When people hear the term “colon cleansing,” they often think of the word, “colonic” too. What is colonic? A colonic is a water flush designed to be administered each day of a cleanse, and is best for those who do not want to give themselves an enema. It is also referred to as a “colon irrigation” or “colon hydrotherapy.”

It is thought that it will assist the colon cleansing process, because there is no guarantee as to whether or not all the toxins are flushed out of the body during a cleanse. This is thought to ensure that any harmful toxin left in the colon will be removed. People do this to keep these toxins from becoming backed up in the body and out of the bloodstream, where they could potentially cause health issues. Colonics should be done along side another colon cleansing program, to ensure the colon is completely clean. After the cleansing program is complete, doing a colonic once every six months to keep the colon clean is thought to be a good idea.

What will a colonic do?

A colonic will:

• Help to break down all toxins and waste stuck in the colon.
• Strengthen the colon walls and help it revert to its natural shape.
• Strengthen the digestive system.
• Clear your skin.
• Energize the body.

Is it safe?

Yes, it is thought to be 100% safe. The colonics are conducted by professionals, who have done this procedure many times a day for several years. All the equipment they use is completely sterile, and there is no need to be embarrassed. There is no damage to the colon and there is no danger of forming a habit with colonics.

Are there any side effects?

Generally, no. Some people may experience loose bowel movements after a colonic, but this is a temporary issue and the bowel movements will return to normal within a short period of time after the colonic. Most people will not experience anything more than this, but if anything seems out of the ordinary to you, see a medical professional right away.

When you are doing a colon cleanse, you should do at least one colonic. If you can afford to do more, it may be a good idea. There is no magic number of colonic treatments that will guarantee a completely clean colon. Pricing will vary depending on where you live and where you go for the treatment, but expect to pay around $75 per treatment. Think of it as an investment in your health.

Before using a colon cleanser, many people wonder if they actually work. There are so many different formulas available on the market today, it is difficult to know which ones will work and which ones won’t. For the most part, colon cleansers will work to remove toxins and waste from the colon, helping you to feel better and to lose weight; it’s just that some may work better than others. Before choosing a colon cleanser, take a close look at the ingredients and product reviews to help you decide whether or not it works.

Types of Colon Cleansers

Before deciding which kind of colon cleanser to use, it is important to know what kind of cleansers are available. Both of these cleansing products have their own benefits, but knowing which one you should use lies in your preference.

• Oxygen Based: These use oxygen to cleanse the colon and claim to safe for every day use, though we do not recommended cleansing that frequently as this could rid the body of natural, good, bacteria necessary for optimum health. These are available in pill or powder form.
• Fiber Based: These are safe to use for a month or two, but cannot be used frequently without potentially causing harm to the colon or to the digestive system in general. These products use fiber to clean the colon, by increasing the number of bowel movements within a short period of time.

Things to Remember

Having said all this, there are some very important things to consider about the necessity and safety of colon cleansing products.

• Some people believe there is no reason to cleanse, while others swear by it.
• Be careful regardless of which formula you decide to use. Some ingredients may cause the body more harm than good, as they will not be able to pass through the colon.
• Natural ingredients may make you think the product is safe, but it is important to remember that natural doesn’t always mean safe. Allergic reactions may occur, and if you aren’t completely aware of all the ingredients in the product, it probably isn’t a good idea to put into your body. Some ingredients, though natural, may interact with one another, wrecking havoc on the system.
• Frequent trips to the restroom may rid the body of vitamins and nutrients necessary for good health and lead to dehydration. If you choose to use colon cleansing products, it is very important to stay hydrated.
• Frequent colon cleansing may cause the body to become dependent on the cleansing to relieve itself.

Alternative to Colon Cleansing

For those who do not like the idea of using any products to cleanse the colon, there is an alternative. Eating a healthy, balanced, diet that contains plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber, will naturally cleanse the colon, without causing any potential danger to the digestive system. Drinking plenty of water will also help the body cleanse itself without the use of these costly products. Avoid overeating, and stay away from foods that are high in fat, carbs, and sugar as these have no natural means of helping to cleanse the colon.

