Diet for Colon Cleaner

The colon's primary function is to remove waste and purge toxins from the body. Despite there being no concrete medical evidence that a colon cleanse is an effective way to clean the digestive system, many people claim it reduces bloating and increases their energy levels. An all-natural diet works best during a colon cleansing, which can be achieved during the course of three or four days.

Is a Colon Cleansing for You?

Many individuals eat an unhealthy diet filled with processed foods, sugar and fat which may cause them to feel sluggish and suffer from digestive ailments like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. Those who experience colon cleanses wish to rid their bodies excess waste filled with toxins, bacteria and parasites that may not always get purged.

Before initiating any type of colon cleansing diet, check with your physician to be sure any restriction of calories or consumption of natural herbs will be safe for you. Herbs are often used during cleanses to remove toxins and to stimulate the cleansing of organs like the kidneys, liver and gallbladder.

Colon Cleaner Diet

For optimal results, consume primarily raw fruits and vegetables for two to three days. Fruits and vegetables are beneficial to the body, since they contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and natural sources of fiber.

Begin your diet by slowly reducing your consumption of processed or junk foods a few days before the cleanse. Eat two to three servings of yogurt each day before, during and after the cleanse to get a healthy supply of probiotics, which are good bacteria needed by the digestive system to function properly. Don't forget to drink plenty of water, at least 64 ounces each day during the cleanse.

Take a fiber supplement like psyllium to increase bowel movements. This natural herbal fiber is easy to find either in powdered or capsule form at health food stores. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, the proper dosage of psyllium is anywhere from 2.2 grams to 45 grams per day, which should be taken with at least 16 ounces of water. Take as much psyllium up to the maximum amount as needed to stimulate bowel movements. It is important to drink plenty of water with psyllium since it absorbs all moisture, and may become lodged in the throat.