The colon is part of the digestive system and you probably know that there are a wide variety of benefits from having healthy digestive system. Colon cleanse supporters believe that the main purpose of colon cleanse is to eliminate accumulations of toxins and improving the absorption of nutrients into your body. They believe that colon cleanse can help you lose excess weight, improve bowel function and improve your overall health and well-being. Other issues it can help with are relieving constipation and diarrhea, promote regular bowel movements, improve the immune system and boost your energy levels.
In this article I want to introduce you to a simple colon cleanse with only 2 ingredients: kefir and ground flaxseed.
Health Benefits of Kefir
Kefir is a fermented drink made usually with milk and “grains” which are friendly living organisms (you can read more about the top 10 fermented foods for healthy gut here). Kefir is a complete source of protein with many essential amino acids, minerals, and valuable B vitamins.
What’s good about kefir is that it contains several major strains of friendly bacteria and beneficial yeasts. These probiotic organisms help to cleanse the intestine, help balance the intestinal flora and destroy pathogens such as E-coli and parasites. Kefir helps to restore your digestive system, relieves inflammatory bowel disease and helps to boost your immune system.
When you buy kefir, opt for plain certified organic kefir.
Why Kefir is Better Than Yogurt?
The friendly bacteria in yogurt pass through the digestive tract and provide food for the friendly bacteria in the colon. However the bacteria in kefir can colonize in the intestinal tract and attach to the colon while pushing away pathogens while traveling through your colon on the way out of your system, so it actually lives there and continues to create friendly bacteria that improves the digestive tract.
While yogurt and kefir contain different types of bacteria with different tasks, kefir has much more strains of beneficial bacteria as well as good yeasts. These bacteria and yeasts provide a better nutritional value than yogurt as they help to digest the foods you eat and keep the colon clean and healthy. You can find here more information about the best foods to cleanse your colon.
Is Kefir Suitable for Lactose Intolerant People?
The friendly bacteria and beneficial yeast in the kefir culture consume most of the lactose in the milk. Many lactose intolerant people who consume kefir first thing in the morning before breakfast find it can be easily digested.
However there are also non-dairy based kefirs, as kefir can also ferment fruit juice, coconut water, coconut milk, rice milk, almond milk, etc.
Health Benefits of Flaxseed
Flaxseeds, when eaten whole, are more likely to pass through the intestinal tract undigested, so the best way to use flaxseeds is to buy whole flaxseeds and grind them in a coffee grinder when you need to eat them. Don’t grind large amount as they lose potency relatively quickly. Use fresh ground flaxseeds within 24 hours of grinding them and keep them in the refrigerator.Adding flaxseed to your diet is a great way to cleanse your colon. Flaxseeds absorb water and expand in the colon, aid in the stool passage through your intestinal tract and remove toxins as they pass through. Flaxseeds are also rich rich in ALA, one form of omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties, and may relieve irritable bowel syndrome.
Flaxseed is one of the superfoods mentioned in my e-book about superfoods which is part of the Natural Health Revolution Program. This program will help you to achieve your health, nutrition or weight loss goals.
Ground Flaxseed Vs. Flaxseed Oil
In this case you should opt for ground flaxseed and not flaxseed oil. The major advantage of flaxseed oil over ground flaxseeds is that it contains larger amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids per serving, however ground flaxseed offers a nutritional advantage over flaxseed oil because it’s lower in calories but contains more fiber. According to Livestrong website, each 2-tablespoon serving of ground flaxseed contains 75 calories, and an equivalent serving of flaxseed oil offers 240 calories. A serving of ground flaxseed also contains 3.8 grams of dietary fiber, whereas flaxseed oil doesn’t contain fiber. Ground flaxseeds also have an advantage over flaxseed oil as a source of essential minerals, including magnesium and copper.
How to Use The 2 Ingredient Colon Cleanse
If you are new to consuming fermented foods it is best to start in small amounts to let your body and digestion get acquainted with it. You may then increase the amount eventually, being reasonable. It is also recommended to take a few days off of consuming fermented food every one week or so to allow the body to work and build immunity on its own.
Start with one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with about a quarter or third glass of kefir before breakfast and then again before bed (some people find it helps to first try kefir with meals, such as a little amount with breakfast). You need to make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Do it for a week or so and then skip for few days here and there to give your body a break. You can use it as an ongoing maintenance or do it periodically.
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