What is Colon Cleansing?

Colon cleansing has becoming increasingly popular in the last ten years or so as people strive to both lose weight and have a healthy body. Whilst the image most people get when they hear the words colon cleanse is of the seemingly unpleasant colonic irrigation, this is only one of a number of ways to cleanse your colon. Colon cleansing removes various toxins and ‘bad’ bacteria from the body, essentially flushing the intestines of things that are thought to be bad for your body and can cause a number of problems.

Although colon cleansing has become more and more popular over the years, there is still no real scientific evidence to support or refute its benefits. Some critics of the process feel that it is both unnecessary and unsafe, particularly those products that contain laxatives especially when used by people with underlying health problems. One downside that is known is that it can cause dehydration, which is why it is essential to drink plenty of fluids, particularly after the procedure. Those that support colon cleansing have reported benefits such as weight loss, greater energy levels and clearer skin. As there is no real proof it seems that it is simply a case of personal opinion as to whether or not there are any real advantages or disadvantages to colon cleansing,

As mentioned above, there are numerous different ways to cleanse the colon. Perhaps the most well known is colonic irrigation, which is an invasive procedure where a solution is inserted into the intestine to flush out any feces or waste that is trapped in the intestine. This is usually carried out by a specialist, however it is similar to an enema which can be carried out on yourself or someone else at home. The main difference is that a colonic clears out most of the intestine while an enema only clears out a number of inches. Laxatives are commonly used to treat constipation and as such have been used by some people as a form of colon cleansing, with the main downside being that you can’t control when the effects will take place! Natural supplements and colon cleanse supplements have started to become more popular on the market for people seeking a fast and effective way to cleanse at home. They are also popular amongst people who want to detox their body.

Whilst the various forms colon cleansing have both their critics and supporters, there are some real benefits. By flushing out the toxins in the intestine feelings of ’sluggishness’ are reduced and it becomes easier for the body to absorb the nutrients and minerals found in food. These effects will be even more evident if coupled with a healthy, balanced diet. It is also known that by cleansing the intestine issues such as flatulence and bloating will be reduced. If you do decide to try a form of colon cleansing it may be a good idea to check with your doctor or a medical professional beforehand, particularly if you suffer from any health problems or are on medication. After that it’s just a matter of finding out which form of colon cleansing best suits you.