Best Colon Cleanse For Weight Loss: 5 Options & What They Really Do

woman measuring waistline
Contents

Are you hoping a colon cleanse will help you lose weight in a few short weeks?

[Spoiler Alert] Any weight you lose on a cleanse is mostly water and stool, and it comes back. A cleanse does not burn fat.

According to the NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is no convincing research that detox or cleanse programs help with weight management or remove toxins.

If you need to empty your bowel for a colonoscopy, use only the prep your doctor prescribes. An over-the-counter cleanse is not a substitute.

If you still want an occasional cleanse for constipation or bloating, here is what to know about the popular options.

Try out my review of the best colon cleanse products to lose weight, starting with my #1 recommended Forest Nutrition Colon Cleanse Detox. It is a gentle, vegan formula.

In this guide, you’ll find five over-the-counter colon cleanse products, chosen from customer reviews and the reputation of their makers.

For an extra boost, check out Get Healthy Shape's laxatives for overnight weight loss to see how much you can really lose in a hurry when needed.

Top 5 Colon Cleanse Comparison Table Review

1. Nutrition Forest Colon CleanseEditor's Choice
1. Nutrition Forest Colon Cleanse

Gentle But Very Effective

  • Vegan
  • Immediate Results
2. DR Tobias - Colon 14 Day CleanseQuickest Effect
2. DR Tobias - Colon 14 Day Cleanse

Easy On Your Gut

  • Herbs, Fiber & Probiotics
  • Long Term Effect
3. NutriRise Colon CleanseExtra Strength
3. NutriRise Colon Cleanse

Contains Probiotics

  • All Natural
  • Fast Results
4. Total Colon Care Fiber Cleanse
4. Total Colon Care Fiber Cleanse

Natural Cleansing

  • Has Digestive Enzymes
  • Delayed-release Capsules
5. Super Colon Cleanse
5. Super Colon Cleanse

Fast Acting But Will Make You Run

  • Supports Digestive Process
  • Thorougly Cleanses, Super Fast

5 Best Colon Cleansers Review

1. Nutrition Forest Colon Cleanse Detox

Nutrition Forest Colon Cleanse

Our Verdict: Best Overall

Nutrition Forest Colon Cleanse Detox is an all-natural, vegan product that gently promotes bowel movements. That gentleness is the main reason it is our top pick.

It is the mildest way on this list to get things moving, but like any cleanse, it does not burn fat.

Claims that cleanses improve nutrient absorption, curb cravings, or make skin look younger are not backed by research.

The team at WeightHigh.org says "You'll immediately feel the difference having that glow and lighter feeling because it alleviates bloating & reduces constipation too."

Follow the dosing on the label, and take each dose with a full glass of water.

If you want to get the real deal, just click on that red button below this...

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2. DR Tobias - Colon 14 Day Cleanse

Dr Tobias Colon 14 Day Quick Cleanse - Supports Detox & Increased Energy Levels (28 Capsules)

Our Verdict: Quickest Cleanse

DR Tobias – Colon 14 Day Cleanse is a short, 14-day colon cleanse. Any weight you lose during the two weeks is mostly water and stool, so expect it to return.

This colon cleanse product uses natural herbs, laxatives, fiber, and probiotics so it is easy on your intestines.

It is designed to relieve occasional constipation and bloating.

Just take it early in the morning, then expect a trip to the bathroom within 30 minutes, and you are all set to start your day.

You might have to go once again throughout the day, but it shouldn’t be an urgent need like with some of the other options below.

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3. NutriRise 15 Day Quick Colon Cleanse

NutriRise 15 Day Quick Colon Cleanse

Our Verdict: Strongest Effect

Made of all natural ingredients that is mostly of herbal extracts and probiotics, NutriRise 15 Day Quick Colon Cleanse is a gentle option for clearing out the digestive tract.

Look: Lasting weight loss comes from eating fewer calories than you burn, not from emptying your colon.

Also note that no colon cleanse is FDA approved. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold.

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4. Total Colon Care Fiber Cleanse with Digestive Enzymes

NatureWise Total Colon Care Fiber Cleanse with Safe Herbal Laxatives, Prebiotics, & Digestive Enzymes for Healthy Elimination, Safe Digestion & Weight, Detox, & Gut Health [1 Month Supply - 60 Count]

Our Verdict: Mildest

Total Colon Care Fiber Cleanse with Digestive Enzymes is another great colon cleanse product for weight loss and detox. As the name implies, you will be taking total care of your colon with the help of digestive enzymes.

It is much milder than the first colon cleanser above, yet still effective.

It relies mainly on fiber, which supports regular bowel movements.

It also contains digestive enzymes and prebiotics.

This colon cleansing supplement comes in a 30 or 60 day supply depending on your needs.

It's non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free so it will not mess up any special diet!

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5. Super Colon Cleanse

Super Colon Cleanse, 500mg, 240 Count (Pack of 1)

Our Verdict: Strongest Laxative

This is the strongest laxative cleanse on the list.

