3 Colon Cleanse Drink Recipes for a Healthy Gut
Despite what Hollywood fads lead us to believe, colon cleansing has been around since at least 1500 B.C. as a natural way to detox the digestive system. Ancient Egyptians were obsessed with this life-hack! They’d stand in a river with a hollow reed inside their rectum, flushing out toxins like it was just another Tuesday.
Thankfully, the methods people use to perform a quick colon cleanse have evolved. These include:
- Enemas
- Colonic hydrotherapy
- Laxatives
- Herbal teas and supplements
- Colon cleanse drinks
Table of Contents
- Do I Need A Colon Cleanse?
- Benefits of Colon Cleanse Drinks
- Risks of Colon Cleanse Drinks
- 3 Colon Cleanse Recipes
- Other Colon Cleanse Recipe Ingredients
- Frequently Asked Questions
Despite what Hollywood fads lead us to believe, colon cleansing has been around since at least 1500 B.C. as a natural way to detox the digestive system. Ancient Egyptians were obsessed with this life-hack! They’d stand in a river with a hollow reed inside their rectum, flushing out toxins like it was just another Tuesday.
Thankfully, the methods people use to perform a quick colon cleanse have evolved. These include:
- Enemas
- Colonic hydrotherapy
- Laxatives
- Herbal teas and supplements
- Colon cleanse drinks
Do I Need a Colon Cleanse?
Our bodies are extremely talented at removing waste and toxins naturally. But there is evidence that occasional colon cleansing can support digestive health. Big emphasis on the word occasional––overdoing your colon cleanse can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and infection.
Colon cleansing drinks are typically a safe, natural alternative to the more aggressive (perforate-y!) forms of colon cleansing. Keep reading for all the gut benefits and our top colon cleanse recipes.
Benefits of Colon Cleanse Drinks
Colon cleansing drinks work by helping pull toxins out of your lower digestive tract and breaking up compact waste that may have accumulated in your colon. Juices contain fiber and nutrients that help detox your digestive system and flush the toxins out. This is a natural method of cleansing that is gentle and safe since it works with your body’s natural digestive system. Some of the benefits that have been claimed by colon cleansing advocates include:
- Increased energy
- Brighter mood
- Stronger immune system
- Less constipation and bloating
- Improved liver function
- Healthier digestive tract
- Weight loss
Risks of Colon Cleanse Drinks
Most at-home colon cleanse drinks are safe to try when prepared properly and performed in moderation. Just be sure to pop your cleanse cherry when you have NOWHERE to be––you’ll want to be near a toilet until you know how your body reacts.
If you cleanse too often, futz with the recipe, or try a colon cleanse drink while fasting, you could experience:
- Dehydration
- Stomach pain and cramping
- Fluctuations in blood pressure
- Electrolyte Imbalance
- Inflammation of the colon or bowels
- Infection
If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, take any prescription medications, or have allergies, talk to your doctor before trying a colon cleanse drink.
3 Colon Cleanse Recipes To Try
Below you’ll find three of the best colon cleanse drink recipes that can help you get on your way to a healthier digestive system. We’ve included the ingredients that you’ll need, how to make each drink, and the directions for consuming the drink.
Salt Water Flush
Salt water flushes are the gold standard for effective natural colon cleansing. When you ingest salt water the salt naturally attracts water to your intestine. This results in a strong "flush" that can help remove waste and toxins from your digestive tract.
Important! People with high blood pressure should avoid a salt water flush.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt
- Jar with a lid
- 4 cups of hot water
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Heat the water. Make sure the water is at a sippable temperature (170 degrees or so).
- Combine the ingredients in the jar and put the lid on. Shake the solution vigorously to ensure that the salt is fully dissolved.
- Quickly consume the drink with the goal of drinking it entirely under 5 minutes. Lay on your side and gently massage your stomach starting with one side and moving to the next.
- After a short period of time you will feel the need to go to the bathroom.
- When you feel like you can't hold it in any longer, use the bathroom. You may continue to feel the urge to use the restroom for a couple of hours until your colon has been completely emptied.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
This mixture contains two ingredients that have both been shown to have a positive impact on gut flora. Apple cider vinegar is a fermented form of apple cider that has a multitude of health benefits. Raw honey has several beneficial compounds and probiotics that make it a gut-friendly addition. When combined, these two ingredients create a powerful natural colon cleansing recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of raw honey
Directions
- Fill a cup or glass with 8 ounces of warm water.
- Shake the apple cider vinegar. The cloudy substance at the bottom is mixed into the liquid.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into the warm water.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of raw honey into the warm water.
- Drink the mixture before bedtime.
- Expect a series of bowel movements the next day as waste and toxins are eliminated.
Lemonade Cleanse
The lemonade cleanse, aka the “Master Cleanse”, is a colon detox drink consisting of four ingredients; lemon juice, honey, cayenne pepper, and ginger. Proponents of this cleanse claim that it can help remove toxins from your body and help you lose weight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon of honey
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Pinch of ground ginger
Directions
- Fill a cup or mug with one cup of hot water.
- Add the lemon juice, honey and spices.
- Stir until all the ingredients are mixed into the hot water.
- Sip until gone.
Other Colon Cleanse Recipe Ingredients
There are many potent ingredients you can add to your morning smoothie to flush toxins, help you poop in the morning, support healthy digestive function, and lower the inflammation in your body. These ingredients include:
- Turmeric: A ton of research suggests that consuming raw or powdered turmeric can help prevent colon cancer.
- Chia Seeds: These little powerhouses provide omega-3 fats, which lower inflammation and cholesterol levels.
- Flax Seeds: The fiber in flax seeds bulk out your stools, making them softer and easier to pass.
- Green Apple: Leave the skin on your green apples to boost your fiber intake. The apple’s pectin will also help break down the foods you eat.
- Black Pepper: Besides adding a spicy kick to your drink, black pepper helps stimulate hydrochloric acid in your stomach to promote digestion while reducing gas buildup.
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Plain Water: The OG detoxer! Water helps all of your organs do their job more effectively. Including hydrating your digestive system to support healthy bowel movements. Drinking hot water such as tea can also help your body break down food faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a colon cleanse a good idea?
If you feel that you would benefit from a colon cleanse, it is a good idea to do some research and see if the benefits are something you feel are worth pursuing. Depending on your goals, a colon cleanse might be able to help assist you in your pursuit of health and wellness at minimal risk or expense.
How many pounds of poop are in your colon?
It is estimated that people produce about one ounce of poop for every 12 pounds of body weight. If you look at the average weight of men (195.7lbs) and women (168.5lbs) in the US, this means that the average man produces about 1 pound of poop per day and the average woman produces about 14 ounces of poop per day.
How much weight can you lose with a colon cleanse?
According to various resources, the consensus on average weight loss after completing a colon cleanse is between 2.6 and 6.6 pounds. Keep in mind that this weight loss is due to removing the stool from your intestine so when you begin to eat again, the weight will likely come back.
Colon Cleanse Goals: Happy Gut, Clean Butt
If you’ve been considering doing a colon cleanse for the multitude of health benefits, it may be worth it to try one of the homemade colon cleanse recipes mentioned above. When it comes to health, sometimes the simplest solutions are the best solutions. Completing a colon cleanse can be a safe, natural way to improve your health and wellbeing with minimal effort and cost.
Keep in mind that many of these cleanses may cause you to have some major bowel movements. Instead of wasting tons of toilet paper and wiping your butt raw, wash that hardworking booty clean with a TUSHY bidet toilet seat attachment!