Natural colon cleanser

Naturally cleaning out the colon, or large intestine, is a practice that is decades old. Colon cleansing techniques include teas, enzymes, colon irrigation, and more. Colon irrigation is one that has to be done in a doctor’s office (although it is still natural) and the others can be done in the comfort of your own home. It may seem like an odd practice, but the reasons for doing it are legit. Let’s take a look at the idea behind colon cleansing, why you might need it, the different types of cleansing techniques, and any effect it might have.

The Idea Behind Colon Cleansing
A major theory behind the practice of colon cleansing is that of autointoxication, or the belief that undigested meat and other foods can cause mucus to build up in the colon; this produces toxins that can circulate into the bloodstream, poisoning the body. There is speculation that the symptoms resulting from such an intoxication include fatigue, headache, weight gain, and low energy. However, the effect of “toxins” in the colon is most likely related more to the nervous system because reflexes in the bowel affect the entire nervous system. Many symptoms caused by constipation can be relieved by an enema, and the effect of colon cleansing is similar to that.

Natural Colon Cleansing: The Goal
Those who produce and support colon cleansing products and practitioners who do colon irrigation all have the same goal in mind: to clear the colon of filthy, toxic waste buildup on the walls of the colon. By getting rid of this, the body will be as good as new! Secondary goals include:

  • Improving mental outlook
  • Improving the immune system
  • Weight loss
  • Lowering the risk of colon cancer

Although there isn’t enough evidence to back this up, colon cleansing has also been studied in an effort to treat certain conditions:

  • Fecal incontinence
  • Care for ostomy, or a surgical connection between an intestine and the outside of the body
  • Spasm during colonoscopy
  • Drug withdrawal
  • Before and during bowel surgery

Colon Cleansing Techniques

Powdered or Liquid Supplements: this is a technique that can be done at home. You take certain products by mouth or through the rectum in an effort of forcing the colon to rid of its contents. These products can be bought in supermarkets, over the internet, or in pharmacies.

  • Enemas
  • Laxatives
  • Strong herbal teas
  • Enzymes
  • Powders
  • Antiparasite capsules

Irrigation Techniques: colon irrigations are performed by colon hygienists or colon therapists. A colon irrigation is similar to an enema, but they involve a lot more water and no discomfort or foul odors. This is how it works:

  • You lie on a table, and a machine flushes up to 20 gallons of water through a tube inserted into your rectum.
  • Once the water is in the colon, the therapist will massage the abdomen.
  • The therapist will then flush out the water through another tube.
  • The process may be repeated and the whole session can last up to an hour.
  • A variety of water temperatures and pressures will be used, sometimes in combination with enzymes, herbs, coffee, or probiotics.

Side Effects of Colon Cleansing
Natural does not always mean safe. Colon practices and products are not regulated by the government, and each state has its own rules as to whether or not “colon practitioners” must be licensed. It is best, for your sake, to choose one that is licensed and who follows safe and standard procedures. If you plan on doing it yourself, talk with your physician first.

Now, about the side effects. The more colon cleanses you have, the more risks you are setting yourself up for. On the other hand, if the irrigation is performed by a licensed physician using the right equipment, the risk for side effects is really low. Here are the possible side effects:

  • Vomiting, nausea
  • Cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Dehydration
  • Strings of mucus in the bowel movement
  • Potential interactions with medications
  • Bowel perforation
  • Infection
  • An allergic reaction (if the therapist adds another substance  to the water)

Reasons Against Colon Cleansing
First of all, some people should not have or do any type of colon cleansing. They include:

  • Diverticulitis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Tumors in the rectum or colon
  • Those who have had recent bowel surgery
  • Those with heart disease or kidney disease
  • Young children should not have colon cleanses

Second of all, some people disagree with the colon cleansing practice in general for different reasons. The little reasons are based off the idea that the colon doesn’t need help cleansing itself because bowel movements are sufficient to clear it of any toxins or waste. Here is why:

  • Natural bacteria present in the colon detoxify waste.
  • The liver can also detoxify waste.
  • The colon has mucus membranes that keep unwanted substances from re-entering the bloodstream.
  • The colon, like all organs, sheds its cells every few days, preventing a buildup of any harmful substances.
  • Increasing the number of bowel movements does not increase or stimulate weight loss because the body absorbs most of its calories before it reaches the large intestine.

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Last updated on Jun 23rd, 2010 and filed under Digestive Health. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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