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Warning: The information presented in this article aims to inform and raise awareness about functional colopathy (irritable bowel syndrome). It is based on general knowledge, personal experiences, and data from scientific literature, but should in no way replace medical advice.
Functional bowel disorder is a complex, multifactorial condition, with symptoms and causes that can vary significantly from one person to another. Any persistent, painful, or unusual symptom should be medically diagnosed beforehand to rule out any organic pathology requiring specific treatment.
The dietary, hygienic-dietary, or complementary approaches mentioned aim to provide overall support for digestive comfort but do not constitute medical treatment. They should be tailored to each individual situation, ideally in consultation with a healthcare professional (doctor, gastroenterologist, dietitian, etc.).
The author disclaims all responsibility for the use of the information provided without prior medical advice.
Summary
You have a Irritable bowel. Maybe you have been diagnosed with a functional colopathy, or maybe you are simply suffering from what is called the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). No matter what name you give it, one thing is certain: it ruins your daily life.
The bloating that make you feel like you are six months pregnant. The abdominal pain that wake you up at night. This alternating diarrhea-constipation which requires you to know all the public restrooms in your city. This chronic fatigue that doesn't let go of you, even after eight hours of sleep.
And then there are all those well-intentioned pieces of advice: "Do a detox, it will cleanse your intestines!", "I tried this miracle detox juice, you should try it too!", "A lemon and ginger cleanse in the morning solves everything!".
Except that there you have it. When you tried those famous detox protocols, it was a disaster. Your symptoms worsened. The pain intensified. The diarrhea became unmanageable. You ended up feeling even worse than before.
So you are wondering: Is detox really compatible with the functional colopathy ? ?
The answer is yes. But not just any detox. Not those aggressive cleanses that shake up your digestive system like a plum tree. What you need is a gentle intestinal detox, adapted, progressive, and respectful of the sensitivity of your irritable colon.
In this first part, I will explain why traditional detoxes are disastrous for IBS, and most importantly, I will provide you with a concrete protocol for gentle detox in 3 phases to soothe your functional colopathy without worsening your symptoms. A protocol that I have seen work for dozens of people, including within our own circle at Biovie.
Because yes, a well-conducted detox can really improve your quality of life with an irritable colon. Provided it is done intelligently.
Note: This article is divided into two parts. This first part covers the understanding of IBS and the gentle detox protocol. The part 2 will detail the specific diet, theliving food, essential supplements and long-term maintenance strategies.
What is functional colopathy? Understanding to act better
Before talking about detox, let's clarify what it really is. functional colopathy. Because if you don't understand what's happening in your Intestine, you will not be able to choose the right strategies to get better.
Definition and key figures
The functional colopathy, which is also called irritable bowel syndrome or SII, it is a digestive trouble chronically affects the colon. The term "functional" means that there is no visible lesion during endoscopy or in tests. Your colon malfunctioning, but nothing abnormal is seen on the imaging.
In France, 6 million people suffer from functional colopathy. It's huge. It represents about 10% of the French population. And in 70% of cases, it is women who are affected. We do not really know why there is this female predominance, but hormones seem to play a role.
The SII represents 30 to 50% of gastroenterology consultations. This shows you how common it is. And yet, despite these figures, many people suffer in silence, thinking it's "just stress" or that they have to "live with it."
No. The functional colopathy, it is a real pathology that seriously impacts the quality of life. And there are solutions to improve things, provided that one understands what is happening.
The symptoms that ruin your daily life
If you are here, it's probably because you know these symptoms by heart. But let's list them anyway, because it helps to put words to what we are experiencing.
The typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome:
- Abdominal pain : Cramps, spasms, twisting sensation. They can be localized (often on the lower left or right) or diffuse. They are generally relieved after going to the bathroom.
- Bloating : Your stomach swells throughout the day, sometimes dramatically. You feel "full," tight, uncomfortable.
- Digestive disorders : Either you have the diarrhea (SII-D), either you are constipated (SII-C), or you alternate between the two (SII-M for "mixed"). Sometimes within the same day.
