Colonista: One Woman's Search for the World's Best Colon Cleansing

Colon Hydrotherapy: Whether You Call it Colonic or Colon Irrigation, it Works!

Colon hydrotherapy involves using purified water to clean out the colon. The water is sent into the rectum through tubing called a speculum. The water enters the body and slowly and gently begins to clean the colon, causing the colon muscles to contract and expand, urging your body to get rid of any undigested food, bacteria, water, gas, and mucus that may have built up.

 

The procedure is performed without the use of drugs and is considered to be painless. Depending upon your current symptoms, your colon hydrotherapist may decide to add ozone, herbs, or special enzymes to the purified water to make the therapy even more beneficial. Your therapist should also massage the abdomen during the procedure to help remove excess waste and gas trapped in the colon.

 

There are two types of systems for colon hydrotherapy treatment: open and closed.

 

Open colon hydrotherapy systems are usually quite large and allow you to recline slightly during the procedure. You will then slide on to a protruding part of the machine called a speculum. With this type of system, you will be left alone in the room for the majority of the procedure, which lasts approximately one hour. This type of system will expose the participant to various smells of the accumulated waste as it is removed, as a separate evacuation tube isn't used.

 

Closed colon hydrotherapy systems can only be operated by colon hydrotherapists who are responsible for manually inserting the speculum into the rectum. The speculum attaches to a plastic hose that is connected to the machine itself. The accumulated toxic waste leaves your body through a separate evacuation tube that leads back to the machine. A typical session lasts between thirty and fifty minutes. With this system, the therapist stays with your during the entire procedure.

 

When looking for a colon hydrotherapist, seek someone that is trained, properly licensed, and certified. While colonic hydrotherapy is very effective at removing toxins, it may not be suitable for individuals suffering from malignant polyps, severe hemorrhoids, active diverticulitis, or active inflammatory bowel disease.

 

(Picture Credit: Nurtura Health)

All-Natural Bentonite Clay: Good for Colon Cleansing?

Bentonite clay is known for its internal cleansing properties. It is commonly used to helps those suffering from several different symptoms of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. When it is taken internally, bentonite clay can do the following:

• Detoxify the liver
• Promote a healthy bacterial balance in the digestive system
• Cleanse toxins from the colon
• Remove heavy metals and chemicals following radiation treatment
• Support efficient cellular respiration
• Boost the immune system
• Improve nutrient assimilation by the digestive system

 

Did you know that bentonite clay has powerful adsorptive and absorptive qualities? The molecules that make up bentonite clay are negatively charged. On the other hand, the molecules that make up harmful bacteria, toxins, and other disease-causing agents are positively charged. As bentonite clay travels through the colon, its negative ions attract the positive ions in toxins, bonding with them and taking them out of the body.

 

High quality bentonite clay has only seventeen minerals. The fewer the minerals in clay, the higher its absorption potential. The bentonite clay molecule assimilates the toxin molecule bonded to its exterior. Then your body gets rid of the toxin-filled clay molecules via bowel movements.

 

However, you should keep the following in mind before using bentonite clay: it shouldn't be taken if you are of advanced age, pregnant, or for at least two hours after taking other nutritional supplements and medications.

 

What are your experiences with bentonite clay?

 

(Picture Credit: Natural Body Detox)

Enemas and Colon Cleansing 101

You've surely heard of enemas, but what do you really know about them? Well, they are one of the oldest methods for treating constipation and cleansing the colon.

 

An enema is a device that's inserted into the anus that injects water (or other fluids including herbal blends, coffee, diluted clay, and essential oils) from a holding bag into the rectum itself. While enemas are effective for removing accumulated waste from the lower part of the colon, they do very little to cleanse the entire colon and digestive tract.

 

Dry enemas inject a small amount of sterile lubricant into the rectum using a disposable, non-hypodermic syringe. These types of enemas work like a suppository but are much quicker. Dry enemas aren't as messy as wet enemas, as there is less fluid going into the bowels.

 

As you can see, while enemas can be great for treating constipation, they aren't effective as a long-term solution for removing intestinal toxins or preventing constipation. And, as an added scare, if enemas are administered incorrectly, they can actually cause damage to delicate tissues.

 

If you do decide to participate in an enema, be sure to get one done by a professional.

 

(Picture Credit: Enema Bag)

Stay Away from this Colon Cleansing Ingredient!!

As I've shown you in the past couple of days, there are many ingredients that are commonly found in colon cleansers that are less-than-safe...in fact, they're downright toxic! Here's just one more ingredient to add to that list: cascara sagrada.

