A popular trend has developed across mainstream America that involves cleansing the colon and digestive tract from “sludge” that has supposedly built up over the years.
Many alternative medicine practitioners believe that better health can be achieved through detoxification of the body, and it is a practice that can be traced back to Ancient Greece and Egypt where cleansing the digestive tract was often prescribed by physicians.
Certain celebrities have endorsed colon cleansing, including Oprah Winfrey, who included it as part of her weight loss regimen.
Other celebrities talking about the health benefits of colon cleansing include Madonna, Britney Spears, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who often blogs about fasting and cleansing as part of detoxifying the body.
It is important to always consult with a healthcare professional prior to beginning any fast or cleanse.
Pregnant women and women who are nursing are strongly cautioned to obtain medical advice before using any products meant to cleanse the colon or digestive tract.
Health Benefits of Using a Colon Cleanser
The majority of the mainstream medical community do not feel that a colon cleanse is necessary, especially on a regular basis, but many consumers are looking for more holistic approaches that Western medicine doesn’t always recognize.
For those that believe in better wellness through detoxification and colon cleansing, we’ve listed the top reasons for using these types of products.
- Promotes a healthier digestive system by removing sludge and waste from the colon and digestive tract. A “clean” colon allows for better absorption of nutrients.
- Helps to prevent constipation and associated symptoms like hemorrhoids by flushing old waste and build-up that can lead to irregular bowel movements and harder stool.
- Thought to increase vitamin, water, and nutrient absorption by having a clean environment to be filtered through.
- Used in weight loss programs to help kick start the metabolism and to clean out old waste that could be clogging the colon.
- Many believe that by detoxifying and cleansing the colon, focus and concentration can be improved.
- By cleansing the colon, it may be possible to reduce the occurrence of cysts, polyps, and cancerous growths.
- May promote increased energy and more restful sleep.
- Thought to prevent colon blockages that can be potentially life-threatening. In extreme cases of colon blockage, yeast, bacteria, fungal agents, and fecal matter can enter the bloodstream, causing infections and serious health problems.
- May boost the immune system by removing harmful toxins.
- Can stimulate organ functions, including kidney, liver and pancreatic function, by removing harmful waste and taking the load of detoxifying away from other essential organs.
You’ve decided that you want to try a colon cleanser, but you have no idea where to start. We’ve compiled a list of the best 12 best colon cleansers of 2016 based on numerous consumer reviews, availability, and cost.
This is only a small sampling of the types of products that are available without a prescription from your local pharmacy and many major retailers, including online sites like Amazon.
Consumers who buy products online, either directly from a manufacturer’s website or from other retailers, should always read the fine print on things concerning shipping costs, shipping times, and returns before committing to buy.
Another good idea is to resist buying bundled sets or signing up for an auto-delivery program thinking it will save you money.
It might in the long run, but if you’re locked into 12 months payments for a product you haven’t even tried, it could be much more expensive and frustrating to try and get out of long-term commitments just to save a couple of bucks.
Try to look for ingredients that you have already researched to be sure that they are safe and effective. You should also be aware of any possible side effects or allergies that might occur.
Finally, carefully follow all directions on the label to get the best possible result from a colon cleanser.
This oral colon cleanser is manufactured by Pharmaxa Laboratories as a safe and effective treatment to detox and cleanse your digestive tract and colon.
Over time, toxins, parasites, and waste can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to symptoms like bloating and constipation.
The ColoPril formula has all natural ingredients that are intended to cleanse the colon of impurities, leaving the digestive tract detoxified and clean.
One of the key ingredients of this colon cleanse is Ginger root, which will naturally detoxify the body.
Oil from the ginger root is thought to improve movement in the digestive tract that may lead to a better elimination of waste.
The ColoPril formulation also contains Oat bran, which is high in fiber and can be an important part of digestive health. Oat bran is also high in essential vitamins and minerals that may improve overall health.
Another important key ingredient in ColoPril is Alfalfa leaf, whose use can be traced back more than a thousand years.
Alfalfa leaf is naturally high in vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is believed to support a healthy immune system and has been associated with natural detoxification processes in the body.
Other ingredients include fiber rich, Psyllium Seed, Apple pectin, Apple powder, and Barley rice fiber, Cascara Sagrada Bark, lemon peel, Mint leaf, and Beetroot.
This colon cleanser also includes the probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus that helps to maintain the proper microbial balance and may improve colon function and reduce bowel irritation. The final key ingredients are Guar Gum and Garlic round.
This oral colon cleanse is a ten-day, three-step program that claims it will improve colon and digestive tract health.
The first step is a purification process that may help remove impurities and toxins from the body. The capsules contain Selenium, Iron, Cilantro, Garlic, Dandelion, and Milk Thistle, which is extremely gentle to the liver. The recommended dosage is three capsules taken before dinner.
The second step in the program is a powder that can be mixed with water or juice and should be taken immediately following your last meal of the day. This powder contains Flax See, Alfalfa, Chia, Barley Leaf and Pea Hull Fiber.
