7 proven principles of diet for intestinal cleansing and menu examples

The digestive tract is a complex system that ensures the vital activity of the body. Due to various disorders, pathologies may develop, leading to delayed excretion of feces and intoxication of the entire body, or to impaired absorption of nutrients.

Some nutritionists recommend periodic bowel cleansing. On the Internet, you can find many "folk" and "home" methods of this procedure. There is almost no evidence base for these methods, and no major clinical trials have been conducted.

Nevertheless, before writing this article, we studied the available scientific materials and identified several diet rules that can be quite effective for cleansing the intestines. In any case, you should consult a doctor before starting.

Why do &171;cleansing&187 at all;

The gastrointestinal tract ensures the assimilation and absorption of all nutrients coming from food. It is in the intestine that more than half of all elements of cellular immunity are concentrated. Billions of microorganisms live in the intestinal lumen, which help humans ferment incoming food.

Unfortunately, in some situations, the digestive tract may malfunction, which will affect not only the health of the tissues of the gastrointestinal system, but also the entire body. Acute or chronic intestinal infections, prolonged use of antibacterial drugs, systematic exposure to stress loads, non-compliance with the qualitative and quantitative composition of the diet can lead to a malfunction.

It is necessary to use cleaning methods in the presence of the following conditions:

1. Dyspeptic disorders (flatulence, frequent stool disorders such as diarrhea or constipation, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, spastic pain in the lower parts, periodic nausea after eating).
2. The presence of asthenovegetative syndrome caused by intoxication. This group of symptoms includes: decreased mental and physical performance, apathy, adynamia, decreased immunity (frequent acute respiratory infections or pustular lesions of the skin), exacerbation of allergic diseases (rashes on the skin and mucous membranes), dryness and peeling of the skin, fragility of appendages (nails and hair).
3. Improper nutrition. The use of a large number of animal products, bakery products, as well as the abuse of alcoholic beverages, fried food, carbonated water is particularly dangerous. A significant role is played by the significant content of artificial dyes and preservatives in food products.
4. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity (office work).

Before carrying out the cleansing procedure, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to exclude the presence of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and other body systems that could give the symptoms described above.

For example, exacerbation of allergic pathologies can occur against the background of the course of helminthiasis, prolonged diarrhea – with HIV infection, and stomach disorders (heartburn, nausea, feeling of rapid filling, increased fatigue) - with the course of gastritis.

Recall that in the last article we reviewed 8 of the most beneficial foods for the intestines .

What results can be achieved

Cleansing the intestines can lead to the following positive effects:

1. Normalization of the motor evacuation function of the gastrointestinal tract. Adequate work of smooth muscles contributes to the competent movement of food particles in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Restoration of microflora. There should always be a certain ratio in the intestine between beneficial microorganisms (a lot) and representatives of opportunistic (average number) and pathogenic flora (few or none).
3. Increased absorption of nutrients. Well-coordinated work of barrier tissues, sufficient fermentation and adequate rate of progress improve the assimilation of all necessary components.
4. Prevention of poisoning of the body. Prolonged presence of feces causes activation of the processes of putrefaction and fermentation. The only way to eliminate the toxic substances formed in this case is absorption into the blood.

7 Effective Detoxification Rules &171;187;

It is possible to cleanse the intestines of "stagnant" feces without radical methods (enema). Also, you do not need to switch to diets that are difficult for the body to improve all stages of food digestion. First of all, gastroenterologists advise to make a correction of the diet.

A number of proven recommendations are discussed below.

1. Drink more water

Drinking enough water (at least 1-1.5 liters or 5-7 glasses) in its pure form is one of the best options for maintaining the normal consistency of feces. The water temperature should be close to the body temperature.

Alternatively, you can use fruits and vegetables that contain significant amounts of water. These include: cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, watermelons, lettuce leaves.

A more effective option is salt water. One of the scientific studies showed that the use of water with sodium chloride in combination with exercise (yoga) Improves digestive processes and accelerates the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract by improving motor skills.

The cleansing method looks like this:

1. Dissolve 1 tsp of sea salt in 1 liter of boiled water.
2. Drink 200 ml before each meal for 1 day. The first dose should be taken on an empty stomach.
3. Do not eat anything for 2.5 hours after taking the liquid.

The recommended frequency of the procedure is 4 times a year.

2. Eat more fiber

Fiber is a component of food that is necessary for the digestive system. It contains dietary fiber and cellulose, which improve smooth muscle function and nutrient absorption.

The number of bacteria living in the intestinal lumen exceeds the number of cells in the human body by about 10 times. They provide fermentation of food and protection from harmful agents, but they also need nutrients to maintain their vital functions.

The main problem is that a significant portion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates are absorbed into the portal vein system even before entering the colon.