- Excessive gas : Frequent flatulence, loud rumbling, sensation of intestinal fermentation.
- Defecatory emergencies : This constant anxiety of having to find a restroom quickly. It prevents you from going out, traveling, and living normally.
- Mucus in the stool : Not systematic, but frequent in the IIS.
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation : You go to the bathroom, but you feel like it's not over, that something is still stuck.
And then there are the extra-digestive symptoms, which are less talked about but are very real:
- Chronic fatigue : This fatigue that doesn't go away, even after a full night's sleep.
- Sleep disorders : Night awakenings due to pain or the urge to go to the bathroom.
- Anxiety : Either it pre-existed (stress worsens IBS), or it appeared because of the symptoms (fear of going out, fear of eating, fear of being in pain).
- Headaches, , muscle pain, , concentration disorders : The link is less direct, but many people with IBS report these symptoms.
What is exhausting with the functional colopathy, it's the unpredictability. You can be fine for a few days, and then a meal, stress, an upset, and bam, the symptoms come back with full force. This constant uncertainty is psychologically exhausting.
The mechanisms at play: why your colon reacts poorly
So, what exactly is malfunctioning in the functional colopathy ?It is a complex question because there is not ONE single cause, but rather a combination of factors that add up. Here are the main mechanisms identified by research:
1. Visceral hypersensitivity
This is the central mechanism of IBS. Your intestine is hypersensitive. Stimuli that do not bother a normal person (normal intestinal distension, normal peristaltic contractions) are perceived by you as painful. It's as if the pain threshold in your intestines is lowered.
This hypersensitivity may be linked to a faulty communication between the gut and the brain. We also talk about the "gut-brain axis": your brain misinterprets the signals sent by your Intestine, and vice versa.
2. Intestinal motility disorders
Your colon contracts either too quickly (resulting in diarrhea), too slowly (resulting in constipation), or erratically (resulting in both alternating). These disordered contractions create spasms, pain, and disrupt the normal evacuation of stools.
3. Intestinal dysbiosis (microbiota imbalance)
Your gut flora is imbalanced. There are too many "bad" bacteria (which ferment excessively, produce gas, irritate the mucosa) and not enough "good" bacteria (which protect the intestinal wall, produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids, regulate inflammation). To deepen your understanding of the microbiome and its crucial role in gut health, read our full article on the gut microbiota and how to naturally rebalance it.
This imbalance can be caused by antibiotics, a low-fiber diet, the chronic stress, a gastroenteritis poorly managed (this is the infamous "post-infectious IBS" that affects 10% of people after a stomach flu).
4. Low-grade inflammation
Even if the exams show nothing, there is often a low-grade chronic inflammation in the intestinal mucosa people with IBS. Not enough to be visible during an endoscopy, but sufficient to maintain the symptoms. This inflammation makes the intestinal wall more permeable (the infamous "leaky gut"), which worsens inflammatory reactions.
5. FODMAP Intolerance
FODMAPs are fermentable sugars (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols). They are found in many foods: onions, garlic, apples, pears, wheat, milk, legumes, cabbage, etc.
When one has IBS, these FODMAPs are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They reach the colon where they ferment, producing gas, water (hence the diarrhea), and irritating the mucosa. Hence the symptoms. 75% of people with functional bowel disorder are sensitive to FODMAPs.
6. Stress and emotions
The Stress is not THE cause of IBS, but it is a major aggravating factor. Why? Because your gut is directly connected to your brain via the vagus nerve. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which disrupts intestinal motility, increases intestinal permeability, and exacerbates inflammation.
Conversely, an irritated intestine sends signals to the brain that can create anxiety. It's a vicious circle.
Here you go. You see, the functional colopathy, it is a set of complex mechanisms that intertwine. That's why there is no single solution, but rather a comprehensive approach that takes all these factors into account.
And that's also why a classic detox, which does not take any of these mechanisms into account, can be catastrophic. Let's talk about it.
