On top of all these are the medicines we chronically consume and cosmetics which, even in small quantities, contain toxins such as the ammonia in hair dyes, the lead in lipsticks and the aluminium in deodorants and lead to the accumulation of heavy metals.

In order to promote a better intestinal health through either prevention or treatment, SHA Wellness Clinic has designed the Digestive Health Focused Pack, which proposes cutting-edge therapies through the personalisation of each treatment.

One of these therapies is the intravenous hepatic detox, a process applied in preventive and corrective medicine that essentially involves neutralising and expelling toxins from the body through an intravenous injection of specific nutrients with the aim of correcting nutritional disorders.

It is a process at a cellular level that stimulates the body to activate its own natural healing system. It frees the body from harmful substances, restores vitality and improves general health.

It is important to keep in mind that these high levels of toxins can not only affect our digestive health but can also manifest themselves through symptoms as varied as chronic fatigue, skin issues, sleep disorders and various chronic ailments and pathologies.

Intravenous liver detox is a highly safe therapy with excellent sustained results over time. It helps to cleanse organs including the liver, kidneys, lungs and digestive tract. x What do you want to search? Search for:. Stay up to date every month with all the latest articles in health, wellness and healthy nutrition.

Good digestive health depends on many factors, and one of the most important is detoxification. Probiotics are bacteria shown to have a beneficial effect supporting a healthy microbiome.

Recognised strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and can be found in live yoghurt and probiotic shot drinks. Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut are also beneficial for gut health and contain many different strains of bacteria. You may also want to take a probiotic supplement.

Choose one that contains recognised strains and a dose of at least 10 billion bacteria per capsule. Prebiotics are types of fibre that cannot be digested and help to cultivate a healthy microbiome by helping gut bacteria to flourish. Gut bacteria break these fibres down by fermentation to produce short chain fatty acids that supply energy to the cells that line your colon.

Foods rich in prebiotics include onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats and barley. Starchy foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes, which have been cooked and left to cool form resistant starches that also act as prebiotics in the gut.

Eat mindfully and manage your stress Pay attention to the way you eat as this can seriously impact on your digestive system. Adopt mindful eating techniques like chewing your food slowly, sitting down to eat and putting your knife and fork down between mouthfuls.

Serve smaller portions of food in a single sitting and avoid eating too close to bedtime as this can encourage reflux and heartburn. Make sure you also eat regularly as skipping meals or going long periods without eating can encourage bloating. Learn to manage your stress as this can affect movement and contraction of the GI tract and is also considered to be a risk factor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Discover our NEW Day Gut Reset, with 10 days of delicious, gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory food and drinks and a bundle of supporting gifts to nurture your gut health and feed your microbiome.

Find out more here. Otherwise, our meal plans are packed with fibre and gut-friendly foods, making them an easy way to reset the gut. They also happen to be pretty tasty too! Browse our meal plans now. Rob Hobson is a registered nutritionist BSc, MSc, AFN , published author and food writer.

Pop in your email and phone number to sign up to our weekly digest — the only place to hear about exclusive offers, as well as delicious, healthy recipes and content you actually want to read. Health The efficiency of your gut is bedrock to good health and research has begun to show that this may go way beyond digestion.

Ongoing hormonal imbalances such as PMS or PCOS. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. Mood and mind issues such as depression, anxiety, ADD or ADHD. Skin issues such as acne, rosacea, or eczema. After you have completed your course with an elemental diet, you can choose one of the elimination diets we discussed earlier for a month as your next step.

If you have been struggling with chronic issues with your digestive system such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, doing a gut reset can be a great way to improve your digestive system and overall wellness.

A gut reset is designed to give the digestive system a rest, repair the gut lining and decrease the permeability of the gut lining to stop toxins from entering the bloodstream, and improve the gut microbiome by reducing bad bacteria and increasing beneficial bacteria.

Whichever gut reset you choose, intermittent fasting with an elimination diet or an elemental diet followed by an elimination diet, remember to stick with your elimination diet for a month in order to really allow the gut to reset. Remember, the diet is not forever and after four weeks you can start to reintroduce foods one at a time every three days or so to watch for any reactions.

While a gut reset is not forever, it can be a bit overwhelming to plan and follow on your own. If you would like some help, we have a team of experienced practitioners at the Ruscio Institute for Functional Medicine who can support you on your healing journey.

The Ruscio Institute has developed a range of high-quality formulations to help our patients and audience. Note that there are many other options available, and we encourage you to research which products may be right for you. Need help or would like to learn more? View Dr. I care about answering your questions and sharing my knowledge with you.

Leave a comment or connect with me on social media asking any health question you may have and I just might incorporate it into our next listener questions podcast episode just for you!