These ingredients may boost the immune system by removing impurities, toxins, and non-functional metals.
The final step in the colon cleanse process involves taking three capsules at night that use gentle laxatives and an herbal blend that is intended to promote better elimination of waste.
The ingredients include Epsom Salts, Peppermint, Aloe, Fennel, Ginger, and Bishop’s Weed. These are all much gentler on the digestive tract than other products that contain stronger laxatives. This formula is specially designed to minimize stomach discomfort and gas.
This product from Health Plus is intended to be used every other month to thoroughly cleanse the colon and digestive tract.
The key ingredient in this product is Senna Leaf, which is a stimulant that encourages better waste elimination in the colon and intestinal tract. It also contains a probiotic that can help replenish the “good” bacteria in your body.
Another important ingredient in this colon cleanse is Psyllium Husk, which is high in fiber.
Herbal ingredients are used to induce a relaxing effect on the digestive system and include Fennel Seed, Papaya Leaf, Celery seed, Barberry Root, and Peppermint Leaf.
Buckthorn Bark and Rosehips are added to ease the discomfort of constipation and gastrointestinal bloating.
The dosing on this cleanse is quite high, with four capsules taken with food in the morning and four capsules taken after your evening meal before bed.
Often times, consumers should consider starting with half the recommended dosage until they know how the product will affect them.
This all natural and vegetarian three step colon and intestinal cleanser includes herbal supplements, a fiber mix, and an herbal tea.
All three products are intended to be taken for either 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on how often you normally do a cleanse.
The first step starts in the morning by taking the herbal capsules on an empty stomach. Step two involves mixing the powdered fiber into water or juice and following that with another 8 oz of water. Finally, before bedtime you are to use the herbal tea that is designed to promote healthy elimination the next morning.
Another important step that the makers stress when using this colon cleanse product is to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet that is free from processed foods.
Certified 100% organic, GMO-free, vegan, and vegetarian, this powdered colon cleanser contains a proprietary blend of ingredients that the makers claim will sooth irritated and inflamed bowels, improve waste elimination processes, and detoxify the colon and intestines.
This supplement also contains Pau d’arco that may be useful in controlling Candida, which is a type of yeast normally present in the body that sometimes can cause the painful and irritating condition known as a yeast infection.
This product also contains fiber-rich ingredients such as Psyllium Husk and Apple Pectin that may improve bowel habits and promote regularity.
Montmorillonite Clay and Activated Charcoal are also listed in the ingredients, and they are used in conjunction to help draw out poisons, toxins, and other impurities that can clog up the digestive system and may lead to feelings of lethargy and sluggishness.
There are quite of few dietary supplements that use the power of oxygen to clean the digestive tract and cleanse the colon.
We’ve listed just a few of the many different oxygen-based colon cleansers that have been given very positive reviews.
This vegan and GMO-free supplement uses time-released oxygen to clean the entire digestive tract, not just the colon.
The makers claim that this product will reduce uncomfortable abdominal issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or occasional constipation.
They also state that Oxy-Powder will help eliminate mood swings, headaches, and bad breath by detoxifying and removing toxins and unwanted waste that they believe can contribute to numerous health issues outside the gastrointestinal tract.
Available in capsule form so there’s nothing to measure or mix, the average dosing is between 4 and 10 capsules that are taken with a full glass of water right before bed.
This product comes in a convenient capsule form that is dosed according to weight. A person weighing 150 lbs would take 6 capsules per day for a week to have what the makers call an initial cleanse of the colon, small intestine, and large intestine.
After the initial cleanse, a good maintenance program involves taking the supplement one to two times a week. Labeling does state that for increased results, slightly more than the normal dosing may be taken.
There is also a warning directly on the supplement label that after taking the product, a bathroom should be nearby because of the way this cleanser works.
The makers state that with a combination of various magnesium elements that become a vehicle for released oxygen, so the supplement will cause solid wastes to become liquefied or gassy.
This GMO and Gluten-free supplement has easy to understand directions to completely clean the digestive tract and colon. The initial recommended dose is between 3-5 capsules at bedtime on an empty stomach.
The makers state that this supplement has a magnesium based compound that has been stabilized and ozonated, causing the element to release Reactive Oxygen Species.
This causes softening of any organic material inside the digestive system and may help in nutritional absorption by aiding the good bacteria in the intestines.
For those that like the idea of using a homemade cleanser to ensure quality ingredients and standards, there are several recipes that will give you some of the same health benefits as the commercial brands.
One of the most popular do-it-yourself cleanses is simply called a Master Cleanse. This regimen was created by an alternative health practitioner who later wrote a book titles “The Master Cleanser”.
His recipe is simple, easy, and if numerous reviews are to be believed, achieves optimum cleansing results.
How to Easily Make a Colon Cleanser At Home
Master Cleanse
- Juice from ½ lemon
- 2 tbsp grade B maple syrup (found in health food stores)
- 1/10 tsp of cayenne pepper
Mix all ingredients with at least 8 oz of water and drink mixture 6-10 times per day for a minimum of 10 days.
