There are a variety of reasons why people choose to cleanse their colon.
According to the Colonic Association, this practice has been around for centuries, dating back to the 1500s in Egyptian medical practices.(1)
In America, cleansing large intestine did not become popular until the 1920s, however, it continues to grow in popularity due to its health benefits.
People do colon cleanses to rid their body of excess toxins, which results in extra energy, increased mental alertness, and decreased lethargy.
Using a Smoothie to Cleanse the Colon
Your gut is an important player in your overall health. Scientific American, among many other sources, refer to the gut at the body’s “second brain”.(2)
As strange as it may seem, cleansing your colon and digestive system is the key to maintaining proper health and optimizing the function of your organs. Years of built up animal protein and sugar in your system, as well as synthetic chemicals from the environment, have an impact on how your colon handles toxins.
Using a smoothie to cleanse your colon is great for a few reasons. Firstly, you can prepare the smoothie to your liking, so it will be an enjoyable treat.
Secondly, because smoothies are pureed, they are very easy on the body to digest. Rather than taking an over-the-counter medication and waiting for your body to break it down to then empty the colon, you are feeding your body natural nutrition that it is familiar with and can easily pass through the system.
According to the Healthy Smoothie Headquarters, smoothies that are made with natural ingredients that aid digestion help to increase the body’s absorption of vital nutrients.(3)
For people who suffer from digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, digestion-friendly smoothies can help ease the burden on their gut.
Colon Cleansing Smoothie Recipes
This smoothie recipe from Dr. Axe helps to cleanse the colon while also providing your body with vital nutrition and keeping you full until your next meal.(4)
This drink is easy to make and contains more nutrients than an average meal. It is creamy due to the avocado, and naturally sweet due to the honey and bananas.
With the addition of chia seeds, it is rich in fiber, which will keep you feeling full.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup of almond milk
- 2 cups of kale
- 2 cups of spinach
- 1/2 of a medium avocado
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger (fresh)
- 1/2 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
Directions:
- Put all of the ingredients together into a blender and blend until it is your desired texture. This will probably take one to two minutes, depending on your blender.
Dr. Ian Smith also provides a great colon cleansing smoothie recipe.(5)
To make this purple smoothie, you will need:
- 1 cup of organic apple cider
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup of peeled and cored pear
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup of kale (stems removed)
- 2 tablespoons of unfiltered organic flax seed oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions:
- Starting with the liquids, combine all of these ingredients in your blender to create a smoothie.
According to Natural Health 365, drinking colon cleansing smoothies can reverse the signs of premature aging and help alleviate the symptoms of chronic diseases.(6)
For example, the liver keeps the body cleansed of toxic debris, however, in many cases, we need to assist the body in ridding itself of toxins such as herbicides and pesticides.
Their colon cleansing smoothie recipe is as follows:
Ingredients:
- 1 chopped organic cucumber
- 1 chopped organic apple (peel included)
- 1 sliced raw beet
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
Directions:
- Blend these ingredients well and add some purified water if you feel it needs more liquid.
When to Drink a Colon Cleanse Smoothie
These are a great breakfast option, because you are giving your body the nutrition it needs on an empty stomach, so it is ready to be absorbed and distributed to the organs.
These smoothies will also provide a much-needed boost of energy in the morning, allowing you to cut out your morning caffeine. Because these smoothies are designed to keep you full, they should all hold you over well until it is time for lunch.
Diet Tips to Complement a Colon Cleanse
In order to help keep your body to continue to work well and digest food properly when you are not drinking a smoothie, there are several tips to remember.
Use Apple Cider, not Apple Juice
Organic apple cider is pasteurized and made from freshly pressed apples. Unlike apple juice, it does not contain added ingredients or extra sugar. Apple juice also often contains other additives, which are sometimes harmful to your health, such as pesticide residue that is arsenic-based.
Be Careful With Protein Powders
Many protein powders that are sold in stores can disrupt the gastrointestinal system and irritate the lining of the intestines.
Rather than drinking a synthetic powder, choose natural sources of protein, such as kefir, which also contains live bacteria that encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Kefir is also rich in enzymes and has other strains of healthy bacteria that are not found in other dairy products.
These bacteria include yeast strains that are able to control pathogenic yeasts in the gastrointestinal system. This is much more beneficial to the gut than protein powders.
Eat Avocados
One medium avocado has around 10 grams of fiber, and they are easily digested. While many sources of “healthy fats” and oils are hard on the digestive system, avocados are the exception.
Conclusion
Drinking colon cleansing smoothies is a great way to boost your health.
There are several recipes to choose from and you can pick what is best according to your taste preferences.
In order to regain a healthy gut, you should:
» Cut out processed foods
» Stop eating foods that are difficult for the body to digest
» Drink a colon cleansing smoothie for breakfast
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(1)http://www.colonic-association.net/what-is-colonic-irrigation.html
(2)https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/
(3)https://www.healthysmoothiehq.com/digestive-issues-smoothies-rescue
(4)https://draxe.com/recipe/gut-healing-smoothie/
(5)http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipes/21910_dr_ian_smith_purple_power_detox_smoothie/
(6)http://www.naturalhealth365.com/liver-cleansing-foods.html
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