Why the classic detox is dangerous for IBS
You may have experienced this before. You see an influencer on Instagram praising the benefits of her "3-day lemon ginger juice detox cure." You think to yourself, "Why not, I need to cleanse my system and start fresh." So, you give it a try.
Result? Catastrophe. Excruciating abdominal pain, explosive diarrhea, unbearable bloating, Fatigue extreme. You stop after 24 hours, exhausted and discouraged.
It is not your fault. The problem is that these typical detoxes are designed for "normal" intestines, not for a hypersensitive irritable colon like yours.
Aggressive methods to absolutely avoid
Here are the types of detox that are incompatible with irritable bowel syndrome. If someone recommends them to you, run away.
1. Raw fruit or vegetable detox juices
These fruit-concentrated juices (apple, pear, mango) are packed with Fructose and of FODMAPs. For irritable bowel syndrome, it's a ticking time bomb. Poorly absorbed fructose ferments in the colon, creating gas, bloating, pain, and often diarrhea.
And the vegetable juice Raw? Same problem. Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli), onions, garlic, celery... all of these in raw and concentrated form irritate your hypersensitive intestinal lining.
2. Lemon juice cleanses on an empty stomach
The lemon on an empty stomach, it's a detox classic. The problem? It's extremely acid. If you already have an irritated, potentially inflamed intestine, the acidity of the lemon will worsen the irritation. Not to mention the fact that many people add Cayenne pepper in their morning lemon water. It's like pouring gasoline on a fire.
3. Stimulant laxatives (senna, cascara, buckthorn)
These plants cause violent contractions of the colon. For someone who already has a hyperreactive colon, it's a very bad idea. You risk intense cramps, uncontrollable diarrhea, and in the long term, dependency (your colon can no longer contract on its own).
The Sene In particular, it should be absolutely avoided if you have IBS. It is a powerful laxative used for severe constipation, not for a gentle detox.
4. Enemas or colon hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapy involves the injection of liters of water into the colon to "cleanse" the intestinal walls. In theory, it seems logical. In practice, for a Irritable bowel, it's very risky.
It can cause:
- Of the severe cramps (your colon is already hypersensitive)
- A microbiota imbalance (you "wash away" your good bacteria too)
- A intestinal perforation in extreme cases (rare, but possible if the wall is weakened)
Some people with IBS tolerate occasional gentle enemas, but it really depends on the individual case, and it should be supervised by a professional who is knowledgeable about IBS.
5. Prolonged water fasting
Water fasting (drinking only water for several days) has become very trendy for "regenerating" the body. However, for IBS, it is a risky approach.
Why? Because your gut has need to be regularly nourished with soft foods to maintain its integrity. Prolonged fasting can:
- Worsen the intestinal permeability
- Create a microbiota imbalance (your good bacteria need fiber to survive)
- Cause some rebound symptoms violent when you refeed (your colon reacts poorly to the reintroduction of food)
Petit-déjeuner) est une pratique qui gagne en popularité pour ses potentiels bienfaits sur la santé. breakfast) may be OK for some people with IBS, but water fasting for several days is not.
6. Aggressive detox supplements (excessive activated charcoal, large amounts of chlorella)
The activated charcoal, it is often referred to as a "toxin absorber." That's true. The problem is that it absorbs EVERYTHING: toxins, but also nutrients, vitamins, medications, and even your good gut bacteria.
When taken regularly or in large quantities, activated charcoal can:
- Worsen the Constipation
- Create some nutritional deficiencies
- Disrupt the balance of your gut microbiota
The Chlorella, this green microalgae often recommended for detox is the same. At very high doses (10g+/day), it can cause bloating, of the gas, and of the Diarrhea in sensitive individuals. You will discover in this article how Properly use chlorella to enjoy its benefits without digestive side effects..
I am not saying that these products are bad in themselves. They have their place in certain situations. But for a person with functional colopathy, they should be used in small doses, gradually, and not as part of an "intensive detox cure."
Why these detoxes worsen your functional bowel disorder
Let's summarize: why are these classic detoxes so problematic for IBS ?
