Colon Cleanses: The Blow by Blow

Next in our list of gross-out, taboo topics: colon cleanses! I’ve received a few questions about them recently, so it’s time to set the record straight.

First, colon cleanses vary widely in their qualities, aggressiveness, impact, and effect. If the products are well formulated, made with premium quality ingredients, and done correctly, colon cleanses can be very therapeutic.

However, if the colon cleanses are made primarily of herbal laxatives, diuretics, and intestinal stimulants, then they produce only the illusion of a cleansing effect—NOT the actual healing and restorative benefits.

People become strong candidates for colon cleanses when they replace a healthy diet of fiber, nutrients, and plenty of water with foods packaged by man, rather than by nature. In other words, people often end up consuming too many refined and processed foods--and those are frequently eaten too fast, or on the run.

Chronic deficiencies in those nutrients, accompanied by chronic digestive distress, can alter bowel ecology, and lead to some real 'contamination' problems. Also keep in mind that about 80 percent of your immune system tissue is in your GI tract. Since the quality of tissue structure determines the quality of tissue function, you want to make sure your system is in tip-top shape.

That’s why a 'blow out' alone won’t give your GI tract what it needs to function better. Instead, a colon cleanse of any kind should be part of a more complete process for GI tract correction. My advice: eat healthier foods, take quality multivitamins, and add supplements that promote improved digestive health.