Colon Cleanses

Colon cleansing has, for the most part, been viewed as a very embarrassing and comical topic of discussion due to the many stereotypes and misconceptions that surround it. However, colon cleanses are one of the most positive ways to improve overall health, lose weight, and replenish energy as well as fight fatigue and illness. Colon cleanses also help to decrease bowel problems like diarrhea and constipation, and they can aid in changing dietary and physical lifestyles for the better.

Types

Colon cleanses come in more forms than just the common trip to the doctor. Many natural ways to cleanse the colon include over-the-counter or infomercial herbal products, enemas, or adding water to the colon, and laxatives. These types of colon cleanses are also less expensive than colon irrigation or hydrotherapy. While herbal products aim to naturally clean out the colon, hydrotherapy is a more direct procedure that drives water into the colon through the anus. Multiple hydrotherapy sessions may be needed before the large intestine is completely cleaned. Another popular type of colon cleansing is oxygen-based, which uses an oxygen-reduction chemical reaction to dissolve the solid matter into gas or liquid.

Considerations

If you wish to have your colon cleansed, consider that you may need to increase your daily intake of water. Water is an integral, necessary element involved in cleansing the colon, and is important because it helps dissolve solid wastes so they can be easily moved out of the colon. Despite the type of colon cleansing you may use, drinking a good amount of water every day is essential for colon and bodily health. Doctors usually recommend at least eight glasses of water a day. Your dietary habits should also be taken into consideration while cleansing your colon. Certain foods and spices are harder to digest and can irritate your intestines and colon. You may need to drastically change your diet and decrease your intake of unhealthy foods that contain high amounts of fats, sugars and spices in order to have a successful colon cleanse.

Misconceptions

Many people believe that a colon cleanse is a painful and embarrassing experience. Colon cleansing is actually a gentle, private process, and with the wide variety of products aiming to cleanse the colon, it can be done in the comfort of your home, if you prefer. Colon cleanses are also not limited to those that suffer from regular digestive problems like constipation and sudden weight gain. Anyone who would simply like to improve their digestive health, gain energy, or generally feel better can explore the option of colon cleansing.

Benefits

It is widely believed that good health starts with the digestion system of the body. A colon packed with fecal matter, undigested food, and unneeded vitamins and minerals impede the natural bodily function of excreting waste. It can also abnormally extend the stomach and cause a person to gain unexplained weight. Healthy eating combined with colon cleansing helps to move toxic waste out of the body more quickly, thus decreasing the chance of accumulating intestinal parasites and colon-related illnesses and diseases.

Expert Insight

According to Dr. Bernard Jensen, author of the book "Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management," bodily health is largely affected by the state of the colon, and can negatively affect the entire body if it is in poor health. Many doctors also recommend eating foods high in fiber and drinking the recommended amount of water per day in order to keep the colon healthy. Before attempting to undergo any type of colon cleansing procedure, you should first discuss your decision with your doctor to find out which treatment may be right for you, as well as his professional opinion on colon cleanses.