How to Stop Drinking coffee? The Natural 3 Step Protocol
In this post we’ll cover why and how to stop drinking coffee so you avoid or minimize caffeine withdrawal. Learn what can you drink instead of coffee to help your natural coffee detox. We’ll review the top coffee substitutes that can actually give you both the flavor and feel of coffee including the (caffeine free) energy boost. Continue reading…
There is a backstory behind my interest in liver health, and more specifically, vitamins for liver health. The numbers of liver disease caused by poor diets are growing by the minute. I see SO many young people with liver disease more than ever before. I believe a lot of these can be avoided with healthy eating.
In this article, I will share with you several key vitamins for liver health, and the best ways to get them from foods, easy to make recipes, and when needed, supplements.
Top Vitamins For Liver Health
Several foods are specifically high in vitamins for liver health, that despite an impressive amount of research, are often missed from our plates. Many people don’t realize that some of these vitamins can go a long way to helping liver function.
Vitamin A & Beta Carotene
I am very excited to start the list of vitamins for liver health with vitamin A. Due to its importance and also since it’s quite easy to get from natural foods.
Both its active (Retinol) and carotene forms are needed, especially since some people can’t effectively convert carotenes into active vitamin A due to genetics. More on that below.
Vitamin A as Retinol
Active vitamin A, or retinol, comes from animal foods like cod liver oil, liver, fish, and meats. Since the liver is the main storage site of vitamin A, one of the best source of vitamin A comes from animal liver.
While eating high quality of animal liver is generally healthy, caution should be taken if you have a history of iron overload or high cholesterol. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplements or meal plans.
According to research, vitamin A can effectively reduce fat in the liver and help control inflammation. As in any of the other vitamins for liver health, the benefits don’t stop here. The body needs vitamin A to make hormones and increases immunity signaling that can ramp down inflammation, such as t-regulatory cells.[1,2]
Beta Carotene
β-Carotene is the orange-red pigment you often see in many vegetables and fruits that serve as the precursor for vitamin A. According to research, Beta carotene can protect liver tissues from toxins in the air, such as pollutants and unwanted chemicals.
You should always make sure to get carotene-rich foods on top of retinol, as it has additional functions and benefits.
Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and winter squash are great ways to get more carotene in your diet.
Other sources of beta carotene include dark leafy greens such as kale, and spinach. You may wonder how come these greens are high in Beta carotene but are not orange or red? Since greens also contain high levels of chlorophyll (the green pigment), the dominant color of the plants ends up as dark green which “covers” the orange or red pigment.
Problems with Retinol Conversion
Due to genetics, some people can’t effectively convert carotenoids into active vitamin A.[3]
I’m actually one of these people. Right away I noticed improvements in my health when I started focusing on getting more retinol from my diet.
On that note, unlike beta-caretone (the body uses what is needed, and get rids of the excess), you have to be careful with retinol supplements, as you can overdo it. It is always best to get it from natural food sources if possible. Make sure to choose cod liver, fish, and meats from clean, preferably wild sources that are low in mercury and heavy metals.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency & Liver Health
Vitamin B12 deficiency is something that I am continually encountering because of today’s food trends, poor gut health, and also medications that rob the body of vitamin B12.
Many people don’t realize that vitamin B12 is actually essential for a healthy liver. The research data suggests a connection between low levels of vitamin B12 and non alcoholic fatty liver.
On top of the importance of vitamin b12 to liver health, the body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, protect nerves, and reduce inflammation; a problem in people who have liver damage. In fact, vitamin B12 can suppress the production of inflammatory compounds generated from our immune system called cytokines.[4]
Vitamin B12 Supplements
The most reliable sources of vitamin B12 are animal meats and fish. For this reason, vegans and vegetarians need to take B12 supplements and monitor their levels. The risks of low vitamin B12 levels, however, are not limited to vegans and vegetarians. So it is best to check your levels, and take supplements if needed.
When it comes to B12 supplements, the absorption of natural “active” forms of vitamin B12 such as Adenosylcobalamin and Methylcobalamin is shown to be much more effective than synthetic ones. In fact, one study found that the combination of these forms was comparable to vitamin B12 injection.[5]
VEGANSAFE B-12 is a good example of a vitamin B12 supplement that uses these two natural active forms of vitamin B12. It is also one of the few vitamin B12 supplements out there that is certified organic.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) & Liver
In addition to vitamin B12, it is important to meet all your B vitamins as they can also support liver health.
Niacin or vitamin B3, shines in this regard due to its ability to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and fatty blood lipids. Studies found that people who eat more niacin rich foods have less liver fat.[6]
Good food sources of niacin include: animal liver (once again), chicken, turkey, and wild fish like wild salmon, and tuna.[7]
Vegetarian sources include portabella mushrooms, avocados, peanuts, rice and potatoes. If you are vegan or vegetarian, make sure to check the amounts you get from your foods, to make sure you get enough niacin.
Vitamin D3 & Your Liver
Vitamin D3 is actually a hormone your body makes after sun exposure. Several studies have found a link between low levels of vitamin D3 to liver health. The researchers believe that vitamin D3 can help protect the liver from inflammation, insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver.[8]
Unfortunately, many people have low vitamin D levels due to our modern lifestyle that encourages working indoors, and once out, heavy sunscreen use. This is not just a problem in cold climates, and it is usually among the first vitamins checked in standard blood tests.
While the body primarily make vitamin D3 after sun exposure, you can still get some amounts from fatty fish such as wild salmon, and some types of mushrooms, depending on their growing conditions.
Vitamin D3 supplements are often taken considering how common vitamin D deficiency is. You should work with your doctor to test your levels and determine the vitamin D3 dose you need.
Vitamin E
Do you know that over 90 percent of Americans don’t get enough vitamin E from their diet? For most people, this should be a super simple fix. Just add in some of the following, one or more servings per day: avocados, raw almonds or sunflower seeds, and olive oil. Also try some clean source of almond milk for a vitamin E boost.
The researchers found that Vitamin E helps protect the liver cells due to its strong antioxidant effect. Also here, your body needs vitamin E for many other functions.
Omega 3 Fats & Liver Health
While not vitamins, omega 3 fats are a critical component for liver health, especially in reducing inflammation and fats in the liver.[9]
Wild fish are the most concentrated way to increase omega 3 fats in your diets, especially their long-chain DHA and EPA.
Make sure to choose small wild-caught fish from clean areas, such as wild alaskan salmon, to avoid high mercury content. Farmed fish are usually raised on a diet that is not intended for fish (such as corn), and as such, many health experts do not consider them as a healthy option.
For vegans, good sources of omega 3 include chia seeds, flaxseed and hemp seeds. Plant sources of Omega 3, however, have a low conversion rate to DHA & EPA. So if you follow a vegan or a vegetarian diet, you may want to take omega 3 supplement from algae oil.
Recipes to Support Nutrients & Vitamins for Liver Health
It’s easy to put together meals that support liver detox and maintain a healthy liver. Below are some easy options. A major benefits of eating whole foods, is that they support your entire body.
Try to sit in the sun while enjoying the following recipes to soak up some liver healthy vitamin D.
1cupbroccoli, whole pieces, raw or lightly steamed (vitamin C, antioxidants that support liver health)
5smallfresh cherry tomatoes optional
Dressing
1-2 tbspolive oil, extra virgin(vitamin E)
2tbsp lemon juice
Himalayan salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients on your plate.
Add Himalayan salt and pepper to taste.
Vegan Options:
Instead of the salmon, sprinkle on 2 tbsp of nutritional yeast and 1 ounces hemps seeds (omega 3).
