Colon cleansing is a technique used to void fecal matter from your colon. Some alternative medicine practitioners recommend this technique as a way to clear unwanted toxins from your body. Fiber supplements are products designed to increase the fiber content in your diet or treat specific medical conditions. While they have many beneficial effects, they do not cleanse your colon.
Colon Cleansing Basics
Advocates of colon cleansing---also known as colonic irrigation---claim that toxins in your gastrointestinal tract are responsible for a number of common ailments, including asthma, arthritis and allergies, Dr. Michael Picco of the Mayo Clinic reports. According to this theory, toxin elimination associated with colon cleansing encourages the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria, enhances your immune function and increases your energy levels. However, there is little scientific evidence that either supports or disproves these assertions. Products used in colon cleansing include enemas, laxatives and various supplemental herbs.
Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements contain a wide variety of active ingredients, including psyllium, cellulose and fruit pectins, according to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute. Other common active ingredients include a cluster bean derivative called guar gum and compounds called beta-glucans, which are derived from mushrooms, yeast and oats. When taken with water or other fluids, most of these supplements form a viscous gel that passes through your gastrointestinal system. Additional potential supplement ingredients include a substance called chitosan---which comes from the hardened shells of various crustacean species---and inulins, which come from the roots of the chicory plant.
Fiber Effects
Fiber supplements soften your stool and give it added bulk, the Linus Pauling Institute reports. In turn, these changes in composition cause your stool to move more quickly through your colon. This rapid passage of stool can help relieve the symptoms of common constipation. Your doctor may also recommend that you use fiber supplements to treat the symptoms of the bowel disorder called irritable bowel syndrome. Fiber supplements most likely to ease the effects of constipation include psyllium and cellulose.
Additional Factors
If you intend to use colon cleansing to reduce constipation symptoms, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you first try to increase your intake of fiber. In addition to constipation relief, potential benefits of adding fiber to your diet include reduced risks for the development of Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and a bowel disorder called diverticulosis. Take any fiber supplement with at least eight ounces of water, the Linus Pauling Institute notes. Also, increase your overall intake of water to offset fiber supplements' water-absorbing effects.
Considerations
The Mayo Clinic recommends that you speak to your doctor before considering any form of colon cleansing. Certain approaches to cleansing can be dangerous to your health, especially if you have existing heart or kidney problems. Talk to your doctor before taking fiber supplements if you take other medications or have known intestinal problems. If you don't drink enough water when taking fiber supplements, you can actually worsen your constipation symptoms.
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