Before starting that new diet you promised yourself, make sure to prime your body by resetting your digestive system. Even if you aren’t among the millions of Americans dealing with obvious symptoms from digestive problems such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, most of us are eating a diet that lacks enough fiber. Over time, the lack of fiber can slow down your digestive processes, leading to toxic buildup in the colon and ultimately contributing to a range of health issues, from minor symptoms like sluggishness and mental fog to more severe problems like cancer.
Your gut regulates levels of your body’s “key survival” antioxidant called glutathione, which fights various diseases. Combine low fiber intake and regular use of prescription painkillers and other medications that impact your natural metabolism, and the problems worsen to the point where you could potentially gain an additional 30 pounds a year.
But the good news is that you can reset your colon and give your body a boost for long-term digestive and overall health with a simple colon-cleansing protocol.
Resetting your gut
First and foremost, think about your diet. A lack of fiber coupled with heavy consumption of processed foods results in digestive dysfunction. If you really want to give your gut a fresh start, consider sticking to a diet of only high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, for a week or two. Various studies suggest that vegetarians generally enjoy better overall digestive health, including reduced rates of obesity, than non-vegetarians.
As you gradually return to a regular diet and reintroduce healthy lean meats and oily fish (especially) to your menu, a natural supplement containing colon-cleansing ingredients can help maintain the plant-based digestive boost you’ve just experienced.
Choosing which supplement to use can be difficult since there is no shortage of colon-cleansing products on the market. Not all products are created equal, so for the best results, carefully read supplement labels to ensure these safe, key ingredients are present:
- Psyllium Husks — Often used alone in supplements designed to boost dietary fiber, psyllium husks swell when mixed with water in your digestive tract, stimulating your intestines to contract and speed up the passage of waste.
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Flax Seed — Another excellent source of fiber, flax seed is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce digestive inflammation and contribute to better nutrient absorption.
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Licorice Root — The bitter properties of licorice root stimulate bile production to help break down the foods you eat.
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Senna Leaves — From an Asian plant that has been used to relieve constipation for centuries, these leaves help stimulate muscles and improve water absorption in your colon, aiding waste elimination.
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Cascara Sagrada — Another mild colon stimulant, Native Americans started using this tree bark to treat digestive disorders.
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Aloe Vera Gel — Aloe vera gel contains 200 active components, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and fatty acids, making it a powerhouse for reducing digestive inflammation and helping regulate elimination cycles.
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L. Acidophilus — These good gut bacteria are essential for initiating the digestive process in your small intestine.
Your gut is arguably the single most important organ for keeping you healthy and disease-free. If you treat it well, the rewards can be enormous.