Make sure to supplement vitamin B12 and vitamin D3
Liver Health Salad Recipe Nutritional Label
Bonus: Liver Health Guacamole
So many dishes are served with processed bread or crackers. There are many healthy alternatives, however, that also include some of the key vitamins for liver health.
Use fresh carrots, celery or sweet potato slices instead of processed crackers using yummy liver friendly appetizers, and a healthy guacamole as a dip.
A salt water flush is a popular “internet based” home remedy promoted as a way to flush out your bowels and cleanse your colon.
The idea is simple: you drink water mixed with a large amount of salt. The body can’t absorb such a large amount of salt in such a short time. As a result, you may experience a series of bowel movements, as the body is trying to get rid of the excess salt.
Is a salt water flush good for you? In this review, we’ll look into the research, benefits, risks, different saltwater recipes, and healthy alternatives.
Salt Water Flush: The Research
Drinking water with a ton of salt? what was I thinking?
Just like many natural home remedies, the salt water flush is also based on some traditional practice.
One of our ancestors got up one day and decided it may be a good idea to drink salty water. After generations of trial and error, some method was developed. Is there enough evidence to back up the saltwater flush, however? Not exactly.
The actual technique is an ancient yoga practice called: Shankha Prakshalana, which literally means “cleansing of the counch”.
This method is performed on an empty stomach. You start by drinking two glasses of warm salty water, and then follow with various yoga poses.[1]
A small pilot study actually tested this method on 54 healthy adults. The researchers concluded that yoga plus salty water was effective in cleansing the bowel in preparation for colonoscopy.[2]
There’s a big but. Was it the yoga, the salt water mixture, or the combination of the two that was responsible for these results?
This was never tested. In fact, it is very likely that it was actually the yoga that played a key role here. Multiple studies have suggested that certain yoga poses can promote gut health, even for cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).[3]
Salt Water Flush Dangers
Natural doesn’t always mean safe
There are couple of things you should know before you do the salt water flush.
Sodium Overload
The biggest problem with the saltwater flush has to do with the high amount of sodium. Many health experts, conventional and also natural and integrative practitioners have specifically expressed this concern.
In fact, Dr. Andrew weil, MD, one of the world’s leading integrative medicine experts, mentioned: “I am concerned about the sodium load…A single teaspoon of salt gives you 2,400 mg of sodium, more than enough for a day’s intake (I recommend limiting your daily intake to 1,500 mg of sodium).”[4]
So a little salt is essential and make our food taste good, why would we want to “waste” our daily salt allowance on such a risky procedure?
Many people actually face this issue, where they drink the salt water, and…well nothing good happens. They have no bowel movements. Just this unpleasant feeling of bloating inside the stomach as a result of all the salt.
So now you are stuck at home, praying for some bowel movements as you watch your stomach keep swelling. All you can really at this point, is to lay down and wait for this bloating to go away. We heard from some people that decided to drink more salty water. It didn’t help much.
This issue can be quite risky. f the salt water concoction is not expelled from your body in a timely matter, your body can absorb the salt. so you may have sodium overload. We will cover it more below in the what happens is it doesn’t work section.
Salt water flush side effects
Common issues include nausea, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and vomiting. Due to the high amount of salt, you may experience electrolyte imbalance and dehydration, which can cause muscle weakness, or muscle cramping.
If you have high blood pressure or other medical condition, do not try this method.
Salt Water Flush Benefits
So now that you know what can get wrong, is there a reason for you to still consider doing the salt water flush?
To clarify, we do not think the saltwater flush is a good idea. Most of the evidence points out that the risks outweigh the benefits. Especially where there are much healthier alternatives.
With that said, as in any review, we do present both the pros and the cons. So below are the benefits and common salt water flush recipes.
Salt Water Flush For Constipation
If you are one of these people that do experience bowel movements shortly after drinking the salt water, you may find it helpful to relieve occasional constipation.
Need to be careful here, though. The salt water flush doesn’t cure or address the underlying cause of constipation. And there are several causes of constipation. You may not be eating enough fiber, are low in magnesium, eating a diet with foods that cause constipation, or don’t drink enough.
In fact, there are a number of medical conditions that may cause constipation. In other words, constipation may be just a symptom, or a larger problem.
On that note, constipation is a big problem that affect over 63 million people in North America.[4]
If you experience constipation or digestive issues on an ongoing basis, you should consult with a medical professional.
Using Salt Water Flush For Weight Loss
We are sorry to have to tell you this, but as it turns out, salt water flush (or in fact any type of colon cleansing) isn’t a good way to lose weight.
A salt water flush does not help you lose body fat. Sure, after you have had frequent bouts of diarrhea for a few hours, you may have lost a lot of water weight. The number on the scale might go down but it’s only temporary. The salt water flush does nothing to target body fat and it is likely that your weight loss will soon return to what it was previously.
In fact, many studies found that when people lose weight rapidly, it comes back with a vengeance.
The latest science on weight loss is actually very clear. Losing weight is not a sprint, it’s a “side effect” of a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating, getting enough sleep and ideally, some exercise or movement.
Types of Salt Water Flushes & Recipes
You may notice a few variations, but there are also some common guidelines:
Always on an empty stomach
Ideally in the morning
Slightly warm water
Sea Salt Flush Recipe
Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt or pink Himalayan sea salt in 4 cups of water.
Drink quickly (5 minutes or less).
You may feel the urge to visit the restroom within 30 to 60 minutes.
Master Cleanse Salt Water Flush
The Master Cleanse, also known as the lemonade diet, was developed in the 40’s as a natural liquid diet to detox the body and promote a quick weight loss.
Also here, the evidence is pretty limited. In fact, many health experts have expressed many concerns with this type of fad cleanse.
While the master cleanse have many variations, is is based on the lemon-maple-cayenne pepper drink. A common recipe for the Master Cleanse lemonade usually includes:
2 Tbsp of organic freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 Tbsp of organic grade B maple syrup
1/10 tsp of ground cayenne pepper
10 oz. of filtered water.
With the master cleanse, this drink is all you put inside your body, hence, the rapid weight loss.
So where does the salt walt flush gets into the picture? As in many types of liquid cleanses, due to the lack of solid foods, you may experience less or no bowel movements at all.
To help with that issue as a part of the master cleanse, you are also advised to take a herbal laxative nightly or a salt water flush in the morning.
Common Misconceptions, Mistakes
What Happens If The Salt Water Flush Doesn’t Work?
As many people learn the hard way, the salt water flush doesn’t always induce frequent productive bowel movements.
If the salt water concoction is not expelled from your body in a timely matter, your body can absorb the salt. So now you may have a sodium overload. Not pleasant, and can be dangerous.
Excessive amounts of sodium in your body can lead to heart, kidney, and liver issues. Not exactly what you are hoping to achieve.
Doing A Salt Water Flush on a Full Stomach
Trust us, you don’t want to be doing this flush after a full meal. Not only it can disrupt the body’s ability to digest your foods, it can make you feel very sick.
The logic or reason that led some people to believe this is a good idea, has to do with overeating. You ate too much, now you want this bloating to go away as quickly as possible. Not a good idea. The best you can however, is to relax and give your body some time to digest the foods.
Doing Salt Water Flush Too Often
By doing the salt water flushes too often, you are at a greater risk for dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
Also, just like other types of methods that induce bowel movements such as enemas or laxatives, you may also develop some dependency (mentally, physical, or both). So you may find yourself having to perform these all the time to get your bowels going, or to feel that you are “not full”.
Salt Water Flush Experiences & Results
Thanks to the internet, we can gather some data and reviews before we buy a certain product, or try a natural home remedy such as the saltwater flush,
Has everyone had a great salt flush experience? No, far from it.
In some cases, frequent trips to the bathroom followed by gas, bloating and cramping were enough for some to people to question their decision. A classic “what was I thinking” moment.
