Cleaning your colon and intestines is sometimes recommended for medical purposes but it is not typically recommended for detoxification purposes, according to Michael F. Picco, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic. Epsom salts have a multitude of uses, including as a laxative, but should only be used under the direction of your physician.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt typically consists of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium occurs naturally in the human body to help muscles and nerves function properly. When the muscular activity of the intestinal walls slows, it makes it more difficult to have a bowel movement. The magnesium found in Epsom salts helps encourage regular muscle activity throughout your entire body, including your intestines. Magnesium sulfate also helps increase water in the intestines, which is why it’s used as a laxative. You may have a bowel movement in as little as 30 minutes or up to six hours after drinking the water solution that contains Epsom salt.
Constipation and Cleansing
You may think that a good cleanse will help decrease constipation and promote healthy bowel movements, but this is not necessarily true. Bowel cleanses are typically recommended by medical professionals only if you are having certain procedures performed, such as a colonoscopy or other invasive procedure. If you experience chronic constipation, it could be due to an underlying condition or due to eating a low-fiber diet. Include more fibrous foods to help stimulate bowel movements. Ask your doctor whether you should consider a fiber supplement. Instead of performing a cleanse, a simple stool softener may be all that you need.
Warning
While Epsom salt can be used as a laxative, you should not use it as one without the advice of your doctor. Drugs.com reports that the Food and Drug Administration has not approved all uses of magnesium sulfate. Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative if you are experiencing a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, severe constipation or colitis. Too much magnesium sulfate can have life-threatening side effects. Only use the dosage recommended on the product label or as advised by your physician. Epsom salt, when ingested orally, can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about any medications that you may be taking, especially antibiotics.
Considerations
Epsom salts, laxatives and other similar products should never be used as a colon cleanse. Overuse of laxatives can dehydrate your body and cause serious side effects. Let your doctor know of any side effects that you may experience while taking laxatives. Ask your doctor whether a colon cleanse is right for you. He may recommend a specific cleanse based upon your needs or guide you to stay away from certain cleanses that require a restricted diet for a prolonged period of time.
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