Fiber in unchanged form reaches the flora of the lower intestine, where it is actively absorbed, promoting the growth of "beneficial" bacteria . And they, in turn, secrete fatty acids (butyrate, acetate, propionate), which prevent the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases in the intestinal wall, improve the course of a number of pathologies (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome).

Proven that dietary fiber significantly increases the rate of fecal mass movement and, as a result, bowel movement.

The highest number of fiber contains in such products: bran, avocado, apples, bananas, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, peas, beans, oats, buckwheat. They must be included in the daily diet.

3. Drink fresh juices and smoothies

Juices from fruits, vegetables and berries are one of the most popular intestinal cleansing products. The most important thing is not to take more than 1 cup per day.

One of the scientific studies A study conducted in 2015 showed that even vitamin C, which is found quite a lot in most fruits and vegetables, helps to improve the peristalsis of the digestive tube.

To increase the percentage of fiber, improving digestion , it is recommended to drink not only juices, but also smoothies.

4. Eat foods containing starch

Resistant starches, which are found in potatoes, rice, legumes and cereals, green bananas, help not only to normalize the work of the intestine and all its functions. They also contribute to weight loss, as they allow you to reduce body weight due to the rapid onset of a feeling of satiety.

An additional plus uses products with a high starch content - reducing the incidence of colon cancer.

Starch-rich foods are contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus and those with pathologies of the glycemic background (impaired glucose tolerance, fasting hyperglycemia).

5. Include probiotics in the diet

Probiotics are representatives of the beneficial intestinal microflora, which are necessary to accelerate the fermentation and absorption of food, increase local immunity factors. Therefore, they are extremely necessary for detoxification and adequate bowel movement.

Are the most rich in probiotics natural yoghurts, kefir, some types of cheese (Cheddar, Gouda). Data available about the presence of a large number of beneficial microorganisms in apple cider vinegar. In addition, this product, due to the inhibition of protein-synthetic processes, kills a number of pathogenic bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, Candida fungi, E. coli).

6. Do not neglect some folk remedies

Proven that a significant number of plants have laxative properties (aloe vera, psyllium, mint). And remedies such as ginger root and garlic destroy a number of pathogenic bacteria in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

To achieve a therapeutic effect, it is recommended to take no more than 3 glasses of herbal tea per day.

As an alternative to self-preparation, you can purchase ready-made collections in pharmacies.

7. Observe other aspects of proper nutrition

To ensure the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, it is also important to follow the list of basic recommendations for proper nutrition:

1. Preference should be given to plant foods with minimal heat treatment.
2. The basis of the menu is fruits and vegetables, nuts and cereals.
3. Maximum restriction or complete prohibition of salty, spicy and sweet foods, especially bakery muffins.
4. Adding fresh juices and smoothies, mineral water without gas, teas based on vegetable raw materials to the diet.
5. Exclusion of bad habits. Alcohol and even smoking disrupt the work of the muscles of the digestive tract, contribute to the development of inflammatory processes and oncological diseases.
6. Frequent fractional meals (in small portions 5-7 times a day).
7. Stress elimination.

Examples of diets (Table)

In addition to the methods described above, it is possible to clean the intestines with the help of special diets. Below are two effective methods that are highly popular.

Option for 10 days

This diet is designed for 10 days. Every day should start with 200 ml of mineral water without gas. It is allowed to use ordinary water with the addition of 1 tsp lemon juice and 1/5 tsp salt.

Due to the low energy value, the diet is contraindicated during periods of active physical or mental stress. Before starting, it is necessary to consult a doctor!

Option for 1 day

Following a one-day diet involves eating by the hour. The basis of the diet is "bread tea". To prepare it, you need to:

1. Put 200 g of pieces of black bread in a glass container and pour 1 liter of boiling water.
2. Let it brew for about 12 hours.
3. Strain the drink.

Side effects and contraindications

In the process of intestinal cleansing, a number of adverse reactions may develop:

1. Dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting).
2. Signs of dehydration (dry skin and mouth, weakness, thirst).
3. Spastic pain. They are mainly localized in the lower abdomen.
4. Signs of a lack of nutrients and disorders of the central nervous system (weakness, dizziness, flashing flies in front of your eyes).

Contraindications include:

1. Any infectious and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Exacerbations of chronic pathologies (gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum).
3. Presence of autoimmune abnormalities. These include: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
5. Hypertension.
6. Diabetes mellitus.
7. A period of severe physical and psycho-emotional stress.
8. Taking medications that affect the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems, as well as the hormonal background.

Conclusion

Thus, intestinal detoxification can be performed using various methods: dietary correction or the use of specialized diets. The main thing is to follow all recommendations and receive specialist support. If any adverse events develop, it is necessary to urgently stop the procedure and consult a doctor.