Some people that had constipation did feel better shortly after they did the flush. We don’t know however, how did they feel a week or a month after.
Have you done a salt water flush recently? Make sure to tell us your experience in the comments below.
In our last article, we talked about the top detox foods that can help enhance your body’s natural toxin filters organs. But what about detox supplements?
The science which I am about to share, is actually very exciting. There are unique nutrients and herbs shown in many studies to have powerful natural detoxification properties, some, can even help the body to repair damaged tissues.
On that note, detox supplements are extremely popular, but not all of them are effective or even safe. Something to consider before you go to Walmart and have your cart loaded with dozens of cleansing shakes and detox pills.
In this supplements detox review, we will focus on the primary organ of detoxification, the liver. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, so you also get the next articles which will cover other key body systems and detox supplements for the kidneys, colon, heavy metals, candida yeast, parasites and others.
My Top Liver Detox Supplements (Evidence-Based)
The liver converts toxic substances into harmless elements or makes sure they are released in the bowels so they can be eliminated throughout bowel movements. Certain detox supplements and herbs are shown to support these liver functions including the regeneration of new liver cells.
Important: before you go into cellular or liver detox, always make sure your gut is working properly, so that the released toxins will be eliminated by your digestive system effectively and will not reabsorbed back into the circulation. This can be achieved by a healthy diet and several supplements or herbs.
Here are the top detox supplements that are supported by science to help cleanse your liver:
Glutathione (GSH)
Glutathione is one of the most potent antioxidants and cellular detoxifier found in virtually every cell in the body. Specifically to its detox affect, Glutathione has the ability to bind to water-soluble toxins, so they are marked or targeted to be removed by the body.[1]
Due to its key role in detoxification, the science on Glutathione is extremely extensive. According to the research, glutathione can help neutralize toxins known as persistent organic pollutants, or POPs, such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lindane, DDT.[2]
Some evidence even suggests that Glutathione can help reduce liver damage due to alcohol.[3]
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
Another liver detoxification superstar, NAC is an amino acid used by the body to make Glutathione. NAC has long been used as a detoxification therapy for acetaminophen toxicity (Tylenol).[4]
In case you are wondering why you should be taking the precursor to Glutathione, rather than Glutathione itself, here’s why:
According to research, oral supplementation of Glutathione alone does not adequately restore GSH levels. It is rapidly broken down by the liver and intestines. Oral NAC administration however, was shown to increase cysteine levels, ultimately leading to increases in Glutathione.
Even more, due to its acetylated form, NAC can effectively penetrate the blood–brain barrier and raise brain Glutathione, which may provide neuroprotective benefits.[5]
Not surprisingly, you can see many liver detox supplements protocols that combine both NAC and Glutathione.
Use of NAC in Prevention of Hangover Symptoms
Due to its potency as a natural liver detox supplement, NAC has gained a reputation as a home remedy for hangover prevention, with an abundant research data to support its effectiveness.[6,7]
With that being said, I would personally be very careful regarding this use, as it may lead to you drinking more alcohol.
These hangover signs occur for a reason. It’s your body’s way of telling you, “hey, I have had enough of this toxic drink.” You feel really bad and hopefully next time, your brain will remind you that. So you drink less.
I rather you taking NAC or other detox supplements to promote your over health, rather than supporting unhealthy lifestyle choices. It’s like smoking and taking antioxidants to correct the damage.
Liver Detox Herbs
Along with glutathione and NAC, there are several herbs well studied for their potent natural liver detoxification effect:
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Milk thistle is a beautiful purple thistle in the Asteraceae family of plants. This plant is well-known in the detox community as being an important herb to include in any liver detox or liver support protocol.
The evidence of the use of milk thistle for liver health takes us back over 2000 years ago across several cultures around the world. The Greco Romans were using milk thistle for both gallbladder and liver problems. Fast forward to the 19th century, early research done by German scientists already demonstrated milk thistle health benefits.
Most of the modern research on milk thistle focus on its active components collectively known as silymarin. Several studies have found that silymarin may act as a toxin blockade agent by inhibiting binding of toxins to the liver cell membrane receptors.
Due to its antioxidant effect, silymarin was also shown to reduce free radical production and lipid peroxidation as well.
Multiple studies found that silymarin reduced liver injury caused by acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, radiation, iron overload, alcohol, and other toxins.
The research also show promise in using silymarin as a natural alternative for alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis and toxin-induced liver diseases.[8]
As in any medicinal use of a natural ingredient, much more studies are needed until a final approach will be formalized by the medical community. Still, when it comes to natural supplements and liver detox herbs, milk thistle is one of the most studied option, that also show the most promise.
Fun fact: Some research suggests that milk thistle derived extract can be helpful to neutralize poisoning from death cap mushrooms by reducing liver damage.[9]
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
A great compliment to milk thistle that may also help reduce toxins in the liver and restore healthy liver tissue, is a temperate climate flowering weed called dandelion.
Traditional use of dandelion for liver health goes back to Arabia in the 10th century, where it was used to treat several liver complaints, and as a diuretic, nausea and vomiting conditions in India and Europe.
Dandelion is also extensively studied. According to research, dandelion may help protect the liver by reducing several inflammatory compounds stimulating glutathione production, and increasing antioxidant enzymes in the liver as well, including superoxide dismutase, and catalase. [10,11,12]
Even more interesting, when dandelion was given to mice exposed to a toxin called carbon tetrachloride, dandelion was shown to have a protective effect and also promoted healing of the liver tissues.[13]
How to Use Dandelion to Detox Your Liver
Depending where you live, you may see fresh dandelion leaves and even dry roots in your local store.
Many people find the flavor of dandelion greens bitter, so adding olive oil and lemon can help improve the taste of the dandelion greens. You can also may a detox tea with the leaves or the roots. Add a bit of honey or stevia to improve taste.
Dandelion is also highly available in liver detox supplements and herbal formulas, usually with milk thistle and other liver cleansing herbs. A good example can be found here.
Always make sure to use organic dandelion to make sure it isn’t sprayed with chemicals.
Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)
With a long traditional use for liver and kidney health that is also backed up by science, this exotic tropical plant is a very popular natural option that may benefit most liver detox programs.
Also here, the science is very promising. According to research, Chanca Piedra can support normal liver function by regulating fibrosis, LDL cholesterol, insulin and arterial plaque.[14]
In fact, some studies even evaluated Chanca Piedra as a natural alternative for the treatment of hepatitis B and viral hepatitis.[15,16,17,18]
Similarly to the milk thistle research, no conclusive finding or recommendations were made by the medical community. Still enough evidence however, to consider Chanca Piedra as a natural safe option for your liver detox supplements stack.
Fun fact: due to its long traditional use to treat and prevent kidney stone, Chanca piedra is well known as “stonebreaker”. Most natural kidney detox supplements have it as one of the main ingredients. Will cover it in more details in our next article on kidney cleanse.
Turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa rhizome)
While most known for its ability to help with joint pain and inflammation, turmeric has a long traditional use for detoxification purposes, that is also backed up by science.
The science on turmeric and liver health is quite fascinating and has shown to be very promising. According to research, curcumin, the active component in turmeric, can improve liver enzymes and reduce liver injury from various toxins, even with patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver.[19,20,21]
The data suggests it is turmeric’s potent antioxidants effect that can help to suppress oxidative stress in the liver. Many researchers see turmeric and curcumin as potential therapeutic antioxidant agents for the treatment of various liver disease.
Of course, we’ll have to see much more studies before the medical community will have any recommendation regarding the use of turmeric for liver health. In the meanwhile, as a natural alternative, turmeric and curcumin are definitely one of the most powerful natural liver detox supplements and herbs.
