(Editor’s Note: Always consult with a health professional before starting a new health regimen.)
Do you feel tired, sluggish, and a little bloated? Maybe you have been battling constipation as well. A salt water flush style colon cleanse may be the thing you need. If it seems bizarre for you to flush your colon, you should know that it can help you eliminate unnecessary toxins that are causing issues.
If you keep up on information in the holistic treatment world, you’ve probably read about various colon cleanses, also called colonics. While it may seem like a novel approach, flushing one’s body of toxins has been around for thousands of years. An article published by the Association of Registered Colon Hydrotherapists explains that the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks practiced routine colon cleanses for better health.
What Can Colonics Do for You?
The purpose of a colon cleanse is to introduce fluid into your bowels to rehydrate the dry stool so you can eliminate it easier. It may help your bowels, and other digestive organs work more efficiently, states an article from the Global Professional Association of Colon Therapists. A colon cleanse may help you pass toxic materials and harmful bacteria stuck in your body, which can only help this area function better.
What Are the Symptoms of a Clogged Colon?
How do you know if your colon is clogged? Perhaps, you don’t have issues with constipation, but your bowels are by no means regular. Several things can indicate that somethings not right in your digestive system, and here are the most common signs:
•Abdominal cramping
•Inability to pass stool or gas
•Swelling in the stomach -bloating
•Constipation or diarrhea – depending on the area of the clog
•Black tar-like stools – also called melena
•Blood present in bowel movements
•Abnormal rumbling sounds in the colon – called borborygmi
•Nausea and vomiting
Each case is unique as the colon is divided into five distinct regions: the cecum, sigmoid, traverse, descending, and ascending. A blockage can be anywhere in these regions, but they’re most observed in the cecum. It would be best if you notated the difference between a clogged and a blocked colon.
A blocked colon is a medical emergency that needs prompt attention. This is where the body cannot pass any stools and is building up fecal matter in your system. A clog means that things are still passing through your system, but the movement is slow or building up.
The situation needs to be fixed before it becomes worse. A salt water flush can help rid the clog and improve the body’s flow of excrement. It’s kind of like putting a drain cleaner in your sink.
It blasts the clog out of the way so that the water can flow freely.
Differing Opinions Among Medical Experts
As with many alternative therapies, expert opinions are split into the benefits and safety of colonics, like a salt water flush. Even the proponents say that colon cleanses may not be for everyone. Before you decide to try one, consider these pros and cons.
Pros of Colon Cleanses
Although they usually cite circumstantial evidence, supporters of colonics say that it has its benefits. An article published by the Baseline of Health Foundation says that cleansing your colon can have several health benefits.
Pros:
•It stimulates your large intestine’s muscles so that it can move waste through your system more efficiently. The stimulation helps to prevent stagnation.
•The will help get rid of mucus and putrid fecal matter out of small pockets and from your colon walls.
•It can disinfect your digestive system.
•The saltwater flush will remove heavy metals, like trace lead and mercury, and other toxins, from the walls of your intestines.
•It draws out residue from drugs, chemicals, and other potentially harmful substances you’ve ingested.
•A cleanse provides calming to the area as it promotes healing for the mucous membranes throughout your digestive system.
•It can encourage your body to start healing hernias in your stomach or intestines, which is another significant issue.
•It cleanses the liver, bile ducts, and gall bladder by increasing your bile flow.
•It promotes the growth of beneficial gut flora to maintain good digestive health.
•Flushes can eliminate harmful parasites.
•They decrease the overgrowth of Candida Albicans, a harmful yeast present in most people.
•It maintains your bowel movement regularity.
•They soften hard stools so that you don’t have to strain for your bowels to move.
•It encourages a faster flow of feces through your colon for elimination.
•You can lose weight due to the loss of stored fecal matter.
Cons:
Sadly, many naysayers reject that a colon cleanse offers you any help. While there is proof to the contrary, it’s advisable to know the risks before engaging in any such activity. Here are the cons of doing this practice.
•There are many scams and gimmicks out there that try to entice you.
•It’s not a universal treatment plan, so it isn’t for everyone. Some may find it challenging to do.
•It can change your bowel habits for a few days after the procedure.
•You must follow the directions verbatim to avoid any complications.
•Never put things into the colon that are unhealthy, such as coffee or other unapproved substances. Saltwater flush is a natural way to rid the body of toxins, so it’s a better choice.
Flushing For Good Health
Now that you’ve read all about the pros and cons of doing a colon cleanse, you’re probably ready to try anything if you have ongoing issues. Unlike an enema, which many colon cleanses use, this one you drink, and it does the work as it passes through your system.
Keep in mind that it’s not going to taste good as salt is quite strong and can be bitter when consumed in a large quantity. Once you make the mixture, you need to finish it right away. Don’t let it sit in the refrigerator or on the counter for any length of time.
It may take you 5-10 minutes to get the entire flush drank, and that is perfectly acceptable due to the pungent taste. To start, you need a good recipe, so here’s one for you to follow.
Salt Water Flush Recipe
One word of caution. If you have high blood pressure or eat a sodium-restricted diet, check with your doctor before indulging in the saltwater flush.
Ingredients:
You will need a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid for this recipe.
•2 teaspoons fine sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, or gray Celtic salt
•5 cups of warm filtered water
•1 medium lemon, juiced
Instructions:
•In a small saucepan over medium heat, add water and heat until hot, without boiling. Remove the pan from the heat.
•Use a funnel to pour the water into the jar carefully. Add salt and lemon juice, seal the lid tightly, and shake vigorously until all the salt is dissolved and you don’t see any granules. This recipe makes a single serving.
How to Use Your Salt Water Flush:
•Your goal is to drink the salt water flush within five minutes. Drink in comfortable gulps until all the solution is gone.
•Now, lie in a comfortable place on your right side and gently massage one side of your abdomen. Then, roll over to the other side and rub it. You may feel a little “gurgling” in your gut or a feeling of fullness.
•Try to hold the solution in your body for at least half an hour for maximum salt absorption. You can continue massaging either side of your abdomen while you relax and breathe deeply.
•Within the half-hour or maybe a little sooner or longer, you’ll feel the urge to go to the bathroom. You might go several times until everything is eliminated and your colon is empty.
Final Thoughts On Salt Water Flushes
You may be on the fence regarding a colon cleanse. The good thing is that when you do it orally, there is less risk than other methods. Always use natural practices, such as the salt water flush, to ensure that you don’t cause any significant digestive upset.
Colon cleanses became popular a few years ago, and everyone jumped on the bandwagon. There is absolutely no need to buy an expensive kit when there are healthier, natural alternatives to consider.
It’s best to do this cleanse when you have a day to stay around the house. Flushing your bowels might produce a great deal of excrement or a small amount. However, you want to stay close to the bathroom to avoid any accidents.
While there are conflicting views on this practice, it should be noted that it’s not a new thing. Even the Ancient Egyptians were using such rituals to help improve their health. If it didn’t work at all, then centuries later, it wouldn’t still be in use.
So, if you have constipation issues, abdominal cramping, and other signs of a clogged colon, it’s worth a shot to see if it will help.
