Evidence Based
Individuals turn to colon cleanse products for a variety of reasons. Some seek to improve digestive health, and remove toxins, while others are interested in weight loss. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is also important for a healthy immune system and has been linked to many aspects of overall health, ranging from healthy metabolism to mental health.
So, what is the best over-the-counter colon cleanse to help support your health? A growing number of supplements are available, and sifting through these products to find the best for your needs can feel overwhelming. We have compiled a list of the best colon-cleanse pills for men and women to use at home and some factors to consider to ensure you are using these products safely and effectively.
Best Colon Cleanse
- ColonBroom – Best Colon Cleanse Program For Weight Loss
- UMZU ZuPOO Colon Cleanse & Gut Support – Best Ingredient Transparency
- Microbiome Plus Colon Cleanse & Detox – Best Probiotic And Laxative Blend
- Life Extension Daily Bowel Regularity – Best Price
- Renew Life 14-Day Cleanse Smart – Best Variety Of Ingredients
- Dr. Tobias Colon 14 Day Cleanse – Editor’s Choice
- Health Plus Super Colon Cleanse – Best Fiber Supplement
- Nature’s Secret – Super Cleanse Best Quality
How Do Colon Cleansing Supplements Work?
Colon cleanses aim to promote colon health by introducing laxatives in various forms. Three types of laxatives are often used:
- Bulk-forming laxatives, like psyllium.
- Osmotic laxatives, like magnesium or cascara sagrada.
- Stimulant laxatives, like senna.
These products help promote softer stool formation, more fluids in the digestive tract, and improved gastric motility.
So, what comes out during a colon cleanse? Well, stools, of course. Many individuals are also interested in removing toxins by cleaning out the bowels. While this has not been studied directly, there is potential for an improved natural response to toxins[1] provided by supporting overall gastrointestinal health.
Reviews For The Best Colon Cleanse Supplements
ColonBroom
- Good Manufacturing Practices certified manufacturing, or GMP-certified.
- Third-party testing.
- Flavor options.
- Psyllium fiber only (3.6 grams).
- High price.
ColonBroom is considered a colon cleansing supplement employing psyllium as a natural fiber laxative. Fiber helps promote the formation of regular bowel movements. Psyllium specifically has been studied extensively, with established benefits[2] like preventing or relieving constipation. The inactive ingredients are natural and unlikely to cause allergic responses.
Considering the price compared with other psyllium fiber supplements may be helpful since it is the only active ingredient — Metamucil and its generics are psyllium-based and are often available for $10 to $15. Pricing through the official website starts at $65 for one bottle without a subscription. Wal-Mart is also an authorized retailer and carries ColonBroom for $35.
Ordering through the official website does come with a free guide with additional information about healthy lifestyle habits related to food and exercise.
UMZU ZuPOO Colon Cleanse & Gut Support
- GMP-certified manufacturing.
- Natural ingredients.
- Potential for stomach upset early in therapy.
- It can cause dehydration.
- No third-party testing.
ZuPoo is priced at $35 and uses magnesium[3] as a primary osmotic laxative and nine additional natural ingredients, including:
- Cascara sagrada is a mild osmotic laxative, meaning it pulls water into the digestive tract to promote the formation of a bowel movement. Consulting with your doctor before considering use is important, as Cascara sagrada has been associated with liver injury[4] in rare cases, so it is important not to use higher doses than recommended on the label. Use is also recommended for short periods of time.
- Milk Thistle[5] is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
- Contrary to popular belief, capsaicin, an active component of cayenne pepper, promotes overall healthy digestion and reduces inflammation which leads to lower the risk of stomach ulcers.[6]
Including many ingredients may result in a larger effect, but it is difficult to predict this due to a lack of direct clinical studies evaluating the specific combinations. Large ingredient lists also increase the possibility of interactions.
When using osmotic laxatives, it is important to ensure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated because these pull water from the rest of your body.
Microbiome Plus Colon Cleanse & Detox
- GMP-certified manufacturing.
- Natural ingredients.
- Third-party tested.
- Contains a proprietary blend.
- It can cause dehydration.
- Doesn’t include safety dosage information.
Microbiome Plus is recommended for cycles of 15 days each, so each bottle of 120 capsules allows for four cycles. Each bottle is priced at $28.49. There are 15 ingredients listed with defined doses, including:
- Cascara sagrada is a mild laxative that pulls water into the digestive tract — it’s important to maintain hydration while using this!