Fun fact: Turmeric has been used traditionally to neutralize snake venom, including the deadly King Cobra, potent detoxification, indeed.[22]
How to Use Turmeric to Detox your Liver
Adding turmeric to spice your meals or shakes is a great way to enjoy some of his health benefits, although a common issue with turmeric and curcumin, is they have a poor absorption and bioavailability in the body. A known traditional remedy to address these that is also backed up by science is to consume turmeric with black pepper or fats.
In fact, according to research, piperine, the major active component of black pepper can increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%[23].
Another popular option shown to enhance the absorption of curcumin, is to combine it together with phospholipids. Both options are commonly seen in many turmeric and curcumin supplements.
Summary
As you can see, there are several liver detox supplements and herbs that can help support healthy liver function, reduce liver fats, increase antioxidants, and even heal liver tissue.
While these all shown to be very effective, you will get much more benefits if you follow a healthy diet. A good example is my article on the Best 8 Detox Foods.
As with any natural program, make sure to check with your healthcare provider because you use these supplements and herbs, especially since some of these can interfere with medications.
You just got a solid eight hours of sleep; you love your new morning routine with your warm coffee and new ceramic mug, and the weather has finally cooled down to your favorite fall temperature and you can start the fireplace, yes!
Do you ever feel like you’re 100% in the flow of life?
Everything feels a lot lighter because your patterns of behavior are much more habitual. You feel like you’re eating well, you’re getting more steps and/or exercise than usual, your performance at work is at an all-time peak, you’re drinking more water, you’re tasking more efficiently, and you’re generally being more productive and leading a healthier life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. How great does it feel to YOU when you feel like you’re genuinely “firing on all cylinders” as I like to call it?
Cue Paramore’s, “Ain’t it fun, living in the real world?”
Are You Acting On Life, or Is It Acting On You?
Life tends to mirror a tennis match. Sometimes the ball is in your court, and sometimes it’s not; but you must remain mindful that it’s essential to make proactive choices day in and day out, keeping your list of short term and long-term goals close by, to ensure the ball bounces back in your court in time for you to act.
We can also observe a pendulum and make a lot of analogies about the habits (both healthy and unhealthy) that are ingrained in our brains, and our perspectives about resiliency and will.
We all know what the flipside to feeling on top of the world feels like. What goes up must come down, right? Sigh. This doesn’t have to be a dismal metaphor though. Really, our interpretation about different situations carries the weight. If you are willing to let the pendulum swing in its natural essence, your anxiety associated with being on the less desired side is less likely to spike.
About Stress, Eating & The Autopilot Mode
Habits are defined in psychology as, “actions that are triggered automatically in response to contextual cues that have been associated with their performance”.
You exercise habitual behaviors all the time including; washing your hands before eating, washing your body after your hair, putting on your seatbelt before you start your car, etc. All of these habits allow your brain more mental space for other larger events because of the automation of common tasks.
When life gets more chaotic than usual, work starts to pile up on your desk, you add something to your morning routine, but don’t account for the additional time, and now you’re running late to work, we start to feel stressed and crunched on time.
Stress and time management generally run together, as we often over schedule ourselves and under prioritize our most important tasks, which leads us to run on autopilot and pushes our brains into survival mode.
How Autopilot Mode Affects Our Eating
Let me set the stage for you…
You’re in your classroom teaching all morning, your lesson plans are due during your only planning period, you have to go to the bathroom before your students come back, and you try to text your significant other back and make a call to make a dentist appointment, all before lunchtime strikes.
You have been stretched thin all week and haven’t had the chance to grocery shop or even wash your hair the last several days, so you resort again to going through the drive thru and ordering the easiest and quickest thing to consume, a burger and fries.
Your inner self talk is negative and you internally have regret that you should be eating a salad and vegetables, and MUCH less carbs and fried foods but… YOU ARE STARVING AND DON’T HAVE TIME to go down this rabbit hole right now.
You have students who are coming back from recess any moment. It’s go time, again! Sigh. You stuff as much food as you can in your mouth before whipping back into that school parking lot. You take a deep breath and prepare for the final push of the workday…”
Cue evidence based research on mindful eating and what it means to approach your nutrition in a more mindful and fully aware way.
Mindful Eating vs. Diet Trends
Mindful eating is a rather new approach and runs perpendicular to the diet craze that has consumed American society over the last several decades. Rather than depending on a “magical pill” or a cosmetic quick fix that allows you to binge on the same unhealthy foods you have been consuming, a wrap that tightens existing belly fat, or the increasingly popular method of cryotherapy, which drops your bodies temperature in order to speed up metabolism and make the body work harder to keep warm, mindful eating focuses on intentionality.
The difference between mindful eating and other diet and exercise plans is that it is not about rules or guidelines, as many think when they hear the term in conversation. Rather, it is about the individual experience that each person has with his or her complex relationships with food. No one has the same cravings, aversions, allergies, or recipes with the same foods, which creates for a vast amount of literature in the nutrition realm.
Mindful Eating Exercise
The idea to have mindfulness is for people to have their own experiences with food and to be fully present while having them. To slow our brains down in order to be effective in this approach it’s important to focus on all five of our senses while eating: taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight. A famous raisin experiment illustrates this here, under “Practicing Mindful Eating”.
What does your food look like?
What do you anticipate it’s going to taste like?
Does it smell like it looks? Does the smell urge you to keep eating, or does it turn you off?
When you chew your food, what does it sound like? Is it crunchy? Is it soft enough you don’t even have to chew?
Developing mindfulness in different arenas in your life can be strengthened through daily meditations (using moment-to-moment awareness), yoga, body scanning, noticing your breathing patterns during your day to develop a higher level of awareness of self, and practicing mindful eating several times a week.
What is Mindful Eating?
Mindful eating is process oriented, and requires changes in your typical eating behaviors. Those that have mastered mindful eating, throw conventional rules out the window and focus on what their body needs by listening inwards. Problems that mindful eating solves includes distracted overeating, emotional eating, stress eating, improper chewing, selection of unhealthy foods, binge eating, and much more.
Can Mindful Eating Help You Lose Weight?
If weight loss will assist you in living more fully, that is FINE; the problem arises when people get so preoccupied with the sole goal of losing weight (with no emphasis on muscle mass, healthy selection of different foods, eating patterns, etc.) that you lose sight of your intentions to lead a healthier lifestyle, which includes being more present and involved in your own life. You only have one life to live! We have to start making baby steps today in the direction you see your life and health going.
Mindful eating strives to take automaticity out of eating, and challenges you to look closer into the foods you eat.
What elements were required to grow your food?
Was there sun and soil involved, or did a factory genetically process the food you are consuming?
Mindful eating takes the pressure off of counting points, ordering shakes and pre-made meals, and erases the expectations of a particular outcome: i.e.: inches off your waist, hips, thighs, glutes, or pounds lost, new sizes of clothing, etc. It aims to strengthen your bond with eating in a more holistic way.
Developing Mindful Eating Habits Techniques
Some of the attitudes associated with mindful eating and living more consciously include:
Non-judging
Setting aside our previous experience with a food can be very challenging. Being aware of our judgments with different foods is a critical element of mindfulness.
Patience
Living in a fast paced society where our expectations for time management, family demands, and work pressures are at an all time high; patience is a virtue and mindful eating and living take a more understood approach to patience and what it means to be present and aware in the moment. Rather than throwing a handful of raisins, M&Ms, chips, etc. in your mouth; it’s about letting the experience unfold slowly, savoring each bite, rather than quickly trying to satisfy your hunger. It is easier to have more patience with fewer distractions. One of our biggest setbacks right now is having our phones in our hands or having the TV on, which creates a mind numbing sensation, causing you to be less aware of the situation at hand and cause us to eat more and to ingest more quickly
Beginner’s mind
Approaching food experiences like a baby or small child does, with awe and wonder, allows us to experience new and familiar foods in the here and now.