1. They are unaware of visceral hypersensitivity.
Your intestine is hypersensitive. Aggressive detox methods (enemas, stimulant laxatives, concentrated juices) create violent stimulations that your colon perceives as painful. It's like pressing on a bruise: it hurts.
2. They further disrupt the microbiota.
Your gut flora is already imbalanced. Aggressive detoxes "wash away" or "eliminate" bacteria (both good AND bad), which worsens dysbiosis. The result: even more bloating, gas, and digestive issues after the detox.
3. They increase intestinal permeability
Overly aggressive methods (lemon acidity, mechanical irritation from enemas, prolonged fasting) further weaken your intestinal mucosa, which is already in poor condition. This increases "leaky gut," which worsens systemic inflammation.
4. They create physiological stress
An intensive detox is a StressFor your body. However, stress (physiological or psychological) is one of the main triggers of functional bowel disorder episodes. You see the problem.
5. They do not take into account intolerances (FODMAPs, gluten, lactose)
Detox juices often contain foods high in FODMAPs (apple, pear, mango, cabbage, onion, garlic). If you are sensitive to FODMAPs, these juices will trigger exactly the symptoms you are trying to relieve. Ironic, isn't it ?
Here is why classic detoxes systematically fail for the functional colopathy. They are simply not suited to your intestinal physiology.
But then, how do you do a detox when you have IBS? This is where the concept of a gentle detox comes in.
Gentle detox: an approach suitable for irritable bowel syndrome
The gentle detox, it is a completely different approach from the aggressive detox cures we just talked about. The idea is not to "violently cleanse" your digestive system. It is to create the conditions for your digestive system to gradually regain its balance.
Specifically, a gentle detox for IBS is based on three principles:
What is a gentle intestinal detox ?
1. Facilitate digestion rather than block it. Instead of fasting or drastically cutting out foods, we will improve your ability to digest what you eat. How? With digestive enzymes, mindful chewing, pre-digested foods such as sprouted seeds.
2. Soothe the inflammation rather than aggravate it. We will introduce gentle anti-inflammatory foods and plants.turmeric in small doses, omega-3, glutamine), while avoiding what irritates your intestinal lining.
3. Re-seed your microbiome rather than destroy it. We will gradually enrich your gut flora with gentle prebiotics (psyllium, low-dose inulin) and probiotics suitable for IBS (specific strains such as Bifidobacterium infantis 35624).
Time is also a key element. A gentle detox for functional colopathy, it is counted in weeks, not in days. We are talking about a protocol of 6 to 8 weeks minimum, with stages, stabilization phases, and above all, observation of your reactions.
The 3 Pillars of an IBS-Friendly Detox
Let me detail these three pillars more concretely, because they are really the foundation of everything we will implement afterwards.
Pillar 1: Enzymatic Facilitation
Your Irritable bowel often has difficulty digesting effectively. As a result, partially digested foods reach the colon, where they ferment excessively. This is what creates gas, bloating, and pain.
The solution? Help your body digest better beforehand. How ?
- Digestive enzymes : Proteases for proteins, lipases for fats, amylases for starches. We discuss this in more detail in part 2, but the enzymes can really make a difference.
- Prolonged chewing : It may seem silly, but chewing each bite 30 times already initiates digestion in the mouth. It significantly reduces the workload of the stomach and intestines.
- Pre-digested foods : Sprouted seeds, kefir, miso, tempeh. The Fermentation or germination pre-digests the nutrients, making them easier to assimilate.
- Meal timing : Allow 3-4 hours between each meal to let the stomach empty completely. Avoid constant snacking.
Pillar 2: Inflammatory Soothing
Low-grade chronic inflammation is one of the central mechanisms of functional colopathy. We won't eliminate it overnight, but we can significantly reduce it.
Soft strategies:
- Glutamine : This amino acid is the preferred fuel for the cells of your intestinal lining. It helps repair and strengthen the intestinal wall.
- Omega-3 : Linseed oil, , chia seeds. Omega-3s are natural anti-inflammatories.
- Turmeric + black pepper : In small doses (starting with a pinch), turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Black pepper increases its bioavailability by 2000%.
