The bowels play a crucial role in the digestive process. The small intestines and colon, or large intestines, make up the bowels -- the site of most of the nutrient absorption in the body. Bowel cleansing has been purported as a way to detoxify the body and increase your absorption capacity. Bowel cleansers include laxatives, enemas, herbal colon supplements and colon hydrotherapy.
Digestion and Your Bowels
The process of digestion allows the food and drink you consume to be broken down into small enough particles to be absorbed by the body. This is the source of the nutrients your body uses to maintain itself and provide you with energy. Nutrients are absorbed through the walls of the intestines, and waste products are pushed into the colon for elimination. Bowel cleansers usually aim to increase the efficiency of waste elimination from the colon, leaving the walls free for better absorption.
Nutrient Absorption in the Bowels
Most of the body's nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestines. The mucosal lining has folds and projections that provide a large surface area to facilitate absorption. The mucus membrane in the colon is important for the absorption of water, sodium, chloride and potassium, and the secretion of bicarbonate and potassium. The colon usually absorbs up to 1,000 ml of liquid per day but can accommodate up to 4,500 ml if necessary. Fecal matter blocking the mucus membrane limits absorption, so clean bowels are desirable if you want optimal absorption.
Colon-Cleansing Methods
Most bowel cleansers on the market focus on cleaning out old fecal matter from the colon, leaving the walls free to maximize absorption. The website Colon-Cleanse-Information.com lists a number of readily available bowel-cleansing methods. Colon hydrotherapy, also called colon irrigation, colonic or high enemas, uses water for internal cleansing of the colon without drugs or chemicals. Herbal colon supplements have different effects depending on the herb used. Some work as laxatives, some stimulate digestion and others will kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Enema colon cleansing can be done at home, usually taking 30 to 60 minutes. This procedure will flush out fecal matter with water. Oxygen-based cleansing involves the ingestion of an oxygen-rich tablet. The released oxygen helps to liquefy impacted fecal matter on the walls of the colon so they can be released from the body. Each method aims to free the walls of the intestine, which ultimately provides more absorption surface.
Laxative Bowel Cleansing
Ease of use, availability and relative cheapness make oral laxatives a popular choice for many seeking a bowel cleanse. While they will provide temporary relief of constipation, laxative cleansing is not recommended, according to Colon-Cleanse-Information.com. The website states that laxatives were created to stimulate bowel movement, and will not loosen old, built-up fecal matter that is attached to the intestinal walls. Laxatives will therefore not enhance absorption, since they do not clear the colon walls.
Considerations
The re-absorption of water and electrolytes is essential for proper functioning of the body. When fecal matter builds up in the intestines, this absorption is impaired. A bowel cleanse removes hardened fecal matter and allows for proper absorption of water and salts in the colon.
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