Best Natural Colon Cleanse Methods You Can Try at Home

Is a Colon Cleanse a Good Idea?

Best Natural Colon Cleanse Methods You Can Try at Home
Written by Our: Editorial Team
Medical Fact Checked by: Dr. Bryan Havoc
Last updated:

Keeping your colon cleansed and your digestive system detoxed are some of the secrets to a long, healthy life. Are you aware of colon cleanse benefits? Are you wondering what the best natural colon cleanse method is? Is a colon cleanse a good idea? Depending on who you are and your current state of health, a natural colon cleanse detox may be just what you need to boost your health and rid your body of stored toxins. We’ll be going over how to do a natural colon cleanse and share with you a few colon cleanse recipe ideas to try at home.

What is a Colon Cleanse?

A colon cleanse (also known as a stomach cleanse, bowel cleanse, gut cleanse, and intestinal cleanse) is done to help promote digestive health. The colon is also referred to as the large intestine, and is an extremely important part of your digestive system. But are colon cleanses effective? What is a natural colon cleanse? Using natural ways to cleanse colon allows you to improve digestive health and provide relief from digestive problems without the risk of becoming reliant on over the counter methods.

Colon Cleanse Benefits

There are many benefits you can gain from a natural colon cleanse. Cleansing this part of your body can help treat & cure digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or irregularity. Some studies show potential evidence of reduced risk of colon cancer development thanks to colon cleansing.

Other claims people make in favor of natural colon cleansing state that they were able to remove parasites & toxins. For some people this could be true. Unfortunately, there is not enough research behind this to clarify whether this is always the case. 

Signs You May Need a Colon Cleanse

The human body is designed in a way that allows it to cleanse itself naturally. However, there are If you’re unsure of whether you need a colon cleanse, then look out for these signs:

  • Difficulty losing gained weight
  • Overall feeling of fatigue or tiredness
  • You feel restless
  • Unexplained breakouts & skin irritation
  • Higher frequency in sneezing & coughing (without allergy or cold)
  • Feeling generally under the weather
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Digestive problems such as constipation, excess fas, diarrhea, etc.
  • Bad breath & body odor even when practicing good hygiene

These are the main symptoms that may be a sign you’re due for a colon cleanse. These symptoms are quite common after holidays where your food intake increases and you’re more likely to indulge in sweets more often.

Do You Need a Colon Cleanse?

If you’re experiencing many of the symptoms we mentioned previously, then you may need a colon cleanse to help bring your digestive system back to a healthy state. You can easily cleanse your colon with a homemade body cleanse. Next we’ll be going over how to cleanse your colon naturally at home.

How Can I Clean My Colon at Home? Natural Colon Cleanse at Home

It’s possible to perform a colon cleanse natural at home with the right methods and with permission from your doctor. Whenever you’re looking to perform cleanses and detoxes at home, it’s best to consult with your doctor beforehand to determine whether your health is in good standing. This is to minimize any potential risks involved with natural colon cleansing, which we will look further into later.

Different Colon Cleansing Methods

What can I eat to cleanse my colon? How can I clean my colon fast? What is the best natural colon cleanse home remedy? These are all answers the following methods we’ll be sharing will answer. There are plenty of ways to perform a natural colon cleanse at home.

This includes overnight colon cleanse, colon cleanse recipe, colon cleanse drink, and more.

With all these natural ways to cleanse colon & intestines, you’ll have no problem resetting your digestive system and detoxing your body. We recommend you do only 1 to 2 of these methods for an effective natural colon cleanse diet that is not too overwhelming on your body.

Water Flush

A water flush is one of the simplest ways to cleanse your colon naturally. All you need to do is drink anywhere from 6-8 glasses of room temperature water per day. Fruits & veggies rich in water content are also suggested since they are a natural colon cleanser. This includes watermelons, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, canteloupe, and more. By keeping yourself hydrated, your digestive system is “lubricated”, allowing it to naturally cleanse itself more effectively.

Salt Water Flush

A salt water flush is a great option if you’re experiencing digestive problems relating to constipation and irregular bowel movements. The way this method works is you mix 2 teaspoons of salt, preferably sea salt or pink Himalayan salt, in room temperature water. Drink this solution first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

You can also choose to do this at night a few hours after your last meal.

When performing a salt water flush, it is important that you are able to stay at home & near a bathroom for several hours after you drink the mixture. Most people feel the urge to release a bowel movement within 30 minutes, making it almost an instant colon cleanse. It is normal to go to the bathroom multiple times after drinking a salt water flush. If you’re looking for how to clean out bowels quickly, try a salt water flush.

High Fiber Diet

Fiber is necessary in any healthy diet. This macronutrient is found in fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and more. The fibers in these foods are responsible for helping clean out the colon naturally, assisting in regulating bowel movements & treating as well as preventing constipation. Fiber also helps promote healthy gut bacteria since it is a prebiotic.

Juices & Smoothies

Juicing & drinking smoothies are popular methods of natural colon cleansing. You can easily create a colon cleanse drink at home using fresh fruits & vegetables and mixing them in your blender. In terms of convenience, juicing & smoothies are some of the best natural colon cleanse methods out there.

You give your body a big boost of nutrients, fiber, & hydration that will all work together to promote overall health, and not to mention digestive health. Keep in mind that smoothies contain more fibers than juices since they include the pulp & skin of the fruits & veggies.

