Is A Colon Cleanse The Ultimate Detox?

Written by Tiffany Montiel

Being pregnant is a wonderful and life-changing experience but, it can be tough getting rid of those extra pounds after growing another human being for nine months. Although putting on this extra weight is perfectly normal and natural, some mommies may want to jump into their pre-pregnant body as soon as possible. One way of doing is by doing a colon cleanse which helps to flush your body of unnecessary toxins and wastes. Most women would agree that feeling and looking healthy really helps them to perform better in all areas of their life, and the colon cleanse certainly helps to achieve this goal. Learn more about it below so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Do You Need A Detox?

While a colon cleanse is not for everybody, some people definitely swear by it. It is probably the fastest way to get your body ready for healthy living and to maximize the effects of a healthy diet. A colon cleanse also does not have to be as invasive as it sounds because you can choose what type of colon cleanse you are comfortable with. You do not need to wait to experience these signs before you decide to commit to a detox, as long as you detox responsibly and keep moderation in mind. Signs that you could probably do with a detox include:

• Loss or diminished appetite
• Low energy levels that don't seem to improve with sleep
• Sleep disturbances without any obvious cause
• Dull skin that is prone to blemishes and breakouts
• Feelings of constipation, being bloated or poor digestion
• Bad breath or a strong odor in your sweat

Bottom Line:

If your body feels sluggish and low on energy, and you get the go-ahead from your health professional, then go for it! Only you will know what your body needs by being attentive to yourself and your needs. To ease yourself into a colon cleanse, you can start with a mini-detox.

How To Do A Colon Cleanse

Although there are a variety of ways to go about a colon cleanse, the safest and most natural way is by investing in a herbal laxative or supplement combined with a very healthy diet. However, if you want to go to more extreme measures you could also consider an enema, laxative or colonic hydrotherapy.

We love a natural approach to detox because it does not go to extremes that may be harmful to your body in the long run but it definitely gets the job done. It is important to eat food that is full of fiber and to eliminate certain food that contains additives, binders, colorants and toxins. If you are unsure of what to eat you can never go wrong with raw, organic food that includes fresh fruits and vegetables during a cleanse to help your body to get rid of toxins faster. It is also very important to stay hydrated and to drink at least eight glasses of water per day during a cleanse, since this will help you to flush your system thoroughly.

For a mild, natural colon cleanse you can continue for 30 days, or until you feel your system has been flushed of all toxins. For a more intense colon cleanse with the use of a mild to a strong laxative we would recommend that you only detox for about 7 days.

Bottom Line:

There is no right or wrong way to do a detox. It is all about what you feel comfortable with and what you think will be best for your body. If you need additional information to make an informed decision, don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider.

The Benefits Of A Colon Cleanse

You might be wondering if a colon cleanse will really propel you forward in the journey to a new and improved self and if it is really worth all the trouble. The fact of the matter is that a healthy colon aids and supports digestion, helps to absorb nutrients and water and ultimately makes sure that toxins do not linger in your body longer than they have to. A colon cleanse is also quite safe if you don't overdo it and if you stick to the guidelines recommended by a nutritionist or a medical professional. Colon cleanse benefits are numerous and include:

• An increase of energy and concentration.
• Increases the absorption rate of nutrients, minerals and vitamins.
• Helps to keep you regular and improves overall digestion.
• Helps to relieve being bloated and a feeling of heaviness.
• Helps to start your diet on an accelerated note.

Bottom Line:

There are so many benefits to doing a cleanse because your digestive tract affects every part of your body directly. A well formed, balanced gut biome helps to absorb nutrients effectively and then releases energy as you need it throughout your day.

Safety Of A Detox During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, a colon cleanse is definitely not recommended during pregnancy. We would recommend waiting at least 4 – 6 weeks after giving birth before starting with a detox to give your body chance to recuperate and heal. Any detox runs the risk of dehydrating you if you neglect to drink adequate amounts of water, and the risk would simply not be worth it whilst pregnant. Some supplements or laxatives are also not safe to ingest whilst pregnant. If you want alternative ways to support digestion whilst pregnant, we strongly suggest that you speak to a medical professional.

Bottom Line:

Wait until you have given birth before beginning any kind of detox. Any unnecessary dehydration could put extra stress on your baby and could cause complications during your pregnancy.

Maintaining Colon And Digestive Health

It is important to invest in a healthy lifestyle which includes clean eating, regular exercise and plenty of sleep once you are done with your colon cleanse in order to maintain your digestive health. Toxins and wastes may build up again over time in your digestive tract, but to help minimize this you can go on a mini-detox once or twice a month to ensure regularity and to boost energy levels. It is imperative to avoid toxin-rich substances like coffee and alcohol and rather to focus on a healthy, organic diet. A daily supplement which includes psyllium, which is a fiber-packed seed and a probiotic will also help to maintain a good balance of gut flora throughout your digestive system.

Bottom Line:

Clean eating and exercise is the key to digestive health but your emotional health also has an impact on your digestive system. Extra stress can cause havoc on your whole body so it is also important to find time in your day to relax and wind down.

Detoxing Can Empower You

In the end, it is all about what makes you feel good, as a woman and as a mother. A good detox can help you perform at optimum capacity in all areas of life and can give you the confidence to take one step closer to a healthier and happier you. Not only does a colon cleanse help to regulate your digestive system, but it also gives you a healthy foundation when it comes to getting your body back after a pregnancy.

Researched and written by experts, brought to you by our team at Mommy Authority.