Dangers of Colon Cleansers

The digestive system comprises the digestive tract that includes the hollow large and small intestines. The tract facilitates the retention of water and nutrients from ingested food and elimination of feces. Ingested food or chyme is acted upon by enzymes within the digestive tract. This results in extraction of all nutrients, leaving behind only electrolytes and indigestible carbohydrates or dietary fiber. These solids mix with gut flora like mucus and bacteria to become feces.

The colon is an important part of the digestive system that ensures timely emptying of excreta, after extracting water and salt from the solid waste. This segment of the small intestine comprises four sections referred to as: ascending colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon and transverse colon. Dietary fiber is broken down by the bacteria in the colon, to release butyrate, acetate and propionate. These waste products are used by the colon as cell-lining nourishment. Any damage to this delicate symbiotic relationship results in a number of colon-related health problems and even colon cancer.

Colon Cleansing:

Colon cleansing or colon therapy involves the use of a number of medical alternatives to remove fecal waste and toxins from the colon. This helps to keep the intestinal tract clean. Colon hydrotherapy and other cleansing regimens rely on enemas to inject water into the colon. Cleansing therapy involves the mixing of special herbs and other enema-inducing liquids. Oral cleaning of the colon involves the ingestion of dietary fiber and supplements and laxatives. The main aim of colon cleansing is to eliminate the lining of accumulated putrefied feces from within the large intestine and colon.

Dangers of Colon Cleansers:

A study of the living human anatomy reveals that the colon is at no time dirty or clogged. However, indiscriminate use of certain drugs or certain diseases do result in the need to assist natural colon cleansing. But, colon cleansing if not monitored or adhered to within prescribed limit, does result in potential health hazards. Research reveals instances of damage to the rectum, amoebiasis, electrolyte imbalances and even heart attacks. Frequent and random colon cleansing is also known to interfere with normal bowel functioning, leading to a lifelong dependence on enemas and laxatives to defecate solid waste. It has also been observed that some of the herbs incorporated within the colon cleansing process interact with and greatly reduce the effect of prescribed drugs. Colon cleansers are known to cause auto-intoxication that manifests in the form of:

• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fatigue.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Colon cleansing is known to disrupt the balance between natural enzymes and bacteria in the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal perforation, amoebic infection, dehydration, anemia, salt depletion and malnutrition are also associated with colon cleansing programs. It is important to address the colon cleansing detox trend that is being followed extensively today. The two ways of cleansing the colon, via detoxification supplements and induced-flushing, are both associated with health hazards. Both the detoxification processes involve varying degrees of body-shock, manifesting in symptoms such as anxiety, migraines, nausea, depression, constipation and diarrhea. Medical professionals believe that the colon is completely self-sufficient to handle regular cleansing, without any external intervention. Colon cleansing detox supplements are also known to trigger allergic reactions, stomach cramps and severe joint ache. The effect of the cleansing on the immune system and related body functions can be life-threatening.