The colon plays an important role in the elimination of wastes from the body. After food passes out of the small intestine, it enters the large intestine, where the colon removes salts and water from the partially-digested food. When the colon does not function properly, it removes too much or too little water from the food, resulting in constipation or diarrhea. Several natural ingredients produce a colon cleansing effect to prevent these problems.
Psyllium
Psyllium seed acts as a colon cleanser and laxative, producing a bowel movement without the harsh effects of chemical laxatives. University of Wisconsin Waukesha reports that this natural ingredient also helps flush harmful bacteria and fungal organisms from the intestinal tract. Psyllium seeds have husks that contain viscous mucilage, a type of functional fiber that adds bulk to the stool.
This substance also absorbs water, which helps prompt more frequent elimination. Gas and bloating may occur with the use of psyllium because of its fiber content. Discuss the use of this substance with a physician if you have kidney disease or take any medications, as psyllium can interfere with the absorption of some drugs.
Senna
Some colon cleansers contain senna, a plant-based ingredient that produces a stimulant effect on the colon. This shrub grows approximately 2 feet high and has leaflets grouped in four or five pairs. Colon cleansing preparations contain the leaves or pods of the senna plant. Dr. Janice Rafferty, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at the University of Cincinnati, reports that senna causes contractions of the intestinal muscles. This causes the colon to push stool into the anus for elimination.
While senna offers colon cleansing benefits without some of the effects of harsh chemical laxatives, this ingredient is not without risks. Dr. Rafferty notes that frequent use of senna and similar products may cause the colon to stop contracting properly.
Cascara Sagrada
Like senna, cascara sagrada also promotes increased muscle contraction in the intestines. This natural ingredient also triggers the nerve response that stimulates movement of the bowels. After the intestine absorbs this ingredient, it enters the circulatory system and stimulates the autonomic nervous system. Some controversy exists regarding the safety and efficacy of this ingredient. The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy reports that the Food & Drug Administration does not consider products made with this ingredient "generally recognized as safe and effective." As a result, the FDA banned over-the-counter products made with cascara sagrada on November 5, 2002.
References
- University of Wisconsin Waukesha: Top 100 Food & Benefits
- UC Academic Health Center: Fiber---Not Fast Fix 'Colon Cleansing' Products---Key to Colorectal Health
- UIC College of Pharmacy: Why Did the FDA Ban Anthrquinone Derivatives in Over-the-Counter Stimulant Laxatives?
- Linus Pauling Institute: Fiber
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Psyllium
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