Some people believe that toxins trapped in the colon can cause a variety of ailments, from arthritis to allergies and asthma. Also known as colonic irrigation, colon detox supplement manufacturers claim that removing toxins from the intestines can boost energy, improve the immune system, and promote healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. A review of cleansing supplements shows that many of them contain similar ingredients.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium, also referred to as ispaghula, comes from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. You'll find this herb in over-the-counter laxatives like Metamucil and Serutan. Psyllium works by increasing the flow of fat in bowel movements. It's also used for decreasing symptoms of gastrointestinal cramping and pain and by removing moisture in the colon, and solidifying stool. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that certain breakfast cereals, including Bran Buds and Healthwise, are fortified with psyllium.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara is derived from a shrub native to the western United States and Canada. Cascara, according to the Mayo Clinic, is an oral laxative that stimulates bowel movements by irritating the bowel and forcing moisture into the intestinal tract. On some colon cleansing supplements, this herb is referred to as cascara buckthorn or chittam.
Wasabi
Wasabia japonica, a native Japanese plant, yields a root that can help stimulate digestion. Wasabi has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In 2004, the journal "Nutrition Cancer" published a study indicating a reduced risk of a variety of different cancers was linked to consumption of the wasabi root. It found that wasabi inhibited the growth of cancer cells as well as prohibited their ability to live.
Aloe Vera
While aloe vera is commonly used to treat sunburn or other skin maladies, the Mayo Clinic reports scientific evidence that aloe has strong laxative side effects, which some people should avoid because of its impact on the intestines. Cascara and senna, also laxative herbs, are gentler on the stomach.
Flaxseed
The NIH indicates that flaxseed, like soluble fiber, stimulates the digestive system to process food more quickly. Derived from the non-digestible part of plant-based foods, flaxseed can relieve constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm is produced from the bark of a small tree indigenous to North America. By increasing the flow of urine, slippery elm helps remove water from the intestines, which also increases the bulkiness of stool and relieves diarrhea. Slippery elm also soothes stomach pain by coating the intestines, which protects the stomach from acids caused by ulcers. It contains antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage.
Member Comments