Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you are surely familiar with the idea of a colon cleanse. It’s quite the fad; you see it in fitness mags, and celebrities also seem to be in on it. If this really works, then what is the best colon cleanse product or recipe on the market?

Contents:

Do You Need a Colon Cleanse?

We don’t blame you If you’re skeptical about colon cleansing as a practice. It’s so commercialized that it’s easy to dismiss the whole concept as just another money-making gimmick for an already billion-dollar industry. However, we do encourage readers to look at the science. We certainly don’t deny that supplement makers and so-called health gurus are milking the concept, but please dig a little further to learn more on the subject.

In essence, unless you live in an unindustrialized part of the world and consume organic foods 100 percent of the time, you need a colon cleanse. If you constantly feel lethargic, have constipation or experience brain fog, then you need a cleanse for sure.

URGENT: Don't Take Laxatives Till You Read This!

Identifying the Best Natural Colon Cleanse

Notice that we said “natural.” Anything that contains preservatives or additives is automatically disqualified from our qualification. Let’s start with home-brewed recipes. After all, colon cleanse juice and smoothie recipes are everywhere. You see them in magazines, in holistic health blogs and even in transcribed celebrity interviews. There is no single recipe that constitutes the best colon cleanse drink. Homemade cleansers meet our criteria as long as they contain (or don’t contain) the following:

All-natural and non-GMO ingredients
Ingredients scientifically proven to assist the colon or digestive system
No artificial ingredients, such as high-fructose corn syrup or food dye

We want to touch on the second point a little bit. What are some examples of ingredients with strong scientific evidence? Here are a few food items that fit this criteria, so you don’t have to waste hours doing your own research.

The Best Colon Cleanse Ingredients

Cascara Sagrada

Cascara sagrada is a shrub from the buckthorn tree family that grows in the United States and some parts of South America. Its dried bark has been used for medicinal purposes, particularly as a laxative to alleviate constipation.

Cascara sagrada has long been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat a number of ailments, such as:

Constipation
Digestive issues
Muscle and joint pain
Gallstones

Other Names For Cascara Sagrada

The botanical name of cascara sagrada is rhamnus purshiana. It may also be known as bitter bark, chittem bark, dogwood bark, sacred bark, sagrada bark or yellow bark.

Benefits of Cascara Sagrada

Cascara sagrada has been used to treat the following ailments with some degree of success.

Constipation

The predominant use of cascara sagrada is to treat constipation. Cascara sagrada has certain chemicals called anthraquinones that stimulate the bowel and cause muscle contractions in the intestines. In turn, these contractions help push stool through the bowels.

Gallstones and Liver Disease

It has been suggested that cascara sagrada may be able to help treat gallstones and liver disease; though, there is currently a very limited supply of clinical research to support these claims. That said, one animal study found that cascara sagrada emodin may have been able to help with liver damage.

Further, some holistic health care practitioners believe that natural enemas made with cascara sagrada and other substances may be used to as a gallbladder flush to help with the passage of gallstones

How to Use Cascara Sagrada

Cascara sagrada is available in capsule, liquid extract or powder form. If using the powder or liquid extract form, users can mix it into beverages or add it to different recipes.

Currently, there isn't enough scientific data available to determine the appropriate daily dose for cascara sagrada. Users are encouraged to follow manufacturer labels and consult with a doctor before using it.

Further, it's important to take various factors into consideration before taking a certain amount of the supplement, including the person's age, health and whether other medications are currently being taken.

It's important to drink plenty of liquids with cascara sagrada — or any other type of laxative — to ensure that you stay hydrated and to keep stool soft.

It’s also important to take these stimulant laxatives for no longer than one to two weeks. Furthermore, it should only be resorted to after other measures have been exhausted, such as changing the diet and adding exercise.

Supplementing With Cascara Sagrada

Cascara sagrada was once approved as an over-the-counter medication by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat constipation. However, concerns have been raised over the years about its safety and effectiveness. As such, the FDA required manufacturers to submit data regarding the efficacy of cascara sagrada, but no such information was provided because of the cost associated with providing it.In turn, the FDA removed cascara sagrada from its list of approved drugs and instead allowed it to be distributed as a dietary supplement.

