered what the gut is, what its function is, or how to keep it healthy, now is the time to find out. Let's explore the gut and how important it is to your health.
What is the intestine?
The intestine includes the small and large intestines (small and large intestines).
The small intestine includes sections such as the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The small intestine is located between the stomach and large intestine. Digestion occurs in this section of the gastrointestinal tract.
The parts of the large intestine include the cecum, colon, rectum and anal canal. The large intestine has several layers of muscle and fat with mucous membrane as the inner lining. The large intestine is divided into four parts: the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon. On average, the large intestine is about 1.5 meters long in adults and occupies most of the space inside the abdominal cavity ().
The gut plays a vital role in how your body processes food. Since your digestive system breaks down the food you eat, it enters the colon mainly in liquid state. The intestines serve two important roles during this stage of the digestive process. First, bacteria in your colon break down food further. Secondly, it absorbs additional nutrients and fluid. The remaining food waste is then turned into feces and stored in the descending colon until it is ready to leave the body ().
Why your gut is so important
Your colon plays a crucial role in digestion and is part of one of your body's major organs, the intestines. Just like a failing heart or lung, if your gut is unable to function properly, the health of your entire body is affected.
On the one hand, complications of colon disease can lead to death, but much more common are the smaller manifestations of an unhealthy colon. If you feel sluggish or get sick often, deteriorating colon health may be the culprit. Likewise, maintaining a healthy gut can help maintain both physical and mental well-being.
Common bowel problems
There are many diseases associated with an unhealthy gut. These range from flatulence to various types of terminal cancer. Colon and rectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with more than 100,000 cases per year and rising (). This figure is also increasing in other developed and developing countries.
The most common gut health problems include: ()
- Crohn's disease
- Colorectal cancer
- Colon polyps
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Symptoms of a sick intestine
Identifying colon problems is difficult for the average person, and severe diseases affecting the colon must be diagnosed by a doctor. However, there are some signs of an unhealthy gut that you may notice.
Signs of a weak or diseased gut include: ()
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in stool
- Constipation
- Excessive gases (flatulence)
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Can a colon cleanse help?
As your colon processes food waste, it is constantly bombarded with toxins. These include pesticides from non-organic foods, toxins found in processed meats, or even environmental pollutants in the air and water. They can accumulate and contribute to unwanted colon problems. Colon cleansing is one of the best ways to stimulate the body's internal detoxification processes and eliminate harmful pathogens.
Colon Cleanse Diet Plan
Natural health experts have developed a colon cleanse plan that has helped many people. This diet can help improve the results of any cleanse and encourage healthy energy levels and general condition health.
Diet rules for colon cleansing
There are three simple rules that should be observed:
- Eat only fruits and berries for six full days.
- At meals, eat only one type of fruit.
- Eat as much fruit as you want.
What can you eat on a colon cleanse diet?
Research and experience have shown that the following fruits to choose when following a colon cleanse diet are the best options:
- apples
- blackberry
- oranges
- pineapples
- raspberry
- tomatoes
- white
Other Colon Cleansing Products
A diet that supports colon health should rely on three main things: fruits, vegetables and water. Although this is a staple food, there are many delicious and nutritious foods you can add to your diet starting today to support your colon health.
Fruits
Fruits and berries provide the human body with water and antioxidants. Apples, bananas and strawberries are excellent option to start a diet, and you may already have them at home. Each of these can provide a significant portion of your daily fiber (dietary fiber) needs. Citrus fruits such as oranges and are also great value for the digestive system and supply your body with much-needed nutrition. Dried fruits, such as cranberries, can also be good for your colon and act as natural laxatives ().
Vegetables
The menu when cleansing the intestines at home should include cruciferous vegetables, as they are rich in dietary fiber, folic acid, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium and antioxidants. They also contain high amounts of chlorophyll, which helps in detoxification. , bok choy, and arugula are just a few vegetables you can add to your diet to improve your colon health ().