Resistant Starches

Resistant starches act similarly to fiber. These are present in rice, potatoes, grains, legumes, and green bananas. They boost healthy gut bacteria, also known as microflora. Most of these starches are present in carbs, making it a difficult colon cleansing option for those on low-carb diets. However, rice & “waxy” potatoes are great options to use in a natural colon cleanse recipe to get those resistant starches without dealing with blood sugar spikes.

Probiotics

Probiotics are available in certain foods as well as probiotic supplements. Many natural colon cleanse pills have probiotics as well. Incorporating yogurt, pickles, kimchi, as well as other types of fermented foods will give your body the probiotics necessary to introduce healthy gut bacteria and improve your digestive health. Probiotics are known to help decrease inflammation in the body and promote regular bowels.

Herbal Teas

The use of herbal teas to assist digestive health & immunity dates back thousands of years. Different herbs can be used to help treat different types of digestive issues. If you’re constipated, then natural laxatives such as aloe vera, psyllium, and marshmallow root are great herbs used to make natural colon cleanse tea.

Other herbs used to make colon cleansing teas include ginger, cayenne, garlic, and cinnamon. They are said to fight off antioxidants & harmful bacteria, making them popular to use in detox & cleansing routines. Drink herbal teas no more than 3 times per day and limit laxative teas to once per day for a simple natural colon cleanse at home.

Fermented Foods

Like we mentioned earlier, fermented foods are some of the best natural colon cleanse foods you can find. These are packed with probiotics, meaning they are extremely beneficial for your gut bacteria. Eat fermented foods regularly to promote regular bowel movements and reduce gas & bloating.

Enemas

Want to know what makes you poop instantly? Then you can consider an enema. Enemas are done by filling the colon with liquid, which is usually water or a saline solution. Doing this expands your large intestine so you can release your bowels more easily. This method is useful for those dealing with constipation.

You will need to have immediate access to a bathroom if you decide to try an enema. Keep in mind that this method may feel a bit uncomfortable, especially if you haven’t done it before. You will need to purchase an enema kit either online or from a pharmacy.

Why a Natural Colon Cleanse is the Way to Go

A lot of people prefer a natural approach to things in life. When it comes to colon cleansing, the natural method is always better. Using over the counter laxatives & supositories are effective and providing relief for constipation and irregular bowel movements. However, if used too often, you may become reliant on them, which will reduce the efficiency of your digestive system.

By choosing a natural colon cleanse, you are not only getting to the root of the problem, you are promoting overall digestive health. Even after cleaning your colon naturally, you can implement some of the things we’ve mentioned to continue promoting your digestive health so your digestive system stays healthy & bowel movements remain regular.

Benefits of Cleansing Your Colon Naturally

Potential benefits from natural colon cleanses include:

  • Removal of built-up toxins
  • Improved liver function
  • Boosted immunity
  • More energy
  • Improved ability to lose weight
  • Reduced gas, cramps, & bloating
  • Reduced risk of colon cancer

What You Need to Know Before Starting a Colon Cleanse

If you decide to do a natural colon cleanse at home, then you should be aware of the potential risks you may run into. We strongly emphasize the importance of consulting with your doctor before you cleanse your colon to minimize the risk. Otherwise, a DIY colon cleanse is generally safe when done gently and with great care.

You shouldn’t cleanse your colon all the time. A colon cleanse should be done for a couple days and up to a week depending on the method you choose. After your cleanse, make sure to allow your digestive system to rest. We recommend performing a colon cleanse anywhere from 4-6 times per year.

Potential Risks of Natural Colon Cleansing

Possible risks and colon cleansing side effects include the following:

  • Increased irritability
  • Feeling weak
  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Cramps
  • Headaches
  • Feeling faint
  • Diarrhea
  • Imbalance in gut microflora
  • Bowl infection
  • Kidney damage or failure


If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or great discomfort when trying to cleanse your colon, then either make an appointment with your doctor ASAP or stop the cleanse to prevent symptoms from becoming worse. 

People who have kidney disease or high blood pressure should avoid saltwater flushes and use one of the other methods we mentioned instead.

Contradictions

While a colon cleanse is meant to help improve your digestive health, you may feel confused if you feel some discomfort along the way. This may seem contradictive to what a natural colon cleanse is supposed to offer, but this is completely normal. Because your body is cleaning your digestive system of built up waste, your body will end up absorbing a small amount of toxins from this waste as it makes it’s final passage through the body before being released.

The Most Important Part: Keeping Your Colon Healthy After Cleansing

Even more important than cleansing your colon is keeping your colon healthy afterwards. Make sure to develop healthy habits so you keep your digestive system nice and healthy. Tips for for keeping your colon healthy include:

  • Drinking enough water *one of the most important things you can do
  • Eating a clean diet
  • Eat enough fiber
  • Choose whole grains
  • Minimize processed foods
  • Incorporate probiotics and fermented foods in your diet
  • Drink herbal teas occasionally
  • Eat enough healthy omega fats
  • Exercise regularly

The Takeaway: To Get the Most Out of Your Colon Cleanse, Keep Your Colon Healthy Afterwards

So you’ve decided you want to cleanse your colon? It’s important that you not only take special care when moving forward, but you should continue following healthy habits afterwards. If you remember, earlier we mentioned that you should cleanse your colon a maximum of 4 to 6 times per year. By maintaining good digestive health between your colon cleanse detoxes, you will have an easier time during your next cleanses. Make sure you don’t overdo your cleanse and your digestive system will be very happy.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.