When taken for a short period of time, cascara sagrada is safe to use. However some side effects may occur, including:

Stomach discomfort
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
If used for more than two weeks, more serious side effects can occur, including:
Dehydration
Electrolytes disturbance
Heart problems
Muscle weakness

Precautions

Not everyone is suitable for taking cascara sagrada, including:

Women who are pregnant or nursing
Children under 12 years of age
Those with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis,
appendicitis, and intestinal blockages

Those with kidney disease
Anyone taking certain medications may also want to be cautious of taking cascara sagrada because of possible interactions. These medications may include:
Corticosteroids
Stimulant laxatives
Diuretics
Anticoagulants

Is Cascara Sagrada Healthy?

Cascara sagrada may be an effective stimulant laxative supplement to help stimulate the bowels and promote bowel movement when constipation is present.

However, it's important not to use cascara sagrada over the long-term, as the risk of serious side effects may increase. Certain individuals may be at greater risk of side effects from cascara sagrada, and as such, it's crucial to first consult with a physician before taking this supplement for constipation issues.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is a type of absorbent clay that is formed from aged volcanic ash found all over the world. That said, today bentonite clay is predominantly harvested in the U.S., France and Italy.

This specific type of clay has a unique ability to absorb toxins in the body. As such, many have been using bentonite clay to detoxify the body. In fact, bentonite clay has been used for centuries as a detoxifying agent in ancient cultures.

Today, many people use it to improve skin tone and digestion, in addition to detoxifying the body. In turn, the body may be better able to fight disease and illness. Bentonite clay is now used as a wellness product and may be either applied to the skin topically or ingested.

Other Names For Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is also known as "Montmorillonite clay" after the region of France of the same name where the clay was first discovered. It has also been dubbed "healing clay."

Benefits of Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay has a long track record of medicinal uses, and while there are few human clinical trials that have been done on this substance, the lab and animal studies that have been done reveal that bentonite clay shows some great promise. Here are some of the benefits of bentonite clay.

May Help Eliminate Harmful Toxins From the Body

Because bentonite clay is highly absorptive, it may be able to draw out many heavy metals and toxins out of the body. More specifically, it may be able to attract positively-charged particles in the body because of its negative electric charge. Many toxins — including heavy metals and free radicals — are positively charged, making the negatively-charged bentonite able to attract these particles and draw them out of the body.

One animal study1found that pigs who ate bentonite clay for a few months experienced a reduction in the concentration of lead in their blood, bones, hair, brain, liver and kidneys. In another study2, rabbits who were fed food with aflatoxins, which are carcinogenic toxins, showed an improvement in reproductive function after bentonite was introduced into their feed.

May Help Promote Better Digestion

Eliminating toxins and heavy metals from the gut can help promote better digestion, and that's exactly what bentonite clay may be able to do. Research has shown that bentonite clay can help extract toxins from the body.

In terms of improving digestion, bentonite clay can bind to certain toxins like aflatoxins, as mentioned earlier, which are common in the standard North American diet. An overabundance of aflatoxins can lead to liver damage and even the development of certain cancers.

In one animal study3, researchers discovered that the molecules in bentonite clay are able to bind to bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus in cows, which are two significant viruses that can cause gastroenteritis.

Bentonite clay may also be effective at treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In one study4, patients with IBS who took 3g of bentonite clay twice daily for eight weeks saw improvements in their digestion compared to those on the placebo group.

May Promote Better Skin

The skin can benefit from the use of bentonite clay. Rashes, allergic reactions and blemishes can all potentially be alleviated with the use of bentonite clay.

In one study5, participants who applied a bentonite clay lotion showed a reduction in the severity of poison ivy, particularly when it was applied before coming into contact with poison ivy. The study's participants also showed improvements in chronic dermatitis when a solution containing bentonite clay was applied to the skin.

Bentonite clay may also be beneficial to those suffering from acne6. One study conducted on people with mild acne showed that applying a mask containing bentonite clay twice a week (for six weeks) experienced a significant reduction in the number of lesions.

May Help Combat Bacterial Infections

Many bacterial infections have become resistant to antibiotics, such as MRSA, which is a type of staph. This particular bacteria can cause several issues, ranging in severity from skin infections to infections of the blood. However, bentonite clay may actually be effective at combating bacteria like MRSA and step in where conventional medicines are unable to be effective.

