Colon Cleansing Scam

Colon cleaning is becoming increasingly more common as people from all walks of life work to cleanse their bodies from harmful toxin buildups.  There are pollutants in the air, chemicals in the foods we eat and the items we use in our home from day do day, as well as in makeup and skin care products. The chemicals get into our skin and from there build up in our bodies.  Is it important to do something to cleanse the body from these harmful substances?  If so, what one should do to accomplish that?

While many people go in for colon cleansing, it is not all that hard to find a safer alternative.  If you look online you will find any number of websites advertising different homemade colon cleanse and colon cleanse recipes.  Of course, there are also many colon cleansing scam sites out there – sites that will give you recipes that are either ineffective or actually harmful to the body, so it is important to be very careful as to what treatment you decide to do. One good point to remember is that if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

If you are having medical problems, it is best that you see a doctor and speak with him/her about the correct form of treatment.  Checking out medical related web sites online is not a substitute for a doctor visit if you have health problems.  However, if you do not have serious health issues but simply want to cleanse your body from toxin build up then finding a natural formula online is one idea.  There are many different kinds of cleanses; some are one time things that you do and others involve a special diet for a few days or even a week.  Pick something that is not only realistic for you but also something that you would feel comfortable doing.

One of the oldest and yet safest methods of colon cleaning is visiting a sauna or spa.  The perspiration takes with it harmful chemicals that have built up in your system. It is no surprise that saunas have been around for the last several thousand years and are yet still very popular today.  Just make sure that you replenish with lots and lots of water.  Dehydrating yourself will not help you.

Enema detoxification is another method, albeit a lot less pleasant. An organic coffee brew is used for this and can be done in your own home, as opposed to using non-organic medicines. This doesn’t actually “detox” your body, and doing it too often can actually be harmful to your intestines.  It does, however, often give one that “fresh” feeling afterward. There is even a foot detox method where the feet are placed in a bowl with salt water and ion generators. This particular method, however, focuses on getting rid of metal toxins in the body.  Whether or not it actually works is debatable.

There are also a number of special colon cleansing teas that are said to perform wonders when it comes to colon cleansing.  Drinking an organic tea may be just the thing for you, especially if you are already a tea person.  It is important to remember, however, that when it comes to herbs and teas, you should follow the directions on the package carefully.  Many people feel that when it comes to organic medicine alternatives, one can take as much as one wants without negative repercussions because it is all natural. This is a very dangerous fallacy. Herbs and teas, while they are all natural, can have negative side effects. Mother Nature has some pretty powerful stuff and taking too much of it can be bad for you.  If you do have any negative side affects or allergic reactions, then it goes without saying that you should stop whatever treatment you are taking and if needed get help from a medical professional.

If you are pregnant or nursing then it is very important to research whatever medicine or herbal treatment you are considering using.  Visiting a sauna or spa is not recommended for pregnant women and some kinds of medicines and herbal treatments can be harmful to the unborn baby, or pass into the breast milk if you are nursing.  Be very careful about what kinds of treatments you do; it is quite likely that the foot detox would be your best bet in this kind of situation, or perhaps you may find it better to wait for some time and do a different detox later.

Those of you that have read other posts on this site know that I am not a proponent of colon cleansing.  I have not only tried Bowtrol (as well as a few others), and done extensive research as to the need to “cleanse”, and the effectiveness of these products.  Despite the facts, however, masses of people still want this stuff to work and want to feel like they’re doing themselves some good by using these products.  My point here is to at least try to advise the safest alternatives.

To be honest, the only truly safe way to “detoxify” your body is to drink a lot of water, get plenty of exercise, and eat natural, healthy foods that are high in dietary fiber.  For those of you who still feel you need to detox, try one of the safer methods above.

J

*Update – I just recently spoke with an associate of mine that reminded me of the benefits of yoga when it comes to getting your body in balance with itself.  He says that yoga is an awesome way to feel healthy, fit, and yes, even “detoxified”.  This is not the first time I have heard this, and since yoga is both healthy and safe, I am going to look into trying it.  If you want to try yoga, you can try reading this article on the best yoga dvd for beginners.

As we learn more about our health, trends and fads come and go. Most recently we have learned much about colon cleanse in the marketplace, homemade colon cleanse, as well as several versions of the colon cleansing scam. Our colon acts as the main warehouse for the body’s filtration system. The intestine is the last stop before waste is eliminated. Sometimes the assembly line of bodily functions back up and need assistance to generate a steady flow again.

• The enema(many variations)
• Ex-lax
• Magnesium citrate
• Correctol
• Milk of Magnesia
• Stool Softeners
• Cod Liver Oil
• Castor oil
• Colon Cleansing Tea

…are some of the remedies of yester-year. Although they provide some temporary symptomatic relief, they did not go far into the colon to address the buildup of toxins. As manufacturers went to work in labs creating capsules and potions, holistic practitioners did the same in experimenting with homemade colon cleanse recipes.

Among the lists of ingredients there are a few that are known to aid in digestion or have fiber like qualities. Those include:

1. Wheat
2. Aloe Vera
3. Flax Seed
4. Acai juice
5. Bentonite Clay
6. Senna
7. Cascara Sagrada
8. Psyillium

The first four on the list have safe and natural fiber benefits as long as the aloe vera does not have aloin, which is banned in the US. Incidentally, it is the aloin that causes the laxative affect. Flax seed is the only listed ingredient with proven benefits other than fiber to aid in cleansing the colon without harmful side effects. The second four ingredients have to be used with strong caution. The psyillium and bentonite clay has to be flushed through the system lest cause blockages in the colon. Senna and cascara sagrada can have more violent side effects if used incorrectly, or by those already experiencing problems.

A couple of more recently recommended sources are Colonix, Colpurin and Blessed Herbs which all have some level of the ingredients that could cause problems. Half of these products stick to walls and crevices of the colon. Oxy powder is the only product that mixes oxygen and water for a more safe approach. This method even causes liquid stools in most people. These main ingredients are used in an array of over the counter relief. Homemade colon cleanse usually involves enemas of some sort or require the mixing of herbs.

Some of the more popular enemas still only penetrate a small portion of the colon. It does not have the affect of an irrigation of the colon for instance, although it falls under the same procedures. Some of the more popular enemas are:

• Yogurt
• Coffee & Teas
• Vinegar
• Garlic
• Juices
• Wheat& Barley grasses
• Epsom salt
• Olive oil

To correct bacterial flora it is even recommended to use yellow baby stool. Green stool indicates a lack of balance between good and bad bacteria. Yogurt is good only if it contains live bacteria cultures. Care has to be given not to use the wrong compound and measurements when making homemade colon cleanse. Herbs in capsule form are subject to be a colon cleansing scam.

Since herbs are not yet regulated, colon cleanse manufacturers can manipulate the percentage of active ingredients to make a higher profit. The most active ingredient in capsule form is going to be fiber based or laced with one or more of the ingredients that could cause potential problems.

It seems the best way to maintain a healthy colon is to start with a colon cleanse supervised by a doctor. Eating fruits and vegetables  (along with other “fat burning food“) coupled with exercise is the best  free homemade colon cleanse available. Consistency will avoid desperation and the possibility of falling prey to the latest colon cleansing scam.

If you are looking for how to lose weight, colon cleansing is not it.  For a safe and effective weight loss alternative CLICK HERE.