One of the health trends that pops up from time to time is colon cleansing. Touted as a way to remove toxins from the body, these cleanses usually involve a regimen of pills or a specially-mixed drink aimed at clearing out the colon. Companies that produce these pills, and even websites offering homemade colon cleanse recipes, claim that completing such a cleanse will help individuals lose weight, feel more energetic, and rid the body of many pounds of waste material that have somehow been hiding in the colon.
Let’s take a step back and consider the normal function of the colon. Once food passes out of the small intestine, all the vital nutrients have been taken into the body. It’s the job of the colon to absorb the remaining liquid and create what we know as waste. With the aid of naturally-occurring bacteria and a mucus lining, the colon breaks down any indigestible matter and moves it out of the body. This process, when working properly, creates normal bowel movements.
During a so-called “colon cleanse”, the cleansing agent, be it pills or liquid, causes the bowels to work overtime to empty themselves. Many cleanses also employ various forms of fasting, which may include total abstinence from food, eating only soups and juices, or a combination of these that eases back towards normal eating habits over the course of several days. This combination results in a high amount of output with very little input to replace what has been lost.
Between the amount of elimination involved and the sharp decrease in food intake, colon cleanses can cause side effects such as dizziness, bloating, and gas. Constipation may set in once the cleanse is over. Colon cleansing also disrupts the balance of the “good bacteria” in the intestines that ferment waste and absorb nutrients. Without these bacteria in proper numbers, digestion can become an uncomfortable process. Some cleanses clear the colon out so much that the mucus used to help move food through the digestive system may be excreted. This mucus is natural and necessary for healthy digestion.
The idea that colon cleanses can lead to permanent, sustainable weight loss is a myth. Any weight lost during a cleanse consists almost entirely of stool and water, meaning that it will come back when normal eating is resumed. Eliminating stool this way can also lead to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration, which can cause further problems.
Occasional constipation is not unusual and can be treated with over-the-counter laxatives if necessary. When used properly, these laxatives offer quick relief from pain, bloating, and general discomfort associated with occasional constipation. A full “colon cleanse” isn’t necessary to keep digestion functioning properly.
The best way to have a healthy colon starts where all digestion starts: with what you put in your mouth. Eating a diet high in fresh, whole foods boosts fiber intake, which naturally helps your digestive system work the way it’s supposed to. Swapping high-fat, low-fiber foods such as meats and dairy products with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will give your whole body a healthy boost in addition to aiding digestion.
If you are experiencing chronic constipation or diarrhea, speak with your doctor about potential causes. Irritable bowl syndrome, sluggish colon, chronic idiopathic constipation, and even food allergies can all cause digestive symptoms. If you seem to simply have an issue with poor digestion, consider going on a probiotic regimen to improve the balance of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Colon cleansing is a fad “fix” for problems that society has blown out of proportion. Engaging in these cleanses and fasts can be dangerous and may cause future health problems. The best way to maintain colon health is to enjoy a high-fiber diet rich in whole, fresh food that nourishes your body and aids your system in doing its job naturally.
Sources:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/digestive/digestive-system2.htm
