Before Getting a Colon cleanse : 6 Things You Should Do (and Not Do)
Thinking about or planning to get a colon cleanse? Also known as colon hydrotherapy or colon irrigation, a colonic is an infusion of water meant to flush and cleanse the colon of buildup or toxins.
Getting a colonic is a great way to detox, especially at the start of each new season. But there are some things you should know about prepping for one, especially in the day leading up. Here are five things you should do or avoid before getting a colon cleanse.
#1 DRINK TONS OF WATER
Drink a lot of water in the days and hours leading up to the colonic. This will help flush the bowels to support the colonic—plus, staying hydrated is just healthy for you!
Aim for two litres of water per day. This can include water infused with a few drops of lemon or orange or soothing herbal teas.
#2 EAT (OR DRINK) LOTS OF VEGETABLES
A couple days before, focus on a lot of healthy foods, especially green vegetables like spinach, kale, lettuce, cucumbers, peas, celery, bok choy, and asparagus.
Even better, you might choose to do a fruit and vegetable juice cleanse a few days before the colonic. (Just avoid acidic options like tomatoes and oranges in your juice.) This will support the water you’re drinking in flushing your system while providing it with quality nutrition. See our recommended three-day juice cleanse detox plan (with recipes) here.
#3 AVOID COFFEE, ALCOHOL, AND CARBONATED DRINKS
Each of these are irritating to the gut and not a good idea before a cleanse. Coffee especially is dehydrating and will counteract all that water you’re drinking. A great alternative is herbal tea or another caffeine-free, tannin-free coffee alternative.
Carbonated drinks like Coke and Pepsi (even the sugar-free, diet forms), energy drinks, and tonic waters can cause bloating, which can make the cleansing process uncomfortable and less efficient, so avoid them completely in the days before a colonic.
If you’re used to having a glass or wine or other alcoholic beverage in the evenings, avoid this habit until a few days after your colonic.
#4 AVOID GASSY FOODS AND CHEW WELL
While a colonic can certainly help clear excess gas from your gut, it’s better to avoid it happening in the first place so more waste can be cleared instead.
If you’re not used to eating healthy foods, start with smaller quantities to avoid excess gas and bloating. Wheat foods, beans (sprouted are usually okay), and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli are common culprits, so it might be best to avoid these before colon hydrotherapy.
This also includes avoiding unhealthy foods that also cause gas or bad health, such as fast food and other convenience foods high in sugars, artificial sweeteners, sodium, chocolate, or sweets.
#5 DO NOT SMOKE
Besides tobacco being bad for health, smoking (including tobacco and cannabis) is dehydrating and not good right before a colonic. Even if you aren’t planning to quit, avoid the habit right before the cleanse.
#6 TAKE A DEEP BREATH!
Thinking about the process of a colonic can be a little unnerving to some, but take solace in the fact that you’re doing something short-lived and good for your health. Focus on lots of water, healthy foods, a healthy lifestyle, and take some deep breaths right before the cleanse to relax yourself. You’ll be glad you did!
It might seem like a lot, but the more you can do to support the success of your colonic, the better. colon cleanse is a regular offering at Blue Karma in Seminyak and a great way to clean yourself during your vacation. Find out more about how we can schedule one for you here.
