Many modern day detox diets, such as the Master Cleanse, suggest a salt water colon cleanse to jump start the plan. A salt water cleanse consists of drinking as much as one-quart of salt water to flush the intestinal tract. Science does not support the beneficial claims attached to this cleansing ritual. In fact, Michael Picco, M.D. from MayoClinic.com states that colon cleansing is not only unnecessary, but may have risks, such as dehydration. If you decide a saltwater cleanse is right for you, talk to your doctor first to ensure the process with not do more harm than good.
Constipation Relief
A salt water colon cleanse may be one cost-effective way to relieve constipation. The formula calls for sea salt or non-iodized salt mixed with one quart of lukewarm water. The participant drinks the entire mixture all at once. The process pushes out blockages that may be leading to constipation. There are other methods for relieving the discomfort of constipation that are less severe than salt water cleanses, such as a laxative or stool softener. The advantage of the cleansing procedure is almost immediate relief where as a chemical product may take hours even days to help.
Overall Health
Sites such as The Fasting Path boast about the health benefits of a salt water cleanse. The Fasting Path calls salt water cleansing one of the most important practices for balanced health. The cleansing process is said to eliminate body odors such as sweat and bad breath and increase the strength of the immune system to fight illness and improve skin quality. Fasting Path also claims a salt water cleanse will aid in balancing weight. Those who are overweight may lose a few pounds and those underweight may gain after cleansing the colon.
Toxins
The base theory of detox diets and cleansing is that waste material and toxins accumulate on the walls of the intestines. Over time, this buildup contaminates other organs and creates an imbalance. Salt is a mineral that may draw out toxins. Salt water is used topically at times to promote healing. For instances, rinsing with salt water may help the gums heal by cleaning the area and allowing the body to repair itself. The salt water cleanse uses this approach to clean toxins out of the intestinal tract and allow healing of fissures or pouches in the colon. Medical science does not support this practice and clinical studies do not prove this to be true.
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