One study showed that certain bacteria — both resistant and nonresistant to antibiotics — could be killed off by exposing them to bentonite clay. In the study7, it was shown that the clay's minerals may have antibacterial properties that might be effective at killing harmful bacterial infections like MRSA.

May Help With Thyroid Function

Some animal studies8 suggest that bentonite clay may help to absorb certain thyroid hormones that can help alleviate hyperthyroidism, showing that bentonite clay may be a viable alternative to help lower thyroid levels.

May Help Strengthen Immunity

A significant portion of the immune system lives inside of the gut microbiome. When the gut is unhealthy, immunity weakens. That's because toxins can more easily leach into the blood when the gut wall is compromised.

Bentonite clay may be effective at strengthening the gut wall. Some studies9 suggest that bentonite clay may not only fight off infections and viruses, but it may also work to keep the gut wall strong. By protecting the gut wall, the number of toxins, chemicals and bacteria entering the blood will be limited, thereby helping to strengthen the immune system and protect the body.

May Help Slow the Growth of Certain Cancers

Bentonite clay's ability to extract toxins from the body may play a role in slowing the growth of tumors in certain cancers. One study10 found that bentonite clay slowed the growth of cancer cell line U251, a type of cancer cell found in glioblastomas.

Another study11 found that bentonite clay was able to kill off Caco-2 cancer cells, which is a colorectal cancer line. The researchers found that the clay caused oxidative stress only on the cancer cells without harming healthy cell material.

How to Use Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay can be used in a couple of different ways, including the following:

Topically

For the purpose of clearing and protecting the skin, bentonite clay can be applied as a topical. Mixing water with bentonite clay powder will create a paste that can be lathered on the skin to draw out impurities, clear the skin, alleviate any blemishes or rashes, and protect it from the elements.

The clay should be applied as a mask and left for a few minutes to dry. It can then be removed by using a wet washcloth.

You can also add a 1/4 of a cup of bentonite clay to a bath, and allow it to dissolve into the water.

To target specific spots, a concentrated amount of bentonite clay can be applied directly to the affected area and covered with gauze, then left on for a couple of hours before being rinsed off.

Internally

Small amounts of bentonite clay can also be consumed through capsules for the purpose of boosting immunity, fighting off infections, strengthening the gut wall, or simply cleansing the body of any toxins and heavy metals that may have built up over time.

The clay can also be gargled in the mouth with water for a few seconds to be used as a mouthwash. It may also be consumed by drinking 1/2 to 1 teaspoon once a day with water.

Recommended Daily Allowance

Bentonite clay may be used daily without any known side effects. If taken orally, as much as 2 teaspoons may be used daily, split between two separate servings. It's generally not recommended to consume bentonite clay for longer than four weeks at a time.

Always follow the directions of the manufacturer, as well as the advice of your physician before using bentonite clay, particularly if using orally.

Supplementing With Bentonite Clay

There aren't any known significant side effects of bentonite clay. That said, it's possible to get sick from consuming more than the manufacturer's directed dosage.

If using bentonite clay on the skin, it's recommended to first conduct a patch test before using it on the face or on a larger area of the body in order to rule out any potential allergic reaction or sensitivity.

Is Bentonite Clay Healthy?

Bentonite clay has long been used as a topical lotion or face mask to clear the skin of blemishes as well as to draw out impurities, both in the skin and in the deeper tissues within the body.

Many ancient cultures have been using the clay for centuries as a way to treat various disorders. If you decide to consume bentonite clay orally, make sure to start with a small amount first and only obtain your bentonite clay from trusted sources.

Read More: How Much Does Poop Weigh

Aloe Ferox

There's no doubt you've heard of Aloe. Many people keep aloe plants on hand in their windows to soothe minor burns. Did you know there are more than 360 species of aloe identified worldwide? Over half of these are native to South Africa and offer a variety of therapeutic and medicinal benefits. Aloe Ferox is one such species of Aloe that originates in South Africa but is now grown around the world for commercial purposes4.

What Is Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract?

