The Best Colon Cleansing: Making a Clean Sweep Using the Proven Cleansing Methods for Your Colon

It is estimated that a person on a typical American diet retains the equivalent of 8 meals of undigested food in his colon. A clogged digestive system can result in a number of heath problems including chronic, constant constipation, an increase of harmful bacteria in the body, more parasites living in the digestive tract, and an overall weakened immune system. Some of the best methods for clearing the colon of poisonous, incrusted stool include hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy is a method of removing stagnant fecal material from the colon and is also known as high colonic irrigation, high colonics, colonic hydrotherapic or high enemas. The treatment can be undertaken at an office, clinic, or day spa and should only be administered by a trained professional. A speculum is gently inserted into the rectum. The speculum is then attached to a colon irrigation machine, which floods the colon with warm water forcing out built up fecal matter. The fecal matter is extracted through a tube leading back into the machine. This painless procedure continues until 20 to 30 gallons of water has been flushed through the colon. Though it sounds rather extreme, this method is considered by many to be the best colon cleansing treatment available.

Enemas are a form of hydrotherapy that are relatively inexpensive and can be performed by the individual at home. They are effective only in the lower half of the colon and do not remove mucoid plaque from the lining of the intestine. Enemas may be plain water, or contain coffee or clay.

Less invasive than hydrotherapy, herbal cleansers are less expensive and can be very effective for short-term constipation. Psyllium is the main active ingredient for many of these cleansers, although other herbs may be included in the formula as well. Herbs can be given to disinfect the system while it is going through the detox process; marshmallow, chaparral, and slippery elm are especially recommended to aid in the healing of inflamed tissue. It may be the best colon cleansing method for maintenance after hydrotherapy has been used or if an individual cannot tolerate or afford hydrotherapy.

Laxatives should be used only for temporary constipation due to side effects like dehydration and muscle loss around the colon. Laxatives do not rate among the best colon cleansing methods.