Comparison of Colon Cleanse Products

Comparison of Colon Cleanse Products
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Colon cleanse products are dietary supplements used to remove toxins from the body, including the large intestine. Proponents of the practice claim that you achieve health benefits with regular colon cleansing. Advertised benefits include increased energy levels, increase in healthy intestinal bacteria and heightened immune system functioning, according to MayoClinic.com. Speak to your doctor before you purchase a colon cleansing product.

Identification

The colon cleansing product you choose should list all the herbal ingredients it contains and their amounts. Be wary of any supplements that make unsubstantiated claims about its effectiveness. The colon cleanse product should not promise to cure medical diseases, such as asthma, arthritis or digestive disorders.

Prevention/Solution

Choose a colon cleansing product with clear instructions and dietary recommendations. The literature included with the product should detail how long to take the supplement, dosage amounts and whether you should avoid certain foods and beverages during cleansing.

Costs

Although some colon cleansers offer money-back guarantees, check the fine print to ensure that you are not responsible for shipping costs. Also, be wary of free trial offers of colon cleansing products. To receive the trial offer, you may need to enroll in an auto-ship program that bills you for the product monthly.

Warning

If you are comparing colon cleanse products, review the ingredients printed on the packaging. Avoid product with ingredients that may have an adverse effect on human health. For instance, large quantities of magnesium can cause complications in patients with kidney disorders. Also, sodium phosphate can lead to a rise in these electrolytes, which can be potentially dangerous to patients with heart or kidney disease.

Expert Insight

Physicians recommend certain colon cleansing products to prepare for medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy. Follow your physician's recommendation to safely and effectively empty the bowels prior to the procedure. According to a 2009 report from the University of South Alabama, products that contain low-dose phosphate or sulfate are typically used.

References

Article reviewed by Mike Myers Last updated on: Nov 29, 2010

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