Intestinal health instead of intestinal cleansing: What really helps

What does the intestines do for our body?

The intestine breaks down food, absorbs nutrients and water, and is home to a diverse community of microorganisms – the intestinal microbiome. The intestinal mucosa forms an important barrier between the intestinal contents and the inside of the body and is in close contact with the immune system.

The small intestinal mucosa has folds, villi and microvilli that increase its surface area and thus enable nutrient absorption. These structures are not intended for dirt or toxins to accumulate. A healthy intestine transports indigestible residues and excretes them in the stool.

The often-mentioned statement that around 70 percent of the immune system is located in the intestines is a simplified popular description. In fact, a large part of the gut-associated immune system is connected to the digestive tract; However, a single percentage does not adequately describe this complex relationship.

Is there a “dirty” colon that needs to be cleansed?

There is no scientific basis for the idea that stress, sugar, acidic foods, animal products or a lack of fasting cause deposits to form in the intestinal villi and intestinal crevices. Flatulence does not mean that toxins from a “dirty” intestine are released into the blood and the liver or kidneys have to detoxify.

Flatulence often results from bacterial fermentation of certain carbohydrates, swallowed air or changes in intestinal movement. They can have many harmless causes, but can also occur due to intolerance or illness. Persistent symptoms should be clarified medically.

The liver, kidneys, lungs and intestines work together to process and excrete the body's own breakdown products and ingested substances. In healthy people, no special intestinal cleansing is necessary to support these organs in their work.

Zeolite and Bentonite: Do they remove toxins?

Zeolite and bentonite are mineral clays or aluminosilicates with special surface and binding properties. They can adsorb certain substances under laboratory conditions. However, it does not follow that they unspecifically remove “toxins”, mold or deposits in the human intestine and thereby restore the intestinal flora.

There is no convincing clinical evidence to support routine use for detoxification or improving overall gut health. Depending on the product, purity and possible contamination can be an issue. Clay minerals can also bind to other substances in the digestive tract, potentially affecting the absorption of medications or nutrients. I therefore do not recommend self-treatment with zeolite or bentonite and especially no courses lasting several weeks without medical advice.

Psyllium husk: a useful fiber - but not a brush

Psyllium husks contain soluble fiber that forms a gel with water. They can make the stool softer and more voluminous and are used, among other things, for occasional constipation. This is a understandable and proven application - but they do not “scrub” the intestines clean and do not pull toxins, mold or harmful bacteria from the intestinal folds.

If you want to use psyllium husks, you should follow the product instructions, start with a small amount and always drink enough liquid. They should not be swallowed dry. A certain amount of time should be maintained when taking medication, as absorption can be influenced. If you have difficulty swallowing, suspected intestinal obstruction, severe or unexplained abdominal pain, or certain intestinal diseases, you should seek medical advice beforehand.

Do you need intestinal flora rehabilitation after six weeks?

No. There is no scientifically established process in which you first have to “clean” with healing clay and psyllium husks for six weeks and then colonize new bacteria with a probiotic. The intestinal microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem and is influenced by, among other things, diet, medications, diseases and living conditions.

Additionally, not all probiotics are the same. Possible effects depend on the specific bacterial strains, the dose and the respective disease. A preparation with many different types of bacteria is not automatically more effective. For healthy people, there is no general recommendation to routinely take a probiotic to “repopulate” the gut. In certain medical situations, individual, carefully examined preparations may be useful; This should be specifically discussed with medical professionals.

What really supports gut health?

• **Eat high in fiber:** Legumes, whole grain products, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds provide different amounts of fiber. Increase the amount slowly so that the intestines can get used to it.

• **Bring variety to your plate:** Different plant-based foods provide different fiber and secondary plant substances. Diversity makes more sense than a single “intestinal treatment”.

• **Drink enough:** Adequate fluid intake is particularly important with a diet rich in fiber and when using psyllium husks.

• **Integrate exercise into everyday life:** Regular physical activity can support intestinal movement.

• **Pay attention to your own body:** Eating habits, stress, sleep and individual tolerances can influence symptoms. Not every food that is considered healthy is tolerated equally well by every person.

• **Get complaints checked:** Blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, persistent or increasing pain, fever or prolonged changes in bowel habits should be examined by a doctor.

Conclusion: Support the intestines, not “clean them out”

A healthy intestine does not need to be cleaned regularly or freed from supposed deposits. The idea of ​​a dirty intestine whose villi are cleaned with healing clay and psyllium husks is not scientifically proven. Psyllium husks can be helpful as fiber for constipation; Zeolite and bentonite cures as well as routine probiotic cures, on the other hand, are not proven general intestinal therapy.

A varied, fiber-rich diet, sufficient fluids, exercise and the clarification of persistent complaints are the more sensible foundations for good intestinal health.