Dangers and benefits of colon cleansers

Colon cleansers are becoming increasingly popular. This method is used to remove the toxic or harmful substances from the walls of the colon.

Colon or large intestine is a part of the gastrointestinal system and it performs final stages of digestion. It has three main functions. One is to absorb water and mineral salts from digested food, the second is to store undigested food remains and the third is to eliminate waste matter from the body.

Purpose of colon cleansers

When the colon functions normally, it produces a certain amount of mucus which covers its walls. However, due to certain abnormalities and diseases, like unhealthy diet, substance abuse, alcoholism, exposure to toxins, parasites and infections, the colon produces more mucus, which forms a thick layer on the walls and decreases the absorption of important nutrients. In addition, toxic substances do not get expelled completely and they may return to the system and cause autointoxication.

Such problems with colon can lead to constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain, irritable bowel syndrome, bad breath, skin problems, and other diseases.

Colon cleansers are certain foods or laxative substances that stimulate bowel movement and promote better expulsion of all matter accumulated in the colon. They clean the colon thoroughly and enable it to perform its function normally.

Benefits of colon cleansers

Colon cleansers help restore normal function of the colon. When the colon works normally, it absorbs all the important nutrients and maintains normal levels of fluid in the body. Also, colon cleansers help get rid of harmful organisms like bacteria, fungi and parasites that may be causing problems in colon. The body is free of toxins and the benefits for the overall health are significant.

As a result of colon cleansers, the bowel movement is again normal, problems like bloating, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea are solved, and there is even some moderate weight loss.

In some cases, colon cleansers can purify the blood, reduce the risk of gallstones, improve the appearance of the skin, reduce the appetite and restore normal metabolism rate.

Dangers of colon cleansers

Despite all the benefits, colon cleansers have some side effects too. One of them is the possibility that they will flush vitamins and nutrients along with harmful toxins and parasites. Also, as a result of these cleansers, the absorption of water is suddenly increased, which leads to an imbalance in the body and possibly to problems like diarrhea and stomach pain.

Some of the herbal laxatives contain herbs that, taken in larger dosages, cause certain problems like abdominal pain, liver failure, rectal bleeding and colon disease.

Laxatives, especially herbal, may also contain other harmful elements like heavy metals, allergens and pesticides.

For these reasons it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting a colon cleanse therapy with laxatives.