- Soothing herbal teas : Roman chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint (note that some people with IBS may not tolerate peppermint well – always test).
- Blond psyllium : This soft soluble fiber forms a gel that coats and protects the intestinal lining while regulating transit.
Pillar 3: Rebalancing the Microbiota
Your gut flora is imbalanced. We will intelligently and gradually reseed it with the right strains.
The action plan:
- Specific probiotics IBS : Not just any probiotics! Strains that have proven themselves in clinical studies on IBS: Bifidobacterium infantis I'm sorry, but it seems like there is no text in French to translate. Could you please provide the text you would like translated?, Lactobacillus plantarum I'm sorry, but the text "299v," does not provide enough context for translation. Could you please provide more information or context?, Saccharomyces boulardii.
- Gentle prebiotics : These are the "foods" for good bacteria. However, be cautious, as traditional prebiotics (large amounts of inulin, FOS) can worsen bloating. It is better to opt for blond psyllium, resistant starch in small doses, and ground flaxseeds.
- Suitable fermented foods : No raw sauerkraut or spicy kimchi to start! We begin with kefir Soft, homemade bifidus yogurt, a bit of miso diluted in a soup.
- Diverse diet : The more different plant-based foods you eat (goal: 30 varieties per week), the more you feed different bacterial strains. But take it gradually !
These three pillars are the foundation. Now, let's see how to put them into practice with a concrete, step-by-step protocol.
Gentle 3-phase detox protocol for functional bowel disorder
Here we go, getting into the specifics. I will detail a protocol that I have seen work on dozens of people with a Irritable bowel. It is a gentle, gradual protocol, over 6 weeks. You can adapt it to your pace – if you need to spend 3 weeks on phase 1 instead of 2, do it. The important thing is to listen to your body.
Phase 1: Facilitate digestion (weeks 1-2)
Objective: Reduce digestive load. Improve your ability to digest food. Soothe acute symptoms.
What you do during these first two weeks:
1. You adopt a simplified diet (low-FODMAP)
During these two weeks, you will follow an approach low-FODMAP Strict. It means temporarily eliminating all FODMAP-rich foods that ferment in your colon.
Allowed foods (low-FODMAP):
- Proteins: Firm tofu, tempeh, seeds: chia, flax, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower
- Starches: White/brown rice, quinoa, potatoes, sweet potatoes, gluten-free pasta (quinoa), gluten-free sourdough bread
- Cooked vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, squash, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes (in small quantities), bell peppers, eggplants, green beans
- Fruits low in fructose: Ripe bananas, blueberries, strawberries (max 10), kiwis, oranges (1/2 per day), pineapple
- Fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado (1/4 per meal)
- Plant-based milks: Almond milk without additives, soy milk, coconut milk
Foods to strictly avoid:
- All dairy products (except clarified butter)
- Gluten (wheat, barley, rye)
- Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.)
- Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots
- Cabbages (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green cabbage)
- Fruits high in fructose (apples, pears, mangoes, cherries, watermelon)
- Artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol)
- Mushrooms
I know, it's a lot of restrictions. But it's temporary. The goal is to calm things down. After these 2 weeks, you will gradually reintroduce certain foods.
2. You add digestive enzymes to each meal.
The digestive enzymes, it is your best ally for this phase. They will facilitate digestion and reduce undigested residues that reach your colon.
Dosage: 1 to 2 broad-spectrum enzyme capsules (proteases, lipases, amylases) at the beginning of each main meal. Look for a product that also contains beta-glucanase and the cellulase (to digest fibers). At Biovie, our enzyme complex is specially formulated for sensitive digestion.
3. You introduce blond psyllium
The Blond psyllium, it is a soft soluble fiber that will do two essential things:
- Regulate your transit (whether you are constipated or have diarrhea)
- Form a protective gel on your intestinal mucosa
Dosage: Start with 1 teaspoon (5g) diluted in a large glass of water, in the evening before going to bed. If you tolerate it well after 3-4 days, increase to 2 teaspoons (10g). Do not exceed 15g per day initially.
