A colon cleanse may help if you feel digestive symptoms such as bloating, pain, or constipation.

Generally, adding dietary fiber and drinking more water can help to relieveconstipationand related symptoms.

Water and Hydration

Drinking enough water is vital to your health.

Close up of sectioned plate with bread, pasta, rice and cereal

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If it’s nearly clear, pale yellow, or straw-colored, you’regetting enough water.

If it’s a darker yellow or brown, you likely need more water.

Some studies suggest they can help to restore gut bacteria balance needed for digestive health after a cleanse procedure.

Or, they show promise as part of the cleanse itself.

you’ve got the option to also buy them as supplements.

you’ve got the option to also add yogurt to a smoothie for an extra probiotic boost.

Exercise

Walking, aerobic exercise, and yoga stretches all areexercise optionsthat can help with constipation.

Daily walking of 7,000 steps or more offersheart health, diabetes, and obesity prevention benefits, too.

It is typically done by a certified professional using a hydrotherapy (water therapy) technique.

The benefits of additional fiber and water aren’t likely to interfere with other health conditions.

In some cases, your body can develop a dependency on these products.

That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.

While safe for most people, the practice does come with side effects, such as nausea or dehydration.

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Cornell University.Fiber, digestion, and health.

2019 Sep;51(9):1209-1213. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2019.06.012

Mount Sinai.Lactobacillus acidophilus.

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2023;15(7):1647. doi:10.3390/nu15071647

American Cancer Society.Colon Therapy.

American Cancer Society.Cancer Prevention.

American Cancer Society.Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment.

American Institute for Cancer Research.Using Healthy Eating to Lower Cancer Risk.