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Colon Cleanse
The colon, or large intestine, is a large and important part of the digestive system. It is the final line of defense in the body’s conversion of food to waste, extracting precious nutrients and water from digested material as it makes its way towards the rectum, ending in expulsion from the body. It is composed of several different sections, which combine forces to move digested matter upward and onward.
Unfortunately, sometimes all of the material is not moved and some is left behind to rot in the colon. In this case, a colon cleanse may be greatly beneficial in restoring the colon to its proper working order.
Benefits of a Colon Cleanse
Used throughout history, the ideology behind a colon cleanse is that it fights the adverse effects of “autointoxication.” This supposedly occurs when waste materials sit in the colon for a prolonged period of time, rotting and releasing harmful toxins into the body through the intestinal wall, essentially poisoning the body.
By flushing out this stagnant waste material using a colon cleanse, there are a number of benefits that may be achieved, including the following:
- Clear skin
- Increase in energy levels
- Reduction in headaches
- Weight loss
- Reduction of bloating
These are only a few of the potential benefits of undertaking a colon cleanse. If an individual decides that a colon cleanse sounds like a good option, there are many different ways to go about this.
Types of Colon Cleanse
For the colon cleanse connoisseur there are a number of products on the market, including an ever-increasing battalion of capsules and pills which promise to flush out the colon and bring a fresh start to the digestive system. These may include a mild laxative effect with added nutrients or “good” bacteria to increase overall health.
- Self-administered Colon Cleanse – This category includes the aforementioned pills, along with other herbs, laxatives, or enemas.
- Colon Irrigation – This type of colon cleanse is performed with the assistance of a professional colon therapist, and usually a pump or machine that flushes up to twenty gallons of water through the colon, removing any stubborn debris in its wake.
It’s important for an individual to consult with a healthcare professional before undertaking a prolonged course of action, as some colon cleanse options can carry side effects or risks.
Colon Cleanse Risks
The main risk with colon cleansing is overuse. Particularly with laxatives, it’s possible for the body to become dependent on this type of colon cleanse, and then not be able to perform its normal functions without their aid.
Additionally, if colon irrigation is not performed properly the body can absorb too much water, leading to dangerous side effects.
Potential Side Effects of Colon Cleanse
- Bacterial infection
- Heart attack
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Although these risks are a very rare but real possibility, in most cases when colon cleansing is used in moderation and under proper supervision, the benefits are all that will be noticed.
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