Herbs
Eating a variety of greens and herbs is a great way to supplement your diet with health-promoting nutrients. Some of the best herbs for gut health include: chives, slippery elm, and. Each of these botanicals has properties that promote cleansing and help soothe your digestive tract. These products can be eaten fresh or taken as an herbal supplement or tincture.
Seeds and nuts
Eating seeds and nuts provides the body with important nutrients, helps maintain good energy levels throughout the day and helps cleanse the intestines of waste and toxins. They contain large amounts of fiber, vitamin E, protein, and other nutrients that your body needs. Some of the best nuts include: , Brazil nuts, and . The most useful seeds include: hemp seeds, chia seeds and.
Legumes
Fermented foods
Fermented foods, such as kombucha, and kombucha, contain bacteria known as probiotics, which help your intestines break down food and promote cleansing. While there are many fermented foods that can introduce large amounts of probiotics into your gastrointestinal tract, low-sugar, non-dairy options are best for your colon.
The best products for colon cleansing at home
Dr. Isabelle Moser in her book " How and when to be your own doctor"says that when unhealthy forms of bacteria accumulate in the intestinal wall, and the layer of mucus becomes thicker, autointoxication occurs - poisoning of the body with poisons. Your body begins to absorb toxic substances that can cause health complications and an overall feeling of ill health. Colon cleansing at home using a popular diet based on fruits and vegetables helps regulate the digestive tract and effectively remove toxins from the colon. It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting cleaning.
Here are 4 best product that will help you cleanse your intestines at home:
The Health Center recommends using spinach as part of a fruit and plant-based diet to detoxify the body and cleanse the colon. Spinach contains important compounds such as vitamins A and K, folic acid and iron. Spinach helps replenish magnesium deficiency in the body and promotes proper digestion. On the website Colon Cleanse Advice Spinach is said to help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements, helping to cleanse the intestines. In addition, spinach is rich in phytonutrient flavonoids, antioxidants that ward off toxins. causing cancer in the body, such as colon cancer.
Red meat
Eating red meat is hard on your digestive system and has been linked to cancer. The increased risk of cancer and the strain it places on your gut are reason enough to avoid eating red meat. However, if you decide to include meat in your diet, you should at least reduce or eliminate red meat. Try eating vegetarian or a few days a week. If you notice improvements in your health, increase the number of meat-free days (,).
Gluten
Many people with gut-related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and eating foods that contain gluten contribute to damage to the digestive system. Even if you don't have one of these conditions, gluten may still contribute to bloating. If you don't want to eliminate all grains from your diet, there are some great gluten-free alternatives such as buckwheat, millet, etc., which also contain gut-healthy nutrients and fiber ().
The Best Vitamins and Supplements for Your Guts
Many people cannot get all the nutrients they need from their diet. Taking supplements with essential vitamins and nutrients can help you improve your gut health and maintain normal bowel function. Below are some of the best supplements for your gut.
- aloe vera
- calcium
- iron
- probiotics and prebiotics
- natural apple cider vinegar
- vitamin A
Side effects
If you are wondering how to cleanse your colon through diet, you should also think about the safety of this activity before you begin. A colon cleanse diet based on fruits and vegetables is generally safe when done correctly. Since the regimen can take more than one day (up to three to four weeks), it is important to supplement your diet with the right sources of protein, such as lean meat and fish. Drinking enough water and having regular bowel movements also improves the removal of toxins while maintaining balance in the body. If you do not consume enough nutrients and fluids during the cleanse, you may experience dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration.
Today, most of the world's inhabitants suffer from constant stress and lack of time. As a result, people do not have time to prepare quality food. Being under a constant deadline, many people eat on the go or prefer fast food.
Such gastronomic preferences negatively affect the digestive organs: stomach, liver and intestines. Due to the lack of the required amount of fiber in the diet, the intestines do not remove toxins and gradually begin to poison the entire body with toxins.
This entails a number of negative consequences:
- Deterioration of health.
- Weakening of the immune system.
- Skin problems.
- Intoxication.
- Excess weight.
- Flatulence.
- Digestive and metabolic disorders.
To weaken negative impact on the body, residents of large cities it is necessary to monitor proper nutrition and sometimes, with the help of specialized diets, cleanse the intestines.