Trust
When we learn to trust our interactions with food and our choices, it becomes more enjoyable to eat foods when we are being mindful of our selections.
Non striving
This is the quality that differs the most from most diet minded approaches, where the main goal is to lose weight, count calories, or any other quantitative measure. There is no pressure or expected outcome when eating mindfully, although weight loss is typically experienced and weight is more likely to be kept off with a conscious change of behavior in the way we eat.
Acceptance
We must accept whatever comes up in the moment when we are practicing mindful eating. We have to be fully present and accept the colorful food that consumes are plates
Letting go
Letting go of the toxic relationships we have with unhealthy foods has to come from examining what the foods do for your overall well-being and letting go of foods that don’t make you feel better.
Tips to Help You in Your Journey Towards Mindful Eating
Before You Eat
Minimize Distractions
Put away your phone, your work, your book, any distraction that will allow for mindless eating patterns. Make sure that eating is the only thing you are doing.
Assess your emotions
Are you physically hungry or are you just bored and looking for something to fill the void in your time? Are you lonely? Are you looking towards food to satisfy another need you are having? Think about what you might need to help you and ensure that food is what your body, mind, and soul needs.
During Mindful Eating
Express gratitude to your food!
Appreciate the long process of what it took to grow the food you are about to consume, prepare it, and make it accessible for you to purchase. When we express gratitude for the things we have, we become more aware of the abundance around us.
Savor each bite and take the time to recognize all the sensations you get from eating or drinking a new food. Be descriptive with the language you use.
Use a timer and giving yourself breaks while eating. This allows your brain to catch up with your stomach and decide if you are still hungry. Ask yourself questions like, “Have I had enough?”, “Is it time to stop?”, or “Am I still hungry or are am I just eating as a time filler?”
When Not Eating
Keep up with your water consumption. You should strive to drink your weight divided by two in ounces of water.
Use a journal to assess your eating journey. Write down tips and tricks that helped you stay on track for the week and add to your journal daily.
Mindful Eating is Not About Perfection
Forgive yourself for slipping up and eating more or faster than you would have liked. Even if you fall off the train, have the audacity to get back on! One night of poor eating doesn’t mean you are back to square one. Thank yourself for your realization that you didn’t eat in the manner you would have liked to, and practice harder the next time.
You Are in Control of Your Relationship With Food
Mindfulness challenges you to be aware of your choices and controlling your own experiences. When it comes to mindfulness on all levels, you have to decide when you’re going to practice it and MAKE it happen!
Colon cleanse is the most popular type of natural cleansing, detoxification and is usually the first step in many body cleanses plans.
Before you do a colon cleanse, it is important to choose the best colon cleanse method or product that is the right one for you. Different colon cleansing options may work completely different in order to cleanse the colon. This can affect their uses and benefits, as well as their safety and side effects.
Related protocols: gut & digestive cleanse (see protocol).
What Is A Colon Cleanse?
Colon cleanse removes accumulated waste buildup, undigested food particles and toxins from the colon, intestines and bowels. This can help the body to better digest the food you eat and may also promote overall gut health.
The connection between gut health to overall good health, immune system function and disease has been known since ancient times, and is also widely accepted by the medical and scientific community [1].
Best Colon Cleanse
Colon cleansing is also known as bowel cleanse, intestinal cleanse, colon flush, colon flush, digestive cleanse, gut cleanse, and others. A key difference between these different cleanses, is whether the cleanse affects the entire digestive tract, or just the colon (the lower part of the digestive system).
For this reason, to get the best colon cleanse impact, we highly recommend to focus on plans that flush out the entire digestive tract, such as oxygen colon cleanse. So unless you have a very specific need to address a local issue in the colon, you should check that in your colon cleansing method.
Colon Cleanse Benefits
Most of the colon cleanse benefits occur after the body starts to eliminate the accumulated waste buildup. As a result you may feel many of these benefits as you cleanse. Common benefits may include:
Better digestion and regular bowel movements with digestion issues such as occasional constipation, bloating, body odor and excess gas greatly improved.
Higher energy.
Mental clarity and better mood.
Clearer skin and complexion.
Weight loss: many people experience quick weight loss during the colon cleanse. This weight however, is not fat. It is simply the stored waste that is being flushed out of the body.
Colon Cleanse Protocols
The diet you eat plays a key role in the body’s ability to cleanse the colon. For this reason, we highly recommend to choose a colon cleanse protocol that combines both. A good example is the famous one day cleanse protocol which you can see in the diagram above. See the complete plan.
This 24 hours protocol combines meals and drinks that promote healthy digestion and gut health, with oxygen colon cleanse. A typical day on this plan may look like:
Night before: overnight colon cleanse drink.
Morning: lemon juice cleanse drink.
Breakfast: fruit meal.
Afternoon: snack or fruit meal.
Dinner: detox salad meal.
Colon Cleanse Recipes
A big part of our research goes to colon cleanse recipes. We develop, test and look for the most reliable evidence for every ingredient in each recipe.
Below you will find the top most effective and safe natural colon cleanse recipes you can make at home. Recipes include colon cleanse juices, drinks, shots, smoothies, diet tips and meals.
Some recipes offer a fast instant colon cleanse detox benefits, others are a better fit for maintenance.
Feel free to share. If you have a blog or a website, you are more than welcome to share our recipes as well, as long as you link back to us as the source.
Contact us here: If you would like to contribute your own suggestions for body, colon cleanse and detox recipes. If we find your recipes a good fit, we would love to publish in our website and share your wisdom with our members and online cleansing community.
The Overnight Colon Cleanse Recipe
Natural, safe, fast, instant homemade colon detox benefits while you sleep. The overnight colon cleanse recipe is one of the most effective natural remedies to quickly and safely cleanse accumulated waste buildup from the colon.
Discover how to use natural colon cleanse ingredients such as lemon juice, raw apple cider vinegar and oxygen colon cleanse for an effective and safe cleansing at home. Learn more.
Colon Cleanse Tea : The Thousand Years Old Homemade Recipe
This easy to make colon cleanse tea recipe has only three ingredients: lemon, ginger and raw honey. Simple, yet effective, it comes with an impressive long history of traditional use.
Drink it to promote your body’s natural ability to cleanse and detox. Especially during these times when you want to drink something hot that is calm and soothing. Learn more.
The Colon Cleanse Detox Salad Your Gut Would Love
The detox salad recipe was developed after many years of research, testing and collaboration with our partners. It is a complete colon cleanse meal you can easily make at home, using natural healthy whole foods.
Main Benefits: Natural Colon Cleansing, Detoxification, Gut Health & Flavor. Learn more.
Cauliflower Rice Detox Meal Recipe
Who said detox recipes have to be boring? We designed the cauliflower rice detox meal to bring a healthy exciting culinary experience that can boost most natural body cleansing and detoxification plans. The flavor, nutritional profile, and the natural cleansing properties are exceptional. Learn more.
Colon Cleanse Juice, Drink & Shot Recipes
Top 4 natural colon cleanse recipes you can make at home either as a juice, drink or a shot. These potent recipes offer a great healthy way to start your morning. They are all easy to make, safe, effective and only use the most simple affordable natural ingredients such as ginger, lemon, carrots and apples. Learn more.
Colon Cleanse Products Reviews
Oxygen Colon Cleanse
The effectiveness and safety of oxygen colon cleanse makes it the preferred choice of many health practitioners. It important however, to know how to use it properly. Especially when it comes to the serving size that is the right one for you, the diet you follow during the cleanse and the right timing protocol.
