The health of the digestive tract is important for the overall health of the body because this system has extensive contact with the outside world via the food you eat. There are a number of different diseases which can affect the colon, including inflammatory bowel disease, which can lead to symptoms throughout the body. In order to promote colon health, some people recommend colon cleanses, though the need for this procedure has not been established.
Colon Cleanse Theory
The idea behind colon cleanses is that fecal matter can contain toxins and poisonous chemicals, which can be absorbed by the large intestine if the fecal matter is allowed to remain for too long. The goal of colon cleanses is to clear out the colon, either through the ingestion of a high-fiber diet or the use of a laxative or other chemicals which will help flush out the colon, according to ColonCleanse.net.
Benefits
Promoters of colon cleansing claim that the removal of these toxic materials can have a number of beneficial effects on the body. For example, colon cleansing can help prevent ulcerative colitis, constipation and is theorized to help prevent colon cancer, ColonTruth.com reports. Because the toxin absorption can tax the immune system, colon cleanses may also be able to help prevent such immune-related diseases as arthritis and asthma. A healthy immune system can also help ward off infections.
Considerations
Although some people claim that colon cleansing can have a dramatic effect on your health, there is little or no scientific evidence to confirm any of these supposed benefits, according to MayoClinic.com. The body is naturally able to remove wastes and toxins on its own, so there is no reason why special diets, pills or enemas would help improve this process.
Risks
Colon cleanses can actually cause some medical problems. Because many colon cleanses use laxatives, people undergoing a colon cleanse may experience significant dehydration as a result of fluid loss due to diarrhea. Some colon cleanses use sodium phosphate as a laxative, which can cause a dangerous rise in sodium and phosphate levels in the blood, according to MayoClinic.com. Increases in the concentrations of these electrolytes can interfere with heart function. Sodium phosphate can also cause kidney damage.
Indications
The only medical reason why you would need a colon cleanse is in preparation for a colonoscopy, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reports. Otherwise, if you are considering a colon cleanse, you should talk with your doctor about the method you plan on using to make sure that you will not inadvertently cause health problems as a result of the cleanse.
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