Basics of proper nutrition
It must be borne in mind that any diet with the goal of losing weight or ridding the body of harmful substances will only have a temporary effect. To maintain health and youth, you need to eat right. Monitor the balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, consume the amount of fiber required for your height and weight, and also regularly drink vitamins and microelements (after consultation with a doctor and correction according to climatic zone residence).
People who want to stick healthy image life, it is also worth monitoring the amount of water you drink.
You should also, if possible, reduce or completely eliminate the following foods from your diet:
- coffee;
- alcohol;
- animal fats;
- spicy food;
- soda;
- products with flavor enhancers and chemical additives.
The key to the success of any diet lies in willpower and eating patterns. Follow your diet strictly. You need to eat at least 3 meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks as desired, but with a minimum amount of sweets and starchy foods. It is better to give preference to nuts and fruits.
A special 10-day diet for gut health
Nutritionists and sports doctors have developed hundreds of diverse diets. Quite a few of them have been compiled to improve intestinal function. The main condition for such diets is often the abundance in the diet of coarse plant foods rich in fiber. However, before choosing one or another diet option for yourself, first consult with a therapist. Even the 10-day colon cleansing diet has contraindications.
The intestinal cleansing diet program lasts 10 days. As a result, you will get rid of hardened fecal deposits in the body and toxins that poison it. This course will improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and speed up metabolism. Depending on individual characteristics and body type, you can lose up to 7 extra kilograms of weight.
To achieve positive effect you need to adhere to daily nutritional recommendations.
Two days of unloading
During the first 48 hours, you should pull yourself together and refuse any food except apples, kefir and green tea with a spoon of honey. However, it should be remembered that green tea more caffeinated than a cup of espresso. That's why Before going to bed, it is better to drink a glass of warm water.
Day three
For breakfast you are allowed to eat oatmeal with water, but without salt and sugar. For lunch – no more than 200 grams of boiled beef and a tomato. In the evening, treat yourself to 200 grams of rice, seasoned with a small amount olive oil.
Drinks include water and green tea with lemon.
Day four
On the fourth day, another test awaits you: there will be no lunch. But there is an afternoon snack and two apples with a glass of water. For breakfast, nutritionists recommend the same oatmeal. For dinner - also two medium apples and an orange.
Day five. Equator
Came to the middle strict diet. For breakfast on this day you should limit yourself to grated raw carrots, sprinkled lemon juice, low-fat cottage cheese. For lunch, a salad of fresh vegetables, for example, cucumbers and tomatoes. To get the required amount of vitamins and microelements, season your lunch with a small amount of olive oil. In the evening - rice, as on the third day.
Day six
The peculiarity of this day is that both breakfast and lunch will be the same. “Native” oatmeal is waiting for you. And for dinner, rice.
Day seven
Day eight
Oatmeal with apples or oranges for tomorrow, only kefir in the afternoon. Kefir should be chosen with low fat content. For dinner you can enjoy boiled or steamed fish. It is recommended to flavor it with lemon juice. Also in the evening two oranges and green tea are allowed.
Day nine
The morning of the ninth day should begin for you with a glass of kefir. For lunch again fish and unsweetened tea. In the evening, no more than 200 grams of boiled beef with rice and apples.
Day ten. Finish
You won’t have long to suffer, and the mirror with the dial of the scales will probably tell you that so many gastronomic sacrifices have not been made in vain. For breakfast, again, you can only have a glass of kefir, and for lunch, only a cup of green tea with honey. In the evening, celebrate the last meal of this diet with boiled rice, an orange and a cup of green tea.
A diet for cleansing the intestines in 10 days is considered one of the most difficult for a person. Drastically reducing the number of calories consumed and increasing the amount of fiber are a serious test for the body. Therefore, before deciding to use it, be sure to consult your doctor.
If you gather all your will into a fist and stick to a 10-day diet, a truly amazing result awaits you: lightness and loss of extra centimeters on the thallium.