Before you buy it, know this: Super Colon Cleanse is so effective that you will spend most of your time in the bathroom.

Start at the low end of the label dose, and never take more than the label allows.

If it is too strong, cut back or stop. Don't use it for more than a few days in a row.

Also, drink plenty of water. Laxative-induced diarrhea can cause dehydration.

Trust me. The name does not lie when it says, SUPER colon cleanse. ;)

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Why You Should Consider Colon Cleansers

Burning fat is not one of them.

The main real use is short-term relief from constipation or bloating.

Claims about more energy, clearer skin, or a better mood come from cleanse marketers, not research. If you feel better, it is more likely from the healthier diet that often comes with a cleanse.

For a colonoscopy, use the prep your doctor prescribes, not an over-the-counter cleanse.

Colon Cleanser FAQ

Can a Colon Cleanse Help You Lose Weight?

Only on the scale, and only for a short time.

Here’s how:

After having several bowel movements from using a colon cleanse, your body is rid of several pounds of waste and water. This reduces your weight for only a few days or weeks.

You still have to stay on a healthy diet and exercise when possible.

Some people say it helps them reduce food cravings, but there is no good research behind that. For managing hunger, you can try one of the products mentioned in another article where we did a full review of meal replacement shakes, which would surely stave off your food cravings.

Can These Cleansers Really Remove Toxins?

There is no clear evidence that a detox or colon cleanser detoxifies the body.

In fact, the claim that the colon stores hardened fecal matter which releases toxins into the bloodstream is not proven.

Your liver and kidneys already remove waste from your body. A cleanse only empties the colon.

Does A Colon Cleanse Flatten Your Stomach?

If you are constipated or bloated, a cleanse can make your belly look flatter for a day or two.

It does not remove belly fat, and it comes at the price of several trips to the bathroom.

woman measuring waistline

How Often Should You Detox Your Colon?

First, the procedure doesn’t “detoxify” anything. It only empties your colon.

Don't use laxative cleanses regularly or long-term. Frequent use can cause dehydration, poor nutrient absorption, and dependence on laxatives.

What Are The Side Effects?

There is little proof of benefits, but the side effects are well documented.

Side effects are more likely at higher doses. If a product gives you severe cramps or diarrhea, stop using it.

Here are some potential effects you should have in mind if you want to use colon cleanse product for weight loss:

  • Diarrhea
  • Cramps
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Changes in gut bacteria
  • Dehydration and poor nutrient absorption

People with kidney disease, heart disease, or gastrointestinal disease face higher risks, according to NCCIH.

When Should I Use It and How Long Would I Have To Go?

Follow the label for timing. Many people take it when they will be near a bathroom for a few hours.

Don't add extra doses beyond what the label allows.

Expect several bowel movements a day while you use it.

Consider that there are other options too, according to what you aim for. Here's one product; the Blueprint Cleanse, that although a little bit on the fancier side, you may also want to try.

Guidelines For Taking OTC Cleanses

#1 Consult Your Doctor Before Use

This is most important if you take medications or have kidney, heart, or gastrointestinal problems.

Laxatives can also change how well your body absorbs some medicines.

If your real goal is weight loss, talk to your doctor about a sustainable eating plan. We also reviewed the Isagenix program, but no cleanse replaces long-term diet changes.

#2 Stay Hydrated (Crucial!)

This is a very important habit to form if you are using an over the counter colon cleanse product.

You lose a lot of water during a cleanse. The CDC notes that your body needs more water when you have diarrhea.

healthy habits

#3 Pack Extra Toiletries

Whether you are at home or the move, pack more toiletries like toilet papers after using a colon cleanse pill.

Also, try to pack extra clothes in case you get stained from an uncontrollable bowel movement. Trust me, it happens.

#4 Never Try To Hold the Stool

One thing you should always do when using a colon cleanser pill is to head to the bathroom as soon you get the urge to go.

Never. I repeat. Never try to hold your bowels after taking a pill to avoid a mess or embarrassment.

#5 Don’t Trust a Fart

A fart or passing of wind is normal, no doubt.

But, after a dose of a colon cleansing pill, it becomes abnormal.

There is a high chance a fart will be a bowel movement in disguise. So, try to be around a bathroom when you feel one building up.

Also, farts might also be uncontrollable when you use a colon cleanser pill.


Conclusion

As a reminder, the #1 colon cleanser on the market is the**Nutrition Forest Colon Cleanse Detox**. It is the gentlest option on our list.

If you have decided to give one of these colon cleansing products a try, I do recommend that you make sure to drink a lot of water while going through your detox.

Actually, I recommend drinking more water in general. However, when you are on a cleanse like this you will lose a lot of water. If you don’t drink enough to replace it, you will end up dehydrated.

Daily water needs vary by age, sex, and activity, and you need more while you have diarrhea. Drink enough that your urine stays pale.

Remember that these supplements are for occasional use only. It is normal for at least some of the weight you lose to return when you have completed your cleanse and detox.

A cleanse can relieve occasional constipation. For lasting weight loss, focus on diet, activity, and sleep.

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