In the hustle and bustle of life, our bodies often bear the brunt of our unhealthy habits.
Fast-paced living and comfort eating can leave our guts feeling bloated, constipated, and
lethargic.
While the medical community is still debating the effectiveness of colon cleanses, proponents vouch for the energy boost and health benefits. If you’re feeling perpetually drained, let’s explore the process of an overnight colon cleanse at home, and colon cleansing habits to keep your gut healthy. Who said weeknights were dull?
Understanding an overnight colon cleanse and colon cleansing habits
Before we dive in, let’s clarify a few terms to avoid any confusion. The colon, also known as the large intestine, is responsible for extracting water and minerals from your food before it’s eliminated from the body. “Cleansing” it can be achieved through two entry points – orally or rectally. This article focuses on the oral method!
An overnight colon cleanse is not an enema, which involves injecting fluid into the rectum to stimulate bowel movements. It’s also not an anal douche, which flushes the rectum with water. Nor is it a pharmacy laxative, which treats constipation by clearing out waste from your colon.
Overnight colon cleanses are believed to flush out the entire digestive system by consuming a beverage an hour or two before bedtime. Advocates of cleanse culture suggest that “toxins and other waste get trapped” in the colon and need to be flushed out.
While our organs are naturally designed to cleanse themselves, the choice to aid this process is entirely up to you!
Seven Methods for an Overnight Colon Cleanse
Before you start rummaging through your pantry, it’s important to note that today’s most popular “overnight” cleanse options vary greatly in terms of results time, frequency, and safety. Always consult your doctor before trying a cleanse, especially if you are on medication, as overuse can lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic constipation.
1. Saltwater Nightcap :
This method is simple and surprisingly effective. You can expect to feel an urgent need to use the restroom within 30 minutes to an hour. However, it may cause nausea and should be used no more than once or twice a month to maintain good gut bacteria and blood pressure levels. The recipe involves mixing two tablespoons of non-iodized salt in a litre of warm water and sipping it within 5 minutes on an empty stomach.
2. Herbal Tea Cleanse :
Herbal teas offer soothing benefits with gently diuretic formulas that carefully flush waste from your body. Senna is among the most popular active ingredients to stimulate your colon, and additional ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and peppermint help settle the stomach and prevent nausea.
3. Lemon Squeeze :
Vitamin C in lemon juice is thought to travel through the body quickly, clearing toxins and other waste with it. Meanwhile, citric acid boosts gastric acid secretion, a fluid produced in the stomach that promotes digestion. Lemon juice also gives your body bonus antioxidants to protect your cells from free radicals.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar has some serious health-boosting benefits –– like lowering blood sugar, supporting healthy immunity, and promoting weight loss. On the cleanse front, there are claims that it helps to remove “sludge toxins” while introducing natural probiotics and healthy enzymes to your system.
5. Aloe Vera :
When consumed orally, aloe vera can help soothe and heal an irritated digestive tract while providing antioxidant and laxative properties. It’s often used in pill form to relieve constipation, but can also be added in juice form to create a nourishing overnight colon cleanse.
6. Prune Juice :
Fiber-rich prune juice helps maintain a healthy digestive system while preventing heart disease, risk of stroke, and liver issues. You can find it in the juice or organic section of most grocery stores, or blend your own at home.
7. Laxative :
Laxatives are effective stool looseners that can encourage bowel movements overnight. Unfortunately, overuse can mess with your electrolyte levels while forcing your digestive system to become dependent. Laxatives can cause your intestines to lose muscle and nerve response, which requires you to take more and more laxatives. Only use these bad boys if you’re really in a bind.
The Best Time for an Overnight Colon Cleanse
Generally, an hour or two before bed is the best time to start an overnight colon cleanse, after consulting with your doctor. If you have high blood pressure or need to keep your sodium intake low, avoid salt water flushes. Ingesting the properties of colon cleanses shortly before your body is in “rest & digest” mode helps the cleanse work with your body’s natural rhythms at night. Plus, you have a 10+ hour window at home – near a comfortable toilet – in case you experience any explosive side effects.
What to Expect After Cleansing Your Colon Overnight
Here comes the gray area. Since colon cleanses are not scientifically proven or supported, any number of things might happen. You could have a cathartic bowel movement and wake up feeling rejuvenated. You might experience a delayed bowel movement 2-3 days later, but notice better energy levels. Or you may feel dehydrated because you took the plunge with a saltwater flush.
Every gut is different. What’s important is to talk to your doctor, understand your health goals, and ensure you’re making other lifestyle changes in tandem. In other words, use the colon cleanse as a springboard instead of a quick fix.
The Bottom Line
Trying an overnight colon cleanse is usually safe for most people when performed very occasionally. Remember that moderation is key – even drinking too much water is harmful! The best way to detox your body is by cutting out excess sugars and processed foods, eating a diet rich in whole foods and fiber, and drinking 6-8 cups of water each day.
There are two lifestyle edits that truly change your life overnight: getting a good night’s sleep and washing your posterior with a bidet. With LushWash, you can transform your regular toilet into a bidet-equipped toilet in no time. LushWash bidets come with adjustable water pressure and temperature controls, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience every time. Plus, they’re sleek and stylish, adding a touch of modern elegance to any bathroom.
So, are you ready to make the switch and experience the LushWash difference? Remember, a cleaner bum is just a spray away!
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