They don't talk about intestinal problems. This is not the most glamorous part of our body, although it is very important, because the health of the entire body depends on its health. There is an opinion that all diseases originate in the intestines. And this is not just a matter of banal dysbacteriosis. The real problem hidden deeper.
Everything you need to know about the intestines
The intestine is part of the digestive tract. In the body, it acts as a gas station: it ensures the digestion and absorption of food. useful substances. The intestine consists of the following segments:
- 1 Small intestine– its length is 5 – 7 m, and in it there are duodenum, skinny And ileum. It is located between the stomach and large intestine and ensures digestion.
- 2 Tolstoy– its length reaches 1.5 – 2 m. It contains blind, colon, rectum, which in turn are divided into several departments. Its task is to absorb water and form calla lilies from “production waste”.
In a person who eats right and leads a healthy lifestyle, the digestive system works like a clock, and all because the abdominal muscles perform a kind of massage of the intestines, helping to move food through it.
In turn, sedentary image life and poor nutrition lead to its clogging, and this, accordingly, clogs the entire body. It all happens as follows: when leftover food enters the large intestine, water is squeezed out of it, leaving behind a mush of indigestible bacteria, fiber, bile acids and cells that have separated from the intestinal walls. Ideally, they should move further towards the “exit”. But if the gastrointestinal tract does not work well, the resulting gruel is retained and is reabsorbed into the body.
For reference, a healthy colon eliminates waste within 6 to 18 hours of your last meal. This is evidenced by 2–3 acts of bowel movement per day.
By the way, the functions of the intestine do not end with the digestion of food. He:
- Responsible for strong immunity– about 70% of the cells that make up our immune system are located in the walls of the intestines.
- Promotes the formation of healthy microflora. The cavity is inhabited by beneficial bacteria and microorganisms (lactobacteria, bifidobacteria, and sometimes E. coli). Sometimes staphylococci can join them, entering the intestines with contaminated food, for example, however, if the system works without failures, they will not cause big trouble and will soon be destroyed.
- Takes part in the synthesis of vitamins B and K.
A study in Canada found that the intestine is the third most popular site for cancer cell development, and intestinal cancer is the second cause of death in this country. The most interesting thing is that, according to scientists, it can be prevented.
The fact is that bifidobacteria are capable of for a long time neutralize the harm from primary cancer cells, and this despite the fact that it is incredibly difficult to recognize them at the initial stage, even with all the means modern medicine. Yes, no one strives for this, because a healthy body protects itself.
Lactobacilli prevent the development of allergic reactions, and the person himself may not even know about his sensitivity to certain products - the “indigenous inhabitants of the intestines” solve problems even before they appear, minimizing the risk. Both microorganisms die from antibiotics and junk food.
How and why to cleanse the intestines
Every time a person takes a sip from a plastic bottle or can, he pollutes his intestines. This also happens when using low-quality cosmetics(lipsticks, lip glosses and even lotions), and even while walking. Polluted air also allows toxins to enter the body. They accumulate, worsening human health.
As a result, sooner or later he begins to notice the first signs in the form of abdominal discomfort, increased fatigue, depression, and skin problems.
In turn, regular bowel cleansing helps:
- calming down, increasing stress resistance;
- improving sleep quality;
- improving breath and body odor;
- loss excess weight, which will increase in combination with physical activity;
- disappearance of acne and boils.
You should pay attention to your intestines if you experience frequent colds or infectious diseases. genitourinary system, vaginal infections (thrush, colpitis, vaginitis, herpes), frequent abdominal colic, fungus on the legs.
Not only adherents of a healthy lifestyle, but also medical professionals speak about the need to cleanse the intestines. Within the walls of their institutions or in specialized sanatoriums, everything is done in 3–5 procedures with an interval of 1–2 days through the use of colon hydrotherapy. In this case, equipment is used, with the help of which the organ is washed with solutions. True, they resort to the method only in case of severe constipation.
The only way to cleanse your "own gas station" without this is to plan your diet by introducing certain foods into it.