These factors can make a big difference and may help you get the most out of the cleanse and avoid unnecessary side effects. Learn more.
Colon Cleanse Pills : Benefits, Side Effects & Risks
Different colon cleanse products often work completely different in order to cleanse the colon. This can affect their uses, potential benefits, and side effects.
In this review, we summarize our colon cleanse and detox experience over the last 15 years of cleansing. We left no stone unturned in our research for the most effective, safe, best evidence-based colon cleanse products. Learn more.
Pure Colon Detox
Pure colon detox is a colon cleanse product that seems to receive a lot of attention due to its strong online marketing and advertising.
In this evidence based review, we address the many questions we get on Pure colon detox. We hope this review will help you to make the most out of your journey to a better health for a safe and effective happy cleanse. Learn more.
Type Of Colon Cleanses : Homemade vs. Doctor Office
There are essentially two main types of ways you can cleanse the colon:
Homemade Colon Cleanse
Homemade colon cleanses include a very large variety of products you either drink or swallow, as drinks, powders or pills. These products can help the body to encourage bowel movements and remove accumulated waste and toxins from the colon.
The main difference between the colon cleanse products is the way they work in order to cleanse the colon. Some products work in a gentle and safe way, others are more aggressive, stimulate or force the body to make bowel movements. These differences play a big role in the effectiveness and safety of the cleanse. Learn more.
Colon cleansing diet is also recommended to further support and enhance the colon cleansing process. Learn more.
Colonic Cleanse
Colonics cleansing also known as colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy are mechanical procedures done at a practitioner office. The practitioner releases fluids into the colon via the rectum. The body responds with a series of bowel movements that can help to eliminate stored waste, toxins, excess gas and mucus from the colon. such as colon hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation and others.
The home versions of these procedures are enemas. The amount of liquids an enema uses is much less, and for this reason, it typically cleanses the lower part of the colon.
Colon Cleanse Diet
The diet you follow during the cleanse can make a big difference. Many foods may help the body to naturally detox and cleanse the colon. It is also very important to avoid problematic foods that are hard to digest or that are known to cause digestive issues.
Most people do very well by eating a lighter diet with fresh whole fruits, vegetables and easy to digest foods during the cleanse.
Raw non-starchy vegetables are a very good source of insoluble fiber and make a great choice during the cleanse. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, and typically passes through the gut largely intact. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool which can help to promote regular healthy bowel movement.
Think about insoluble fiber as rough brooms inside your colon that grabs accumulated waste buildup and toxins on their way out.
Foods to eat during the cleanse: raw whole fruits, vegetables, raw sprouted nuts and seeds.
Foods to avoid: processed sugar, fried foods, flour, dairy, wheat, gluten, and processed foods.
Drinks to avoid: sugary beverages, caffeine, and alcohol.
Colon cleansing is also an excellent opportunity to clean your diet from junk food and help to transition into a long term healthier diet plan that your body agrees with.
Colon Cleanse & Weight Loss
Best Colon Cleanse For Weight Loss : A Good Option or A False Claim?
Everyday we get questions about the best colon cleansing for weight loss. The over the counter options seem endless, and the marketing claims, the before and after results, pictures and reviews convince many people to start and detox.
In this article, we cover the real evidence based facts and the false claims, based on our experience and research. We also share the top recommendations for the best colon cleanse for weight loss, so you know exactly what to expect. Learn more.
Colon Cleanse Library & Resources
Below are links to all the main articles and our research on colon cleanse.
The combination of zucchini, white beans, garlic and oregano create the famous Mediterranean aromas and flavors to satisfy your taste buds, lift your spirit, nourish your body, and support your health.
For the recipe, we use the gluten free penne pasta variety, which is made with corn and rice without wheat.
Typically, this dish would have tomatoes, which can aggravate arthritis pain or cause inflammation in some people, so they aren’t included in this dish. The flavors are so robust, you won’t miss them. If you are concerned about inflammation, you may also want to skip the red peppers flakes (optional in the recipe).
Gluten Free Pasta Recipe: Mediterranean, Anti-inflammatory, One-pot Pasta
The combination of zucchini, white beans, garlic and oregano create the famous Mediterranean aromas and flavors to satisfy your taste buds, lift your spirit, nourish your body, and support your health.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword: Anti-inflammatory Recipe, Gluten Free Pasta Recipe, Mediterranean Diet Recipe, One-pot Pasta Recipe
Servings: 4people
Calories: 355kcal
Author: Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Ingredients
2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
1smallonioncut into ¼-inch dice
2clovesgarlicsliced
2smallzucchinicut into ¼-inch slices
1tspsea salt
1tspdried oregano
¼tspred pepper flakesoptional
2cupsvegetable broth or water
8ouncesgluten-free penne pasta
1cupcanned white beans
¼cupgrated sheep's milk pecorino cheese optional, see vegan options below
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the oil over high heat.
Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the zucchini, sea salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and mix well.
Add the broth and penne and bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until the penne is tender, 8-12 minutes.
Stir in the beans, sprinkle with the pecorino cheese (if using), and serve.
Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for several months.
Vegan Option
To make it vegan, omit the cheese, or if omnivorous, substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Nutrition
Calories: 355kcal
Gluten Free Pasta Recipe Nutrition Facts
Why We Love This Recipe
Cleanse Joy’s Team Notes
This gluten free pasta recipe is an excellent example of how easy healthy cooking can be. Especially when you are looking for these quick wins.
In just a few minutes you can eat healthy without giving up flavor, carbs. No need to work all day in the kitchen.
Using one-pot to make pasta is actually very effective. Store (covered) in the refrigerator for up to 5 day.
From a health perspective, the recipe considers one of the main concerns of modern diets and lifestyle, chronic inflammation. Diet plays a key role. Just like certain foods trigger inflammation, others can help your body to have it under control. More on that on the evidence section below.
Feel free to experiment with the recipe. Based on the many requests we get, we are going to test other sources of pasta with this recipe. Especially the chickpea pasta which is lower in carbs, higher in protein and is also gluten free.
Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to learn how it turned out, or share your own comments below.
For more healthy & easy recipes by Ana for see the anti-inflammatory diet, see: One-Pot Cookbook.
Gluten Free Pasta Recipe: Evidence
Now as always, time to look at the evidence:
Should I Go Gluten Free?
Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, has been getting a lot of bad rap lately. Many health experts suggest gluten may be linked to a large number of health conditions, even for people who do not have Celiac disease.
Time for some quick definitions:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people, where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide.[1]
What about those people who do not have Celiac disease? Can they eat Gluten?
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: Recent studies now show that significant percentage of the population have problems caused by wheat or gluten ingestion, even if they do not have celiac disease. Most patients report improvement of symptoms on a gluten-free diet.[2]
In fact, many health experts consider gluten as one of the top foods that can cause gut inflammation. Not surprisingly, many dietary protocols such as the elimination diet, and the inflammation diet exclude gluten foods.
So if you have digestive issues or inflammation, you may want to eliminate gluten from your diet for a few weeks and see how you feel.
Tomatoes, Nightshades & Inflammation
You may wondering why all of a sudden we are saying that tomatoes are bad for you.
Tomatoes belong to a group of fruits and vegetables called Nightshades. According to some evidence, Solanine, a natural chemical found in Nightshades can aggravate arthritis pain or inflammation in some people.
The research data on this topic is not conclusive. According to the medical community, most people should eat nightshades due to their many health benefits.
If you have arthritis pain or inflammation symptoms, however, you may want to talk to your health care professional, to see if eliminating Nightshades for a few weeks can make your symptoms better.
Common Nightshades fruits and vegetables include: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, potatoes and goji berries.
