Colon, also known as large intestine, is responsible for extracting water from feces. Colon or large intestine is subdivided into four sections, namely, ascending colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon and transverse colon. Colon cleansing is crucially important to our system. Colon needs to be cleaned properly in order to eliminate bodily wastages. This article sheds light on the necessity of colon cleansing, different risks associated with dirty colon and overview of natural colon cleansing.

The Reason to Cleanse Colon

Our daily diet is full of saturated fat and refined carbohydrate. The excess amount of fat actually makes the feces sticker. Different scientific studies confirmed that increased saturated fat in the diet along with reduced fiber may actually heighten the risk of colon cancer. The extra fat sticking on the wall of the colon may contribute to increasing risk. The refined carbohydrate may also worsen the condition as well. When we take refined carbohydrate in our diet, we actually accumulate substances that are not fully digested and protein precipitates can be left behind to make the colon wall harden.

It is true that even if we take a great care of our health, it does not necessarily mean that we can eliminate fully all of our bodily wastages from our body. Certainly if we care about cleansing our system, especially colon, we may lessen various risks of developing many serious health hazards. A good natural colon cleansing program offers cleansing our bodily wastages at optimum level.

Risk of Dirty Colon

If feces are left behind the colon, it is certainly bad for our health. But of course it is good for bacterial infection. If prolonged infection caused by bacteria persists, it may lead to colon lining. Apart from that, bacterial infection can cause bowel cancer.

Cleanse colon to promote health

Cleansing of colon means detoxification of body. Herbs rich with dietary fibers are particularly beneficial promoting regulated bowel movement. Psyllium functions as natural colon cleansing. It is rich with water-soluble, gel-reducing fiber. In practice, there are two types of dietary fibers, one is soluble and the other one is insoluble. Both of these fibers are helpful in regulating bowel movement. Psyllium is derived from the husks of flaxen psyllium seeds. It is useful in treating various digestive complications such as diarrhea, colitis, constipation and diverticular disorders. It has been widely used in different types of natural colon cleansing program effectively.

Apart from that, Triphala is also used in treating digestive problems and is an integral part of many types of natural colon cleansing program. Most prevalently our regular diets are low in fiber content. These foods have a propensity to decelerate intestinal transmit time ensuing in unbalanced bowel movements. These foods take time to travel to intestine, frequently following in constipation. However, dietary fiber coming under natural colon cleansing program helps in softening and bulking stools. The bulking of stool promotes detoxification from toxic substances within colon as it soaks the attached toxic substances from the intestinal wall.

Benefits of Natural Colon Cleansing Products

The purpose of colon cleansing is to detoxify the system internally in such a fashion that body may contain only a reduced level of toxic substances and bacteria in the body. Human feces consist of different toxic substances and risky bacteria that may cause infection in the blood stream, if normal bowel movements do not take place in a regular fashion.

It may lead to such complications that even become fatal in time. Natural colon cleansing products promote gentle removal of feces as well as of undigested substances concentrated on the bowel wall. It is not a mandatory requirement that you use colon cleansing products that claim to have natural ingredients in it; rather you have the flexibility to use different products that actually promote natural colon cleansing. You may use prune juice, bale fruit, corn syrup, psyllium seed, pears and grape juice to cleanse your colon naturally.

One of my personal training clients was considering a home colon cleanse, and she approached me with some questions. Years ago, she had a colon irrigation which was expensive and quite invasive. I explained to her the many exciting benefits of colon cleansing, and made her aware of what she could expect to experience.

1) Plan To Be Near A Restroom

ESPECIALLY during the first 3-5 days! Depending on the cleansing agents you are taking, the first 3-5 days promote elimination from the bowel. Many individuals have aproximately 6 partially digested meals in the contents of their colon, that need to be eliminated.

In addition to the elimination of solid waste, individuals that are cleansing eliminate large amounts of liquid waste. Most cleansing procedures either encourage, or require a large consumption of water.

The water is a critical factor for flushing waste from the colon. So, if you are considering a home colon cleanse, make sure you are not far away from a restroom!

2) Cleansing Needs To Be A Way Of Life

Many individuals make the mistake of not cleansing on a regular basis. Most experts suggest a colon cleansing approximately every 3 months. Check with your health care provider for your particular needs.

An increase in dietary fiber may decrease the need for cleansing, particularly as frequently as every 3 months. Fiber performs the function of naturally cleansing the colon.

However, fiber will not eliminate the accumulation of toxins.

3) A Cleansing Is Not A Substitute For A Healthy Lifestyle

Cleansing is PART of a healthy lifestyle. If individuals fail to change other poor lifestyle habits, a home colon cleanse can only bring temporary benefits. Generally, cleansing, when incorporated with other lifestyle changes, can be a life changing experience.

So, is a colon cleanse right for you?

If you have a problem with constipation, which option would you choose to remedy the situation?

