The colon is a tube shaped organ that starts at the end of the small intestine and extends down to the anus.  It can measure approximately 5 feet long.  It has the important job of removing water and nutrients from your food and store the rest as waste, moving it out of your system.

Woman Eating Vegetable

As the colon’s job is to remove waste, you may also need to perform a cleanse to keep your colon clean and remove excess waste.

A cleanse is used to flush your system of all toxic waste that may have accumulated in your colon.  It has also been shown to help improve your immune system, help you lose weight, and improve your general well being.

The best way to keep your colon cleansed and the most natural way is to eat a healthy diet.  In adding fiber, such as cereal and whole grains, bran, fruits, vegetables or oatmeal, you can help with many of your gastrointestinal problems.  It is also important to drink plenty of fluids, but limit the use of alcohol and smoking.

After changing your diet, there are many other natural ways to cleanse your colon, which include:

• enemas or colonics
• laxatives
• strong herbal teas
• enzymes
• powders

An enema or a colonic is a procedure that forces water in through the rectum into the colon and flushes it out.  With an enema, the force of the water cleanses the colon and allows you to remove the excess waste on your own.  With a colonic, the excess waste is forced through your body and exits by tubing inserted into your bowels to remove feces.  If you prefer a colonic, you will need to see a physician for this procedure.

Laxatives may be another way to cleanse the colon.  Laxatives are usually a medication taken by mouth and will soften stool and contract the intestinal muscles to lead to a bowel movement.  This method is usually helpful for constipation.  Consistent use is not recommended, as it may lead to dehydration or in the extreme eating disorders.

In a more natural approach, you can try natural supplements.  There are various supplements that help naturally.  First, you can try fennel, which is a natural diuretic.  It can rid your body of excess water and strengthen the walls of the bladder.  Another possibility is birch extracts, which are also detoxifying.  Birch can be taken in a pill form.

Lemons can also be used to cleanse the colon.  The lemon contains natural enzymes and vitamin C.  This combination can neutralize bacteria already in your body and strengthen the immune system.

As stated above, fiber is one of the most important parts of your diet.  If you are unable to get enough fiber in a regular diet, there are ready-made fiber drinks that can add extra fiber.  There are also powders that you can add to your drink to add extra fiber.  Again, the extra fiber helps with bowel movements.