The Mediterranean Diet
This gluten free pasta recipe is inspired by the famous Mediterranean diet. Known for its rich deep colors, aromas, and flavors, numerous studies have shown that this type of eating can help control inflammation, prevent disease and even increase your lifespan.
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that is based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The diet is typically high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, herbs, garlic, red onions, nut and seeds, pasta, and olive oil.[3,4]. Just like you see in this recipe.
The gut cleanse natural plan: detox, flush and cleanse the entire digestive system, reduce gut inflammation, and promote gut health with the best whole foods, recipes, meal plans and supplements.
Gut Cleanse Plan
3 easy steps to cleanse your gut and digestive system:
Colon cleanse: See: overview, gut cleanse drink (recipe).
According to the U.S. department of national institutes of health, it is estimated that 70 million Americans experience various digestive diseases [1].
Multiple studies have suggested a strong connection between gut health to overall good health, immune system function and the ability of the body to fight and prevent disease [2].
For these reasons, the benefits of the gut cleanse may impact your entire body.
Most people report a significant improvements in digestion, with much less digestive issues. People with a history of bloating, excess gas, constipation, diarrhea, and similar issues, or food sensitivities may notice improvements already during the first week.
Other benefits include better looking skin, higher energy, better mood, and reduced chronic infections such as fungal, candida or yeast infections.
You may also feel improvements in your immune system function. This is not surprising, considering that 70% of the immune system resides in the gut.
Lastly, there’s the gut-brain axis. The gut delivers nutrients through the blood to the brain. These nutrients are needed for a healthy brain function.
“Although the brain is the most important organ in the body, I would argue that the digestive system is second. The connection between the brain and the gut is what controls our health.”
The first step in the gut detox and cleanse plan, is the colon and intestinal cleanse. Colon cleanse removes accumulated waste buildup, undigested food particles and toxins from the colon, intestines and bowels. This can significantly help to improve digestion, and reduce existing digestive issues.
Oxygen Colon Cleanse (Oxy-powder) : Releases natural oxygen in the entire digestive system to loosens the waste buildup and undigested food particles that tend to stick to the intestinal wall. This allows the body to flush out this waste naturally through normal bowel movements.
Expect the next day to have a series of bowel movements. First time users usually report eliminating large amount of stored waste.
Most people feel a significant “relief” as they eliminate the stored waste buildup. “feeling lighter”, more energy, higher clarity, a clearer complexion, better bowel movements and digestion, with many digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, body odor and gas greatly improved.
In addition to improving digestion, the removal of the accumulated waste by the oxygen may also create an ideal environment in your gut that can encourage friendly probiotic growth. Learn more.
Gut Cleanse Drink
You can take oxy-powder by itself, or as a part of the popular overnight colon cleanse drink. This simple recipe combines lemon juice, raw apple cider vinegar and oxy-powder to cleanse your colon when you sleep. See the complete recipe.
Gut Cleanse Supplements
Certain supplements are well known for their ability to support gut health, promote healthy gut flora growth and improve digestion. Below is a summary of the most common gut cleansing supplements.
Probiotics For Gut Cleanse
Duration: week 1-4.
The use of probiotic supplements to promote gut health and healthy gut flora (microbiota) is widely accepted by the scientific community. The research data suggests that probiotics can help to maintain normal function of the gut mucosa, protect the intestinal mucosa from injuries caused by toxins, allergens and pathogens, and help the immune system to fight future infections [3,4].
Good options of probiotics for gut cleanse are the top studied probiotic strains such as lactobacillus strains. It is very important that the probiotic supplement you use is free from common allergens, especially soy, dairy, gluten and wheat.
It is also important that the company who makes the probiotics also guarantees their stability and potency. One study that tested 15 different probiotic supplements found that only 4 out of the 15 products met their label [5].
Dr. Group Floratrex is good example of probiotics we use in our gut cleanse protocol. The formula combines the highly studied lactobacillus probiotic strains with inulin prebiotic.
Prebiotics serve as a food source for probiotics that supports the good bacteria growth in your gut. Taking prebiotics together with probiotics is a common best practice that according to research, can enhance the effectiveness of the probiotic supplements.[6,7].
Digestive Enzymes & Gut Cleanse
Duration: week 1-4 (optional).
Digestive enzymes can help your body to digest and improve nutrients absorption from the foods you eat. This is a very common natural practice for digestive issue such as bloating, excess gas, food sensitivities and others. Especially when you combine the enzymes with the gut cleanse diet.
VeganZyme is the enzymes complex we use for the gut cleanse protocols as well as in our other body cleanse protocols to help promote healthy digestion and gut health. The biggest advantage we see in VeganZyme has to do with its versatile formula. With a total of 20 plant based digestive and systemic enzymes, it can support the digestion of a wide variety of foods, which makes it ideal for many different diets, and cuisines. The addition of the systemic enzymes supports the body’s ability to break down allergens, excess yeast, candida, mucus and other toxins.
Gut Cleanse Diet
Duration: week 1-4.
The gut cleanse diet plays a key role in the gut cleanse; you want to avoid problematic foods known to cause digestive issues, gut inflammation and other problems and eat gut cleanse foods that can help to promote gut health.
Gut Cleanse Elimination Diet
The idea behind the gut cleanse elimination diet is very simple. You want to identify foods you may be sensitive to that. To do so, you eliminate the foods you suspect that caused issues for a few days, and see if eliminating them improved your symptoms.
A good place to start is common allergens and foods known to cause digestive issues. These includes: dairy, soy, gluten, and peanuts.
If you have a history of digestive issues, food sensitivities, or allergies, you may want to also eliminate eggs, grains, wheat and seafood as well.
Foods to avoid
In addition to common allergens, you may want to limit or avoid the following foods during the gut cleanse:
Processed foods.
Fried foods.
Refined oils and sugars.
Alcohol.
Hard to digest foods such as beans and legumes.
GMOs.
Gut Cleanse Foods
Based on our experience, what works for most people during the gut cleanse is to eat a clean, whole food based diet that is rich in fresh raw fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds.
Raw Fruits And Vegetables
Raw fresh fruits, vegetables and leafy greens are high in fiber that helps to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements. The fiber also serves as a food source for the probiotics.
Notice that certain raw veggies may cause bloating and gas to some people. Common example are raw broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables. If you find that this is the case, do not eat them during the gut cleanse. You can also lightly steam them as this may help to improve their digestion (and taste).
Raw Nuts And Seeds
Fresh raw nuts and seeds make an excellent choice for the gut cleanse diet. Common good options of nuts include almonds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, and walnuts. Seeds options include hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
For the best results, when you consume nuts or seeds:
To improve digestion use raw nuts or seeds, and soak in water for a few hours or overnight. Raw hemp seeds and macadamia nuts are easier to digest and do not require soaking or sprouting.
To avoid mold contamination, make sure to get the nuts and seeds that are fresh from a trusted source. It is common to see low quality nuts and seeds at stores. Even at premium health stores. For this reason, if they do not taste good, look or smell weird, chances are they are not fresh.
Gut Cleanse Recipes
We get many questions on how to make gut cleanse recipes that taste good and are also easy to make. Meals for gut health do not have to be complicated and can be done with only a few ingredients.
To help you with the process, we wrote an entire section of gut healthy meals and recipes you can easily make at home. All our recipes are vegan, gluten free and are based on whole natural foods, herbs and spices you can find in your local grocery store. We also took the time to explain the reasons we use each ingredient to help you experiment and create your own versions. Learn more.
Colon Cleanse Pills : Are They Safe & Effective In Cleansing The Bowels?
Different colon cleanse products often work completely different in order to cleanse the colon. This can affect their uses, potential benefits, and side effects.
In this review, we summarize our colon cleanse and detox experience over the last 15 years of cleansing. We left no stone unturned in our research for the most effective, safe, best evidence-based colon cleanse products.
