Colon cleansing can rid the body of toxins in the intestines that can cause a variety of health problems. Removing these toxins can boost your immune system, give you more energy, clear up your skin and help good gut flora to flourish. Colon cleansing, also called colonic irrigation, may also be used as a short-term cure for constipation, but if you suffer from chronic constipation, see your doctor to determine the cause.
Enema
An enema can be done at home easily and inexpensively. It involves inserting a thin tube into your rectum and flushing out the lower part of your digestive system with water. The water will cause peristalsis, the contraction of the muscles in your colon that help to push waste out. Peristalsis combined with the extra water will carry out excess waste.
Laxatives
Laxatives are a stool softener taken orally. Laxatives soften fecal matter and cause the muscle of your intestine to contract, which leads to a bowel movement. There is some evidence that you can become dependent on laxatives, if they are over-used. Chronic laxative abuse is classified as an eating disorder and can damage the colon and increase the risk of colon cancer.
Psyillum Husk
Psyllium husks are a high fiber plant material often found in herbal colon cleansers. The fiber binds with any waste in the intestines and helps move it through your digestive system and out. The same results can be achieved by changing your diet to include more fiber from raw fruits and vegetables and legumes. Just 1 cup of kidney beans contains 15g of fiber, 60 percent of the RDA.
Oxygen-Based Cleansers
Activated oxygen is taken orally, usually in capsule form, and can help remove impacted fecal material. There is little risk of discomfort with oxygen-based cleansers, but with all colon cleansing products there is a risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Drink plenty of water and eat foods that contain potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium
Hydrotherapy
Also known as a colonic, this method does require special equipment and should be done by a licensed professional. Warm filtered water is gently pushed into the colon through the anus. Often the stomach area is massaged during the hydrotherapy session to loosen more impacted fecal matter. This is the most intense and therefore most dangerous form of colon cleansing. All bacteria can be flushed out, including friendly gut flora known as probiotics that are essential for proper digestion. The pressure of the water can cause a perforation or tear in the colon wall and there us a risk your body could absorb too much water which could cause nausea, vomiting or fluid in the lungs. You also run the risk of infection, if the equipment was not properly cleaned before use.
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