Should You Really Cleanse Your Colon?
From magazine ads, to television spots, and emails to internet websites, there seem to endless outlets touting the many benefits of colon cleansing. The media hypes this practice as being an excellent way to rid the body of toxins, help with weight loss, and create an overall healthier lifestyle. But, are these claims really true? Should you really cleanse your colon?
Before heading out for a colon cleansing treatment, many people have the following questions: Is the procedure safe? Do I really need to do this? Am I really going to notice a difference in my health and/or weight? While all of these questions are valid, and necessary to consider, and while many treatment facilities will be quick to offer you answers, the truth is, all of the above mentioned questions are currently being researched and there are no definitive answers to date. In fact, very little scientific research has been done on the issue of colon cleansing.
What is known, is the practice of colon cleansing dates back thousands of years, and can be traced back to the days of ancient Greece. The practice once again gained popularity in the 1920s and 30s, but then fell out of style when little documentation as to the health benefits could be provided. This leads us to today, when the procedure is gaining popularity again, however with a bit of uncertainty.
There are two main colon cleansing methods used today: product based cleansing, and irrigation. Also known as a colonic, irrigation involves using a machine to flush the colon using up to twenty gallons of water. This irrigation is done while the patient lies on a table, and the water pushed directly into the body at different rates of pressure and temperatures. A separate tube is then used to flush the water and the waste from the body. Some colonic treatments may add herbs, coffee, enzymes, or probiotics to the water used.
Product based colon cleansing treatments include using teas, herbs, natural supplements, laxatives, enemas, and certain types of powders. These products are taken by mouth (except for the enemas) and cause the body to expel the contents of the colon.
No matter what type of colon cleaning method is used, the idea is the same: to rid the body of built up waste and stored toxins. Some people believe this built up waste causes toxins to form and become stored in the body thus leading to health issues such as fatigue, headaches, weight gain and a lack of energy. While this has not been scientifically proven, what has been proven is constipation does have an effect on the whole body due to the nervous system, not toxins. The colon is quite self-sufficient and does not typically need a great deal of maintenance. It is always a good idea to thoroughly research all of your options, the risks, the benefits, and any and all side effects before electing to undergo a treatment. It is also a good idea to speak with a health care professional prior to choosing to cleanse your colon.
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