Proponents of body and colon cleansing claim that environmental pollutants lead to the accumulation of toxins in the colon. These toxic substances cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms that can be reduced by a cleanse. Detoxifying cleanses usually consist of dietary restrictions and use of supplements to clear the colon and eliminate toxins from the body.
Significance
The rationale behind colon and body cleanses is that food additives, pesticides, air pollution and other environmental toxins enter the body and cannot be properly neutralized or eliminated. Instead, toxins build up in the colon and other organs, causing painful symptoms. According to the Colon Cleanse 678 website, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, depression and fatigue are symptoms of toxin accumulation. Following colon and full body cleanse plans supposedly eliminates these toxins and reduces painful symptoms. However, the website Live Science reports that these gastrointestinal symptoms are simply due to normal expansion of the colon from fecal matter accumulation.
Colon Cleansing
Colon cleanses require that you stimulate frequent bowel movements to eliminate waste from your intestines. The Homemade Body Cleanse website recommends stimulating at least one bowel movement per day. A typical colon cleanse begins with a 24-hour fast to begin the detoxification process. Dieters then eliminate cooked foods from their meals, instead eating raw vegetables and fruits. Herbal supplements, including psyllium, bentonite, beet root, slippery elm, dandelion root, hyssop, gentian root and capsicum promote bowel movements and allegedly cleanse the colon, according to the Homemade Body Cleanse website.
Body Cleansing
A full body cleanse involves drastic changes to your diet for a period of at least five to seven days. Fasts go for at least 24 hours but can last up to three days. Following the fast, all caffeine, sugar, tobacco, alcohol and processed foods should be eliminated from your diet. Eat uncooked, organic fruits and vegetables to avoid ingestion of toxins. The Homemade Body Cleanse website recommends eating beets, cabbage, radishes, artichokes, broccoli or seaweed for their detoxifying properties. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day and exercise frequently to sweat out toxins.
Benefits
Stimulating frequent bowel movements clears the colon of excess fecal matter. In a short amount of time, dieters experience diminished gastrointestinal distress, less fatigue and a brightened mood. However, the Mayo Clinic website notes that these claims are not supported by scientific evidence. A switch from unhealthy, processed foods to fresh, raw produce boosts energy levels and improves overall health. To maintain these benefits, many people continue a less stringent diet plan that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain products.
Warning
There is scant scientific evidence to support the claims of colon and body cleanse proponents, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Many doctors remain critical of cleansing techniques because they can be harmful to your health. The digestive system is designed to efficiently remove waste and toxins from the body, so cleansing diets and herbal remedies are typically unnecessary. Beware of colon and body cleanses that require fasting and significant caloric restriction, as they can increase fatigue, cause weakness and endanger your health. Consult your doctor before beginning a cleanse to make sure your gastrointestinal symptoms are not due to an underlying medical condition.
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