The colon is a major part of the digestive tract. It is also known as the "large intestine," and it is the site where water, salts and minerals get absorbed into the body from the food you eat. After this process has taken place, the waste that's left behind gets evacuated from the body in the form of feces. Over the course of time, the colon can become blocked up or impacted. Colon cleansing helps to alleviate this problem.
Significance
The colon and the last few inches of the colon, called the rectum, are susceptible to cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the United States. One of the risk factors for developing it is a low fiber diet. When fiber intake is low, waste matter is allowed to sit in your intestines for long periods of time, which can increase your risk. High amounts of fiber are taken with a colon cleanse.
Function
The main function of colon cleansing is to relieve an impacted colon of feces, mucoid plaque, undigested food and bacteria. It is also done to kill parasites and improve the overall function of the colon after it has been cleansed.
Features
Colon cleansing is done by eliminating certain foods, beverages and medications that can cause constipation and are hard to digest. Examples of these include deep-fried foods, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, red meat, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, soda, sweetened teas, processed juices and over-the-counter medications. The diet consists mainly of organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, water and small amounts of organic meats and fish. Dietary herbs and supplements are taken that help push fecal matter out of the colon. Examples of these include aloe vera, ginger, marshmallow, psyllium husks, papaya fruit, slippery elm bark and black walnut hulls. This whole procedure takes anywhere from seven to 30 days. There are kits you can purchase that have all the directions laid out for you. They also include supplements and what time of day to take them.
Colonic Irrigation
Colonic irrigation also goes by the names "colonic hydrotherapy, colon hydrotherapy, colon irrigation" and simply "colonics." This is a type of cleansing that is similar to an ultra-powerful enema. A tool called a "speculum" is inserted into the rectum, and warm water enriched with electrolytes gets pumped into your colon. The impacted waste gets broken up, the water pressure is reversed and the matter is evacuated from your body. This procedure usually takes about an hour.
Warning
When you are doing a colon cleanse or if you are getting a colonic, stay well hydrated. Both of these colon cleansing procedures can cause dehydration. Also, if you are on any medications for other ailments or if you have kidney or heart disease, talk to your doctor about drug interactions.
Expert Insight
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no concrete evidence that colon cleansing is beneficial to the body. If you try one, recognize how your body feels and reacts to it. If it gives you more energy and helps kickstart a positive lifestyle change, then use it. But remember that the idea is to maintain that lifestyle change after you are done.
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