Important: Drink LOTS of water with psyllium (at least 250ml). Otherwise, it can cause an intestinal blockage.
4. You chew consciously
It may seem ridiculous, but the chewing is a crucial step in digestion. Objective: 30 to 40 chews per bite. Yes, it's a lot. Yes, your meals will last longer. But it makes a huge difference.
Saliva containssalivary amylase which begins to pre-digest the starches. The more you chew, the less work your stomach and intestines have to do.
5. You drink digestive herbal teas.
Between meals (never during), you can drink soothing herbal teas:
- Roman chamomile (anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic)
- Lemon balm (soothing, reduces spasms)
- Fennel (reduces gas, aids digestion)
Avoid peppermint for now if you have acid reflux. Otherwise, it is excellent for intestinal spasms.
What you should observe after 2 weeks:
Your symptoms should have already subsided. The bloating is less pronounced. The pain is less frequent and less intense. Your digestion is starting to regularize. You may have lost a bit of weight if you were overweight (loss of water and bloating).
Phase 2: Soothe the inflammation (weeks 3-4)
Objective: Reduce intestinal inflammation. Repair the mucosa. Prepare the ground for reseeding the microbiota.
What you continue:
Everything you implemented in phase 1 (low-FODMAP diet, enzymes, psyllium, chewing, herbal teas). You don't change a winning team.
What you add during these two weeks:
1. You introduce L-glutamine
The L-glutamine, it is an amino acid that is the preferred fuel for enterocytes (the cells of your intestinal lining). It helps to repair and strengthen the intestinal wall, which reduces intestinal permeability (the famous "leaky gut").
Dosage: 5g of L-glutamine powder, Once a day, in the morning on an empty stomach, diluted in a glass of water. If you tolerate it well after a week, you can increase to 10g (5g in the morning + 5g in the evening).
Glutamine has a neutral taste, making it easy to take. Some people report an improvement in symptoms as early as the first week.
2. You add anti-inflammatory omega-3s
The omega-3 (EPA and DHA) are powerful anti-inflammatory fatty acids. They reduce systemic and intestinal inflammation.
Sources:
- Linseed oil : 1 tablespoon per day (store in the fridge, never heat)
- Chia seeds : 1 tablespoon ground, to add to a smoothie or yogurt
- Vegetarian sources of omega-3: hemp seeds : 1 to 2 tablespoons per day, walnuts: 4 to 6 walnuts per day, camelina oil : 1 tablespoon per day (cold only)
3. You introduce turmeric in small doses.
The turmeric(and its active compound, curcumin) is an exceptional natural anti-inflammatory. But be careful: at high doses or if improperly prepared, it can irritate the stomach. Let's take it easy.
How to use it:
- Start with a pinch of turmeric powder (about 1/4 teaspoon) in a cooked dish (soup, vegetables).
- Always add some black pepper (a pinch) and a fat (olive oil, coconut oil): it increases the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.
- If you tolerate it well after one week, gradually increase to 1/2 teaspoon per day.
Do NOT take turmeric on an empty stomach or in high-dose supplement form until your intestinal lining is healed.
4. You are increasing your intake of broth or collagen.
A Vegetable broth enriched – prepared with carrots, celery, ginger, turmeric, and a small amount of mild seaweed – supports hydration and provides minerals and digestive soothing. To replace the restorative effect of collagen, you can use L-glutamine, an amino acid essential for the regeneration of the intestinal lining. The ideal dosage is 5 to 10 g per day, in a glass of water, preferably on an empty stomach. You can also supplement with vegetarian-sourced glycine, which plays a similar role in supporting tissue repair and relaxation of the digestive system; the recommended dosage is 1 to 3 g per day, to be diluted in a hot drink. Finally, if you do not consume collagen, you can take a vegetarian complex that stimulates the natural production of collagen, usually containing vitamin C, zinc, silicon, or MSM.
5. You continue with the herbal teas, adding DGL licorice.
The DGL licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated, meaning without the compound that increases blood pressure) is excellent for soothing digestive mucous membranes and reducing inflammation.