The Bottom Line
Some colon cleanse pills and products offer an effective natural way to safely cleanse your bowel. Others are not effective, not safe and cause many side effects.
Here are the results: the benefits, side effects, safety concerns and risks.
How it works: releases oxygen in the colon to detoxify and loosen trapped toxins, undigested food particles and waste buildup so the body can flush them out naturally through normal bowel movement.
The benefits: the released oxygen works very effectively in dissolving accumulated waste buildup in the colon. Many people report increased energy, higher clarity, a clearer complexion, and better bowel movements, with many digestion issues such as constipation, bloating, body odor and gas greatly improved.
Safety: the way oxygen colon cleanse works is completely natural and gentle. Unlike many stimulant colon cleanse products, oxygen colon cleanse does not force your body to make a bowel movement. For this reason, it is the preferred choice of many health practitioners.
Side effects: minimal. The released oxygen in the colon can cause bubbly bowel sounds. Some people experience temporary watery or gaseous stools. In most cases, these can be minimized with lower serving size.
The Worst: Stimulant Based Colon Cleanse & Laxatives
How they work: laxatives draw more water and moisture into the colon. The result is a softer stool. This makes it is easier to pass stool and stored waste.
The benefits: may be useful in cases of occasional constipation.
Safety: many of laxatives colon cleanse pills force your body to make a bowel movement. Ongoing use can lead to laxative dependency. This means that you won’t be able to make regular bowel movements without these products.
Side Effects: some colon cleanse pills can cause strong diarrhea that may lead to essential minerals and electrolyte imbalances. Other common side effects include stomach cramps, bloating and gas.
Important: most over the counter colon cleanse products fall under this category. You may find powders, capsules, tablets, colon cleanse teas, shakes, and other forms. Natural, medicine, or drugs, we do not recommend these for the purpose of colon cleansing.
Colon Cleanse Fiber Supplements : Only In Certain Cases
How they work: fiber colon cleanse products increase the bulk of the stool. The bulkier stool can help to cleanse the colon as it passes through.
Benefits: fiber plays a key role in healthy digestion. It is also essential for gut health. The effectiveness of fiber colon cleanse products for cleansing the bowels however, is limited.
Safety: the increased bulk can slow down digestion and cause constipation. Fiber colon cleanse pills can also irritate the colon.
Side Effects: some people experience allergies and sensitivities to the fiber materials used.
Important: It is much healthier and safer to get your daily recommended fiber from natural whole foods. Vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds are excellent sources of fiber. If for some reason it is not possible to get enough fiber from the diet, natural fiber colon cleanse may be useful. If this is the case, we recommend to speak with your doctor first.
Psyllium Husk Colon Cleanse : Always Avoid
Psyllium husk is a common example of a popular colon cleanse fiber ingredient known to cause many issues. Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of psyllium seeds. You can find it in many colon cleanse pills and products as psyllium husk powder. Super Colon Cleanse, Dr tobias colon cleanse are common examples.
Natural colon cleanse doesn’t always mean safe. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may occur after you ingest an all natural colon cleanse product that contains some form of psyllium.
Psyllium husk side effects may include: difficulty breathing or swallowing, stomach pain, itching, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, and others.
Based on our experience, when it comes to psyllium husk colon cleanse, save yourself the trouble and avoid it.
Oxygen Colon Cleanse – Evidence Based Review
The effectiveness and safety of oxygen colon cleanse makes it the preferred choice of many health practitioners. It important however, to know how to use it properly. Especially when it comes to the serving size that is the right one for you, the diet you follow during the cleanse and the right timing protocol.
These factors can make a big difference and may help you get the most out of the cleanse and avoid unnecessary side effects. Learn more.
The effectiveness and safety of oxygen colon cleanse makes it the preferred choice of many health practitioners. It important however, to know how to use it properly. Especially when it comes to the serving size that is the right one for you, the diet you follow during the cleanse and the right timing protocol.
These factors can make a big difference and may help you get the most out of the cleanse and avoid unnecessary side effects.
Oxygen colon cleanse releases oxygen in the colon to dissolve accumulated waste buildup in the colon. The released oxygen works very effectively to detoxify and loosen trapped toxins, undigested food particles and waste buildup. The body then can flush them out naturally through normal bowel movement.
Best oxygen colon cleanse products
Most oxygen colon cleanse products are based on Ozonated Magnesium Oxides.
Ozonated Magnesium Oxides acts as a vehicle for transporting the oxygen throughout the digestive tract. This form of magnesium is not intended to be used as a magnesium supplement.
When it comes to Ozonated Magnesium Oxides products, the difference is usually stability and purity. These can make a big difference in the ability of the product to effectively release oxygen in the colon.
The Best: Oxy-Powder
Oxy-powder by Dr. Edward Group is the best oxygen colon cleanse we have tested. The formula releases oxygen into the entire digestive tract using a time-released mechanism for up to 18 hours. Natural citric acid was added to the formula for enhanced effectiveness.
There are two factors that we believe separate Oxy-powder from other oxygen colon cleanse products.
Safety & Effectiveness: Oxy powder has been on the market since the late 90’s. This means that millions of people have already used it. During this time, oxy-powder has proven to deliver very consistent results in terms of effectiveness and safety.
The Brand: Dr. Edward Group, the inventor of Oxy-Powder is well known for making high-end natural cleansing and gut health products. Like all Dr. Group products, Oxy-powder comes with 180 money back guarantee and a very responsive US based customer support team.
Oxy-Powder Reviews
Expect the next day to have a series of bowel movements. First time users usually report eliminating large amount of stored waste.
Most people feel a significant difference as they eliminate the stored waste buildup. Increased energy, higher clarity, a clearer complexion, and better bowel movements and digestion, with many digestion issues such as constipation, bloating, body odor and gas greatly improved.
Side effects are usually minimal. The released oxygen in the colon can cause bubbly bowel sounds. Some people experience temporary watery or gaseous stools. In most cases, these can be minimized with lower serving size as shown below.
How To Use Oxy-Powder
The following Oxygen colon cleanse protocol was developed and tested using Oxy-powder and is specifically designed to increase the effectiveness and benefits of the cleanse while minimizing the side effects.
Always take Oxy-powder away from foods or other supplements on an empty stomach before bedtime. If you take medication, consult with your health provider prior to using oxy-powder.
Start with 2 capsules of Oxy-powder.
Gradually increase the serving size by 1-2 capsules the next night, until you reach 3–5 bowel movements the next day.
Once you reach 3–5 bowel movements a day, start to count the official 5 days colon cleanse with that serving size.
When you are done with the 5 day colon cleanse, you can use oxy-powder for maintenance 2-3 times a week if needed.
Tip: Add the juice of half an organic lemon to your water when taking Oxy-Powder. The citric acid in the lemon can boost its cleansing action. A good example is the overnight colon cleanse recipe that also uses apple cider vinegar. Learn more.
Other Popular Oxygen Colon Cleansers: Mag O7
Mag O7 is another popular oxygen colon cleanse that has been around for a long time. It is sold under two different brand names: Aerobic Life and Pure Vegan. The two brand names of Mag O7 often confuse people that look for support, or try to understand the difference between these brands. For the best of our knowledge, both brands do not offer money back guarantee or refund policy.
What To Eat During Oxygen Colon Cleanse
Colon cleanse is an excellent opportunity to also clean your diet and transition to a healthier diet plan that your body agrees with.
Foods to eat during the cleanse: raw whole fruits, vegetables, raw sprouted nuts and seeds.
Foods to avoid: processed sugar, fried foods, flour, dairy, wheat, gluten, and processed foods.
Drinks to avoid: sugary beverages, caffeine, and alcohol.
