Home		View our 'Article Archive' Health Begins in the Colon “Health begins in the colon” is a common saying among natural health advocates. This statement is based on the fact that the colon is the body’s main channel of elimination. But the fact is that modern Western society is plagued with diet-related colon problems. More than 20% of us suffer from constipation. From irritable bowel to colitis to colon cancer, we endure problems that are unknown in countries where high-fibre diets are a way of life. It is no coincidence that laxatives are one of today’s top-selling non-prescription drugs. Processed grains such as white flour and white rice, fast foods, and prepackaged foods inhibit the normal elimination process. These foods lack the fibre needed to move waste matter through the large intestine for elimination. They also contain dozens of unhealthy ingredients like preservatives, dyes, and unhealthy fats which contribute to constipation. Such foods create small, hard stools that have a long transit time in the colon and are difficult to eliminate. If food is allowed to sit in the colon for long periods of time it becomes a breeding ground for toxins that poison the whole body. This phenomenon is called autointoxication, or self-poisoning. Many diseases begin in an unhealthy colon when toxins are allowed to stagnate and spread to other organs and tissues. For that reason, colon cleaning is always a good way to begin a detoxification program. A healthy colon eliminates remnants of undigested food, secretions from the intestines such as mucus and salt, and bacteria and parasites that are broken down from blood and tissues. In recent years it has been verified that healthy elimination can even prevent diseases such as breast cancer and that a fibre-rich diet – essential to healthy elimination – lowers cholesterol and thereby plays a role in preventing heart disease. Every function of the body is in some way influenced by the health of the colon. Obviously then, periodic colon detoxification not only eliminates accumulated fecal matter, but it also allows for optimal absorption of nutrients. Dietary Recommendations for Colon Detoxification Don’ts: Avoid the following: caffeine, white rice, fast and prepackaged foods, red meat and products containing white flour and sugar. If you are lactose intolerant, avoid milk products. Dos: Raw, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, brown rice and legumes provide fibre needed for healthy elimination. Generally speaking, most people can benefit from a colon cleanse twice yearly. A colon detoxification program should include: 1) herbs that act as loosening agents for cleansing, 2) bulking agents to assist elimination, and 3) absorbing agents to pull out toxins. In addition, herbs that promote peristalsis (the intestinal action that causes food to be eliminated), herbs or supplements that build the colon’s supply of healthy bacteria, and anti-gas agents round out a complete colon program. If you feel miserable and/or have persistent diarrhea during an intestinal cleanse, you may be cleansing too fast and should try cutting back on some of your supplements or use milder herbs. To speed up the cleansing action, try fasting while doing an herbal cleanse. When you stop eating, your body quickly eliminates mucus, fats, and toxic buildup. Most people should not fast more than three to ten days (using liquids) without supervision. Exercise is essential to colon health. Exercise speeds up bowel action and encourages healthy elimination. Be patient- most improvements don’t happen immediately, although they can. Many companies offer combinations containing herbs and other supplements designed to both detoxify and nourish the colon. Look for combinations containing the ingredients that follow. Herbs for Colon Detoxification Cascara Sagrada Bark Black Walnut Hulls Psyllium Hulls Ginger Root Rhubarb Root Senna Leaves Artemisia (wormwood) Elecampane Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Goldenseal Root Other Supplements Bentonite Clay Lactobacillus Acidophilus Chlorophyll Charcoal Caprylic Acid Pepsin Apple Pectin The Pathway for Robust Health: “Herbs for Detoxification”, Karen Bradstreet This information is for educational purposes only and is not recommended as a means of diagnosing or treating an illness.