While there is a great debate on whether or not colon cleansing is a healthy and safe thing to do, it is important to know what the health benefits of a colon cleanse are thought to be. This way, you can make an educated decision on whether or not to cleanse your colon. It is thought that there are several health benefits including the elimination of harmful toxins from the body, weight loss, and even increased energy.

Elimination of Harmful Toxins

When you use a colon cleanse, it is thought that it will essentially flush the body clean, removing all harmful toxins left in the body from the digestion of foods we eat. These harmful toxins are thought to weigh us down and cause serious health issues. People who do not suggest colon cleanses often say that in addition to wiping out these harmful bacteria, we are also wiping out the good bacteria that help with the digestion of food and regulation of the bowels.

Weight Loss

It is thought that over time, with the incredibly bad diets many of us eat, that we are essentially backing ourselves up. With the unhealthy diets we are eating, we are not giving our bodies the tools it needs to cleanse on its own, and therefore we are holding up to 20 pounds of impacted waste in our bodies. When we do a cleanse, we remove this backed up waste from our bodies that took years to build up, thus causing a weight loss effect. Though this weight loss is likely only superficial, meaning it will be very easy to gain back, many people use it as a quick weight loss method.

Increased Energy

Many people who do colon cleanses on a regular basis say it helps them feel more energized. The idea behind this is that because you are removing harmful toxins from your body, you will be able to get back to the natural balance of things, finding yourself free from the chemicals that bog you down.

When done correctly, a colon cleanse may provide these health benefits. There are many different ways to do a colon cleanse. With the number of products available on the market that all promise to help cleanse the colon, it can be a difficult process to begin. The important thing is to do product research beforehand to ensure that you are choosing the best possible colon cleansing product for your needs, and follow all directions exactly as they are listed on the product. This will help you achieve the best results.

Using a colon cleanser may help rid the body of toxins and lose weight. The decision to use a colon cleanser is entirely a personal one as there is much debate surrounding when and how often a colon cleanser should be used. The fact is there is little evidence available to support the necessity for colon cleansing, as the body is able to do it on its own through natural processes. Some say you can use a colon cleanser when you are feeling constipated or whenever you feel it necessary, while others say to avoid them completely. Be careful to avoid frequent use of these cleansers to ensure the body keeps enough of its natural enzymes for healthy digestion.

To Relieve Constipation

When the body is unable to move the bowels easily, it makes it difficult to function. Cleansing the colon acts as a laxative to force bowel movements. While this will relieve the constipation, it may lead to other health problems, because moving the bowels too frequently could cause the body to lose healthy bacteria and nutrients it needs to flourish.

To Assist with Weight Loss

One of the most common uses for colon cleansers is to help with weight loss. The idea is that removing the excess waste from the colon will reduce the overall amount of weight a person carries. A clean colon is thought to also assist with improving digestion, making it easier for the food to be properly absorbed and utilized by the body. Some people who use colon cleansers for weight loss purposes claim that it helps them lose up to 20 pounds within just a few days, making it a popular weight loss gimmick. While it will reduce the weight shown on the scale, it is not a viable method for long term weight loss.

Some people believe colon cleansing is the only way to keep the body free of harmful toxins, while others believe that cleansing the colon will remove beneficial bacteria from the body. Those who believe that colon cleansing will harm the body believe that the body takes care of it naturally. When you choose to use a natural colon cleanser, you are deciding to use it as an effective way to remove toxins and lose weight.

You will need to pay close attention to all the products available, looking into the ingredients, and whether or not the ingredients are natural. Remember that just because the ingredients are natural doesn’t mean they are safe. For many people, it will take using at least one cleanser in order to decide whether or not they are a viable medical treatment.