Aloe ferox leaves extract is derived from the aloe ferox plant. This species of aloe is one that is native to South Africa and contains more than 130 active compounds. The popular herb is closely related to the well-known aloe vera but has substantially more to offer than its close cousin¹.

The phytochemicals present in aloe ferox leaves extract are responsible for its value in treating various medical conditions. Aloe ferox contains phytochemicals such as³:

Phenols
Tannins
Flavinoids
Flavanols
Proanthocyanidins
Alkaloids
Saponins

Aloe ferox leaves extract is known as an antioxidant and was historically used to treat constipation. Through extensive research, we now know much more about the medicinal benefits aloe ferox offers.

Benefits of Aloe Ferox Leaves Extract

Aloe ferox leaf extract has a variety of benefits and is used as a burn treatment, an anti-inflammatory and a method to improve the health of the immune system.

Healthy Skin and Wound Healing

Aloe ferox is well-known for its benefits as a topical application to the skin. A study conducted by North-west University4 found that Aloe ferox is effective in relieving erythema, which is a reddening or irritation of the skin. The study further concluded that patients saw similar results from aloe ferox extract treatment as those who used hydrocortisone gel. A different study5 shows that Aloe is effective for healing and soothing minor wounds and burns.

Anti-Inflammation

Prostaglandins are known for promoting inflammation within the body. Research6 shows that Aloe ferox inhibits the production of prostaglandin and thereby reduces inflammation throughout the body.

Improve Immune System Health

Aloe is also known for its immune modulation abilities in which it is able to alter how the immune system responds in order to better fight infections and disease6.

How to Use Aloe Ferox Leaves Extract

Aloe ferox is an herb that is commonly used as a gel in cosmetic products and food products. It can also be used topically for wounds as well as an oral dietary supplement. Aloe ferox can even be taken as a juice to help manage diseases such as diabetes².

Recommended Daily Allowance Aloe Ferox Leaves Extract

Aloe Ferox leaves extract is generally considered safe as a topical application. When taken orally it is important to follow the manufacturer's directions closely as higher than recommended doses can lead to kidney damage and potentially be fatal7.

Before using Aloe Ferox as a digestive supplement, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. According to the Mayo Clinic7, possible side effects include interactions with certain medications such as laxatives, anticoagulants, and diuretics. Your doctor can evaluate your current health and any medications you are on in order to prevent unwanted medication interactions.

Foods That Contain Aloe Ferox Leaves Extract

Aloe ferox is not naturally occurring in foods nor is it an ingredient that is used in the preparation of foods. Some people do consume aloe ferox juice for digestive health. The most common way of orally consuming aloe ferox is as a digestive supplement.

Is Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract Healthy?

Although Aloe Ferox is not as commonly recognized as aloe vera, thanks to its phytochemical components, it contains important medicinal values as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and topical remedy for burns and wounds.

Learn More: The Low Cortisol Lifestyle | UMZU's Guide To Fighting Stress

Slippery Elm

Herbs have been used for centuries by our ancestors to prevent, treat and manage a variety of infections and diseases. Slippery elm bark is one such herb that is thousands of years old. Native Americans used slippery elm bark to treat diarrhea, sore throats and skin conditions.1 Thanks to advancements in science, today we understand this powerful herb even more and the benefits it offers. Let's take a closer look.

What Is Slippery Elm Bark Powder?

Slippery elm bark powder comes from the slippery elm tree, which originates in North America. Its unique name is derived from the fact that the inner bark becomes "slippery" when moisture such as water or saliva comes into contact with it. The resulting slippery substance is known as mucilage, and it's the component of slippery elm bark powder that makes the herb so valuable. This inner bark is popular for its numerous health benefits.2

Benefits of Slippery Elm Bark Powder

Slippery elm bark powder is a popular herbal treatment for a variety of digestive disorders, but it's also a powerful anti-inflammatory that is used to treat sore throats and other types of pain.

