Why Is It Important To Cleanse Your Colon?

The primary benefit of cleansing your colon, according to naturopath and nutritionist Dr. Terri Hawkins-Fox, owner of Natural Rejuvenations Health Clinic, is that it clears away debris and toxins from the digestive system, which ultimately aids the immune system. Presently, there is no scientific proof that maintaining a clean colon assists in preventing or improving any health problems or diseases, but some health care practitioners have seen positive results in their patients. Proper colon cleansing techniques need to be used with professional supervision.

The Dirty Colon

The colon is not a part of the body that evokes thoughts of cleanliness and purity, especially when you consider what can lurk in the average 6 feet of large intestine. One of the most sensitive topics concerning the digestive system is the fact that billions of humans have one or more parasitic infections, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasitologist Dr. Omar Amin believes that as many as 50 percent of children have worm parasites, a problem that continues to go mostly undiagnosed. Because the colon is the dumping ground for the rest of the body, it can accumulate toxins and unprocessed fecal matter quickly. Colon experts say that an unhealthy large intestine of a constipated individual can house 40 pounds or more of fecal matter, where bowels that move daily will carry only 5 to 20 pounds of waste.

Problems of an Unhealthy Colon

Dr. Hawkins-Fox notes that most people don't think about their colon until it begins to affect their health. She claims that because the healthy transit time for food to travel through the body is under 24 hours, lingering waste becomes toxic due to rapid decomposition, and this toxic substance is then absorbed back into the body, causing health problems in the digestive tract, liver, heart, skin, joints, eyes, kidneys, and even to the point of chronic illness and degenerative disease.

Types of Colon Cleansing

Different types of colon cleanses are used for various purposes and stages of toxicity. The two main types of colon cleansing are those that are done via laxatives, herbs, supplements and/or dietary changes and those that involve "washing the colon" using water irrigation, or colonics, or enemas. The most important thing is to seek professional advice from your health care provider before embarking on any cleansing regimens.

Considerations

Gastroenterologist Dr. Robert Russell suggests that extreme methods of colon cleansing are not necessary to keep the body balanced and that individuals should be careful before choosing to use any products or cleansing methods. He recommends that people who get constipated need to primarily adhere to a better diet that includes whole grains, fiber, fresh vegetables, fruits and beans. Also, drinking plenty of water and regular exercise helps you stay regular.

Warning

The public should be aware of reports of false claims, tainted herbal products and quackery associated with colon cleansing, according to research done at the Langone Medical Center at NYU. The standard for cleansing products does not meet that of pharmaceutical-grade drugs.