- Medical science has determined that the practice of colon cleansing has no significance at all for better health and may very well be dangerous. Proponents claim that the practice of colon cleansing can prevent colon cancer and other diseases by removing the toxin buildup in the colon. The medical community has scientifically proven that there is no toxin buildup in the colon that is not removed by normal colonic function. The only significance of colon cleansing is the creation of a market for numerous products available.
- Colon cleansing can have dangerous effects on the colon and the body as a whole. With some colon-cleansing techniques where a tube is inserted into the rectum for irrigation, the effect can be negative. Trauma from the foreign body may cause localized damage, including perforation, to the lining of the colon. Also, the use of unclean and unsterilized apparatus may introduce bacteria into the colon, causing infection. Another negative effect of colon cleansing is the absorption or the excretion of excess water that causes a chemical imbalance in the body.
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There are basically two types of colon cleansing. The first involves the oral intake of dietary supplements. This type involves three steps. The first is the oral intake of specific herbs that are claimed to have properties to eliminate the toxins and debris in the colon. This is followed by more unspecific herbs and supplements to replenish the good bacteria needed in the colon. Lastly, the oral intake of more detoxifying herbs, amino acids and minerals is intended to prevent the body from instilling more toxins into the colon. There are also other regiments described by other proponents of colon cleansing, however, they all describe the use of unspecified and unregulated herbal and supplemental products.
The second type of colon cleansing involves a mechanical evacuation of the colon contents. The process involves inserting a tube through the anus into the colon and irrigating the colon with soapy water and allowing the water to be excreted. This practice is condemned by the medical community due to the risk of physical damage to the colon. - Much consideration must be put forth when deciding if colon cleansing is an appropriate health care treatment. The proponents offer testimonials of people who have used their colon-cleansing products with positive results. Medical science offers the conclusion that colon cleansing is worthless and sometimes may even be dangerous. Proponents have a monetary incentive to propose better health by using their products. Medical science has no financial stake in condoning the practice.
- Colon cleansing creates the misconception that all colons fail to do the job they are intended to do. The primary function of a colon is to excrete waste from the body, which in the vast majority of cases they do an excellent job of doing without any help. The promotion of colon cleansing also infers that it is a scientific-based procedure necessary for good health and is a valid medical treatment. Terms such as "nature's medicine," Dr Natura and the like are used to make such inferences.
- The benefits of colon cleansing are purely anecdotal without any scientific studies to confirm them. The case for beneficial use of colon cleansing comes purely from product promoters and consumer testimonials. From a medical standpoint there is no health-related benefit of colon cleansing.
Comments
princessvanessa said
on 12/3/2008 It is good to see that somebody, besides myself, feels that the colon functions exactly as it should without "cleansing".