Actively cleansing the colon may not be necessary and can even be dangerous or harmful, according to WebMD and the Mayo Clinic. However, proponents of colon cleansing believe that it's important to cleanse the colon periodically in order to remove harmful toxins from the body and reduce the risk of colon cancer, obesity and diabetes. Use caution with any health-related treatments, including colon cleansing.

Theory

Colon cleansing proponents believe that undigested meat and other foods accumulate in the colon and result in mucus buildup. The belief is that this results in toxins being released into the bloodstream that can cause various ailments, including lack of energy, headaches, fatigue and obesity.

Laxatives and Enemas

Laxatives and enemas can be used to clean the colon. Laxatives are taken by mouth and enemas through the rectum. They expel the waste matter from the colon. Laxatives and enemas can be purchased in grocery stores, drugstores, health food stores and online. They can be administered at home or under the supervision of a health care professional.

Colon Irrigation

Colon irrigation, also referred to as high colonics, works in a similar fashion as an enema but is less messy. The bad smells associated with enemas are avoided with colon irrigation, and there is less discomfort. Colon irrigation can be done at home, but in most cases it is done by a professional. High colonics flush as much as 20 gallons of water from the rectum through the colon. During this time, the colonic hygienist may massage the stomach to help loosen fecal matter in the colon. The water dislodges fecal matter, which is pumped out of the body through a tube.

Fiber

Eating a high-fiber diet is the safest and most natural way to cleanse the colon. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts, and dried beans and peas. The less processed food is, the better. For instance, whole wheat bread is a good source of fiber, while white bread is not. Raw fresh fruit and vegetables are a better source of fiber than fruit and vegetables that have been cooked. Fiber supplements can be taken if inadequate fiber is consumed through meals and snacks. Additional fiber can be also be added to the diet by eating a tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with water.

Precautions

Colon cleansing has several risks, including bowel perforation, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, interactions with medication, and infection. It is also possible to deplete good bacteria when clearing out harmful bacteria. Consult a physician before undergoing any type of extreme colon cleansing regimen, particularly colon irrigation, harsh laxatives or colon cleansing herbal remedies.

Source:

WebMD

Mayo Clinic

eHealthMD

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