The colon's primary functions are to absorb water and minerals and to eliminate wastes. A host of ailments are variously attributed to an improperly functioning colon, from obvious ones, such as constipation and hemorrhoids, to more controversial ones, such as headaches and lowered immune function. Some methods for cleansing the colon are simple enough to carry out in conjunction with normal daily activities, while others require setting aside several hours or days to complete.
Enemas and Colonics
Also known as hydrotherapy, enemas address the lower section of the colon, and are useful at relieving constipation, and can be easily self-administered. Colonics reach higher into the colon and must be administered by a qualified professional under proper sanitary conditions. Pure filtered water, or water with medicinal herbal extracts, is used to flush out the contents of the colon. Along with wastes, toxins and pathogens, water, minerals, and beneficial bacteria are removed. Care must be taken to replenish lost fluids, nutrients, and intestinal flora. Dangers of colonics include perforation of the colon, infection, and allergy to the tubing material or any additives in the irrigation solution.
Medicinal Cleansing Herbs
Some colon cleansing herbs, such as aloe vera, cascara sagrada, fennel and senna have properties that simulate the bowel. Aloe, along with buchu, goldenseal and licorice has an anti-inflammatory effect on the membrane lining of the colon. Grapefruit seed kills parasites. Fennel, goldenseal, and turmeric are antibacterial. Another plant-based supplement for colon cleansing is psyllium seed, which contains fiber to add bulk to the stool and mucilage to relieve inflammation. Cautions with the use of herbs include dehydration or electrolyte imbalance from the laxative and diuretic effects, and reliance on the herbs to stimulate bowel function. Some can interfere with drug absorption, as well, according the American Council on Science and Health.
Oxygen-Based Cleansers
Oxygen-based cleansers are thought to help remove built-up waste while sparing and even promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, and are more gentle on the system than colonics. They are made of ozonated magnesium oxide and other oxygenating compounds that release oxygen, which permeates throughout the colon and is able to reach places in the colon that water irrigation cannot, according to the website colon-cleanse-constipation.com.
Absorbent Compounds
Bentonite clay and activated charcoal are used to absorb impurities in the colon. Bentonite, made from volcanic ash, works by attracting oppositely-charged molecules of metals, pathogens and toxins, and removing them. Activated charcoal is made from burnt coconut shell or wood, and is prized for its properties of adsorption, or adhesion, as well as absorption, or soaking up. These can be constipating and should be used along with fiber, such as psyllium or flax seed, and plenty of water. They should also be taken apart from medications, according to Associated Content.
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