Digestive Efficiency

According to Kaiser Permanente, slippery elm bark is beneficial to the entire digestive system. For those who are experiencing diarrhea, slippery elm soothes the irritation that typically occurs in the intestines. This herb is also useful for easing the symptoms of heartburn and reflux as well as coating and soothing the walls of the digestive tract in individuals who suffer from gastritis.3

Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic intestinal disorder that results in painful bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Studies have shown that formulas consisting of slippery elm bark powder are beneficial in relieving the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.4

Anti-Inflammatory for Sore Throats

Slippery elm bark is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in lozenges to alleviate sore throats as well as the powder form that instantly coats and protects the back of your throat from further irritations.5

Topical Wound Treatment

Due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing abilities, slippery elm bark is used to help soothe and heal burns and wounds as a topical application for the skin. It is also used to alleviate the pain from toothaches and cold sores.6

How to Use Slippery Elm Bark Powder

Slippery elm bark powder is known for its versatility. It is most popular as a dietary supplement taken orally. This ancient herb is a common ingredient in medicines to treat certain types of illnesses and diseases. It also comes in the form of a topical treatment for the skin to relieve pain associated with wounds. In some cases, slippery elm bark powder is incorporated into baby food products as well.7

Recommended Daily Allowance of Slippery Elm Bark Powder

Slippery elm bark powder is not regulated by the FDA. More research is needed in order to obtain an established recommended dose. This supplement is generally considered safe with no reporting of food interactions. It is important to note that slippery elm bark is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.8 You should always follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer.

The proper dosage will depend on your age, health condition and current medications you are taking. Your health care provider can recommend a proper dosage depending on your specific situation. He or she can also ensure that taking slippery elm bark will not result in unwanted interactions with medications.

Foods That Contain Slippery Elm Bark Powder

Slippery elm bark powder is edible and most commonly used as a dietary supplement. However, it can be found in some adult nutritional drinks and baby foods due to its ability to soothe the digestive tract.9

Modern medicine has come a long way in helping people to manage chronic illnesses and live a higher quality of life. However, for those who prefer products that are provided by mother nature, dietary supplements are a great option that in many cases can be used to compliment your current treatment plan or used to prevent the occurrence of certain diseases and illnesses. Slippery Elm bark is one such supplement that offers a variety of benefits but is most notably known for its ability to relieve irritations of the digestive tract. Take control of your health and start living your best life.

The best natural colon cleanse recipe is by no means limited to these ingredients. Feel free to give the drink an extra nutritional kick by adding other natural superfoods. You may also notice that most of the listed ingredients are proven constipation relievers. Having more bowel movements is one of the ways the body removes toxins. The poop that comes out your rectum contains more than just last night’s lunch and dinner. It also contains toxins in the form of metals, alfatoxins and other harmful endocrine disruptors.

READ MORE: How Long Does It Take To Detox Your Liver (And How To Do It!)

What About the Best Colon Cleanse Supplement?

If using a colon cleanse in tablet form, then the same rule applies. Of course, you don’t exactly have control over what manufacturers put in their supplements. You exercise control by being a selective consumer. If you read some of our past posts, then you know we abide by the golden rule of “natural only” when it comes to supplementation. Supplements are especially notorious for containing fillers, which is really just an excuse to use less of the more expensive active ingredients.

On the bottle, the ingredients list should be minimal, with just a handful of active ingredients -- like the ones we listed -- and no inactive substances (or one or two at the most). It’s actually ironic for a colon cleanse supplement to contain unnatural additives. The product is designed to clean and flush your colon.

Yet, it potentially contains traces of harmful residues that require your body to need a cleanse in the first place. This isn’t just conjecture or conspiracy theory on our end. Studies actually found the majority of lower-grade supplements to contain toxins, such as led, arsenic and inorganic minerals. Several detox supplements were even found to contain aluminum!

Enter zuPOO

We would be hypocrites if we discussed the importance of all-natural yet peddled a product that was anything but such. zuPOO meets all the parameters of a best natural colon cleanse product.

Every ingredient is proven under independent research, and there are zero inactive ingredients. If you feel weighed down, both in body and mind, then we reckon that your body is teeming with years of accumulated toxins. Whether you take zuPOO or make your own natural drink recipe, you owe it to yourself to clean out your system.

Research shows that Cascara Sagrada is an effective all natural laxative and peristalsis stimulator. https://t.co/VTCT5h19Fb
— UMZU (@umzuhealth) January 25, 2020

The Definitive Guide To Colon Cleansing Supplements

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