We often talk about cleansing the liver but in fact all of our organs would need a good cleanse, especially our digestive tract which takes in not only food but also environmental toxins, chemicals and medicines.
The intestine is responsible for extracting water, salt, vitamins and nutrients from indigestible food matter, this process is performed in different parts of the tract, and then eliminates solid waste from the body. When the intestine does not function properly, it begins to absorb toxins instead of eliminating them, thereby causing problems like for example headaches, bloating, constipation, gas, weight gain, low energy, fatigue, and chronic illnesses.
Today I want to talk about a few possible ways to help cleanse your intestine.
Water
I know it’s an easy one but I know plenty of people that don’t drink enough water. The best thing you can do for you intestine is to drink an adequate amount of clean water. I recommend drinking 10-12 glasses of clean filtered water a day. The amount of course should be increased if you are sweating a lot. Adequate water will give your intestine the lubrication it needs to help flush out the harmful toxins and waste from the body. It furthermore stimulates peristalsis, encouraging food to move smoothly through the digestive tract.
Apples and Apple Juice
We live in an era where phytochemicals, (phyto=plant) natural occurring plant compounds, are a hot topic. Chemicals, such as polyphenols (kill viruses) glutathione (quenches free radicals) pectin (reduces cholesterol), have all become the ‘in’ topic. The simple apple contains all of these ingredients and beside this they are also a great intestinal cleanser.
Freshly squeezed apple juice is one of the best home remedies for colon cleansing as it helps to regulate the bowel movement, breaks down toxins and improves the health of the liver and digestive tract. Drink a glass of freshly squeezed juice first thing in the morning, then water after 30 minutes.
Lemon Juice
As lemons are antioxidants and high in Vitamin C they aid the digestive system and can be used for cleansing. If you drink lemon juice, with a pinch of salt and a little honey in a glass of warm water, on an empty stomach this will help move the bowel and also benefits the skin.
Alternatively add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to a glass of apple juice to thin out mucous in the bowel. You may drink this 3 or 4 times in the day as a mini cure and continue for 3 days.
Raw Vegetable Juice
For a raw juice cleanse start by abstaining for one to 2 days from cooked foods. Instead drink fresh vegetable juice several times a day. Chlorophyll containing foods are best, so therefore green vegetables like seaweeds and spinach. Don’t use readymade juices as the enzymes in the vegetables have been tampered with in the juicing and may have been sitting on the shelf for quite some time. The vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes present in vegetables like carrots, beets, corn, squash, spinach and kale for example will keep your body healthy and energized.
Fiber-rich Foods
Fiber is an essential part of your diet if you want to ensure soft stools. This will in turn ensure that the bowel expels waste efficiently. To maintain a diet high in fiber you should eat lots of fruit like raspberries, pears and apples, as well as fresh vegetables like artichokes, peas and broccoli. Cereals, whole grains, nuts, beans and seeds also contain a good amount of fiber.
Probiotics
I am, for a variety of reasons, against eating dairy. Most presume yogurt is the only way to get probiotics from food. Most commercial yogurts have no live bacteria and are packed with sugar. Make your own probiotic yogurt from coconut milk or organic soya by buying a live culture or using a good quality probiotic capsule to use as a starter. Probiotics are essential to fight against inflammatory bowel disease and to ensure a healthy microflora. Probiotics will help with problems such as indigestion, flatulence and irregular bowel.
Flaxseeds
Add apples, lime and flaxseeds to your home made yogurt. Grind the flaxseeds before using them. They will absorb water and expand in the bowel. This will assist in removing toxins and mucous from the bowel.
Sea Salt
Sea Salt is a detoxifier and softener. Mix one teaspoon of sea salt with water and boil. Drink this first thing in the morning, then massage your belly, particularly in the descending colon area. This will help to stimulate the bowel and loosen up fecal matter. You can do this once a week for a month. This can cause diarrhea so it is essential that you drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is also important to note that salt can cause high blood pressure so be sure not to use this solution if you have any problems with the heart.
Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is known as a laxative and therefore is regarded as effective in cleansing the intestine. It is also a detoxifier and therefore will benefit the intestine and treat problems with gastric pain and constipation. You may add the juice of one lemon to ½ cup of fresh aloe vera gel. Blend and drink in the morning on an empty stomach. Do this for 3 days as a mini cure.
Ginger
Ginger has been a remedy in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is used to reduce bloating and nausea, stimulate colon functioning and aid digestion by stimulating the digestive juices. Ginger can be used in many forms from grated to juice or thin slices. I suggest slicing ginger and putting it into hot water. You may add honey if the ginger is too strong for you. Drink this throughout the day. I do not recommend ginger to those who are feeling very hot or are pregnant.
The intestine has a direct contact with the outside world and therefore is an organ which requires a lot of maintenance. Ensure you are absorbing only nutrients by eating and drinking clean and doing regular cleanses.
