How To Improve Your Health With A Gut Cleanse
Everyone’s digestive tract is filled with a complex series of bacteria.[1] While most of these bacteria are beneficial, it is possible for multiple toxins to build up within the system and hinder how the body operates. A gut cleanse, also called a colon cleanse, is an effective way to help clear the toxins and help the bacterial biome to function at peak efficiency. The results can lead to all sorts of benefits that are essential in maintaining both physical and mental health.
What are the Benefits of a Gut Cleanse?
Data indicates that colon cleanses can factor into a variety of conditions. The logic states that if the body can absorb nutrients efficiently, then a cascading effect can occur in terms of clearing additional toxins, and overall function will improve. One study found that gut cleansing was especially useful in treating digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.[2] While this can certainly be useful in preventing physical discomfort, it is also possible that this may help with food-related allergies as well. Additionally, other studies have found that healthy microbiota in the gut can lead to improved liver function.[3] The liver is responsible for clearing out toxins in the body, which means that a gut cleanse can help the body to stay cleaner for longer. Finally, though the evidence is limited, early studies in mice have found that healthy gut bacteria may play a role in combatting autism.[4] This is less studied in humans, but there are indications that health colons could affect mental and emotional well-being too.
How to Cleanse Your Gut at Home?
Prior to complex medical procedures, a rapid cleanse is possible with a colonic. This is only recommended under the supervision of medical professionals, though. Now, it seems the same effect is possible with an improved diet.[5] First, it is important to consume only clear liquids for 1-3 days to help flush out the system. After that, sticking to leafy greens and probiotics can help to clear out the digestive tract further, working like a toothbrush through the colon. Finally, it is important to minimize the intake of both alcohol and sugar going forward, as these two can both negatively affect microbiomes within the digestive system by increasing toxins within the system.
Reference List
Stearns, J. C., Lynch, M. D. J., Senadheera, D. B., Tenenbaum, H. C., Goldberg, M. B., Cvitkovitch, D. G., Croitoru, K., Moreno-Hagelsieb, G., & Neufeld, J. D. (2011). Bacterial biogeography of the human digestive tract. Scientific Reports, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep00170
Drago, L., Valentina, C., & Fabio, P. (2019). Gut microbiota, dysbiosis, and colon lavage. Digestive and Liver Disease, 51(9), 1209–1213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2019.06.012
Vassallo, G., Mirijello, A., Ferrulli, A., Antonelli, M., Landolfi, R., Gasbarrini, A., & Addolorato, G. (2015). Review article: alcohol and gut microbiota - the possible role of gut microbiota modulation in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. Alimentary Pharmacology &Amp; Therapeutics, 41(10), 917–927. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13164
Sharon, G., Cruz, N. J., Kang, D. W., Gandal, M. J., Wang, B., Kim, Y. M., Zink, E. M., Casey, C. P., Taylor, B. C., Lane, C. J., Bramer, L. M., Isern, N. G., Hoyt, D. W., Noecker, C., Sweredoski, M. J., Moradian, A., Borenstein, E., Jansson, J. K., Knight, R., . . . Mazmanian, S. K. (2019). Human Gut Microbiota from Autism Spectrum Disorder Promote Behavioral Symptoms in Mice. Cell, 177(6), 1600-1618.e17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2019.05.004
Toledo, T. K., & Dipalma, J. A. (2001). Colon cleansing preparation for gastrointestinal procedures. Alimentary Pharmacology &Amp; Therapeutics, 15(5), 605–611. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.2001.00966.x