The Health Benefits of Colon Cleansing

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 It is certainly not taboo anymore.  People come into my store and openly talk about their colons and what is-or isn't-coming out of them.  We see late night infomercials about colon cleansing, and colon cleansing websites are filled with proud testimonials by people who have excreted blobs of...something...scary looking "plasms" that look like they belong in a cheap horror flick, and they have the pictures to prove it.  But that's the point: you are supposed to be scared.  The question is: should you be scared?  You should not be frightened, but given the typical American diet. I think we would all do better to take better care of our colons.    

Feces that doesn't get eliminated can begin to accumulate on the colon walls, creating a literal toxic waste dump in your large intestine. I think this happens because the vast majority of us do not get enough fiber in our diets or drink enough water. Toxins and bacteria that do not get eliminated can be reabsorbed into your body and your immune system gets stressed because it has to go to work against them. A overly taxed immune system is not a foundation of good health. Remember your immune system doesn't just fight off foreign invaders, it destroys abnormal cells, i.e., cancer cells. A colon cleanse, which is usually a combination if herbs and fibers, can help to remove old, encrusted fecal matter and mucus off the walls of your colon.

The tangible benefits of colon cleansing can be more energy, much better regularity (as blockages are removed), better absorbtion of food and supplements, a stronger immune system (enhanced resistance to disease), and possibly, weight loss.

 It happens in the supplement industry.  A good product becomes the "cure-all" for everything.  I hate to see that happen because sometimes it ruins the credibility of a very good idea.  Such is the case when it comes to colon cleansing and weight loss, in my opinion.  It makes sense that if you have three pounds of impacted feces in your colon and you eliminate it, you will be three pounds lighter.  The problem is that many people are lead to believe by advertisers that they have up to 25 pounds of old matter in their colon, a claim I find highly dubious for most people.  And your stomach?  That's not layers fat around your midsection, it is un-excreted feces bloating you and pushing your whole gut outward.  Please.  While these claims may be true up to a point for some people, the simple fact is that while a colon cleanse can be good for your health, it is not going to produce a weight loss miracle that people are lead to believe.

Today the words 'weight loss', 'diet', and 'detox', are almost synonymous in the supplement industry.  It is part of some manufactuer's advertising claims that one simple product will cure all your ills and solve all your problems.  What angers me in this case is that people are not learning about healthy LIFESTYLE changes they need to make in order to stay at a healthy weight, changes that have nothing to do with supplements.  There is no simple and easy solution, as people are lead to believe.  Trust me, I am a firm beleiver in the efficacy of dietary supplements, but in their proper context.  A colon cleanse should done as a PART of your overall commitment to a more healthy lifestyle.           

After cleansing your colon you must try to get the proper amount of fiber in your diet to keep your colon toned and help keep you regular. That optimal amount of fiber is 25-35 grams per day, starting with your diet and then using supplements if there is the need, and there are a plethora of good fiber supplements to choose from. Getting the right amount of fiber will keep your colon clear, reduce your chances of getting colon/rectal cancer, help keep your cholesterol in check, and assisting you in helping to maintain a healthy weight. Also, try to drink plenty of fresh, pure water. I filter my water at home (there are inexpensive systems from Britta or Pur) and then drink from a stainless steel can. I am a bit leary of the dangers of chemicals in plastic bottles (I am talking about BPA here, that will have to be subject of another lens).

 If you suffer from chronic diarrhea, constipation, or any other gastrointestinal problem, please talk to your doctor before using a colon cleanse or any other supplement.  If you have any doubts at all about a colon cleanse, seek the advice of your physician.