Herbal Colon Cleansing & Ex-lax

Detoxification diets promoted by some Hollywood celebrities often require the use of herbal laxatives or commercial laxatives like Ex-Lax to cleanse the colon. While the diets often cause temporary weight reduction, your chance of incurring serious health complications is considerable, according to Harvard Medical School. Consult your physician prior to taking any laxative as a method for weight loss.

Significance

Herbal colon cleansing and stimulant laxatives like Ex-Lax are often included in detox diets as a means to rid your body of harmful toxins. Some supporters of detox diets claim the cleanse procedures also result in more energy and a lower likelihood for cancer and diabetes. Herbal colon cleanse products and commercial laxatives are easily available without a prescription, although no evidence exists to support the theory that using the products leads to long-term weight loss.

Function

Laxatives work by creating a water buildup in your large intestine. The excess water triggers muscle contractions that cause the intestine to expel waste. Laxatives often serve different roles in detox diets. While some diets require users to consume laxatives along with raw fruits and vegetables as a substitute for a traditional healthy meal plan, laxatives are also includes as part of most colon cleanse kits. The kits typically contain a laxative tea, as well as herbal supplements marketed as body cleansers that must be consumed for at least 10 days in combination with regular enemas.

Types

Along with well-known laxatives like Ex-Lax, many herbs are also marketed as natural laxatives that help clean the colon of impurities. Flaxseed powder or seeds are often consumed with fruit juice or water in detox diets, as well as barley and fenugreek. Senna and aloe are other herbs often regarded as laxatives.

Theories/Speculation

Claims that a herbal colon cleanse or the consumption of Ex-Lax or herbal laxatives will result in sustained weight loss lack scientific evidence. Most cleanse products have not been tested by the government for safety or effectiveness. Excessive fluid loss and bowel movements are responsible for weight loss achieved during detox diets and you will likely gain the weight back after your resume a normal lifestyle. Marketers of cleanse products claim that undergoing the procedure rids your body of dangerous chemicals and reduces your risk for serious diseases, although these claims are also unproven. Your doctor may suggest a colon cleanse before a medical examination, but a cleanse isn't needed to cleanse your body since the natural digestion process effectively removes bacteria and waste.

Warning

Herbal colon cleanse procedures and the consumption of laxatives to lose weight raise your risk for dehydration that can result in blurry vision and damage to your kidneys. Excessive laxative consumption also disrupts the normal function of your heart, as well as the function of electrolytes---which are essential to the well-being of your muscles and nerves. Some people who consistently use laxatives as a method for weight loss lose the ability to have normal bowel movements without the products.