Colon detoxification diets have been gaining a lot of popularity. However, most do not know for sure exactly what these are or what effects they can have on the body. Before you choose whether or not to start a detoxification diet, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of your decision. Knowing the options you have is also very important.
Purpose
Colon detoxification is often referred to as colon detox or colon cleansing. Diets designed for this purpose are supposed to remove "toxins' from the body. The body relies on bowel movements to maintain health. However, with the way the average diet is now, in the beginning of the 21st century, bowel movements are not always as effective as they need to be to rid the body of toxins. When a person starts to notice symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, increased weight, excessive gas, bloating, stomach ache, unexplained fatigue, frequent headaches and other digestive problems, colon detoxification diets may be beneficial.
Benefits
There are many benefits from following a colon detoxification diet. These benefits include improved bowl movements, decreased bloating and gas, improved food absorption, weight loss, increased energy, decreased skin conditions, decreased arthritis pain, improved sense of well being and decreased stress. Having a cleaner colon can also help to reduce your chances of developing conditions like influenza and the common cold, as well as life threatening diseases like cardiovacsular disease and certain cancers.
Dangers
When you hear of colon detoxification diets, all you ever hear about are the benefits, but you seldom hear about any dangers. Unfortunately, most of these diets have many bad health effects. The restricted calorie intake can lead to nutrient imbalances, binge eating, fluctuations in blood sugar and a weakened immune system. The reduction in liquids can lead to dehydration, headaches, mood swings and even cardiac arrest. Lean muscle mass is burned to make up for the lack of energy intake.
Scientific Evidence
According to Michael Picco, M.D., there is very little, if any, scientific evidence to either support or disprove the claimed benefits of colon detoxification diets. Many medical professionals actually believe these diets can be very harmful. It is true that doctors prescribe colon cleansing regimens as preparation for various procedures, but seldom, if ever, for detoxification. The reason is that the digestive system and colon work together to eliminate waste and bacteria naturally, making a specialized diet unnecessary. It is best to eat a diet that is balanced with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and plenty of fiber.
Types
There are a variety of colon cleanse diets advertised. The most popular ones are the slow and simple cleanse, the lemonade diet, the arise and shine cleanse, and the seven organ cleanse. These colon detoxification diets rely on different herbs that affect various body organs.
To find an effective colon cleansing diet, find one that includes fresh fruits and vegetable and a lot of fiber, as well as one that avoids processed foods.
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