If you’re trying to lose weight, there are a lot of options. Whether it’s joining a support group, going on an intensive diet, or trying a new workout regime, there are a variety of methods to shed those extra pounds. But while there are many ways to go about it, if you want to be successful, there is one approach that might be the one for you.
That approach is called colon cleansing, and it involves using dietary fiber, water, and a little bit of medication to cleanse your colon and reestablish healthy intestinal flora. While there are many companies that make and sell colon cleansing supplements, as a vegan, it might be easier for you to do it naturally. But before you begin a colon cleansing regimen, it’s important to understand what it is, why you might want to try it, and how you can make the most of it.
What Is A Colon Cleansing Regimen?
A colon cleansing regimen is a diet plan designed to encourage your body to eliminate toxins and waste materials from your colon, or large intestine. Toxins can include pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, food additives, and medication by-products. Waste materials include excess calories, hormones, and cells from your digestive tract. When you ingest these toxins and materials, they can become trapped in your colon and give you a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, primarily related to digestion.
Your colon is the portion of your digestive tract that processes food before passing it into your small intestine for digestion. Most people have a bag of poop between their stomach and anus, which is known as their colon. When you eat food, it gets pressed against the wall of your colon and does not get absorbed into your blood stream. This is where all of the toxins and materials mentioned above get accumulated. It’s also the place where you store most of the nutrients your body needs, including fiber.
Your colon is designed to help your body function optimally by filtering toxins and materials out of your digestive tract. When it’s overloaded, it can no longer process toxins and waste efficiently, which puts your health at risk. An imbalanced colon can result in numerous digestive problems, including constipation, hemorrhoids, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This is why your colon is so important and why you need to maintain a clean colon by consuming the proper food and supplementations recommended by your doctor.
Why Try A Colon Cleansing Diet?
There are a variety of reasons why you might want to try a colon cleansing regimen. Some of the more common ones include following a vegan diet, experiencing frequent bloating, hemorrhoids, and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), looking for a natural way to boost your immune system, wanting to improve your digestion, and wanting to become a functional vegan. If you’re interested in trying a colon cleansing regimen, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out what would be the best way for you to go about it.
Dietary fiber is one of the most vital supplements you can take to improve your health. When you eat vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products, you consume large amounts of fiber, which provides your colon with the raw materials it needs to keep the toxins and waste at bay. The general recommendation for dietary fiber is 18-24 grams per day, which is about the equivalent of 3-5 cups of spinach or 4-6 cups of berries. Make sure you consume plenty of vegetables and fruits to get the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber your body needs. These foods are delicious and nutritious, and provide your body with the tools it needs to be fully operational.
How Does A Colon Cleansing Diet Work?
When you follow a colon cleansing diet, the first thing you’ll probably notice is how much healthier you feel. Your digestive system will no longer be burdened with toxins and materials, and as a result, you’ll experience a boost in your health and a reduction in your weight. The fiber and vegetables you consume will help provide your colon with necessary nutrition, and the water will flush out the toxins. The fiber and liquids in food aid digestion, moving food through your system faster and causing you to consume fewer calories.
A healthier digestive system causes you to lose weight and to feel better. When your body runs at its best, you’ll feel stronger and be better able to participate in activities you enjoy. You’ll also be better equipped to combat illnesses and diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Plus, when your body is in good shape, you can enjoy the perks that come with being a human being.
While there are many different types of colon cleansings, there are four distinct phases you must go through.
The first and most important phase is preparation. Before you begin a colon cleansing regimen, it’s important to take time to prepare. You must remove all foods from your diet that contain gluten, dairy, and beans. These are the main components of gluten, dairy, and bean foods, which makes them hard for your body to break down. When you remove these items from your diet, you will notice your body immediately starts to eliminate the stored toxins and waste in your colon. It’s also important to stop taking any medications or supplements that contain caffeine, or alcohol, as these are also substances that can accumulate in your body and cause problems. You should also try to reduce your salt (sodium) intake, as excess sodium can cause your blood pressure to rise and may lead to heart disease and strokes. High blood pressure can also lead to kidney problems, so it’s best to keep it as low as possible. For those who want to try a vegan diet, the best way to prepare for colon cleansing is to reduce the amount of red meat you consume and replace it with more vegetables.
Phase Two: The Flushing Phase
After you’ve removed all foods that contain gluten, dairy, and beans from your diet, the second phase begins. This is the flushing phase, and during this time, you will be taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) daily. You should drink plenty of water during this time as well to stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to purchase a colonic irrigation device, which is a pressurized container that you’ll use to irrigate your colon with liquid. It’s best to use this device every two weeks to maintain healthy intestinal flora and clean your colon effectively. The flushing phase is important because during this time, your body’s largest organ starts eliminating the stored toxins and waste from its inner walls.
When you’re done flushing, the third phase begins. This is where you’ll start to see some results from your colon cleansing diet. You’ll continue with phase three for about a month, at which point your body will be in a better state than it was before you began your regimen. During this final phase, if you want to continue seeing benefits from your colon cleansing, you’ll need to follow it diligently and with commitment.
What About Detox Snacks And Drinks?
When you begin a colon cleansing regimen, you’ll likely start to see a rapid improvement in your health. But what will you do with yourself during those first few days? You might want to have some detox snacks and drinks available, as your body will be preparing to rid itself of the toxins that have been stored for years. As a vegan, it’s not difficult for you to follow a detox diet, as most vegan diets exclude foods that contain gluten, dairy, and beans. Your body will be in good condition and craving for healthier foods, so it would be wise to provide it with some good old-fashioned fruit and vegetable snacks. These types of foods are perfect for your body, and they’ll assist you in maintaining a healthy weight.
When you begin a colon cleansing regimen, you’ll most likely want to drink plenty of water daily. If you don’t like plain water, you can add some lemon or lime to it. Don’t hesitate to drink as much as you need to. Your body will thank you for keeping it hydrated and operating at its best. There are also several brands of organic cola available that you can buy, which provides your body with a healthy dose of caffeine.
As for the supplements, after the first week of following a vegan diet, you’ll start to see some improvements, particularly if you’re drinking the apple cider vinegar and using the colonic irrigation device. But it can take up to a month for your body to get rid of all of the toxins and build up of waste materials, so you won’t start to see major changes right away. The products mentioned above will help to flush out the toxins along with the vegan diet you’re following. Even if you decide to discontinue the supplements after the first week, flush out the toxins at least twice a week, as this will assist your body in getting back on track and ensure you maintain good health.