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Surely you’ve already heard it. It is said that immunity resides in the intestines. And that is indeed the case. Healthy intestines contribute up to 80 percent to immunity.
Therefore every primary effort to improve your health should be directed there.
The main goal of cleansing is the elimination of toxins that have accumulated in the colon over time and the subsequent improvement in its functioning.
A clean colon will help you in the following areas:
- lose excess weight
- improve bowel function
- improve overall health
- alleviate constipation or diarrhea
- support immune system functions
- increase overall energy
- eliminate skin, hair and nail problems
- reduce diabetes or arthritis
In this article we want to introduce a simple way you can regularly cleanse your colon.
You will only need two ingredients:
- kefir
- flax seeds
What health benefits does kefir bring?
Kefir is a fermented drink most often made from milk and probiotic bacterial cultures. It is a complete source of proteins with a number of essential amino acids, minerals and important B-group vitamins.
Probiotic organisms can cleanse the intestines, balance the gut flora and destroy pathogens like E. coli and parasites.
Kefir also helps restore the function of the digestive system, treat inflammatory bowel disease and provides a “restart” for a damaged immune system.
When you buy kefir, choose a pure certified organic product if possible. If you can’t find one, an ordinary one will do.
Why is kefir better than yogurt?
The friendly bacteria (i.e. probiotics) in yogurt pass through our digestive tract and provide food for other friendly bacteria in the intestines.
Bacteria in kefir are able to colonize the intestinal tract more easily.
At the same time they push out all pathogens by making their way through it. Essentially they survive in the colon and form colonies of friendly bacteria there that improve the functions of the digestive tract.
Yogurt and kefir contain different types of bacteria that also have different roles.
Kefir contains many more strains of those bacteria (and also yeasts) that are more beneficial to our health.
They also help with digestion and cleansing of the colon, which gives kefir a higher nutritional value than yogurt.
Is kefir also suitable for those who suffer from lactose intolerance?
The friendly bacteria and yeasts in the kefir culture consume most of the milk lactose during its production.
Many people suffering from lactose intolerance drink kefir first thing in the morning before breakfast. At that time they simply manage to digest it.
However, there are also kefirs that are not made on a milk basis.
They can be made from fermented fruit juice, coconut water, rice milk, almond milk and other foods.
Effects of flax seeds
Adding flax seeds to the diet is an excellent way to cleanse the colon.
Flax seeds absorb water. As they move through the colon they help the passage of stool and at the same time rid the body of toxins.
They are rich in ALA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can relieve irritable bowel syndrome (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).
When flax seeds are consumed whole, they will most likely pass through your digestive tract undigested.
Therefore it is good to buy whole seeds and grind them before consumption in a poppy seed grinder. But do not grind too many at once, because they lose their potency fairly quickly.
Always use the seeds freshly ground (ground within the last 24 hours) and store them in the refrigerator.
Flax seeds versus flax oil
For cleansing the colon, seeds are preferable to the oil.
Flax oil does contain a larger amount of omega-3 fatty acids than seeds (per unit weight), however seeds offer higher nutritional value. They also have fewer calories and more fiber.
Each serving (2 tablespoons) of flax seeds has 75 calories, while the same serving of flax oil contains up to 240 calories.
One serving of flax seeds contains 3.8 grams of fiber, while flax oil contains none.
The fact that flax seeds are a source of essential minerals such as magnesium and copper gives them another point over flax oil.
The use of flax oil is again more advantageous in cancer treatment according to Dr. Johanna Budwig’s method.
How to use these ingredients to cleanse the colon
If you are a beginner in consuming fermented foods, it is ideal to start in small amounts so that your body and digestion can get used to them.
You should gradually increase your intake of these foods.
It is also recommended to take a break for a few days each week and omit fermented foods so the body has a chance to work and build immunity on its own.
Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with a third of a cup of kefir before breakfast. Do the same in the evening before bed (some people may find it helpful to try kefir first together with food, for example with breakfast).
Also make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of plain still water daily.
Do this for about a week and then give your body a few days off. You can do this occasionally for cleansing or regularly to maintain good health.
