Colon Cleansers

Food and laxatives that loosen the stool in the body and make us want to use the bathroom are known as colon cleansers. I would like to stress at the very beginning of the article before listing out the benefits of colon cleansers that research has shown that regular use of laxatives can harm by blocking the absorption of healthy nutrients from the colon into the bloodstream. This leads to far too many diseases and unnecessary discomfort.

Colon Cleansers – The Need

Colon is the main organ that is responsible for cleaning the body of the toxic wastes. A major factor that leads to food intolerance, malnutrition and chronic ill health is a toxic colon. When the colon does not function optimally because of various conditions like unhealthy diet, stress, chemicals, drugs, parasites and other substances, it tries to protect itself by producing more mucus. This additional mucus has a tendency to bind with the stool and builds layers of bowel, narrowing the lumen, thereby reducing absorption of vital nutrients. This semi solid layer hardens over a period of time and weigh can several pounds. Further, this is a ideal place for harmful organisms and bacteria to breed. It is believed that the daily bowel oases through this layer, leaving the residue intact. To help deal with and remove these hardened layer of feces, colon cleansers can be used.

Artificial Colon Cleansers – The Truth?

The concept of colon cleansing is bases on the theory that over a period of time, waste is collected in the colon that stagnates there causing toxins to form and eventually spread through the body. The phenomenon is known as ‘autointoxication’. This was an accepted fact in the 19th century, however as per the scientific research conducted in 1920, this was a misconception. There is no conclusive proof as of now and colon cleanser companies advocate that the accumulated stool blocks the colon and prevent proper elimination of waste.

David L. Diehl, clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University and Chief of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at Bellevue Hospital Center has stated that High colonics are often touted as a way to cleanse the colon of 'adherent stool' that has been there for years or even decades. The body eliminates the stool effectively and there are no 'pockets' in the colon that collect stool for years." He further states that he performs a colonoscopy everyday and that a preprocedure purge sufficiently cleans out the stool and leaves the colon clean.

Natural Colon Cleansers

A large number of doctors believe that a healthy diet that includes adequate fiber and water is the nature’s way of cleaning the colon else people tend to suffer fro constipation. The daily recommended daily dose of fiber for women is 21 – 25 grams while the dosage for adult men is 30 – 38 grams. A healthy and a complete diet consists of fibers along with fruits, vegetables, beans and high fiber cereals. Physical activity is also required to increase the flow of blood throughout the body which further enhances the functionality of the colon.

A four step plan can be defined to keep your colon clean. The first and the foremost thing that you must follow is to eat a health diet. Avoid fatty and oily food. The next very important step is to exercise regularly. It is also necessary that the body weight is ideal based on your body structure. The next step is applicable to all the smokers and drinkers. It is very necessary to ensure that you stop smoking if you do. Smoking not only affects the colon, it adversely affects all the other body organs like lungs, kidney, liver and the heart. It is an express ticket that will directly lead you to the grave. Drinking occasionally is not harmful. But, drinking in excess regularly is again an express ticket to the same grave. Lastly, if you are over 50 years old, it is very iperative that you get a colonoscopy done. This will help rule out any abnormalities, expecially colon cancer.

Well, I have no authority to decide if colon cleansers are the miracle that the companies manufacturing it claim it to be. I have shown you both sides of the coin and it is for you to decide. You should consult your doctor about it. Eat healthy, avoid junk food and probably you will not feel the need to have your colon cleaned.