The digestive tract is responsible for digesting, processing food and eliminating wastes. The body is self-cleaning and self-healing. But sometimes, due to poor diet or illnesses, the digestive tract becomes stagnant and doesn't function very well. This is the time for an internal cleanse of the digestive tract. There are many ways to clean out the system.
Instructions
1. Drink more fluids. Water is one of the best ways to flush out toxins and impurities. The more water you drink, the more you internally clean the digestive tract. The Mayo Clinic, in its article "Constipation," says that everyone has different fluid requirements based on factors like weight, height, gender, diet and exercise level. Experts with the American Dietetic Association suggest drinking approximately 8 to 10 cups of fluids each day.
2. Exercise more. The Mayo Clinic also states that physical activity "stimulates intestinal activity." To get the muscles moving in the digestive tract, get your body moving. Walk, run, swim, dance or stretch--whatever you enjoy. Another benefit of exercise is that it builds up a sweat. You then detoxify the body through the sweat glands. And because toxins are stored in fat, when you exercise, you burn fat, thereby decreasing the levels of toxins in the body.
3. Eat fiber. The Mayo Clinic suggests eating 20 to 35 g of fiber each day. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. High-fiber foods increase the size of stools and make them softer. Fiber-rich diets also reduce the likelihood of getting constipated. Constipation is hard, dry stools, infrequent bowel movements or straining during a bowel movement. The fiber increases the number of bowel movements, and this cleans out the intestines.
4. Consider colon hydrotherapy. Colon hydrotherapy is a medical procedure that pumps warm water into the lower intestines to clean them out. Also known as high colonics or colonic irrigation, the procedure is considered safe if performed by a trained technician, states Cheryl Ashby in her article, "What Happens During and After a Typical Colon Hydrotherapy Session?"
5. Try over-the-counter herbal remedies. These products are readily available online and in health food stores. Herbal colon cleansers contain various combinations of herbs like ginger, goldenseal and aloe vera. These herbs help increase colon activity. Liver-cleansing herbs also help the digestive tract. According to the article, "The Liver Herbs," on the Gay Men's Health Crisis website, milk thistle, burdock root and dandelion are good herbs for the liver. Most herbal products require you to drink a full glass of water with each pill. Read and follow the directions on the label.
Tags: digestive tract, Mayo Clinic, bowel movements