Top 9 Colon Cleansing Products
Water and fiber are the basis of a healthy diet. The latter acts as a brush that sweeps away fecal stones from the walls of the intestines, simultaneously stimulating wave-like muscle contractions and peristalsis. Consequently, the time it takes for food to pass through and for the removal of digested substances decreases, and digestion improves. Moreover, fiber has the ability to retain moisture in the colon, thereby softening the stool and facilitating its easy elimination.
The body consists of 70% liquid, and its reserves are lost during physical activity, high body or environmental temperatures, and consumption of meat or salt in large quantities. You can replenish them by following a drinking diet. The recommended daily amount of water per day can be easily calculated using the formula, where it is half the weight in ounces. That is, if you weigh 55 kg, you need to drink 8 glasses (or 2 liters). It's better to take water room temperature, although it can be replaced if desired green tea, juices
These and other useful cleaning substances also contain:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, which are a storehouse of vitamins and microelements and... a source of fiber. Previously, it was believed that the body should receive 20–35 grams. of this substance per day, although modern nutritionists insist that 10 grams is enough. However, this minimum can be achieved by eating these foods 5 to 6 times a day. The emphasis should be on cabbage, beets, citrus fruits, apples, apricots, and plums.
- Yogurt, kefir, fermented milk products. They contain probiotics - these are bacteria similar to those that already populate the intestines.
- Bran - it contains prebiotics - dietary fiber, which provides food for beneficial bacteria and helps increase their numbers.
- Spirulina - it contains a huge amount of chlorophyll, which not only cleanses the intestines, but also helps soothe and heal damaged tissues of the digestive tract. Thanks to it, the body also receives more oxygen and more easily removes toxins and feces. Regular, but moderate consumption Spirulina helps relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and sluggish peristalsis.
Today, only a child does not cleanse the body. Everything undergoes this process: blood, liver, kidneys, skin, and intestines. There are quite a lot of means and methods, but at the first stage you need to pay attention proper nutrition. Products that cleanse the intestines provide an opportunity not only to improve health, but also (if desired) to prepare the body for a more complete range of activities. Although it is quite possible that by making adjustments to the diet, the need for further health-improving actions will disappear.
Why start with products?
The large intestine is responsible for removing unnecessary and toxic substances and waste from the body. A healthy, clean intestine copes with its function “excellently”. If the mucous membrane is not in order, then malfunctions in the functioning of all systems begin, leading to diseases.
However, they have side effects or are addictive. Cleansing products, unlike medications, do not lead to such effects. In addition, being of natural origin, they are a source of beneficial compounds, vitamins, minerals and others. Therefore, by introducing the right foods into the diet, you can fully meet the tissue needs for substances important for normal functioning.
Products containing fiber
One of the first places in this matter is occupied by products containing fiber. It, like an abrasive, passing through the intestines, erases all unnecessary deposits from it, stimulates peristalsis, eliminates constipation, and normalizes the functioning of enzymes. You can often come across the question online: “What foods contain fiber for intestinal function?” The answer is simple: these are vegetables and fruits. They need to be eaten at least 1.5-2 kg per day.
Vegetables
Any vegetables are suitable for cleaning. They will have their healing effect even in processed form, but it is better to consume them raw. You can use one type of vegetable (replacing another) or combine them in salads. It is advisable not to use mayonnaise and salt as a dressing. It is better to use vegetable oils, sour cream or yogurt for this purpose; you can add seasonings and lemon. The following representatives of vegetable crops are considered the most powerful products that cleanse the intestines.
- Beet. An excellent laxative and detoxifier. Beetroot begins its healing effect within 1.5-2 hours after consumption. It kills putrefactive bacteria, removes toxins and toxic substances, contains antioxidants, vitamins and important minerals. The juice of this vegetable has especially strong cleansing properties. It should only be taken when fresh, immediately after squeezing. You should be careful with beet juice: not everyone can take it, and you need to start with small volumes.
- Pumpkin. This product contains a lot of fiber. It can also be consumed in the form of juice, combining it with beetroot or other juice. It is used to prepare porridges, first courses, salads, and baked dishes.