Over The Counter (OTC) laxative drugs, enemas or purgatives?

Colon hydrotherapy?

Oxygen-based colon cleansers?

Herbal colon cleansers?

OTC laxative drugs usually take about eight to twelve hours to work their way through your system. They are usually taken with warm water the night before so that you experience results by morning. Colon Hydrotherapy needs to be conducted by a skilled technician using highly sterilized equipment. Oxygen-based colon cleansers (which use the oxidation process to “loosen” matter) may work for many, but they do not contain fiber which science has established, as necessary for optimal colon health1. All three of these methods cleanse only the colon—with no viable result on overall health. They do not help to enhance the performance of other eliminatory organs such as the liver, the kidneys, and skin.

Experts say herbal colon cleansers are the better choice because they aid the body in performing the elimination process naturally. They also help to support immune health because they help to maintain a balanced microflora2. Because they are herbal, these colon cleansers are not under the direct supervision of the FDA, but consumers who do their homework will recognize strong natural ingredients and be able to choose a reliable, quality product manufactured by a GMP-certified company.

When making your choice of a colon cleanser, remember these safety tips.

Don’t Become Dehydrated: The body loses fluids when using over–the-counter stimulant laxative drugs and purgatives. These colon cleansers work by absorbing water from the body. This could upset the balance of potassium, sodium, magnesium and phosphorous in the body and can affect the function of vital organs. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration when using any colon cleanser.

Avoid Addictive Colon Cleansers: Some colon cleansing methods simply purge the body of accumulated waste without engaging the peristaltic muscles of the colon (the muscles used to move food along the digestive tract, and ultimately to disposal). Prolonged use of such colon cleansers causes peristaltic muscles to lose their natural ability to contract leading to greater dependence on laxative drugs. There are a growing number of people who use laxative drugs as a means to lose weight. This is not safe and can present a number of health risks.

Don’t Wash Out Good Bacteria: Prolonged use of OTC laxative drugs and colon hydrotherapy treatment can lead to a weakened immune system since such treatments wash out necessary bacteria and the protective mucus lining. Good bacteria are needed to produce certain nutrients, immune cells and to maintain the colon health. 2

Consult your Doctor: If you suffer from frequent bouts of constipation or diarrhea you should consult your doctor who may want to perform a thorough examination. Ask your doctor about taking a colon cleansing product that adequately suits your needs.

Pregnant and Nursing Women are advised not to wait until after nursing before taking any medications since certain ingredients could harm or adversely affect baby’s delicate health. Such women should consult their doctors before taking any type of medication.

Allergen Sensitivities: Always check if the product contains gluten or other allergens that could trigger a reaction. Many colon cleansers are gluten free and allergen sensitive. Check for these and consult your doctor before taking any colon cleanser.

Colon Cleansing and Prescription Medicine: If you are taking prescription medicine, you should consult with your doctor before starting a colon cleanser program. Ingredients found in certain colon cleansers could effect, react with or dilute the efficacy of the prescription drug.

Medical Conditions: If you are suffering from diabetes do not use laxatives which could contain dextrose, fructose or sucrose–ingredients found in many natural laxatives. If you are suffering from an inflamed appendix or have a fever, or are suffering from vomiting, nausea, or other maladies or health disorders, it is advisable that you do not use a colon cleanser unless it is recommended by your doctor.

Safety for Children: Colon cleansers are not intended for children. Do not administer a colon cleanse product to your child without consulting your doctor first. Keep colon cleansers and other medicines away from the reach of children. Many laxative drugs come in the form of chocolates or flavored syrups which can be very tempting to children.

Proper Storage: Many colon cleansers require you to store them in a cool, dry place or keep them refrigerated. Read the instructions on the label and follow through on them for efficacy of ingredients.

Follow Instructions Carefully: There are colon cleansing programs that require restrictions on your diet. Some may even require you to fast. Others simply require you to drink 8 glasses of water. Read through all instructions carefully and follow them closely. Colon cleansing products will also include contraindications on the labels. Be careful to check if any of contraindications apply to your particular situation. Again,—it is important that you consult your doctor before choosing a colon cleansing method.

Safety is vital when choosing a colon cleansing product. A reliable, trusted manufacturer will ensure a quality product with ingredients that are safe for your body. Study the ingredients and how they work in the body. Many herbs have been studied extensively in recent research studies. The main aim of colon cleansing is not only to provide safe and immediate relief from constipation, but to aid in regulating your system for natural cleansing and elimination of waste.. Nutritional colon cleansing can help to strengthen the functions of the eliminatory organs, thus supporting optimal general health.

References:

Vopr Pitan. 1998 ;(1):39-42. Dietary fibers in diet therapy. PMID: 9606867 Infection and Immunity. 1973 July; 8(1): 30-35. Effect of Colon Flora and Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Growth In Vitro of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae. Department of Medicine, The Medical College of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129.