And, while we’re on the subject of supplements, let’s not forget the three important supplements we need to keep the colon healthy once it has healed. These are fiber, enzymes and probiotics.

Fiber provides numerous benefits for the colon. First of all, it binds irritating substances, reducing intestinal inflammation. It also improves colon transit time when taken with adequate amounts of water. Fiber absorbs materials released through the bile, including cholesterol, and binds them for elimination. It also acts as food for and encourages the growth of the friendly flora in the intestinal tract

When taking fiber, it is best to start with small amounts (1/2 teaspoon) of a fiber supplement, like Nature’s Three or Psyllium Hulls Combo from Nature’s Sunshine or Fiberzon from Amazon Herbs, mixed with water or juice, followed by a large glass of water (8-12 ounces). Gradually increase the amount of fiber over a period of a couple of weeks.
Fermented foods are also really good for the intestines. According to Sally Fallon in Nourishing Traditions, nearly all traditional cultures used some kind of fermented foods in their diet. These foods and beverages (which include fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kim chi, fermented dairy products like yogurt and kiefer, and natural beers made from herbs) all contain both enzymes and lactobacteria.

In modern diets, just about everything has been cooked, heated to high temperatures to sterilize it, and/or treated with preservatives (which often act as enzyme inhibitors). This results in a diet very low in both enzymes and probiotics. Lack of digestive enzymes can cause leaky gut and a lack of probiotics makes one more prone to infection by other, less friendly, microbes.

For modern people who are unwilling to add traditionally fermented foods to their diets, enzyme and probiotic supplements are important to help normalize intestinal function. I have three favorite enzyme supplements I use.  Proactazyme, from Nature’s Sunshine, Digestazon Plus from Amazon Herbs (my personal favorite) and a product called Absorb-Aid.  Any of these enzymes can be taken with the morning or evening fiber drink to help reduce intestinal inflammation and improve elimination.

There is some debate as to the best time of day to take probiotics, such as Acidophilus or Bifidophilus Flora Force from Nature’s Sunshine, but it is generally agreed they should be taken before or between meals on an empty stomach. They can be taken with the fiber drink, too.

Maintaining a healthy intestinal tract is very important to overall health. It is possible to fix the “leaks” in our intestinal plumbing, with a few supplements and some dietary improvements. For more information, check out my Herbal Hour video, It Takes Guts to be Healthy or consult some of the following resources.

Resources and Suggested Further Reading

• Colon Cleansing: The Best-Kept Secret by Jennifer Weiss and Vena Burnett, 1989
• Diet and Nutrition: A Holistic Approach by Rudolph Ballentine, M.D., Himalayan International Institute, 1982
• Dr. Christopher’s Three Day Cleansing Program and Mucousless Diet by John R. Christopher, 1976.
• Enzyme Nutrition by Edward Howell, Avery Publishing Group, 1985
• Food Enzymes by Humbart Santillo, Holm Press, 1987
• Food is Your Best Medicine by Henry Bieler, Random House, 1965
• Foundations of Health: The Liver and Digestive Herbal by Christopher Hobbs, Botanical Press, 1992.
• Natural Detoxification by Jacqueline Krohn, MD and Frances Taylor, MA, Hartley and Marks, 2000.
• Natural Remedies for Common Ailments by Hugo Rodier, M.D., 2002
• The Colon Health Handbook by Robert Gray
• The New Detox Diet by Elson M. Haas, M.D., Celestial Arts, 2004.