- Cabbage. Any type of this vegetable is suitable for cleansing the intestines. Cabbage contains a lot of fiber, sulfur, chlorine and other compounds. The vegetable normalizes the water-salt balance, improves digestion, and helps maintain healthy microflora. In addition, eating cabbage regulates carbohydrate metabolism, preventing the conversion of sugars into fats.
Fruits
Fruits are another essential food for cleansing the intestines. They not only mechanically erase deposits from its walls, but also have a laxative effect (not all) and are a source of important organic acids and unique biologically active compounds.
- Apples. Record holders for fiber content among their brothers. They improve peristalsis, help fight constipation, and destroy pathogenic microorganisms. The largest amount of fiber is found in apple peels.
- Plums. They regulate the water-salt balance and stimulate contraction of the intestinal walls, improving the movement of feces. They have a diuretic effect, promote the outflow of bile, and normalize cholesterol levels.
- Melon. Eliminates congestion in the intestines. Has high detoxifying properties.
- Grapefruit. Rich in organic acids, used for complete cleansing of the intestines in any form. Grapefruit juice has a particularly powerful cleansing effect.
- Pineapple. Has a laxative effect on the body. By acting on the intestinal walls, it has both a mechanical and chemical effect (irritates receptors), leading to emptying.
- Kiwi. Normalizes digestion, promotes the formation of proper feces. Prevents the occurrence of rotting and fermentation processes in the body, and increased formation of gases.
- Lemon. This fruit is a powerful detoxifier. Excellently prevents rotting and fermentation. It has a pronounced antibacterial effect and kills pathogenic microorganisms. Lemon dissolves toxins and toxic metabolic products, and then removes them from the body along with excess fluid.
If there is a need to urgently cleanse the intestines of accumulated feces, then you should pay attention to dried fruits. Prunes, dried apricots, and raisins have excellent laxative properties. They can be consumed ready-made, as well as made into infusions (pre-grinded and filled with boiled water).
Adding a small amount of chopped dried fruits to your porridge in the morning will permanently relieve constipation problems.
Whole grains and cereals
Cereals and grains made from unprocessed grains have helped people combat digestive problems for centuries. The absence of pre-processing makes it possible to save everything healing properties plants. They are saturated with coarse fiber, which, like a scrub, passes through the intestines, washing away on its way all the formations accumulated on the walls.
Cereals
Cereals can be soaked and sprouted; Decoctions and infusions are made from them. Chopped grains are added to prepared dishes (salads, cereals).
- Oats. If you drink a glass of this cereal infusion every morning, then you can forget about intestinal problems (and not only) forever. The plant regulates not only the digestive process, it completely heals every cell of the body, removing toxins and waste.
- Barley. Copes well with bowel movements. Improves peristalsis, binds toxins, cleanses the intestinal walls of mucus and pathogenic microbes.
Whole grain cereals
Whole grain cereals retain more nutrients if they are not boiled, but poured with boiling water. You should choose a product that has a preserved shell. Such food for cleansing the intestines is an excellent prevention of cancer, colitis, dysbiosis, obesity, arthritis and other diseases. The best way to cope with this task is:
- buckwheat;
- Hercules;
- oatmeal;
- barley
Separately, it is necessary to say about brown rice. This product has a very strong cleansing effect. It collects toxins, waste, pathogens, and then removes them with excess fluid from the body. However, it can be used by people prone to allergic reactions. When purchasing, it is best to buy brown rice that is round in shape and has unrefined grains.
Pay attention! Drinking infusions of cereals and whole grains does not give an immediate effect. Complete cleansing is possible only with daily and long-term use.
Bran is the hard shell of grains. They contain a lot of dietary fiber, so they are great for cleansing the intestines.
Bran - the hard shell of the grain
In addition, bran contains a large amount fatty acids and microelements. A product made from any type of grain can be used as a cleaning agent. They stimulate peristalsis, mechanically cleanse the walls of the digestive tract from plaque and formations, and improve the condition of the microflora. Regular consumption of bran also helps with high blood pressure blood, atherosclerosis, diabetes and other disorders. They can be eaten ready-made, washed down mineral water, and can be added to other dishes.