- Psyllium Husk is a standard fiber laxative with established benefits[2] for constipation.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus is a common probiotic with benefits for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Including a proprietary blend means, ingredients are present without dosing information. This makes it more difficult to predict how safe or effective these components are likely to be. Including a large number of ingredients may result in a larger effect, but it is difficult to predict this due to a lack of direct clinical studies evaluating the specific combinations. Large ingredient lists also increase the possibility of interactions.
Life Extension Daily Bowel Regularity
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- Price, $11.70 on sale, regularly $19.50.
- Natural ingredients.
- GMP-certified manufacturing.
- Third-party testing.
- Probiotic only.
The Life Extension brand has an impressive track history of 40 years of providing nutritional supplements. The primary active ingredient in Daily Bowel Regularity is Bifidobacterium lactis, a probiotic strain. This supplement intends to help prevent dysbiosis, an imbalance of healthy gut microbiota. Therefore, it is recommended for daily long-term use on the website of this product.
Studies show that constipation is associated with lower levels of beneficial strains like Bifidobacterium lactis,[7] providing the case for supplementation. However, no overall beneficial effect on stool production was observed in direct studies for managing the treatment of existing constipation. It may be beneficial to conduct further research related to dosing and individual treatment needs. Overall, Daily Bowel Regularity is safe, reliably produced, and reasonably priced.
Renew Life 14-Day Cleanse Smart
- GMP-certified manufacturing.
- Natural ingredients.
- Proprietary blends, the amount of each ingredient in blends is unclear.
- Unclear if this specific product is third-party tested.
Renew Life’s 14-Day Cleanse provides a daytime and nighttime regimen, promising a natural colon cleanse for $34.99. The daytime and nighttime regimens are proprietary blends of 12 to 15 ingredients each. The only component with the provided dosing information is magnesium,[3] which acts as a laxative by pulling water into the digestive tract.
Due to the nature of proprietary blends, it is difficult to predict the safety or efficacy of the remaining ingredients because dosing information is not provided. For instance, ashwagandha[8] is included in the formulation. It has been associated with improved memory and focus, reduced stress, and improved sleep quality — specifically at a dose of 300mg daily used for a period of 90 days. Whether or not ancillary benefits would be derived from a potentially lower dose provided by a proprietary blend used for a shorter time remains unclear.
Although the included ingredients are likely safe, it is beneficial to speak with your doctor prior to use to avoid any potential interactions. Magnesium can be effective in and of itself for constipation, so there is likely benefit from the product as a whole. When using this product, it is crucial to remain hydrated.
Dr. Tobias Colon 14-Day Cleanse
- Competitive price.
- Natural ingredients.
- GMP-certified manufacturing.
- Third-party testing.
- Some reports of stomach cramping early in use.
- Can cause dehydration.
- Unclear dosage information.
The 14-day cleanse provided by the brand Dr. Tobias has generated almost 85 thousand reviews on Amazon, an authorized third-party retailer. These reviews are primarily positive, with some providing concerns about initial side effects such as bloating and stomach cramps. Several of the active ingredients are established laxatives with benefits for constipation:
- Senna[9] Leaf acts as a stimulant laxative, meaning it promotes smooth muscle contractions in the digestive tract. This promotes more frequent stools.
- Psyllium[2] husk is a fiber laxative aiding in stool formation.
- Cascara Sagrada[4] acts as an osmotic laxative, pulling more water into the digestive tract. However, it is reported that it can cause adverse events, including clinically apparent liver injury in high doses.
If you’re wondering, “What is the best laxative to clean you out?” you may as well use a product with three varieties. The 14-day cleanse also contains Lactobacillus acidophilus,[10] which supports a healthy digestive tract. Ensuring adequate hydration while using this product is crucial!
Health Plus Super Colon Cleanse
- Natural ingredients.
- GMP-certified manufacturing.
- Psyllium fiber only.
- No information is available regarding third-party testing.
Super Colon Cleanse is similar to Colon Broom in that it only contains 4 grams of psyllium husk, a fiber laxative. Psyllium[2] provides established benefits for managing and preventing constipation. The primary differences between this product and Colon Broom are:
- Colon Broom is a powder with flavor options, and Colon Cleanse is a capsule.
- Colon Broom provides 3.6 grams of psyllium, and Colon Cleanse provides 4 grams.
- Colon Broom is $35, and Colon Cleanse is $13.49.
Colon Cleanse provides a solid option for individuals looking for a fiber supplement at a competitive price.
Nature’s Secret – Super Cleanse
- GMP-certified manufacturing.
- Third-party testing.
- Natural ingredients.
- Proprietary blend.
