Herbal Colon Detoxification

A variety of colon cleansing products promise to eliminate built-up toxins and bacteria from your body, notes the Mayo Clinic. Promoters claim the removal of these poisons will enhance your immune system and increase your energy levels. Numerous herbs may help cleanse your colon. Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of taking herbal remedies to clear toxic buildups from the body.

Theories/Speculation

Colon cleansers claim to remove large amounts of toxins and parasites from the body. Promotional online, print and television ads claim that colon cleansers that include herbal teas, powders and laxatives will promote weight loss, enhance the immune system and boost energy levels. Some colon cleanser manufacturers claim herbal colon cleansers, laxatives and other detoxification products will help you lose weight by increasing the frequency of your bowel movements. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes that nearly every calorie you consume is absorbed long before it has a chance to enter the colon, which makes those weight loss claims bogus.

Benefits

Herbal treatments may promote regular bowel movements and be useful as a remedy for constipation. However, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will also probably help you avoid bouts of constipation. A thorough colon cleansing is usually necessary in preparation for medical procedures like a colonoscopy, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Types

Numerous herbs help cleanse the colon, notes Cleansing.BHealthyAgain.com. Two of the most frequently mentioned herbal remedies to cleanse the colon are bentonite clay and flax seeds. Bentonite is an edible clay that absorbs water and acts like a bulk laxative. Bentonite is purported to help remove pesticides and other toxins from the colon. Flax seed is also suggested to soak up water and helps eliminate toxins from the body.

Dandelion root is thought to have mild laxative effects, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dandelion also regarded as natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney also touted to promote the elimination of toxins from the liver.

Dosing

Mixing 1 tbsp of liquid bentonite with 1 tbsp of ground flax seeds in a glass of water and drinking upon wakening and prior to bed is recommended for colon cleansing, according to Cleansing.BHealthyAgain.com.

The suggested dosage of dandelion root in tablet or capsule form is 500 mg up to three times daily, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dandelion root is also available in teas, tinctures and liquid extracts.

Outlook

Special colon cleansers are unnecessary for overall health. Your bowels and digestive system are capable of eliminating toxins and bacteria without any outside assistance, points out the Mayo Clinic. Drinking water and other liquids, eating an assortment of high-fiber foods like beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and getting regular exercise is generally all your colon needs to function properly.