Colon health is vital to the health of the rest of your body. It's responsible for expelling waste from your body, so if you suffer from bowel problems like constipation, toxins will build up in your system, which can lead to further health issues and disease. However, fasting can provide a thorough colon cleanse in the comfort of your own home without costly and invasive procedures.
Eat a light meal the night before your fast to ease into the process. Eliminate caffeine, alcohol and red meat a week prior to your fast's start date. Three days before you begin, switch to an all vegetarian diet. This will make the transition less stressful on your body.
Mix together 1/4 cup warm water, 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 tbsp. Epsom salts. Drink this mixture the morning of the first day of your fast. Stay near a bathroom, however, as it acts as a laxative.
Combine 1 1/2 qt. of water with the juice of two limes and six oranges. Mix well and drink 2 cups at a time, spaced evenly throughout the day. This concoction provides you with nutrients and fills your stomach while flushing your bowels.
Mix 1/3 cup water, 1/2 cup apple juice, 1 tsp. bentonite and 1 tsp. of psyllium. Drink this apple cleanser right before you go to sleep on the first day of your fast. The next morning, drink the apple drink when you wake up, and four more times during the day.
Stay hydrated and nourished by drinking fresh juices and herbal teas throughout your fast and in between your apple cleansing drinks.
Perform enemas twice a day for the duration of your fast. This will help remove stool that has built up in your colon over the years due to unhealthy eating.
Break the fast slowly. Add raw vegetables and fruit to your diet first, then progress to some cooked vegetables. The next day, add grains. The second day after your fast is completed, eat light meals that include healthy, lean meats.
Tip
Don't be alarmed by what your bowel movements look like during the fasting process. The enemas, in particular, will provide long strands of stool, which may appear mucus-like. This is a normal part of the cleansing process and nothing to be concerned over. Don't exert yourself during the fast. Do not attempt anything more than walking or simple yoga poses. Take baths to open your pores and further flush out toxins.
Warning
Consult your doctor before starting a fast. If you have a condition like heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy or colitis, you should receive your doctor's approval before starting a fast. If you are pregnant, do not fast. If you are underweight, do not fast.
Writer Bio
Brenda Barron is a writer, editor and researcher based in Southern California. She has worked as a writer since 2004, with work appearing in online and print publications such as BabyZone, "Cat Fancy" and "ePregnancy." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from California State University, Long Beach.