All disease begins virtually in the gut.  This is why it is important to watch what we eat and take into our bodies.

Sometimes, a gut cleanse can benefit the body tremendously.  I know it was instrumental in my life a few years back in helping me lose weight and rid myself of brain fog, chronic fatigue and a number of problems I was having.

Our friends at Touchstone Essentials provide the top 5 benefits of a gentle gut cleanse.

Scroll through Insta or TikTok, and it becomes apparent that digestive problems, upset stomach, bloating, and bathroom issues are being talked about now more than ever. Content creators are bringing formerly taboo topics to the forefront in their quest to achieve better health. 

Some of these videos highlight the daily challenges that come with recurring digestive issues. Others try to pinpoint the causes of their discomfort and share the foods, cleanses, and various approaches they have tried to find relief. 

These digestive problems are not just a trend. Research suggests that nearly two-thirds of American adults experience recurring digestive problems (1). But why is this happening to so many people, even those who are seemingly young and healthy?

One common factor is that our gut is under more stress than ever. We have constant exposure to environmental toxins, ultra-processed foods, overuse of antibiotics, and even parasites. Since the gut is fundamental to health, many people are turning to gentle gut cleanses to reset the gut.

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, said it best over 2,000 years ago when he stated that “all disease begins in the gut.” By cleansing the gut, you can say goodbye to toxins and unwanted microorganisms that may be responsible for your digestive woes.

What is a Natural Gut Cleanse?

A natural gut cleanse supports the removal of problematic microorganisms and toxins, while helping to soothe and restore a healthy gut microbiome. When the gut is strong, it’s able to defend against tiny invaders that may otherwise disrupt the gut’s delicate environment. This can help your body resolve digestive issues, naturally.

A gut cleanse can also help support the gut’s protective barrier, the intestinal lining. Cleansing the gut eases digestion and in turn, can help the whole body gain a more balanced state.

Why Gentle Cleansing is Important for Gut Health

Gentle cleansing is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut. Our digestive system contains trillions of beneficial bacteria that make up the gut microbiome. These microbes play a vital role in our overall health, helping with digestion, making vitamins, supporting our immune system, and even affecting our mood.

Harsh cleansing methods, however, can create more problems. Colonics or extreme juice cleanses may seem like the answer when our gut is suffering, but they can disrupt the microbiome further. 

This disruption can lead to more digestive problems, weakened immunity, and even skin conditions (2). This can be especially troublesome if you are already experiencing symptoms due to an imbalanced gut.

Exploring Different Cleansing Programs

There are many different methods for cleansing the gut. While some are gentle and effective, others can be harsh on the body, leading to even more unpleasant symptoms. See which gut cleanse might be right for you.

❌ Liquid Only Juice Cleanses

You might have heard of juice cleanses or the “master cleanse” that centers around a liquid diet over the course of several days. Though these cleanses claim to be effective for a whole-body detox, they may also bring unwanted side effects. This can include blood sugar spikes and dips, which can slow the metabolism. Juice cleansing may lead to deficiencies that cause fatigue and increase the amount of inflammation in the gut (3).

❌ Colon Cleanses

Enemas or colonics may seem like an effective way to reset the gut by cleaning out waste that is stored in the body. However, this aggressive cleanse doesn’t only remove waste, it can also remove beneficial gut bacteria. Possible side effects from colonics include electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, nausea, and diarrhea (4).

❌ Ivermectin Cleanse

Ivermectin is a prescription medication used to treat parasitic infections. It’s gained a lot of attention over the past five years for its use as a cleanse. However, as with any medication, there may be side effects related to its use. These may include skin reactions, eye problems, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain (5).

✅ Herbal Cleanses

Herbs have been safely used throughout history to provide a gentle, natural gut cleanse. Cleansing herbs such as clove, wormwood, and black walnut hull can help rid the body of unwanted microorganisms while supporting gut health. By supporting natural detoxification of the gut, the digestive system is not stressed during the cleanse.

5 Benefits of a Gentle Gut Cleanse

By choosing gentle, natural methods, the body cleanses the gut gradually. This ensures that our body’s detox processes continue to function optimally and protects the gut microbiome. Here are five of the top benefits of an herbal cleanse:

1. Helps Restore Gut Balance

A gentle cleanse can help restore balance to the trillions of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Herbs such as ginger are renowned for their soothing support for the microbiome. A healthy microbiome supports digestion, immune health, metabolism, and energy levels. By supporting the gut microbiome, a gentle cleanse promotes long-term health for the whole body.

2. Defends Against Unwanted Microorganisms

Natural cleansing herbs can help create an environment inhospitable to unwanted microorganisms. The herbs clove, black walnut hull, wormwood, and sweet wormwood all have documented research showing they can help defend against gut invaders.

3. Helps Reduce Bloating

Many digestive issues trigger an uncomfortable full feeling or bloating. This can happen due to a buildup of gas when food moves too slowly through the digestive system. It can also occur due to the overgrowth of some types of bacteria, or even from feelings of stress. With a gentle cleanse, the gut can reset and help to reduce bloating.

4. Supports Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

A gentle gut cleanse can enhance your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients. By removing waste and toxins from the digestive system, you can improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption. This can lead to better overall health and increased energy levels.

5. Natural Detox Support

Cleansing herbs support the function of your liver and kidneys, which are essential for filtering toxins from your body. Other ways to support your detox systems include using natural zeolite and eating food rich in antioxidants such as leafy greens and berries.

Support Your Gut Naturally Without Harsh Side Effects

Cleansing the gut doesn’t have to mean liquid diets or invasive treatments. An herbal cleanse is a natural and gentle way to support gut health. You can also support your gut with small lifestyle changes. Supporting the digestive system naturally may look like:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables and fiber
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of clean, filtered water 
• Reducing inflammatory food and drinks like sugar and alcohol
• Incorporating a natural herbal supplement to support gut defense

Defend the Gut with Para-Shield

For a powerful yet gentle herbal cleanse that soothes and balances the gut, consider Para-Shield. This herbal blend features time-tested cleansing herbs in a tasty liquid formula that is good for the whole family (ages 3+).

For an even more powerful cleanse, pair Para-Shield with the zeolite binder, Pure Body. Together, these science-backed remedies are powered by nature. As Para-Shield works to free the gut of unwanted microorganisms, Pure Body traps toxins for removal. Together, they work to rid the digestive system of toxins hindering your health. A happy gut is just a few drops away!

Article posted with permission from The Washington Standard