Simple Juice Cleanse
- ½ cup apple juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
- 1 tbsp ginger juice (may substitute finely grated ginger)
Start with a ½ cup of very warm water (as hot as you can stand) and add the lemon and ginger juice first. Once diluted, apple juice may be added, and you should drink immediately.
Cleanse should be taken on an empty stomach before meals and always followed by plenty of water.
Vegetable And Honey Cleanse
- 2 carrots
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 stalk celery
- 2 tsp of raw honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
Juice carrots, cucumbers, and celery, and then add one cup of water. Stir in the honey and the lemon juice.
This is meant to be taken once per day on an empty stomach. Because it is a very gentle cleanser, it can be taken daily as preventative care of the gastrointestinal tract.
Turmeric Juice Cleanse
- 2” piece of turmeric root (½-1 tsp if using ground turmeric)
- 2 stalks celery
- ½ cucumber
- 1 whole lemon, peeled
Juice the turmeric, celery, cucumber, and whole lemon with 8 oz of water. The mixture should be taken first thing in the morning and then every two hours throughout the day until bed.
During the three-day cleanse, only fresh whole vegetables should be eaten, though water and green tea may be had in unlimited amounts.
Colon Cleanser Review Summary
Colonics involving hydrotherapy have become very popular in the last decade. This type of colon cleansing is usually done in an office setting at a naturopath or natural healing center.
A trained professional will insert a flexible speculum into the rectum and water is forced into the intestinal tract, which will clean out waste and sediment.
The advantage of a colonic (colon hydrotherapy) over a traditional enema that can be used at home is higher water pressure and the ability of the water to reach higher into the intestinal tract.
Many times, the healthcare professional administering the colonic will add things like peroxide or herbs to increase the effectiveness of the cleansing process.
Many celebrities have talked about their use of colonics and claim that there are several health benefits that can be attained from having the procedure done on a regular basis.
However, the general consensus in the medical community is that, except in extreme cases, colonics are not necessary and can actually have a negative impact on the gastrointestinal tract when overused.
At this point, you’ve learned about most of the benefits that may be experienced after doing a colon cleanse no matter which method is used.
One unexpected benefit that might be surprising is that colon cleansing is thought to have a direct impact on depression and mental health.
This was a surprising discovery we made during our own research, because most of the popular colon cleansers claimed only that their product could help with digestive issues like constipation and irregularity.
A couple of manufacturers mentioned additional health benefits like banishing bad breath and improving energy, but not many of the makers of colon cleanser products said much about the connection between the gut and brain or the benefits that a detoxified, clean system can have on brain chemistry.
One of the key hormones that our brains rely on to regulate feelings of happiness is serotonin. Approximately 95% of serotonin is produced in your gastrointestinal tract before it gets transported to areas of the brain responsible for mood.
Some would reason that doing a regular colon cleanse and keeping your system detoxified will improve serotonin production and may contribute to improved happiness and better moods.
A few studies went on to suggest that depression and digestive health often go hand in hand and that if the abdominal issues were addressed properly, many times, overall depression improved.
After looking at hundreds of products and learning about the types of colon cleansers that are available, we compiled a list of the best 12 colon cleansers for 2016.
Before you order that herbal cleanse or decide to cook up the latest recipe, there are some important things to consider.
Before doing any type of colon or intestinal cleanse, you should consult with your doctor. Your healthcare professional can tell you whether a cleanse is appropriate for you and any underlying medical concerns or issues you may have.
They will also be able to talk with you about any drug interactions that could have a serious and adverse effect with some of the ingredients of the oral colon cleansers.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this product or any colon cleanse without their doctor’s approval.
Those with liver, kidney, heart, or immune disorders may want to discuss alternatives with their physician as some of the colon cleansers can negatively impact existing conditions.
Have realistic expectations and use moderation with any of the colon cleanse products. Whether you choose a homemade recipe or have decided you want an herbal colon cleanser, it’s important to start off slowly at the minimum dosage and allow your body to adjust before taking more of the colon cleanse.
While taking or using any of these products, it is of vital importance to stay hydrated by drinking at least 80 oz of water per day or about 10 glasses.
Many of these colon cleansers will have a drying effect on the body and staying hydrated can be hard to do. You may also find upping your juice or green tea consumption will help with hydration.
Lastly, eat healthy, exercise, and get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. There is nothing more important to digestive health and improved overall health than eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Starting with a healthy diet will only help any colon cleanse you choose to work better.
Regular exercise naturally helps your digestive tract function properly and can improve everything from constipation to insomnia.
Something as simple as a brisk walk around your neighborhood after dinner will lead to all kinds of health improvements and benefits.
Getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night is necessary for a variety of health reasons, including poorly functioning and imbalanced digestive issues.
Enough sleep will improve your cognitive thinking, increase your energy levels and may optimize gastrointestinal health.