- Can cause dehydration.
Nature’s Secret is affiliated with Swanson Brands, an established supplement manufacturer for over 50 years. The quality control measures have been consistent over time, which is a positive sign for safety and reliability. The ingredients in Super Cleanse are listed as a proprietary blend. Several of these ingredients are common to other natural colon-cleansing products:
- Cascara Sagrada[4] is a laxative that pulls water from the rest of your body into the digestive tract. However, it is reported that it can cause adverse events, including clinically apparent liver injury in high doses.
- Fennel powder[11] is an herbal supplement used to support the management of constipation.
- Cayenne[6] powder provides generalized support for the digestive tract, including potentially limiting stomach acid production and the risk of gastric ulcers.
Proprietary blends do not provide direct dosing information, making it more difficult to predict whether the product is likely safe or effective. Each bottle contains 200 tablets for $19.72, but instructions include dosing of up to six tablets per day, so this is potentially a 33-day supply depending on individual use.
Health Benefits Of Colon Cleansing Supplements
Many manufacturers tout a variety of benefits for their version of the best colon cleansing supplements, including detox and weight loss. It is important to characterize how these claims are justified.
A potential association with removing toxins exists because promoting overall digestive health can improve the body’s natural response to toxins.[12]
Reduced fluid weight can bring on rapid and temporary weight loss, but these supplements aren’t burning fat in and of themselves. There is, however, a potential for products containing psyllium[2] to improve satiety — supplementation has been associated with decreased energy intake. In other words, people using the supplement tend to eat less.
Some supplements contain combinations of ingredients that may provide other additional benefits as well, but there are caveats. For instance, ashwagandha[8] has been associated with improved stress and sleep quality, but these results were seen with continuous supplementation. It is important to remember that in the context of colon cleansers, many of these ingredients will be used for a limited time.
Metabolic And Cardiovascular Health
There are various potential benefits for products like ColonBroom or Super Colon Cleanse, which contain only psyllium as an active ingredient and can be taken daily long-term. Psyllium[2] has been associated with improved:
- Blood sugar regulation.
- Cholesterol levels.
- Blood pressure readings.
Overall Digestive Health
Psyllium[2] products also provide beneficial effects for digestion and support healthy bowel movements. It can also act as a stool normalizer for individuals managing diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus[13] can help modulate the immune response and reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with gastrointestinal infections like Clostridium difficile (commonly referred to as C. diff). They also help repair intestinal permeability.
Constipation And Bloating
Colon cleanser supplements work primarily by including various kinds of laxatives. Many of these products contain some — or all — of the following categories:
- Bulk-forming laxatives, like psyllium.[2]
- Osmotic laxatives, like magnesium or Cascara sagrada.
- Stimulant laxatives, like senna.
Each of these laxatives helps relieve constipation management by promoting bowel movements. If constipation contributes to bloating, laxatives can also help relieve bloating symptoms.
At times, bloating can also be associated with inflammation. Probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus[10] provide support for inflammatory symptoms like bloating.
Side Effects Of Colon Cleansing Supplements
Understanding the potential for side effects associated with colon cleansers is crucial for safe use. Consulting with your doctor can help you determine which product is the most appropriate for your individual needs.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Products containing laxatives always carry the potential to cause diarrhea. The most common side effects are related to the digestive tract and can also include:
- Stomach cramps.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Increased gas, often temporarily.
- Increased bloating, often temporarily.
Sometimes, these effects can be fairly short-lived and may resolve within a couple of days after beginning therapy. In addition to being uncomfortable, these side effects should not be taken lightly due to the potential for additional complications. If you are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, these can lead to more concerning outcomes.
Potential For Dehydration
When using any products that have the potential to cause diarrhea, dehydration becomes a significant concern. This can be especially true for products that work by actively drawing water away from the rest of your body, as is the case with osmotic laxatives like magnesium and Cascara sagrada. Being mindful of other supplements or products containing magnesium can be helpful.
If these products have caused vomiting or diarrhea, it is beneficial to be aware of the signs of dehydration:
- Excessive thirst.
- Dry mouth.
- Dark urine.
- Dizziness.
- Drowsiness.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water while using colon cleanse supplements is helpful, regardless of whether these symptoms are present. Diarrhea causes a loss of electrolytes, so replacing these with sports drinks can be helpful. Taking it easy and limiting physical activity is also important.
If any of the following are occurring, medical attention is recommended immediately:
- Fainting.
- Confusion.
- Increased rate of breathing.
- Increased heart rate.
