Colin cleansing for detox is a fad that ranges in popularity. The main way to keep the body and colon healthy is to eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and hydrate often. If you are routinely having bowel movements, there may not be a need for a colon cleanse. Other than for diagnostic purposes and constipation, Western medicine does not recommend colon cleansing.
Small Fast
Medical professionals debate the usefulness and heath benefits from a fast. The biggest debates are around fasts lasting longer than a week. For a beginner who just wants to do a simple cleanse, it is a matter of switching to freshly juiced vegetables, home-made broth and water for two days. Proponents believe that giving the body a break from processed foods will allow the colon to empty itself of the last few days of food while still getting the necessary hydration and nutrition.
Enemas and Colonics
Enemas and colonics involve inserting a tube into the rectum and introducing warm or cold water into the colon. The water is then flushed out along with fecal matter. The purpose of both of these procedures is to help remove the fecal matter and cleanse the colon from the bottom up. Medical opinions range on the effectiveness of this procedure. Some medical professionals feel it can help cure many ailments, while others simply call it quackery. The idea that fecal matter builds up along the colon wall and causes the body to absorb toxins is often unfounded, according to Francis Seow-Choen in an article published in the Sept. 2009 issue of "Colorectal Disease."
Herbal Mixes
A number of herbal or natural laxative colon cleanse kits are on the market. These products usually contain a mix of laxative, herbs, clay and sometimes fiber. These kits are often used for several weeks, and the kits may additionally recommend home enemas as well. The most supported herb in these mixes, according to Harvard Health, is milk thistle, which helps to improve liver function. The risk of these kits along with the enemas is dehydration and imbalance the intestinal flora.
Laxatives
While a few over-the-counter laxatives may contain fiber, some of them work by pulling excess water into the colon to help soften the fecal material and allow it to be pushed out without straining. Others work by stimulating the normal contractions of the intestinal muscles to trigger a bowel movement. Long-term use of these laxatives can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Also, all of the oral laxatives have potentials to interfere with absorption of nutrients and medications.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Colon Cleansing
- The Colon Therapist Network: Stop Being Sick and Tired... Do a Body Detox and Internal Cleanse!
- Wiley Online Library: Colorectal Disease
- Harvard Health Publications: The dubious practice of detox
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-counter Laxatives for constipation: Use with caution
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