Colon cleansing is practised by a section of individuals on the recommendations of alternate medicine practitioners. The rationale for colon cleansing is the perceived need to eliminate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. Toxins in the body are known to result in health problems that include high blood pressure, apart from certain conditions such as arthritis. By cleansing the body of toxins that collect in the gastrointestinal tract, individuals aim to reduce the possibility of health complications, and boost immunity. Here are simple and effective tips on how to cleanse your colon without causing complications that are sometimes experienced as a result of wrong methods.
What is colon cleansing and how to cleanse your colon?
As briefly outlined above, colon cleansing is a procedure used to purge the colon of its contents. This is typically performed prior to colonoscopy, and is now performed by individuals periodically for the purpose of cleansing the body of toxins. Before we look at how to cleanse your colon it is important to know a little more about the procedure. Commonly known as colonic irrigation, this is a procedure that mimics the body’s nature process involving the digestive system and bowel to eliminate waste and bacteria.
Colon cleansing involves as much as 60 litres of water and other active substances that move through the colon during the flushing. Typically, a tube is inserted in the rectum and the contents enter the body through the rectum. After a specified duration of time, the colon is flushed of these contents and this eliminates the toxins and bacteria from the colon.
Possible health risks or complications from colon cleansing
Before we look at how to cleanse your colon it is also necessary to understand the risks associated with the procedure. There is a school of thought that insists that colon cleansing outside of medical procedures is not required and risky. The averment is that the body’s natural processes already take care of the cleaning of the system, and that cleaning the colon is only required prior to specific procedures. Commonly reported issues from colon cleansing include side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting and bloating among others. For instance, cramping is one of the frequently reported side effects of colon cleansing. Individuals are known to end up with a tear in the rectum as a result of the insertion of the tube in the rectum. Infections are another possibility that individuals need to contend with when opting for colon cleansing.
As a result of the flushing action where the contents of the colon are cleaned out, the body loses a lot of water and minerals, resulting in dehydration that could be severe or moderate in nature. As a consequence of the sudden drop in electrolyte levels in the body from the cleansing action, individuals with certain conditions are exposed to higher levels of risk. For instance, individuals with kidney ailments or certain heart conditions are likely to end up with a serious condition as a result of the drop in electrolyte levels. In certain rare instances, coffee enemas and herbs that have been used for colon cleanings have also resulted in fatalities.
Other possible complications include dizziness that is usually a symptom of dehydration, sudden imbalance in mineral levels in the body, possibility of bacterial infections and imbalance. Additionally other potential side effects or risks include an interaction or impact on the efficacy of medications – this is because the mechanism of action of medications are based on the absorption of the medication into the body. The flushing is also known to reduce the amount of bowel flora that is essential and necessary for the digestive system to function properly.
High risk category of individuals who need to take medical advice before colon cleansing
While the above side effects or risks are common to al categories of individuals, there are certain categories who are at higher risk. For instance, individuals with certain medical conditions may end up with serious side effects as a result of colon cleansing. Before you read more about how to cleanse your colon take a look at the medical conditions that put individuals at risk during colon cleansing. Individuals with Crohn’s disease are at risk of experiencing serious side effects as a result of colon cleansing. The side effects are more or less amplified in individuals with this condition and it is therefore advised that medical advice be sought before opting for colon cleansing. Similarly, individuals with diverticulitis are also at risk of experiencing aggravated side effects from colon cleansing. Other conditions that also pose risks to individuals include hemorrhoids – this is because of the insertion of the tube in the rectum that can aggravate the condition. Individuals with ulcerative colitis are also at risk of experiencing serious side effects from colon cleansing.
As mentioned above, individuals with pre-existing heart diseases and kidney ailments are also at heightened risk of experiencing side effects. This is attributed to the loss of electrolyte or imbalance of electrolyte. Patients who have recently undergone surgical procedures in the bowel are not to take up colon cleansing as it is considered unsafe. Similarly, patients with tumors either in the rectum or in the colon are also advised against option for the cleansing. The side effects of cleansing are likely to cause serious complications and this could have undesirable results.
How to cleanse your colon – methods in use
Typically, the methods of colon cleansing are broadly classified into two different categories. The first is the use of products that are available, where the individual carries out the colon cleansing either alone or with the assistance of others. The second option is to avail the services of a trained specialist who will carry out the colon cleansing.
