If you must strain to have a bowel movement, or sit and wait for one to occur, you are constipated to some degree because normal bowel movements are softly formed and pass easily.
Consider a colon cleanse whenever you see signs of toxicity or congestion (again, in the absence of a medical condition) which indicate that the colon is toxic.
Also look at your water intake. You may not be taking in enough fluids to keep waste moving thru the colon.
Signs of normal bowel movement: If you go to the bathroom at least two times a day, with bowel movements consisting of soft, unformed, fairly odorless stool of a honey-colored consistency, you most likely have a fairly clean colon. More on good b.m. characteristics
Signs of toxicity or colon congestion: If your bowel movements do not meet the above criteria, you most likely have toxicity and would feel better with a colon cleanse.
Some signs of poor elimination are bowel movements that consist of hard balls of stool rather than soft, slender strings of stool, or having to strain to eliminate. More on bad b.m. characteristics.
How often should a person do a colon cleanse? I usually suggest a detoxing fully at least twice a year if you eat processed foods, white flour products, fried foods, refined sugar, etc.. and if you are under stress often.
In addition, if you work in environments that are toxic (beauty salons, around paint or auto fumes, printing houses, copy places, welding atmospheres, either as a welder or near welding, etc..) then you probably would benefit from a heavy metal cleanse once or twice a year as well, to keep levels of heavy metals concentration down.
When working in environments like those mentioned above, which are known sources of heavy metals, if you begin to exhibit symptoms of heavy metals poisoning, it's a good idea to get yourself tested.
Reducing your need for a colon cleanse: Of course, you can reduce the chances of colon congestion by greatly reducing or completely eliminating the following, as well .... processed foods, fried foods, white flour products, refined sugar, etc. while upping your intake of pure water and high-fiber foods.
Moderate exercise, 2 to 3 times a week, will also be helpful in promoting healthy elimination.
Symptoms of Parasitic Infestation
Avoiding a healing crisis
Choosing your detox program Ask a healer - Recommended for Full Body Detox
Detoxing and Cleansing Health Disclaimer: Colon cleansing is considered safe for otherwise healthy individuals. However, those with any type of colon health issue at all, no matter how mild it may be, need to check with their doctor before doing a colon cleanse. In particular, colon cleanses may be contraindicated for those with IBS, diverticulitis, colon cancer or Crohn's Disease. If you experience symptoms associated with any of these conditions, it is advised to get a medical evaluation before doing a cleanse.