Benefits and Dangers of Colon Cleansers

Colon or the large intestine is a part of the digestive system that is responsible for the final stages of digestion. It plays three major functions - absorbing water and electrolytes from the indigestible food matter, storing food remains that are not digested by small intestine and facilitating elimination of wastes from the body. The colon absorbs certain vitamins and nutrients and helps in maintaining the fluid balance of the body. A healthy colon helps in eliminating the harmful substances and detoxification of the body.

The normal function of colon is affected due to many reasons such as unhealthy diet, drugs, chemicals and parasites. In such conditions, colon starts producing more mucus. Over a period of time, the layer of mucus thickens, narrowing the lumen and affecting the normal absorption of the vital nutrients. There are chances that the toxic substances are circulated back instead of getting expelled and cause autointoxication.

Colon Cleansers

An unhealthy colon can lead to constipation, indigestion, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin problems, bad breath, acid reflux disease and other chronic diseases. One way to get rid of such problems is going for a colon cleanse. Colon cleansers are foods or laxatives used for removing toxic substances to ensure colon health. They loosen the stools and increase the frequency of bowel movement, thus help in the removal of toxic substances. Let's know more about the benefits and dangers of colon cleansers.

Benefits of Colon Cleansers

Colon cleansing helps to maintain the normal function of the colon. After completing the recommended course of colon cleansers, the person becomes free of the toxic substances that have been built up in the lining of colon. The colon starts functioning normally, improving the efficiency of the digestive system. There is proper absorption of water and useful nutrients, hence body fluids are regulated.

One of the benefits of colon cleansers is getting rid of the digestive tract problems such as abdominal pain, constipation and indigestion. Colon cleansers remove the accumulated wastes that block the passageway in the colon; thus enabling a person to have regular bowel movements.

It is observed that many people who have used colon cleansers experience weight loss. As they help in flushing out the accumulated wastes, a person experiences significant decrease in the weight (about 5 to 10 pounds) after its use.

Colon cleansers also protect from infection of the colon by various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and other parasites. In fact, it helps in restoring the useful bacteria in the body. There are other benefits of colon cleansing. Some of them include purification of blood, prevention of gallstone formation, reduction in appetite, mucus production and skin problems, improvement in the body metabolism and alleviation of gastrointestinal problems. Thus, colon cleansers help in improving the immune system and the overall health of a person.

Dangers of Colon Cleansers

In spite of the many benefits of using colon cleansers, there are certain unavoidable side effects. One of the potential dangers of using colon cleansers is that it can wash away the useful vitamins and nutrients. Another consequence is absorption of water in excess amounts, thus resulting in the chemical imbalance of the body. This chemical imbalance can cause stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting.

Many of the colon cleansers that are available in the market contain strong herbs such as Senna, Triphala and Cascara Sagrada. They are natural laxatives and are safe in lower concentrations. However, in higher doses, they cause certain health problems like abdominal pain, liver failure, blood disease, colon lesion and sometimes, rectal bleeding.

Studies have suggested that colon cleansers contain ingredients like allergy causing foods, powerful herbs and herbs of low quality having high possibility of containing pesticides, and toxic heavy metals, all of which are potential health hazards. It has also been found that some of the colon cleanser products may contain ingredients like fish, drugs, clay, sugar, salt and alcohol.

Thus, some colon cleansers are harmful to the body and can cause certain health problems. One should always consult and seek advise of a physician before using colon cleansers. The best way to cleansing your colon is with the help of a proper diet and regular exercise. It is to be noted that healthy eating habits are important for restoring the normal function of colon.