Colon Cleansing
Toxins in the colon can cause health problems for some
people as they build up over time, even when people
have regular bowel movements.
Colon cleansing is a
way of removing these toxins from the colon, purifying
the colon and typically preventing health
complications. However, because colon cleansing is
generally seen as a form of alternative medicine, many
doctors don’t recommend it for their patients. Effects of Colon Toxins
Toxins in the colon are believed to have many negative
effects on the body, causing:
- aches and pains
- constipation
- depression
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- headaches
- poor skin
- skin spots.
Similarly, while the colon itself can also experience
irritation and inflammation, toxins in the colon may
affect the entire body, as they are circulated through
blood flow.
In extreme cases, an inflamed colon can cause
diverticulitis,
a condition that causes fever and abdominal pain. This
is a serious condition that needs immediate medical
assistance.
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The Toxic Colon
Explained
When the colon becomes irritated, sometimes due
to diet, stress, alcohol, drugs or other
substances, it produces a layer of mucus to
protect itself. This mucus builds up along the
walls of the colon and can combine with
substances produced by refined foods. This
buildup, which can weigh several pounds, can
provide a breeding ground for harmful
substances.
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Colon Cleansing Methods
To rid the body of colon toxins, people can cleanse
their colons in a variety of ways. Similarly,
colon cleansing can be done quickly or slowly,
depending on the preferences of the patient. Here are
some of the more popular methods of colon cleansing:
- getting colonic irrigation, an in-office procedure
in which a doctor or specialist inserts a tube in the
anus and flushes it out with water (more on this
procedure below)
- eating colon cleansing diet, or natural colon
cleansing
- taking colon cleansing herbs.
Colonic Irrigation
Although colonic irrigation is the quickest method of
colon cleansing, the side effects can be difficult to
deal with, leading many doctors to avoid recommending
this procedure to their patients. For approximately
five days after colonic irrigation, patients may
experience:
- aches and pains
- anxiety
- depression
- exhaustion
- fever
- irritability
- migraines or blinding headaches
- nausea or flu symptoms
- panic attacks
- weepiness.
However, for those who have experienced the negative
effects of a toxic colon for long periods of time, these
effects of colonic irrigation may be worth it in the
long run.
While a number of people believe colonic irrigation
can be beneficial, many doctors view the procedure as
unnecessary and even as potentially harmful to the body
for the following reasons:
- Colon cleansing can lead to dehydration or a
sodium imbalance, as these substances are absorbed by
the colon to maintain the body’s fluid and electrolyte
balance.
- The colon eliminates waste and bacteria on its
own.
Doctors who are against colon cleansing recommend a
lot of water and a high-fiber diet to reduce symptoms of
constipation.
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Daily Fiber
Recommendations
To avoid needing colon cleansing at all, many
doctors recommend getting the right amount of
fiber:
- 21 grams a day for women over age 50
- 25 grams a day for women under age 50
- 30 grams a day for men over age 50
- 38 grams a day for men under age 50.
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Colon Cleansing Diet, Herbs and Products
While many doctors maintain that colon cleansing is
unnecessary, certain dietary recommendations can help
to cleanse the colon without the use of colonic
irrigation. See a doctor for specific recommendations
before beginning any new diet plan.
Dietary recommendations include:
- drinking plenty of water to aid against fluid
retention
- eating a diet of about 50 percent raw food
- including linseed in your diet
- including products like Metamucil or Citrucel in
your diet.
Many colon cleansing products simply combine colon
cleansing herbs into one powder or dietary supplement.
Colon cleansing herbs include:
- barberry rootbark
- cascara sagrada aged bark
- cayenne pepper
- curacao
- fennel
- garlic
- ginger
- senna leaves
- turkey rhubarb.
While these herbs may help with
colon cleansing, some
doctors are still not completely satisfied with the
effects of colon cleansing herbs. If you are
experiencing any symptoms that you think could the
results of a toxic colon, see a doctor for treatment
recommendations.
Resources
Picco, Michael, M.D. (2007).
Colon Cleansing: Is it
helpful or harmful? Retrieved October 8, 2007,
from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cleansing/AN00065.
Relfe, Stephanie (2007).
Colon Cleansing:
Natural Health for Your Intestines. Retrieved
October 8, 2007, from the Health Wealth and Happiness
Web site: http://www.relfe.com/colon_cleansing.html.
Trickett, Shirley and Brody, Karen (2007).
Colon Cleansing.
Retrieved October 8, 2007, from the InnerSelf Web
site: http://www.innerself.com/Health/colon_cleansing.htm.
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