What is Colon Cleansing & Is It Safe?

Part of the colon's job is to eliminate toxins from the body.  That's why you go to the bathroom!  Therefore, anything indigestible, or otherwise classified as "waste" by the body, is eliminated via the colon.  Of course, other organs, such as the skin, liver, and kidneys, also play a significant role in detoxifying the body.

However, the colon sometimes needs special attention, as experts note how wastes and undigested food matter can accumulate in that organ to an alarming degree.  Some natural health practitioners and nutritionists claim that the natural mucus lining of the colon can harden and putrefy, creating a host of health problems.

So How Do You Cleanse the Colon?

There are a couple of ways to do this, either separately or combined.

Journal of Dietary Supplements (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. Supplements/Pills

You can purchase a colon cleansing kit at most health food stores and some drug stores and pharmacies, and just follow the directions.  These kits are comprised of various supplements designed to eliminate toxins from the colon.  You can take the pills and continue with your diet as usual, but some who have tried this say they don't feel really "cleaned out," and sometimes unpleasant side effects can result.

2. Special Diets or Fasts

There are a host of special colon-cleansing diets out there, from the famous "Master Cleanse" or lemonade diet - during which you drink only lemon juice mixed with water and maple syrup for several days - to smoothies.  There are also juice cleanses, and raw vegetable and fruit cleanses.  Some people simply adopt a healthier diet that includes more whole, unrefined foods and fiber.  These dietary changes can be done on their own, or sometimes in addition to supplementation.

But Is It Safe?

Some medical experts warn that colon cleansing can be dangerous due to possible electrolyte imbalances.  If practiced excessively, some experts warn that colon cleanses can stress the kidneys and heart.  The key is to undergo a cleanse with medical supervision and knowledge.  Here are some things to keep in mind to make cleansing safer.

1. Involve your family physician or consult a naturopathic physician
Tell your doctor that you want to undergo a colon cleanse, and he or she can work with you with regard to your state of health and what, if any, method you should use. Your doctor can inform you of the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance or other possible problems so that, if these begin to occur, you can stop the cleanse immediately.

Healthy vegetables. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Use clean techniques
If enemas are part of your colon cleansing regimen, make sure they are done by a professional who uses sterile equipment.

3. Start slowly
Try gentle methods first, such as a one-day juice fast, or a naturally cleansing diet for a specified number of days. For example, the Total Wellness Cleanse includes a very healthy, safe and natural diet that is gentle on your body.

In summary, colon cleansing can be a good way to detoxify your body occasionally.  Before beginning, do your homework, and determine the method that will work best for you, and be sure to consult with a professional before starting. 

7 Cool Weather Activities to Elevate Your Endorphins & Reduce Toxins

If you have exercised at all in the past, you know how good you feel afterwards. The reason for the rush of energy and improved outlook after working out is because the body produces chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals cause what is often called a “runner’s high” where pain and discomfort disappear and a sense of euphoria is common. Vigorous exercise also helps rid your body of toxins, both through your lungs and sweat glands. So not only do you feel better, you actually are healthier!

You don’t have to work out in a gym to get these benefits of exercise. In fact, most strenuous activity will produce these results. Here are seven cool weather activities that will help elevate your endorphins and cleanse your body of toxins this fall.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. Running is an activity most people can do. It’s great for burning calories and for cardiovascular health in addition to giving you an endorphin boost and ridding your body of toxins through sweating and heavy breathing. If you’re new to running, start out slow and add just a few minutes to each day until you reach you’re desired speed and distance. Don’t forget to wear a good pair of running shoes to ensure your feet are safe from injury and comfortable.

2. Hiking and backpacking are great activities for cooler weather. Check your local area for ready-made hiking paths or backpacking trails. If you don’t want to go alone, call your local park and recreation office to see if they have any resources for group guided hikes. The fresh air of the outdoors will help cleanse your lungs and invigorate you.

3. Bicycling has long been an enjoyable year-round activity. The benefit of bicycling during the cooler weather is that there is less risk of heat related illnesses. In popular tourist areas, you may find less traffic during the cooler season too.

Horseback riding. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. Horseback riding is another activity that people enjoy year-round. Scout your area for riding stables that offer guided trail rides. Guided tours, especially those that provide the horse too, will charge for their services but the exhilaration you will feel afterwards will be well worth it.

5. Tennis can be played any time of the year, but playing in the cooler weather will make it more pleasant. Sure, you will still break a sweat, but the cooler temperatures and possible breeze will refresh you as you play.

6. Backyard football is not only for young boys. Adults can enjoy a good game of touch football and the endorphins produced will have you feeling great all day. Gather family and friends to enjoy a game in the yard or a nearby park. You’ll be glad you did.

7. Raking and removing leaves is something many people do out of necessity. But it’s also a great way to pile on the endorphins and relieve toxic stress. Instead of using your lawn mower to vacuum the leaves, grab your trusty rake. Not only will you clear your lawn of leaves but you’ll also clear your head.

Fresh air, crisp temperatures and an hour of vigorous activity is all it takes to elevate your endorphins and help cleanse your body of toxins. Not only will you feel great throughout the day, you will have less stress, clearer skin, more mental clarity and get a better nights rest.

Garden of Life Cleanse - Day 3

Well, here we are - just wanted to post an update on the cleanse. I am into Day 4 now of the 10-Day Perfect Cleanse (well, I've taken it for 3 nights now - tonight will be the 4th).  So far, so good!

Image by anolobb via FlickrI was mostly worried about A. feeling sick the whole time, and B. running to the bathroom every 10 minutes - neither of which has happened. I feel normal - great actually - I seem to have a lot of energy this week, though I don't know if that's really from the cleanse or not. The only bad night was the first night, when I had some unpleasant stomach issues all evening - but these started before I even took any of the cleanse stuff, so I don't think it was related. Other than that, there has only been occasional (and minor) gas, and not sure if that is related either, but it could be.

The only other issue I have noticed that seems unusual is that I am VERY thirsty - I'm drinking about one and a half times as much water as normal throughout the day (and this does not include the combined 24oz which is needed each evening with the cleanse stuff). But I don't seem to be using the bathroom more, so maybe I was just dehydrated!

Also, just to avoid introducing other toxins into my body during the cleanse (and to prevent flushing away expensive vitamins), I am not taking my normal vitamin regimen (although the package did not say to discontinue this), except for my probiotics and whole-food supplement (also by Garden of Life), and Vitamin D - all of which I take in the morning, so it's not too close to the cleanse products.

Anyway, I'll post another update in a few days, so stay tuned!
Rose.