Mission Wellness Clinic Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-BC P: 915-412-6677
Gut Health

A Guide to Natural Colon Cleanses

For individuals experiencing frequent bloating or constipation, could performing a colon cleanse help alleviate your symptoms?

Colon Cleanse

Individuals can clean out their bowels, colon, or large intestine by drinking more water and adding certain foods to their diet, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some may find that the practice helps decrease bloating or other digestive issues. While a colon cleanse is safe for most, the practice can cause side effects, like nausea or dehydration.

Benefits

Natural colon cleanses can provide various benefits that include:

  • Reducing bloating.
  • Improving the immune system.
  • Removing toxins from the body.
  • Helping with weight loss.
  • Decreasing the risk of colon cancer.
  1. While individuals may feel better after a natural colon cleanse, there is currently no research to support the medical benefits. (Cedars Sinai. 2019)
  2. Another type is known as hydrotherapy of the colon or irrigation.
  3. A healthcare provider performs this type of cleansing and sends water into the colon with instrumentation.
  4. This type of cleanse is not used to prepare individuals for a colonoscopy.

Cleansing

Cleansing the body safely can be done with ingredients from the local grocery store.

Thorough Hydration

  • Water will improve body function, including digestion and elimination.
  • Use the color of urine as a guide.
  • If it’s pale yellow, the body is getting enough water.
  • If it’s darker, the body needs more.

Increasing Fiber Consumption

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest but influences:

  • The rate of digestion.
  • The absorption of nutrients.
  • Waste movement, by helping to soften the stool. (Cornell University. 2012)
  • Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, oats, lentils, peas, and almonds.
  • Increasing fiber intake will help regulate the bowels and maintain overall colon health. (Cornell University. 2012)

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that have health and digestion benefits.

  • Researchers believe they help to replace healthy bacteria and balance the healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the body, which maintains smooth digestion. (Mount Sinai. 2024)
  • Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles are healthy sources of probiotics.
  • They also come as supplements.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

  • Both ingredients contain probiotics, and mixing them can help improve gut health.
  • Individuals also believe that this concoction can help remove toxins from the body, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this.
  • Individuals can try 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a warm glass of water.

Juice and Smoothies

  • Adding more fruits, including juice and smoothies, is a healthy way to stay hydrated.
  • It also adds fiber and other nutrients to improve gut health.
  • Bananas and apples are a healthy source of probiotics.
  • Individuals can also add yogurt to the smoothies for extra probiotics.
  • These elements can help improve the gut microbiome and regulate bowel movements.

Precautions

Doing a colon cleanse should be safe for most, as long as the individual is not fasting at the same time or performing them too frequently. However, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider before changing eating patterns or trying new treatments or supplements, including a colon cleanse, especially for individuals who have an underlying condition.

Side Effects

Colon cleansing can come with risks that can include: (Cedars Sinai. 2019)

  • Dehydration
  • Cramping
  • Nausea
  • Electrolyte imbalance

Doing occasional colon cleanses may not result in side effects, but the chances of side effects increase the longer or more often cleanses are performed. It’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider if experiencing any symptoms.

Improving Colon Health

The best way to improve colon health is by drinking enough water and eating foods that promote a healthy digestive system. Healthy approaches include:

  • Increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
  • Increasing whole grain intake provides fiber and more nutrients.
  • Eating ground flaxseed improves digestion and elimination.

Integrative Medicine


References

Rosenblum, C. S. K. (2019). Ask a doc: Are colon cleanses healthy? (Cedars-Sinai Blog, Issue. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/colon-cleansing.html

University., C. (2012). Fiber, digestion, and health. (Health Services, Issue. https://health.cornell.edu/sites/health/files/pdf-library/fiber-digestion-health.pdf

Sinai., M. (2024). Lactobacillus acidophilus. (Health Library, Issue. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/lactobacillus-acidophilus

Post Disclaimer

General Disclaimer, Licenses and Board Certifications *

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "A Guide to Natural Colon Cleanses" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a Multi-State board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those on this site and on our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on naturally restoring health for patients of all ages.

Our areas of multidisciplinary practice include  Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.

Our information scope is multidisciplinary, focusing on musculoskeletal and physical medicine; wellness; contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations; associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics; subluxation complexes; sensitive health issues; and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist follows their professional scope of practice and licensure jurisdiction. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders.

Our videos, posts, topics, and insights address clinical matters and issues that directly or indirectly relate to our clinical scope of practice.

Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and has identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.

For further discussion on how this information relates to specific care plans or treatment protocols, please ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN

Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Multidisciplinary Licensing & Board Certifications:

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in
Texas & New Mexico*

Chiropractic Licenses:
Texas DC License #: TX5807, Verified: TX5807
New Mexico DC License #: NM-DC2182, Verified: NM-DC2182

Nurse Practitioner Licenses:
Texas APRN License #: 1191402, Verified: 1191402 *
New Mexico CNP License #: 90560, Verified 90560
Florida APRN License #: 11043890, Verified: APRN11043890 *
Colorado License #: C-APN.0105610-C-NP, Verified: C-APN.0105610-C-NP
New York License #: N25929, Verified N25929
Georgia APRN License #: GAA-NP005701

Multi-State Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN*) Texas & Multi-States 
Multi-state Compact APRN License by Endorsement (43 States)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 43 States*
Nursing Licensure Compact: Updated Here

DEA Registration: (Drug Enforcement Agency Registered) 
All medical (MDs) and family practice providers (FNP-APRN) are registered and licensed to offer various levels of medication.
Verify Providers Here

License Verification Link: Nursys License Verifier
* Prescriptive Authority Authorized (DEA Registered Providers). Call if Required

Board Certification:

ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*

Education:
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice, MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)


Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
DC & FNP License (Review Above)
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805

Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)
(Licensed Medical Doctor)
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933

 

Licenses and Board Certifications:

MD: Medical Doctor
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
APRNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 
FNP-BC: Family Practice Specialization (Multi-State Board Certified)
FNP-BC: Family Practice Across Life Span (Neonatal to Geriatrics)
RN: Registered Nurse (Multi-State Compact License)
CFMP: Certified Functional Medicine Provider
MSN-FNP: Master of Science in Family Practice Medicine
MSACP: Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice
IFMCP: Institute of Functional Medicine
CCST: Certified Chiropractic Spinal Trauma
ATN: Advanced Translational Neutrogenomics

 

Family with Primary Care Focus (Family Nurse Practitioner or FNP)

  • The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) promotes, maintains, and restores health for individuals and families across the lifespan. FNPs also identify health risks, promote wellness, and diagnose and manage acute and chronic illness.
  • The FNP focuses on comprehensive primary care, promoting healthy lifestyles for patients across the lifespan in settings such as private practice, physician offices, and community health centers.

 

Memberships & Associations:

TCA: Texas Chiropractic Association: Member ID: 104311
TNA: Texas Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222
TNP: Texas Nurse Practitioner Association ID: 2025091511
AANP: American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Member ID: 2198960
ANA: American Nurses Association: Member ID: 06458222 (District TX01)

 

Primary Taxonomy Selected Taxonomy State License Number
No 111N00000X - Chiropractor NM DC2182
Yes 111N00000X - Chiropractor TX DC5807
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family TX 1191402
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family FL 11043890
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family CO C-APN.0105610-C-NP
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family NY N25929
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family NM

90560

Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family GA GAA-NP005701

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Primary Care Across Lifespan—Neonatal / Pediatric / Adult / Geriatrics)
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805

 

Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)*
(Licensed Medical Doctor)*
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933

📆 Schedule Appointment: Schedule 24/7 (Click Here)

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