Colon cleansing, also known as colonic irrigation, is often prescribed by physicians to cleanse the bowel before medical procedures. According to website TeensHealth, colon cleansing is also used as a detoxification agent to remove toxins and help purify the body. It may also be used by some individuals as a weight loss tactic.
Colon Cleansing and Weight Loss
According to the Detox Safely website, individuals sometimes store as many as 10 pounds of excess waste in the colon. Thus, removing the excess waste through colon cleansing may result in temporary weight loss. The TeensHealth website warns that detox diets and colon cleansers do not help you lose fat. The temporary weight loss will mostly likely be water weight and you may even lose some muscle mass.
Promoting Long-Term Weight Loss
The TeensHealth website reports that detox diets or cleanses should not be used long term. Doing so may cause health problems and may decrease your metabolism, making it hard to maintain or lose weight. To promote long-term weight loss, you must adopt a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help your body detox itself without using cleansing products and procedures.
Natural Colon Cleansing to Aid Weight Loss
To keep your bowels working regularly, the Cleveland Clinic recommends consumption of a high-fiber diet by consuming at least 25 grams of daily fiber. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain natural fiber and can help you meet your fiber daily requirement. The Cleveland Clinic also reports that if necessary, fiber supplements such as fiber bars and fiber tablets can be used to help you get enough fiber in your diet.
Tips
MayoClinic.com recommends that individuals consult their physician before using a colon-cleanse product. If you are going to have a colon-cleanse procedure performed, be sure the equipment used has never been used anyone else. MayoClinic.com also suggests that you research the ingredients used in your colon cleanse for possible drug interactions and safety issues. Individuals should also be wary or colon cleanse products that claim the product will provide health improvements or cures.
Warning
The Cleveland Clinic warns that there is a lack of scientific data that proves health benefits of colon cleanses. Colon cleansers can also increase your risk of colon damage, so colon cleansers should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. Colon cleansers often use laxatives, which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This can be especially dangerous for people with kidney disease or heart disease.