Every product is science-based, validated by real-world use, and personally vetted by Dr. Ruscio, DC. Does your gut need a reset? Yes, I'm Ready No, I Feel Great. Do you want to start feeling better? Yes, Where Do I Start?

No, I Feel Fantastic. A better option for improving gut health and symptoms is a simple gut reset, which supports natural detoxification. Short-term fasting and an elimination diet can be a great protocol to reset your gut and allow it to heal.

Taking an elemental diet for a few days is a good option for a gut reset when you have reactions to multiple foods, have been struggling for a long time, or are experiencing a flare of gut symptoms.

The dubious practice of detox — Harvard Health [Internet]. html Tinsley G, Urbina S, Santos E, Villa K, Foster C, Wilborn C, et al. A purported detoxification supplement does not improve body composition, waist circumference, blood markers, or gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adult females.

J Diet Suppl. DOI: PMID: Cohen AB, Lee D, Long MD, Kappelman MD, Martin CF, Sandler RS, et al. Dietary patterns and self-reported associations of diet with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Dis Sci. PMCID: PMC Lopes SS, Miszputen SJ, Sachs A, Lima MM, Ambrogini O.

Evaluation of carbohydrate and fiber consumption in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in outpatient treatment. Arq Gastroenterol. Marsh A, Eslick EM, Eslick GD. Does a diet low in FODMAPs reduce symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders?

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr. Hustoft TN, Hausken T, Ystad SO, Valeur J, Brokstad K, Hatlebakk JG, et al.

Effects of varying dietary content of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates on symptoms, fecal microenvironment, and cytokine profiles in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil.

Gonlachanvit S, Coleski R, Owyang C, Hasler W. Inhibitory actions of a high fibre diet on intestinal gas transit in healthy volunteers. Koch SMP, Melenhorst J, van Gemert WG, Baeten CGMI. Prospective study of colonic irrigation for the treatment of defaecation disorders. Br J Surg. Mathias M.

Autointoxication and historical precursors of the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Microb Ecol Health Dis. Acosta RD, Cash BD. Clinical effects of colonic cleansing for general health promotion: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol. Cirocchi R, Randolph J, Panata L, Verdelli AM, Mascagni D, Mingoli A, et al.

The tip of the iceberg of colorectal perforation from enema: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Tech Coloproctol. Effects of fasting therapy on irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Behav Med.

These include fruit and vegetable juice fasts and cleanses like master cleanses. In fact, some research points out risks. Even so, a moderate intake of juices and juicing can be good for you.

Juice blends contain some fiber and nutrients that benefit digestion. They also hold water to help hydrate and keep up regularity. It can also help reduce constipation. Popular juices in juice fasts and cleanses include apple juice, lemon juice, and vegetable juices.

However, smoothies over juices could be more beneficial for the colon and overall health. Since pulp and skins are removed when juicing, juices contain less fiber.

Fiber is great for the colon, and smoothies hold a lot more fiber. A study found that going on a fruit or vegetable diet for three days was associated with weight loss, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. Just try including more in your diet, such as with a daily juice or smoothie.

Resistant starches are similar to fiber. These promote a healthy colon by boosting gut microflora. There is a downside, though. Resistant starches are found in carbohydrates. Still, if following a low carb diet, you can choose options that cause fewer blood sugar spikes.

These include whole wheat, green bananas, or lentils. Adding probiotics to your diet is another way to cleanse the colon.

This also boosts overall health in many other ways. You can get more probiotics by taking probiotic supplements. Also, eat lots of probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and other fermented foods.

Probiotics introduce good bacteria to the gut with the help of fiber and resistant starches. These curb inflammation and promote regularity — two elements of digestive health related to the colon. Apple cider vinegar is also considered a probiotic and is included in colon cleanses.

The enzymes and acids that apple cider vinegar contains supposedly suppress bad bacteria. Currently, there are very few animal-based studies on this. Herbal teas may assist digestive health via the colon.

Laxative herbs like psyllium , aloe vera , marshmallow root , and slippery elm may help with constipation. Make sure to talk with your doctor and follow directions closely before using these herbs. And use them sparingly — otherwise, they can be harmful. Other herbs like ginger , garlic , and cayenne pepper contain antimicrobial phytochemicals.

These are thought to suppress bad bacteria. Interested in one of the above natural colon cleanses? Doing one in a gentle fashion at home is usually safe.

Combining these with fasting, or increasing the frequency of their use, can have risks. If you have high blood pressure and must keep your sodium intake low , avoid salt water flushes. Side effects or complications of colon cleanse may include:.

If any of these symptoms occur , stop your cleanse immediately and talk with your doctor. These symptoms have the risk of leading to heart failure and digestive damage if the cleanse is continued.

This includes bowel perforation , which can lead to sepsis. An enema or colon cleanse used occasionally poses little risk for a healthy individual. But overuse can quickly lead to chronic constipation or even bowel injury. Also, talk with your doctor before making major changes to your diet for colon health.

