Although proponents of colon cleansing claim otherwise, a “clean” colon does nothing to lower blood pressure. In fact, no scientific evidence exists to support its use in the prevention or treatment of any health condition. The only time this practice appears to be of benefit is prior to a colonoscopy, among other medical procedures. As with any dietary supplement, consult a doctor before using a colon cleanser.
Colon Cleansing
The practice of colon cleansing largely stems from the idea that waste accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, this waste builds up, releasing toxins and other pollutants into your colon. The theory is that the intestinal walls absorb these toxic substances, which then enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. With regards to your blood pressure, these toxins are the cause of the condition, not other factors commonly associated with hypertension.
Colon
One of the main problems with colon cleansing lies in the physiology of the colon. Your colon, as well as the rest of your digestive tract, is completely capable of eliminating waste after its digested, absorbed and assimilated the nutrients from food. Anything that passes through the gastrointestinal tract undigested is broken down by naturally occurring flora in the colon. It does accumulate waste, assures the NYU Langone Medical Center, and therefore doesn’t need assistance. Moreover, the tarry material produced during a bowel movement after taking a colon cleanser is a byproduct of the product itself, not old fecal matter.
Recommendation
Instead of self-prescribing a colon cleanser to lower blood pressure, talk to your doctor. Medical professionals can recommend safe and effective tactics that best suit your needs. If you’re overweight, losing just 5 lbs. can improve your blood pressure. If you’re sensitive to salt, lowering your intake of sodium to no more that 1,500 mg can control this condition. The same can be said for increasing your level of physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and managing stress. Even eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains can go a long way to lower your blood pressure.
Medications
For some people, self-care measures aren’t enough to improve blood pressure. In this situation, medication is often necessary. Diuretics are usually the first class of drug used, but your doctor may prescribe beta blocker, ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers, among other medications, to lower your blood pressure.
Complications
If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can eventually take a toll on your arterial walls, which can increase your risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke and aneurysms. Don’t hesitate to make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk of hypertension and its associated health conditions.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Colon Cleansing: Is It Helpful or Harmful?; Michael F. Picco; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; High Blood Pressure (Hypertension); March 2011
- Clinical Correlations: The NYU Langone International Medicine Blog; Myths and Realities: Colon Cleansing: Healthful or Just a Load of @$%!; Chau Che; July 2009
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; What Is High Blood Pressure?; August 2011
