1. Poisoning and Parasites
Maybe you've heard some naturalists claiming that if you can't poop, the fecal matter stuck in your body starts to rot and poison you. Not only that, but all the accumulated poop somehow attracts parasites that thrive on all that built-up fecal matter to cause symptoms like gas, diarrhea, allergies, bloating and even itchy ears. The only way to get rid of the problem is to clean your colon, usually with expensive herbal remedies. The American Council of Science and Health says there is no truth to these claims. Real parasites don't magically appear in your body because of an unclean colon or poop build-up. They come from eating raw and undercooked food, from drinking untreated water, from insects, from person-to-person through poor hygiene and unsanitary habits, and from household pets. They don't inhabit your colon. They're typically blood-borne, like malaria, or found in the intestinal tract, like tapeworms.
2. The Risks of Herbal Remedies
Just because a treatment claims to be herbal, doesn't mean it's natural and safe for your body. Herbal supplements, including those that promise to clean your colon, are rarely FDA-approved and are therefore not proved safe by the government. It's best to avoid use of herbal products that claim to clean your colon. If used regularly, they can cause harmful effects like mineral imbalances, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and dehydration, according to the American Council of Science and Health.
3. The Downsides of Cleaning Your Colon
Cleaning your colon is unnecessary. As David L. Diehl, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University and chief of gastrointestinal endoscopy at Bellevue Hospital Center told WebMD, your body naturally eliminates stool, and poop does not sit in pockets for years. Colon cleansing prevents the body from absorbing nutrients and minerals from food in the intestines. Repeated colon cleansing can also cause small tears in the intestines.
4. Withdrawal Symptoms From Laxatives
Constipation happens, and very occasional use of laxatives will provide effective temporary relief. However overuse of these products could disrupt your body's natural poop removing rhythm, which could cause worse constipation and abdominal cramping. Quitting laxative use after extended use can cause withdrawal symptoms, like feelings of fatigue and mood swings.
5. The Healthy Way to Clean
Making sure you have enough fiber in your diet is the safest and most effective way to clean your colon. Adult women should have 21 to 25 grams of fiber per day. Adult men should have 30 to 38 grams. Fiber can come from whole grains, oats, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Increase your fiber intake slowly so your body has time to adjust to high fiber foods. Otherwise, you'll end up producing more gas than you want to.
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