This includes eating significantly more fiber, resistant starches, juices, and smoothies. Make sure to also be careful when using herbal teas for a colon cleanse.

Some herbs can impede or affect certain medications. Laxative herbs can also be harmful if overdone. If you have a chronic illness, speak with your doctor before doing a natural colon cleanse at home. Colon cleansing does not have research to support its use unless you have been diagnosed with constipation.

The healthiest way to flush your colon is to drink more water and increase your fiber intake. You can also include drinks like Keifer and foods like yogurt in your diet to improve the gut microbiome , and also make regular time for physical exercise.

Try to have three or more bowel movements a week. Talk with a doctor about other ways to prevent constipation and avoid the overuse of laxatives. Natural remedies may help you flush your colon, but if you want a complete cleanout, you may need to use over-the-counter medication like Miralax.

This is something you should only do under the supervision of a doctor if there is a medical need for it, such as preparing for a colonoscopy, for example. Your body systems typically work together to remove toxins from your body.

You can support these natural body systems by staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and getting regular physical activity. Natural colon cleanses may help improve digestive health. Regardless, talk with your doctor to ensure that you have the greatest experiences possible using them.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Colon cleansing, also known as colonic irrigation, involves flushing the colon with fluids to remove waste. Detoxification detox diets and cleanses are more popular then ever before.

They are claimed to improve health by removing toxins from the body. The use of apple cider vinegar for detox goes back thousands of years. But the benefits are largely anecdotal. More research is needed. Blind loop syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when food stops moving through or slows down through part of your small intestines.

If it gets stuck behind proteins, such as meat, the fruit will ferment, which adds to the problem. Alcohol, vinegar and most pickled foods contribute to fermentation. Generally fruits such as apple, grapes, bananas, pears can cause bloating after a meal keep these fruits to an empty stomach only.

Keep a food diary and note when symptoms are worse if you need a little guidance. Cut down on low fibre foods such as sugary jellies, ice cream, burgers, biscuits, cakes, pies, pastries and so on. Make best friends with these gut-friendly foods - Pineapple is rich in enzymes, which improve protein digestion, making it less likely that undigested proteins end up in the bowel.

Eat before or in between meals not directly after for desert. Eat between meals. Beans, pulses, lentils are all good gut food.

They contain inulin, which helps encourage the growth of bifidus within the large bowel. This helps to reduce the load on the liver. Drink plenty of water. Stir in smoothies or juice, or sprinkle over cereals and fruit salads. Eat more raw or steamed cabbage and use the liquid from cooking to make sauces.

Foods high in fibre include wholegrains, pulses, beans, lentils, vegetables, nuts, seeds and dried fruit. This nutrient influences the transit of food through the digestive tract and has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.

Probiotics are bacteria shown to have a beneficial effect supporting a healthy microbiome. Recognised strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and can be found in live yoghurt and probiotic shot drinks.

Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut are also beneficial for gut health and contain many different strains of bacteria. You may also want to take a probiotic supplement. Choose one that contains recognised strains and a dose of at least 10 billion bacteria per capsule.

Prebiotics are types of fibre that cannot be digested and help to cultivate a healthy microbiome by helping gut bacteria to flourish. Gut bacteria break these fibres down by fermentation to produce short chain fatty acids that supply energy to the cells that line your colon.

Foods rich in prebiotics include onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats and barley. Starchy foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes, which have been cooked and left to cool form resistant starches that also act as prebiotics in the gut.

Eat mindfully and manage your stress Pay attention to the way you eat as this can seriously impact on your digestive system. Adopt mindful eating techniques like chewing your food slowly, sitting down to eat and putting your knife and fork down between mouthfuls.

Serve smaller portions of food in a single sitting and avoid eating too close to bedtime as this can encourage reflux and heartburn. Make sure you also eat regularly as skipping meals or going long periods without eating can encourage bloating.

Learn to manage your stress as this can affect movement and contraction of the GI tract and is also considered to be a risk factor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Discover our NEW Day Gut Reset, with 10 days of delicious, gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory food and drinks and a bundle of supporting gifts to nurture your gut health and feed your microbiome.

Find out more here. Otherwise, our meal plans are packed with fibre and gut-friendly foods, making them an easy way to reset the gut. They also happen to be pretty tasty too! Browse our meal plans now. Rob Hobson is a registered nutritionist BSc, MSc, AFN , published author and food writer. Pop in your email and phone number to sign up to our weekly digest — the only place to hear about exclusive offers, as well as delicious, healthy recipes and content you actually want to read.

Health The efficiency of your gut is bedrock to good health and research has begun to show that this may go way beyond digestion. Ongoing hormonal imbalances such as PMS or PCOS.