If you suffer from constipation, waste and toxins backed up in the colon can be reabsorbed into your system. This means they have to get back in line to be processed by your liver again, increasing your body’s toxin burden.
Exposure to a high toxic load can promote oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances can deplete key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants required for detoxification pathways. [3] [4]
Detoxification is also essential for hormonal balance! Excess hormones like estrogen are made water-soluble in the liver by a process called conjugation, which enables them to be excreted through bile into the colon. Interestingly, the balance of your gut flora plays a vital role in this detoxification process. [5]
Your gut microbiome is thought to contain trillions of microbes that work symbiotically to keep you healthy. Imbalances in this delicate system can have a series of negative effects on your colon health and overall feeling of well-being. [6]
For example, when your gut microbiome is imbalanced, also referred to as a “dysbiosis,” bacteria in the GI tract can produce higher levels of a particular enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. This enzyme can “deconjugate” estrogen waiting to be eliminated via the colon, allowing it to be reabsorbed and recirculated, increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Yikes! [7]
That being said, one can see just how essential it is to support liver health, keep waste moving out of the body regularly, and give your friendly microbes some love with the help of natural ingredients like cleansing herbs, fiber, nutrients, and probiotics. Choosing a high-quality, effective colon cleansing supplement may be the answer and is safer and more natural than colon irrigation.
How do cleansing & detox support supplements work?
The natural ingredients in colon cleansers and detox support supplements usually work via a few mechanisms of action. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Stimulant laxatives are among the fastest active laxative types and work by triggering the colon to contract, promoting healthy elimination, and providing an intensive colon cleanse. An example of natural stimulant laxatives include herbs like senna, cascara sagrada, and aloe vera. [8]
Natural bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium husk and flaxseed are the perfect gentle colon cleansers. They work by absorbing liquid in the intestines, resulting in a more soft and bulky stool which naturally stimulates a smooth and healthy bowel movement. [9]
Probiotics are live microorganisms shown to have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome and improve healthy bacteria and digestion. As previously mentioned, a healthy balance of gut flora is essential for detoxification. Research also shows probiotics may help alleviate constipation, making them a necessary component of any colon cleansing regimen. [10]
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Detoxification/Liver supporting nutrients & antioxidants
Your liver requires vitamins, minerals, and certain amino acids to process waste and ensure they are ready to be eliminated from the body.
Antioxidants are essential, too, since detoxification processes can produce free radicals that need to be neutralized to avoid oxidative damage to cells and tissues. [11]
Certain herbs and phytonutrients like DIM and Milk thistle can also offer additional supercharged support by naturally promoting liver health and opening detoxification pathways on a cellular level. [12] [13]
How to decide between a colon cleanse & gentle daily digestion support
When many people hear “colon cleanse,” they may think of colonic irrigation (or colon hydrotherapy), which involves pumping large amounts of water into the colon to flush it out.
While some individuals may find colonic irrigation useful as a form of occasional colon cleansing, it can come with risks. It is often unnecessary since the digestive tract can eliminate waste products and toxins from the body when given the right tools.
Using herbal remedies and natural ingredients to promote elimination gently is a much safer form of colon cleansing and a more sustainable/comfortable alternative to colonic irrigation with many of the same benefits. But how do you know if you need to undertake a colon detox cleanse?
Well, if your digestive health is not up to par and you haven't had any bowel movements for a few days, you may start experiencing more systemic symptoms resulting from accumulating waste and toxins like:
- Skin breakouts
- Hormonal imbalances
- Headaches
- Fatigue & low energy
These symptoms are a good sign it might be time to spring clean your system with a natural and thorough colon cleanser to reset your digestive tract and start anew.
However, if you’re simply experiencing a slightly slowed digestion and noticing your bowel movements aren’t as regular as they usually are, you may benefit from a more gentle form of digestive support instead of an intensive colon cleanse. Luckily, our 15-Day Colon Cleanse and Maximum Strength Colon Cleanse have been formulated as the perfect flush for either a deep cleanse or a more gentle approach. Both products are ideal for occasional constipation relief and to support digestive health.
Note: If you’ve been struggling with chronic constipation, it’s always best to check in with your primary healthcare provider.
Understanding the cleansing supplements
15 Day Colon Cleanse
Our 15 Day Rapid Colon Cleanse is the ULTIMATE colon cleanser for total body wellness. This all-in-one intensive colon cleanse contains eight powerful natural ingredients, including aloe vera, psyllium husk, and probiotics, to promote digestive regularity, remove waste from the colon, and support a balanced gut microbiome. This is the perfect flush for anyone looking to reset their digestive health from the inside out.
Symptoms that a colon cleanser may support:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Sluggishness
- Skin issues
- Fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
What does the research say?
A randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a natural colon cleanse supplement containing Senna and Licorice in participants with chronic constipation and found that bowel movement frequency significantly improved compared to the group taking a placebo. [14]
A systematic review of clinical research studies found that all of the evaluated research concluded that probiotic supplementation could improve bowel movement frequency and digestive health and reduce the time it took for the food waste to pass through the intestinal tract. [15]
Psyllium husk is rich in soluble fiber, providing powerful cleansing benefits and constipation relief. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that soluble fiber intake was significantly associated with increased bowel movement frequency and decreased constipation symptoms. [16]
AdaptoZen Superfood Greens
Our new AdaptoZen Superfood Greens Powder is packed with fiber from pectin, flaxseed, and veggies to help get things moving. It contains a targeted detoxification support blend consisting of Milk Thistle, Cilantro, and Turmeric root! Last but not least, we’ve included a special ingredient to promote healthy bacteria in the gut - 5 billion CFU of probiotics.
Symptoms that Superfood Greens may support:
- Constipation
- Irregularity
- Sluggish detoxification
- Bloating
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Gut microbiome imbalances
- Oxidative stress
What does the research say?
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that fiber consumption significantly increased the frequency of bowel movements in patients suffering from constipation. [17]
A randomized controlled trial found that pectin supplementation accelerated colonic transit time while alleviating other symptoms of constipation compared to the placebo. Pectin also significantly improved the population of healthy microflora. [18]
A double-blind clinical trial found that supplementation with milk thistle significantly reduced levels of an important enzyme (known as ALT) which is raised when the liver is under stress. [19]
Preliminary evidence suggests that cilantro may assist in the removal of mercury from the body in those with amalgam dental fillings. [20]
DIM Complex & DIM Gummy +
Our DIM Complex and yummy DIM Gummies with added broccoli extract offer supercharged detox support. While not a colon cleanse supplement, it assists in supporting toxin clearing within the body. DIM is a powerful compound derived from cruciferous vegetables that may help promote your body’s detoxification pathways by supporting special enzymes in the liver while also supporting healthy estrogen balance.
Symptoms that DIM may support:
- Sluggish detoxification
- Oxidative stress
- PMS symptoms
- Hormonal imbalance
- Estrogen dominance
What does the research say?
Studies have shown that DIM may help support detoxification pathways to remove excess estrogen from the body for gentle and effective hormonal balance. [21] [22]
Both in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated DIM may help elevate detoxification enzymes. [23] [24]
Broccoli found in our DIM Gummies offers additional support since it contains sulforaphane, a potent compound that supports special antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes play an essential role in phase 2 detoxification in the liver, which prepares toxins to be eliminated from the body. [25]
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of our colon cleanse and detoxification support and that you now feel empowered to make the right NutriRise supplement choice based on your unique needs!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our customer advocate team at hello@nutririse.com!
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended for use as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplement.