Is It Time To Cleanse Your Colon?

We usually realize our bodies need our attention because something hurts, isn't working right or doesn't look right. One area where every person has struggled is colon health. When it is in perfect working order, the body's digestive system functions like a fine-tuned machine. But if you introduce environmental toxins, difficult-to-break-down foods, illness, allergies or stress, the digestive system may begin to work harder. This can mean that it's time to cleanse your colon.

Colon-Cleansing Options
There are many different methods for cleansing the colon. Here are some of the most popular options.

• Home colon-cleansing kits
  
• Professional colon-cleansing services (in-office visits)
  
• Juice (fruit and vegetable) fasts
  
• Nutritional supplements
  
• Adding more fiber to your diet (combined with increased water intake)
  
• Cutting out junk foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat
  

Inability to Regularly Move Bowels
If you can't regularly move your bowels (at least once a day), this is a clear signal your colon is not functioning as well as it could. Not only can the inability to move bowels lead to other unpleasant side effects, such as bloating and sluggishness, but it can mean toxins that need to exit are remaining inside the body. A colon cleanse can clear out toxins and restore your colon's ability to do its job well.

Sick and Sluggish Feelings That Have No Obvious Cause
If you begin to feel sick or sluggish but you cannot put your finger on why, look to your colon as a major suspect. When your body can't remove toxins, they build up. Over time, those toxins can contribute to a general body-wide malaise that frustrates doctors and patients alike. Often, all that is needed is to give the digestive system some help removing the toxins so get back to the business of keeping the body clean.

Allergies or Bloating Are More Noticeable
If you experience a sudden bout of bloating or an increase in response to allergens, you may be looking at a problem with your digestive system. Often the same foods and environmental triggers that can cause an inability to move bowels can also cause side effects like reduced immune-system function and bloating. This is because the foods that are harder to process usually include agents like salt, sugar and additives that are useless - or even poisonous - to the body.

Skin Blemishes Are Worsening
If your skin is starting to break out or to break out more than usual, there can be many reasons for this. One of the simplest reasons is often a buildup of toxins in the body. When there is not enough hydration to circulate toxins through the body and out through the colon, the skin can be one of the first areas to show the results of built-up toxins. Cleansing the colon not only gets the digestive system back on track, but also helps the skin stay fresh, blemish-free and youthful-looking.

You Notice "Extra" Around Your Midsection
In today's "thin is in" culture, many people are hypersensitive about even the smallest weight increases. But many people who feel like they continually struggle with their weight remain unaware of the role colon function plays in weight gain and weight loss. When you are regularly cleansing your colon, this removes agents that cause artificial bloat around your midsection. It also keeps you more aware of the foods you consume, how much water and fiber you are taking in as well as how much exercise and rest you are getting.
Once you have experienced colon-cleansing's restorative properties, you will become more aware of when you need to cleanse your colon and what method works best for your situation.