How to cleanse your colon with supplements – The use of liquid supplements are popular for colon cleansing. Taken orally, these supplements are intended to purge the large intestine of its contents. Certain supplements are also taken through the rectum. Despite the different modes of insertion/ingress into the body, the mechanism of action of all supplements is the same – getting the large intestine to flush out the contents. The supplements or liquids that are widely sued for colon cleansing include enemas, laxatives, enzymes, magnesium and herbal teas. The laxatives belong to both stimulant as well as nonstimulant categories.
How to cleanse your colon through colonic machines – in use for more than ten decades, colonic machines are typically handled by trained personnel. Known as colon hydrotherapists or hygienists, the trained personal use the machines for colonic irrigations. Similar to the process involved in enema, the process involves more quantities of water. A low pressure pump is used to push in water through the rectum via a tube. This is performed when the individual is made to lie in a prone position.
Typically, an average of 60 litres of water are flushed into the rectum. Once the water has been pumped in, the next step is a massage of the abdomen. This intended to free up the toxin and waste material in the large intestine before it is expelled. Finally, the water is released in a manner similar to routine bowel movements. This purges the contents of the large intestine, bringing out the water and the waste. This process may sometimes be repeated, depending on the requirement, and generally sessions can last for as long as one hour. The trained hydrotherapist may use water in different temperatures depending on the requirement. Similarly, the pressure with which water is moved into the body also depends on various conditions. The substances mixed with water – such as herbs, coffee or enzymes are chosen on the basis of the hydrotherapist’s assessment of the requirements. In certain instances, the substances may also include probiotics which are considered as good bacterial for the guts.
Here is a list of different methods that will teach you how to cleanse your colon naturally
#1 Drinking Water, juices – By drinking sufficient water you can flush your colon naturally without the need for other substances or methods. Similarly, the consumption of juices will also help to naturally clean the colon.
#2 Saltwater on an empty stomach – Consumption of saltwater prior to breakfast is known to flush the colon naturally.
#3 Dietary modification – The intake of adequate amounts of fiber is known to increase motility and clean the colon naturally.
#4 Probiotics, herbal teas – Probiotics and herbal teas are an effective method of keeping your colon clean and clear.
#5 Plant food for resistant starches – The consumption of more plant food such as green bananas, grains, potatoes and rice help deliver more resistant starches. This is in turn beneficial for gut health and the colon.
Claimed benefits of colon cleansing
With tips on how to cleanse your colon behind, it is time to look at the perceived benefits of colon cleansing. The logic behind colon cleansing has been attributed to the theory that undigested meat results in the accumulation of mucus in the colon. As a consequence of this mucus buildup, toxins are produced, which then proceed to slowly cause a buildup of toxins in the body. Known as the theory of autointoxication, this is an old school of thought that has advocated and promoted colon cleansing. In extension of the theory, the toxin build is claimed to cause symptoms and conditions that include, weight gain, sudden loss of energy levels, throbbing headache and unexplained fatigue. There are supporters and dissenters to this theory of autointoxication. Some argue while the possibility of toxins entering the body is a possibility, the whole concept of autointoxication is not entirely true.
There are benefits from colon cleansing – some proven benefits and some claimed benefits. The possible benefits (claimed and proven) include weight loss as a result of cleansing the large intestine, and a boost to the immune system. Other benefits from colon cleansing include lesser risk from colon cancer, and a general overall improvement in comfort levels as a result of a cleaned and relatively free colon. The purpose of colon cleansing is to expel or purge toxic waste that is assumed to collect in the colon. The waste that is assumed to have accumulated is reportedly hard and layered on the colon walls. The products are believed to clear this stagnating toxic waste which purportedly enhances the body’s functioning. However, most of the claims are based on assumptions and it is not fully clear or supported by scientific evidence that colon cleansing offers all benefits. While some of the benefits are certainly a possibility, others remain to be proven.
Difference between colon cleaning prior to procedures and colon cleansing for detox
Colon cleansing prior to procedures are a necessity, without which it is not possible for certain procedures to be performed. However, colon cleansing for the purpose of detox is not a necessity, but a choice that is driven by perceptions.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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