Colon Cleanse Vs. Laxatives

You have to go to the bathroom eventually. The question is, will it be quick and painless or time-consuming and annoying?Many Americans experience their digestion as the latter and increasingly reach for over-the-counter solutions, which explains why the OTC laxative business, as of November 2010, is a $725 million-a-year industry, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House. Or they frequent colonic practitioners who, for a fee usually skirting $100 per session, undertake the task of cleansing the entire digestive tract with a mechanism that resembles a sophisticated enema. Neither of them teach bowels do their job on their own, nor do they help in the battle against the bulge, which after all is about eliminating fat, not old stools.

Colon Cleanse

A colon cleanse is also called a colonic irrigation. It is a method in which the entire digestive tract is rinsed, with the intention of loosening and removing any fecal matter that might be stuck somewhere in your colon. A hose is attached, similar to an enema, except in this case the entire colon is irrigated, and fecal matter exits through the hose until the water runs clean.

Purpose of Colonic

Opinions vary on whether this is necessary. The Mayo Clinic says that some experts claim that your digestive system naturally eliminates waste, presumably before it turns toxic and damaging to your health. On the other hand, the fact that 4 million Americans believe they are constipated, according to NDDIC, and account for 2.5 million doctor's visits a year means that this ideal scenario does not apply to everyone. In addition, when extreme constipation becomes chronic, fecal impaction is a possibility. This means not only that old fecal matter that was never expelled is coating the colon's walls and possibly leaching toxins into your blood stream, but this old stool also prevents new fecal matter from passing through, worsening the problem each day until it becomes a medical emergency.

Concerns

The Mayo Clinic warns of dehydration during a colon cleanse --- a problem that is easily enough resolved through drinking fluids. No laxatives should be added to the cleanse. In addition, you must ensure that the colonic practitioner uses sterile disposable equipment. It must be pointed out, though, that, according to the Mayo Clinic, little scientific proof exists at this point on whether colon cleanses are effective for detoxification. However, common sense would dictate that eliminating old fecal matter --- in a gentle manner while taking all necessary precautions --- conceivably may be a proactive step toward continued health.

Laxatives

According to Medical News Today, laxatives' ingredients vary, but their purpose is the same: to soften and break up stool to make its passage easier. There are bulk-producing agents, such as psyllium husk, which create bulk in the stool so it absorbs more water and moves more easily. Stool softeners is another kind of laxative. They cause fat and water to penetrate the stool and also make it move more easily, but the softeners lose their effectiveness with repeated use. Both types take between 12 and 72 hours to work. Lubricants on the other hand make the stool slippery so it moves easily. Saline laxatives soften the stool and create pressure --- they can work in 30 minutes. Hyperosmotic agents like glycerin are suppositories that draw water into the bowel from surrounding tissue. Stimulants like bisocodyl create waves of movement in the bowel, forcing the stool to move along and out. Castor oil stimulates the bowels by altering water and electrolyte secretion.

Considerations

If you find yourself using laxatives or colon cleanses in an habitual fashion, know that you have a problem. Proper digestion can be achieved naturally by eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains --- in other words, fiber --- and by being physically active. A 30-minute walk every day can make a significant difference. If you do all those things and still have problems you should discuss them with your health care professional.