Many people use so-called "colon cleansing" products, including laxatives, enemas and pills, for various purposes, such as detoxification and weight loss. Nutritional supplements sold as colon cleansing treatments may contain natural or artificial ingredients including herbs and chemicals that produce laxative effects. However, such products pose certain safety risks and have no proven health benefits; eating a nutritious diet that is high in fiber is the best way to promote colon health.
Misconceptions
Colon cleansing products are often advertised as treatments that promote weight loss and the removal of toxins from the body, prevent colon cancer and provide a host of other health benefits. However, absolutely no scientific proof supports any of these claims. The only valid medical use of colon-cleansing products is to clear the bowels before a colonoscopy to improve the test's accuracy. Colon cleanses are not necessary for detoxification purposes, as the colon naturally eliminates waste and toxins while maintaining beneficial bacteria that helps protect the body from infections.
Dangers
Colon cleanses may be harmful to health, as they can cause dehydration and upset your body's natural balance of electrolytes. Laxatives commonly used in colon-cleansing products, such as sodium phosphate, alter the body's balance of essential electrolytes, potentially causing dehydration and damage to internal organs. Even so-called "100-percent natural" colon cleansing regimens containing herbs or other natural products with laxative properties may cause dehydration or loss of important electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
Colon Nutrition
To promote healthy colon functioning, eat a diet rich in fiber and drink plenty of water. Foods that are high in fiber, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts, help normalize bowel movements and thereby help to prevent constipation and certain bowel diseases, including hemorrhoids and diverticulitis. Fibrous foods should be consumed with plenty of water, which helps the fiber move through the colon and form soft, bulky stools.
Diet and Colon Cancer
Colon cleansing cannot prevent colon cancer, but a healthy diet and active lifestyle may do just that. According to the National Cancer Institute, the following dietary guidelines may reduce your risk of developing cancer: Eat a plant-based diet that includes at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables; include beans in the diet; eat grain products several times daily; and choose foods low in fat and salt. Regular exercise, limited alcohol intake and avoidance of tobacco are also important factors in cancer prevention. Eating plenty of whole grains may be of special importance in preventing colon cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Precautions
If you decide to do a colon cleanse, take certain safety precautions: Check with your primary care doctor beforehand to make sure you don't have any health problems that could result in an adverse outcome and present her with a list of all the ingredients, including herbs, contained in the colon cleansing product; drink plenty of water during the cleanse to prevent dehydration; and make sure your colon-cleanse practitioner uses sterile, disposable equipment.
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