If left untreated, electrolyte balances caused by dehydration can be very dangerous. The potential complications include seizures, kidney damage, and other serious outcomes.
Precautions
Consulting with a doctor before using supplements can help you identify potential concerns. Individuals managing concerns related to liver function should be cautious when considering supplements containing Cascara sagrada, for instance.
Many products contain an abundance of ingredients, and some components have the potential to interact with existing therapy. Ginger,[14] for instance, carries a possible interaction with blood-thinning medications and may increase the risk of bleeding. Being mindful of your current therapy and asking about any potential interactions is important.
Due to the potential for changes in electrolyte balance, individuals managing concerns with kidney function should exercise caution with colon cleanse products as well. Kidneys play a critical role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.[15]
It should also be noted that immunocompromised[16] individuals should exercise caution when considering probiotic use. This is due primarily to a lack of standardized evidence related to safety at this time.
How To Choose The Best Colon Cleanser
Differences in price and reviews detailing individual experiences are valuable, but it is also important to consider several quality measures when evaluating any over-the-counter supplement:
- The quality and dependability of manufacturing practices.
- Scientific studies associated with the active ingredients.
- Safety and side effects, including any potential allergens.
Manufacturing Practices
Two primary criteria prove particularly valuable in gauging over-the-counter dietary supplements’ potential quality and reliability. These criteria are Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP certification, and the regular submission of products for independent third-party laboratory testing.
GMP certification ensures that the facilities responsible for producing the supplements adhere to FDA standards. These standards address the facility’s staff training procedures, equipment, ingredient storage, and cleanliness. It is crucial to emphasize that the FDA does not directly assess over-the-counter products; these standards apply only to the facility itself.
The involvement of independent third-party testing plays a pivotal role in verifying that the supplements contain the right ingredients in the correct proportions and remain free from any potential contaminants. This form of testing actively promotes transparency and safety within the industry. Regrettably, there have been many reported instances of over-the-counter products containing ingredients that could cause toxicity,[17] including instances in which they were likely included intentionally.
GMP certification and third-party testing, along with the absence of any FDA warning letters in a manufacturer’s history, indicate that a product is more likely to be reliable and of consistent quality.
Scientific Studies
It is rare for the specific combinations of ingredients found in many over-the-counter supplements to have been evaluated directly in research. When beneficial claims are made, these are almost always related to individual ingredients rather than a supplement as a whole. So, simply having more ingredients is not necessarily better. Quality research backing any included ingredients is the key.
Dosing matters, so when manufacturers provide ingredients in a proprietary blend, it becomes difficult to predict how effective or safe these blends will likely be. When ingredients are studied, they are studied at specific doses.
Safety And Side Effects
Apart from the first-hand feedback from consumers, opting for products that focus on ingredients that have been extensively studied provides a more comprehensive picture of whether these ingredients have caused side effects or reactions. No known side effects do not necessarily mean no side effects.
It is also helpful to consider any inactive ingredients, as they can occasionally play a role in sensitivities or allergic reactions. Simple, natural ingredients help reduce the risk of potential reactions.
Considering Alternative Methods
The best colon cleanse supplement choices are oral supplements like the above-mentioned products. Other sources discuss alternative methods involving enemas using various substances — even coffee — for the purpose of colon irrigation. These methods are considered unsafe[18] as they raise the risk of infections, tears, bloating, vomiting, and dehydration.
Conclusion
If you are considering a colon cleanse product, discuss the potential options with your doctor to ensure safe use. Many of these products specifically work by removing water from your body, so it is crucial to maintain hydration with use. This will help you avoid any potentially serious complications caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Choosing a product from a reputable manufacturer provides improved safety and reliability. Regardless of which product you choose, it is important to read the label carefully, as many products are intended for no longer than two weeks of use at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consulting with your doctor prior to starting a colon cleanse regimen will help you ensure you are selecting a product that is safe to use. Some laxatives work by removing fluids from your system, raising dehydration and electrolyte imbalance risks.
This depends on the ingredients included. Products containing only psyllium or probiotics can be used daily long-term and are meant to provide improved bowel regularity. Some products with osmotic or stimulant laxative effects may produce movements within 1-2 days.
Colon cleanse products may help reduce bloating and can help remove some solid waste. They are not intended as a weight-loss strategy overall. Sustainable weight loss is more likely achieved with lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise.
There is no generalized answer — consult your doctor if you are experiencing frequent constipation, bloating, or abdominal cramps. This will allow you to examine potential causes and your best course of action moving forward.
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EHproject has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We work mostly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure accurate information. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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