Many people feel that colon cleansing is necessary to maintain their health. Of the several methods available, drinking a mixture of psyllium husks and bentonite clay in water is one of the easiest and most popular. Medical professionals hold strong opinions regarding the mixture, both pro and con, and some who use the methods suffer discomfort while others swear by it. Little scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of bentonite cleansing is available, however.
Colon Cleansing Controversy
Colon cleansing is an extremely controversial subject with very little middle ground, according to "The Whole Way to Natural Detoxification." Some medical professionals believe that the health of the body reflects the health of the colon and that colon cleansing is necessary for good health. Others say there is no medical reason to cleanse the colon and that regular bowel movements may be assured by eating a proper diet, drinking enough water and exercising regularly. Those who are opposed to colon cleansing believe that such measures are enough to keep the bowels clean and in working order. Opposed individuals include homeopaths, who believe that colon cleansing causes the body to lose vital fluids.
Colon Cleansing Methods
There are several methods of colon cleansing, as stated by "The Whole Way to Natural Detoxification." These include enemas, which flush the lower intestines, and colonics, in which special equipment is used to clean the entire colon. A third method is a clay and fiber cleanse. In this case, a fibrous material, such as psyllium husks, and a clay, such as bentonite, are combined to remove accumulated, caked-on materials from the colon.
Psyllium
Psyllium is a hardy perennial plant that grows wild around the world, according to "The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines." Its seeds and husks are widely used to treat both constipation and diarrhea. The seeds and husks of the psyllium are found in many commercial laxatives.
Bentonite
Bentonite is a clay formed from volcanic rock or ash, according to the European Bentonite Producers Association. When combined with water, it swells to approximately 12 times its original size. Its main medical and personal care uses are as a bulk laxative and as a base for skin care preparations, says "Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary."
Bentonite Cleanse Instructions
"The Whole Way to Natural Detoxification" provides the following directions for a bentonite cleanse: Mix one tablespoon of a liquid bentonite solution with 4 oz. of water. Add 1 tablespoon of psyllium husks, cover and shake well. If you cannot find liquid bentonite solution, you may make your own using 2 oz. of bentonite and 1 quart of water; shake well and let stand 12 hours before using. Drink the mixture quickly after you shake it and follow with 8 oz. of water. Do this three times a day between meals for three or four days. Do not eat for two hours before and two hours after each dose. Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day. If you are using a homemade bentonite solution, store the mixture in a cool place out of direct sunlight and dispose of any remaining solution at the end of your cleanse.
What to Expect
If you become constipated, take extra vitamin C and magnesium or use a plain water or coffee enema, says "The Whole Way to Natural Detoxification." Some people feel abdominal discomfort when the psyllium expands in the bowel, and some report passing substances of various sizes and shapes. The cleanse removes unwanted bacteria, yeast and parasites but may remove beneficial bacteria as well. It is a good idea to take acidophilus powder for at least five days after the cleanse.
Cautions
Psyllium is one of the safest laxatives known, says "The Whole Way to Natural Detoxification." However, it should not be taken by people who have intestinal tract blockages or hardening of the esophagus or intestinal tract. Diabetics also should not take it. Pregnant women should not take this or any other laxative without speaking with their doctors. In rare cases, people have allergic reactions to psyllium.
Bentonite contains aluminum, according to "Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary," albeit in small amounts. Some people have concerns about ingesting it even in very small amounts.
References
- "The Whole Way to Natural Detoxification" Jacqueline Krohn, M.D., M.P.H., Frances Taylor, M.A., and Jinger Prosser, L.M.T.; 1996
- "The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines" Andrea Peirce; 1999
- European Bentonite Producers Association: What is Bentonite?
- "Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary, 4th Edition"; Kenneth N. Anderson, Editor; 1994
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