Another Opinion about Colon Cleansing: Is it Harmful or Helpful
Personal opinions are not a valid way to prove the effectiveness of any treatment. Generally, the process of natural cleansing is harmless and it avoids use of any harmful material. However, apparently when taken to extremes, an obsession with inner purification can be harmful.
Many people find that Colon cleansing is a fad that has made another appearance and if you are of the same opinion and find that it’s not helpful, then avoid cleansing of the colon.
Word of caution: Even if you are one of those who find that this simple procedure is harmless still do your research before you use any product or supplement offered to you.
Doing an online search on the term “colon cleansing” can result the search result pages loaded with listings of products to cleanse colon. Kits of herbal formulas, capsules and even products boasting the benefits of using oxygen they all are presented on the pages and inviting the reader to give them a try to improve their colon or even overall health.
Recently there are so many talks about the “health benefits” of the detoxification of the colon:
- Increased energy,
- Curing asthma and arthritis,
- Even improving of overall health.
However, still you can find people who find that it is unnecessary and can be harmful. A popular opinion of many individuals is that there are very few scientific and medical evidences proving these health benefits if any.
When it comes to colon cleansing this procedure is prescribed by physicians as a preparation for a medical procedure such as a colonoscopy. Since the digestive system naturally eliminates waste and bacteria from the body, there is no additional need in colon cleansing — often it’s unnecessary, none recommended for detox and sometimes it even may be harmful.
Among the methods of colon cleansing one of them involves irrigating the entire colon — it’s done by flashing the colon with water and the addition of herbs or enzymes.
Although the procedure isn’t painful there is always the risk of damage to the rectum. Improper insertion of the enema tubing can result perforation while non-sterilized utensils can be source of a serious infection.
Colon cleansing products usually contain special herbs claiming to be friendly for human body: Bentonite clay, Psyllium husks, Flaxseeds, Senna and Cascara sagrada they could be among the ingredients in the supplements available on the market.
Senna and cascara sagrada are strong laxative agents, derived from herbs. Bentonite clay in turn is used to make cement and cat litter. According to the promoters of this type of product Bentonite clay is absorbing toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and helping to detoxificationof the system.
Often into this type of colon cleansing products also is added Psyllium husks. The manufacturers claim that it prevents from the clay adhering to the walls of the intestines.
It’s worthwhile to note that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate herbs and supplements.
There are also products that supposedly introduce mono-atomic oxygen to the large intestines to liquefy the waste products.
According to the recommendations of the manufacturer, the consumer has to take four capsules of supplement with an eight ounce glass of water at bedtime to experience three to five bowel movements the following day. If the dosage isn’t enough to achieve 3-5 bowel movements a day additional two capsules have to be taken.
The user can continue this regime for seven consecutive days according to the package label of Oxy-Powder colon cleanser product.
These recommendations are somewhat confusing, as although a normal number of daily bowel movements can vary among individuals, more than three unformed bowel movements daily constitutes diarrhea.
Two main risks with colon cleansing products are:
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
…that in turn can lead to cardiac and neurological complications.
Additionally frequent use of colon cleansers can interfere with normal colon function and over the time it can result into a dependency on the laxative, enema, or colon cleansing product for regular bowel movement.
So, it’s up to you whether you follow a popular opinion of the proponents of cleansing the colon or stay away from this procedure. In either case, it’s always the best to consult your doctor and get a professionals’ opinion.