Attention! Bran has contraindications. You should read them carefully before use. In addition, only a small amount of the product has a laxative effect (no more than 2 tablespoons per day). Otherwise, the effect will be the opposite.
Vegetable oils
What foods cleanse the intestines best? These are vegetable oils. They are taken ready-made or added to dishes. It is better to take unrefined virgin oils, but others are also suitable for cleansing. Classic option is sunflower oil, it is always at hand and can be found in every home. But there are others, for example, castor oil, which is considered the most effective.
Note! To quickly empty the intestines or simply cleanse it of accumulated masses and toxins, you should drink 3 tablespoons of castor oil in the morning on an empty stomach. You can't eat anything all day. You should only drink plain still water or herbal infusions.
You can take other vegetable oils for cleansing:
- olive (two spoons are enough);
- Vaseline (helps with very severe and prolonged constipation);
- sea buckthorn (in addition to the laxative and cleansing effect, it provides a lot of vitamins and biologically active substances).
Attention! The use of vegetable oils to cleanse the intestines is possible only after consultation with a specialist. In the presence of stones, intestinal obstruction, certain thyroid diseases and other disorders, the use of oils as cleansing agents for the intestinal tract is prohibited. This can result in severe complications, even death!
Algae and edible sea plants
These products are also suitable for cleansing the intestines due to their high content of iodine and beneficial acids (especially alginic acid). When consumed internally, they remove heavy metal salts, toxic substances and waste from the body.
Algae is a valuable product
Sea kale and seaweed help normalize digestion, ensure timely bowel movements and the formation of proper feces. Comba and chlorella algae are considered especially valuable in this regard.
Fermented milk products
Fermented milk products are traditionally and deservedly considered one of the best for cleansing the intestines. Their main focus is the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms and replenishment of the intestinal microflora with beneficial bacteria. As a result of such activity, the balance of the ecosystem is restored, the production of enzymes and essential acids is normalized, the condition of the entire body improves, and the activity of immune cells increases.
The cleansing activity of lactic acid bacteria appears only if the product is fresh. It is best to prepare such products yourself by purchasing a special starter at the pharmacy. But if this is not possible, then when purchasing you need to pay attention to several points.
Colon cleansing at home
The main goals of the cleansing procedure:
It should be noted that the intestinal cleansing procedure also has contraindications: tumors, diabetes, hepatitis, gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage, cholelithiasis. Any change in intestinal activity can provoke an exacerbation, so before the procedure it is better to undergo a full examination and consult a doctor.
We suggest you try the following methods and evaluate your condition after cleansing the intestines:
- MCC - microcrystalline cellulose is sold in a regular pharmacy; it not only mechanically cleanses the intestinal walls, but also absorbs toxins. Be sure to adhere to the drinking regime, otherwise, instead of the desired cleansing, you may end up with constipation.
- Bran. They contain a lot of fiber, which is not absorbed by the body, but perfectly cleanses the intestines. Bran copes not only with toxins, but also with fecal stones. Take 2 tablespoons half an hour before meals 3 times a day.
- Cereals. Regular cereals (rice, barley, oats, buckwheat) can also cope with this task. If you train yourself to include grains in your menu, you will notice improved digestion within a couple of weeks.
- Raw vegetables. Beets, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, bell pepper and other vegetables are rich in fiber and naturally cleanse the gastrointestinal tract.
- Apples. It is better to choose sweet and sour ones; they contain not only fiber, but also fruit acid, which dissolves toxins. You can have a fasting day on apples 2-3 times a month. By the way, apples are also actively used for weight loss: Features and nuances of the apple diet.
- Sour fruits. Citrus fruits, plums, berries, cherries, cherry plums and others are also sources of fruit acid, which dissolves feces and promotes the removal of toxins. Fruit juice is also beneficial.
- Flax seeds. They swell well and absorb water, they contain antioxidants and fiber. Also flax-seed considered to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. You can make decoctions and also add to salads, yoghurts, and kefir.
