For centuries, people have believed that colon cleansing is a way to detoxify your body, improve your health and help you lose weight. Bowtrol Colon Control is a supplement that promises to do just that via its proprietary blend of unusual ingredients, although some of these ingredients may give you more than you bargained for. If you want to use Bowtrol as a regular part of your dietary plan, you should first learn about possible side effects and consult with your health care practitioner.
Identification
Bowtrol is manufactured by Bowtrol Corporation, established in 2002 and also known as HealthBuy.com, Ultra Herbal, and Nature's Bargain. One 450-mg capsule of Bowtrol Colon Control contains cascara sagrada, turkey rhubarb, bentonite clay, slippery elm, aloe, flax seeds, senna, worm seed, black seeds, olive leaf extract, thyme oil powder, garlic extract, certified organic cloves and peppermint. You will also receive a motivational e-book, a MP3 download of "soothing sounds of gentle water, with subliminal suggestions by a skilled Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy" and you will be encouraged to also buy Bowtrol Probiotics formula, containing 9 billion live probiotic cells.
Claims
Bowtrol Colon Control claims it can moisten, lubricate and cleanse your intestinal tract, and promote bowel movements, thus treating constipation, intestinal toxicity, intestinal upset, bloating and gas. The product information also states Bowtrol is beneficial for the reduction of water retention and that you can lose even more weight by the increased elimination of old fecal matter and intestinal toxins. Bowtrol is billed as a "natural colon cleanse and weight loss program" that has no side effects and -- combined with a sensible food program, exercise routine and drinking plenty of water -- will help you to regain your slim body easier and faster.
Controversy
Detox Reviews, the official ranking site for detox products, notes that the manufacturer of Bowtrol doesn't specialize in colon health supplements but has dozens of similar sites promoting various fad products such as natural breast enhancement. The company has also registered several domains that contain "Bowtrol" and "review" or "scam" in the title, all of which include the same press release indicating the product is safe and effective. The official website doesn't include contact information and makes it very complicated and difficult to return the product, and get a refund if you aren't satisfied. The Better Business Bureau has received close to 200 complaints against the parent company of Bowtrol.
Warning
None of the ingredients in Bowtrol are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for colon cleansing or weight loss, and several of the ingredients are controversial, including bentonite clay, which contains aluminum, and flaxseed, which can cause bowel obstruction when not taken with enough water. Cascara sagrada, another ingredient, is a stimulant laxative that the FDA guidelines state shouldn't be used for more than a week or it can disturb your body's electrolyte balance and may even lead to DNA mutations. Turkey rhubarb is known to cause watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and uterine contractions in the short term, with long-term use leading to loss of potassium and bone, irregular heart rhythm and muscle weakness. Wormseed can cause nausea, dizziness, vision problems, kidney problems, seizures and even death, according to RxList.com.
Expert Insight
Mark Larson, MD., gastroenterology, with the Mayo Clinic Online, cautions that in general, you should avoid colon cleansing unless prepping for a medical exam or surgery, as it can cause traumatic colon injuries and long-term medical complications. Larson also notes there is no scientific evidence to support various claims attributed to colon cleansing, including better health and weight loss, and that any improvements are doomed to be short-lived. If you have concerns about colon problems or weight loss issues, you should check with your health care provider about dietary and lifestyle changes, and appropriate medications for your specific situation.
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