Dosage: 1 to 2 chewable DGL licorice tablets, 20 minutes before meals. Or a licorice tea (but make sure it's DGL licorice if you have hypertension).
What you should observe at the end of these additional 2 weeks (end of week 4):
The pain should have significantly decreased. Your stools are more formed and regular. You are starting to have more energy. The bloating is still present, but less intense. Overall, you feel better, even if you're not yet at 100%.
Phase 3: Reseed the microbiota (weeks 5-6)
Objective: Restore balance in your gut flora. Consolidate the improvements achieved. Prepare for long-term maintenance.
What you continue:
Everything! Enzymes, psyllium, L-glutamine, omega-3, turmeric, broth/collagen, herbal teas.
What you add during these two weeks:
1. You introduce specific IBS probiotics
Choose a probiotic with the following strains (ideally all three, but at least the first one):
- Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (the best-documented strain for IBS)
- Lactobacillus plantarum 299v
- Saccharomyces boulardii (especially if you have IBS-D with diarrhea)
Dosage: At least 10 billion CFU per day, to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Treatment of 8 weeks minimum (so you continue after these 6 weeks).
2. You introduce mild fermented foods.
Start with ONE tablespoon of kefirPer day, for 3 days. If it goes well, gradually increase to a small glass (100ml) per day.
Or: 1 teaspoon of miso diluted in a soup or vegetable broth, once a day.
The fermented foods provide natural probiotics AND prebiotics. However, be careful, they may be poorly tolerated at first if your microbiota is very unbalanced. Hence the need for extreme gradualness.
3. You diversify your plant-based diet.
Objective: eat 30 different varieties of plant-based foods during the week. It nourishes a wide variety of bacteria.
Count:
- All the vegetables (squash = 1, carrot = 1, spinach = 1, etc.)
- All fruits (apple = 1, banana = 1, etc.)
- All seeds (chia = 1, flax = 1, pumpkin = 1, etc.)
- All nuts (almonds = 1, walnuts = 1, etc.)
- All legumes (lentils = 1, chickpeas = 1, etc.)
- Herbs and spices (turmeric = 1, ginger = 1, parsley = 1, etc.)
But be careful! Introduce them gradually, in small quantities, and always in cooked form at first. Do not start with 30 new foods all at once.
4. You begin to reintroduce live foods
If you feel ready, you can test a few sprouted seeds. Start with the sweetest: Alfalfa or broccoli. A small handful (20-30g) in a salad or a sandwich, 2-3 times a week.
Sprouted seeds are exceptionally rich in natural digestive enzymes, which aid your digestion. It is a gentle transition to a raw food diet. We discuss it in more detail in part 2.
What you should observe at the end of week 6:
You are generally feeling better. The symptoms of functional colopathy are significantly less present. You have regained a certain regularity in your transit. You can eat more things without triggering a crisis. Your energy has returned. You are starting to consider going out for dinner without anxiety.
Conclusion: you have the basics, now let's go deeper.
Here is the first part! You now have:
- ✅ Understood what the functional colopathy and its mechanisms
- ✅ Identified why classic detoxes are catastrophic for IBS
- ✅ Discover the 3 pillars of a gentle detox suitable for an irritable colon
- ✅ A gentle detox protocol in 3 phases (6 weeks) ready to start
But we're not finished! There are essential elements left to cover to optimize your recovery from IBS:
In part 2 of this article, you will discover:
- Complete functional colopathy diet : foods to prioritize, foods to avoid, meal examples
- Living food for IBS : how to introduce it gradually (sprouted seeds, juice, spirulina, chlorella)
- Digestive enzymes : how to choose and use them effectively
- Quinton marine plasma : a valuable support for your detox
- Long-term maintenance : how to preserve profits
- Mistakes to absolutely avoid
- Complete FAQ : 10 essential questions about IBS and detox
Read part 2 now: Diet, maintenance, and natural solutions for functional colopathy
Take care of yourself. Take care of your gut. It will repay you a hundredfold.