- Plain water. It perfectly speeds up metabolism and removes waste products. True, you need to drink at least 10 glasses of non-carbonated drinks per day. clean water.
- Fermented milk products. They contain useful enzymes, calcium, lactobacilli, which restore the microflora in the intestines and improve the digestion process. Read about the beneficial properties of kefir here: Kefir for weight loss: beneficial properties and calorie content.
- Sorbents. The cleansing program will take from 3 to 7 days. It could be ordinary activated carbon or more effective enterosgel. Safe and reliable method.
- Enemas and laxatives. It is not for nothing that they are in last place, since they do not provide deep cleansing, but are designed only for the large intestine. Over time, the body can adapt to their effects, and the effectiveness will decrease.
Colon cleansing in hospital
Colon cleansing in the hospital is carried out with ordinary mineral water or infusions medicinal herbs. Lacto- and bifid drugs are added less often. This procedure is called colon hydrotherapy. During it, you will first receive a massage, and only then will be injected with a medicinal solution. Its effectiveness is equivalent to 30 regular enemas. Moreover, not just the last 30 cm of the large intestine are washed (as happens at home), but the entire large intestine.
Benefits of the procedure:
- Takes up to 30 minutes.
- It does not cause any particular discomfort and is performed painlessly.
- Good effectiveness: eliminated in 80% of patients chronic constipation, peristalsis improves.
- Safety: all attachments are disposable, individual approach.
- Weight decreases, well-being improves.
The procedure takes place without serious side effects: the most you face is a slight weakness, but this goes away in a few minutes. A preliminary consultation with a doctor before colon hydrotherapy is required!
Diet features
The main requirement for nutrition after cleansing the intestines is a competent choice of foods. Conventionally, there are 4 large groups:
- Strong acid formation - sweets, fish, meat, baked goods, coffee, cheese, eggs, smoked meats.
- Weak acid formation – fermented milk products, nuts, wholemeal flour.
- Strong alkali formation – fresh vegetables and fruits, green salad, potatoes.
- Weak alkali formation – dried fruits, mushrooms, milk.
If you consume a lot of acid-forming foods, the body becomes acidic. Accumulating carbon dioxide and lactic acid causes weakness, fatigue, discomfort in the intestines, and pollutes the body. Alkaline foods promote cleansing and produce minimal waste when digested. The ideal balance is 2/3 alkaline and 1/3 acidic foods.
Nutritionist rules:
- Try to separate carbohydrate and acidic foods and eat them separately.
- Do not eat concentrated proteins and carbohydrates together (for example, bread, porridge, noodles should be eaten separately from cheese, fish or meat). Proteins do not combine well with fats, sour fruits and starch.
- The diet after cleansing the intestines is characterized by the presence of foods with a laxative effect: vegetable oil, fermented milk products, wholemeal flour products, vegetables and fruits, juices, compotes, bran. For example, yogurt is useful not only for the stomach, but also for weight loss: Yogurt for weight loss: beneficial properties and calorie content.
- Hot soups, all types of meat and fish, fresh bread, pastries, soft-boiled eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, and cereals have a strengthening effect.
- Don't overeat, eat socially, or snack on the go.
- If the feeling of hunger is strong, drink a glass of kefir, eat a handful of nuts or berries. If you endure hunger, you will lose control of yourself and fill your stomach with everything you can get your hands on - sandwiches, sweets, fast food.
- Follow the drinking regime: still water, herbal and green teas, vegetable and fruit juices, compotes.
- Don't drink tea or water with your meals - you'll reduce your concentration gastric juice. Wait an hour and a half, and only then have a tea party.
- Remember that your gut health also depends on your activity. Sedentary work and refusal to exercise are the cause of many diseases.
- Food should be as natural as possible, try to avoid canned food and marinades.
- The best way to prepare food is to boil, stew or steam.
The following should be excluded from the diet:
- Fatty meats and fish.
- Fast food.
- Alcohol, carbonated drinks.
- Smoked meats, canned food.
Limit your consumption of bread, pastries, and sweets - they are not only not good for the gastrointestinal tract, but also harm your figure.
