Segmented Pink Grapefruit

As your colon is constantly working to eliminate excess waste, a colon cleansing may be necessary to keep the colon working to full efficiency. The first step in your detox is a trip to the grocery store.  You will need the following:

• Filtered water – This can be bottled water or tap water that is filtered
• High fiber fruits – Organic are best and obviously fruits that you like.  Some suggestions:  Grapefruit, oranges, berries, and apples
• Vegetables – again organic is best, as is vegetables that you can eat raw or cooked.  Some suggestions:  broccoli, cabbage, lettuces of all kinds, squashes, zucchini or any other favorites.
• Psyllium Supplements – Psyllium can be found at most health food stores, pharmacies, and natural health stores.  Psyllium contains soluble fiber, which increases stool bulk, and whisks matter from the colon.  It should be taken with plenty of water, as a tablet or as a powder mixed with water.

As with all diets, you should consult your physician to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you.

This diet should only be used for one to three days.  Once the diet is over, you can return to your regular diet gradually incorporating meat, grain and dairy products.  It is recommended that you only have one meal per day when returning to normal to not create a digestive problem.  However, it is hopeful that in following this diet even for this short period of time, you may adapt some of these healthier habits and keep your colon healthy in the long term.

The following is the diet, along with some sample menus:

For Breakfast:

• Fresh fruits, eaten with skin or in their whole state, for example:
  • Grapefruit, sliced and sectioned (no sugar added)
  • Orange
  • Apple
• If you wish, you may instead make a juice blend from these fruits.
• Psyllium tablet or powder, taken with a large 8 oz glass of water

For Lunch:

• Large salad of raw vegetables
• With olive oil and vinegar or plain vinegar as dressing.
• Lemon juice may also be used as desired.
• NO salad dressings.
• Sample:  Large salad with romaine, red and green lettuce, cucumbers, spinach, celery, sprouts; topped with balsamic vinegar

For Dinner:

• Steamed, cooked vegetables.
• Do not microwave vegetables.
• Eat as much as desired.
• Dress only with lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Sample:  Steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots

As for beverages, drink at least one quart of filtered water, including water with added psyllium.

At the end of the three days, you will hopefully feel better and energized. After this three-day detox, you can continue your detox with foods that are high in fiber.  In eating these foods alone, you can have a natural detox on a regular basis.