The colon plays a significant role in preserving health and preventing illness, and a broad range of philosophies on the healing attributes of colon cleansing abounds. The microbial flora present in the colon serve a number of important digestive and immune functions, which benefit from periodic cleansing and restoration. Benefits to colon function and overall health are observed when safe and appropriate cleansing methods are used.
The Benefits of Colon Detox
Immune disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and some allergies, stem from a disordered relationship between the colon and intestinal bacteria, according to Cathryn Nagler, Massachusetts General Hospital. These normal inhabitants of the colon direct the immune system to produce T cells and B cells, produce certain vitamins and help with the digestion of food. Use of antibiotics and other medications, stress and poor diet, among other factors, can deplete the population of beneficial bacteria and lead to overgrowth of pathogens, lowered immunity, allergies and a cascade of illness. Periodic colon cleansing replenishes healthy balance and function of this important interface between the body and the external environment.
Diet and Nutritional Methods
Fasting, and nutritional and herbal supplementation are useful methods of cleaning the colon from the inside out. Fasting can take many forms and should be tailored to the individual's needs and goals for safety and best result. Whether with water only or with fresh fruit, and vegetable juices, the colon takes a much needed respite during a cleanse. The absence of toxins and wastes associated with modern processed and chemical-laden foods helps improve the efficiency of the colon's filtration and elimination functions. Nutritional supplementation with probiotics ensures a strong population of beneficial microbes, whose presence serves to discourage the growth of pathogens. Recommended herbs include aloe vera and golden seal to reduce inflammation, grapefruit seed to kill parasites, and senna and cascara sagrada to stimulate elimination.
Physical Methods
Enemas and colonics are used to irrigate the colon, and laxatives are used to purge the colon. Dr. Nicholas Gonzales, M.D. is a proponent of coffee enemas, which he says are able to stimulate the liver to function better. The irrigation effect of colonic therapy reaches into the diverticula to remove waste that is retained in pockets there to prevent infection. Roni Deluz, RN, ND, Ph.D. recommends a laxative tea made of slippery elm, licorice root, flax seeds, senna and carob.
Cautions
Fasting should always be done with caution to prevent blood sugar and blood pressure from dropping excessively. Joel Furman, M.D. cautions against fasting while on medications. Along with removal of fecal material from the colon in a purge-type cleanse, water and healthy bacteria are lost. Care should be taken to recolonize the intestinal tract with probiotics and to rehydrate. Colonics have been known to occasionally result in perforation injury and allergic response to the tubing equipment. Laxative herbs cause dependence and should be used sparingly.
Controversies
Detractors of detoxification say there is no real evidence for toxification, per se, such as impacted fecal material lining the walls of the intestines, or proven toxic levels of metals, such as mercury in dental fillings, as described by the pro-cleansing community, according to Aurora Health Care. Nor, they say, is there sufficient evidence of the removal of these materials through detoxification procedures. Most detoxification protocol simply remain unexamined by scientific methods and have not been proven or disproven, their support coming from empirical evidence, such as the subjective reported outcomes from their practitioners.
Member Comments