 

Cascara sagrada is an herbal stimulant laxative that, through research, has been shown to lead to serious digestive conditions including the worsening of symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation. Wait a minute--aren't colon cleansers supposed to relieve these symptoms? Then why are they in so many colon cleansers?

 

Cascara sagrada can also cause the following:

• Liver damage
• Acute Hepatitis
• Abdominal pain
• Lesions in the colon
• Rectal bleeding

 

Furthermore, cascara sagrada is one of a group of herbal plants that contain compounds known as Anthraquinones...which are cancer-causing agents.

 

Come back next week to learn more about colon cleansing!

 

(Picture Credit: Bridgat.com)

Senna: Toxic but in Colon Cleansers!

When you participate in a colon cleansing program, the goal is to get rid of all of the accumulated toxins in your digestive system...not to add more toxins to it! A popular ingredient in herbal colon cleansers is senna, a stimulant laxative that has shown to be toxic to animal muscle tissue.

 

When senna is highly concentrated in the bloodstream or organs due to over-consumption, the body can develop a slew of health problems. Common conditions and diseases caused by senna overuse include:

• Blood diseases
• Decreased enzyme production
• Liver failure
• Nervous system impairment
• Musculoskeletal tissue damage
• Decreased energy
• Severe diarrhea
• Unhealthy weight loss
• Diaper rash and blisters in children
• Death of colorectal tissue, which can lead to colorectal cancer

 

If you're looking to purchase laxatives, colon cleansers, weight-loss supplements, or herbal teas, read the labels and make sure that senna isn't one of them!

 

(Picture Credit: Mountainside Medical Equipment)

Colon Cleansing Ingredients to Stay Away from: Psyllium

Psyllium is a very popular ingredient in herbal colon cleansers. It's a bulk-forming laxative high both in mucilage and fiber. When the psyllium husk comes into contact with water, it swells. When you consume the husk, this bulk stimulated a cramping of the bowel, causing a bowel movement.

 

Psyllium isn't effective in cleansing the entire bowel, ridding it of much toxic waste, or improving the health of the intestinal walls. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The following warnings apply to psyllium:

• Don't take this product if you have difficulty swallowing.
• If this produce isn't taken with enough water, it can cause swelling and lead to choking.
• Keep this product out of reach of children.
• If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest pain, or vomiting after ingesting this product, seek medical attention immediately.
• In case of overdose, contact a Poison Control Center or get medical attention immediately.
• Allergy Alert: This product may cause an allergic reaction with symptoms including skin irritation and problems breathing.

 

It's advised that you ask a doctor before using psyllium if you have:

• Abdominal pain, vomiting, or nausea
• A sudden change in bowel patterns lasting for at least two weeks

 

Psyllium users are advised to stop use and ask a doctor if constipation lasts for more than seven days or rectal bleeding occurs.

 

My advice? Just stay away from psyllium. Period.

 

(Picture Credit: Colon Health Advice)

Laxatives: Can They Cleanse Your Colon?

Some turn to laxatives as an alternative to colon cleansing. But do laxatives really cleanse the colon, or do they simply offer temporary relief to a more serious problem (a compacted colon)?

 

First, let's talk about the different types of laxatives that are out there. The first type is the osmotic laxative. This category of laxatives causes excess fluid to journey to the intestines. This process can actually take several days to increase the poop's fluid matter. Put in layman's terms: osmotic laxatives cause diarrhea so that it's easier to pass your stools.The downside is that these laxatives can cause cramping, bloating, electrolyte depletion, and severe dehydration. Some examples of osmotic laxatives are Sorbilax, MiraLAX, and Milk of Magnesia.

 

The second type of laxative is the stimulant laxative. These are made with harsh and sometimes toxic herbs that make the intestinal muscles contract and spasm. These laxatives begin working in mere hours; however, they also come along with the same symptoms as the osmotic laxatives. Furthermore, stimulant laxatives are addictive and can cause serious long-term damage to the intestinal lining is used excessively. Some examples of stimulant laxatives are ex-lax, Castor Oil, and Dulcolax.

 

The third and final type of laxative is the bulk-forming laxative. These use very absorbent ingredients to increase the overall stool volume. As your poo increases in size, your bowels are forced to push it out of the body. Bulk-forming laxatives can be dangerous, as there is a slight possibility of them actually clogging the bowels. Some examples of bulk-forming laxatives are Citrucel, Metamucil Psyllium Fiber, and Benefiber.

 

Our recommendation? If you're serious about cleansing your colon, don't go with a laxative. However, if you are interested in using a laxative, be sure to discuss your decision with your physician.

 

(Picture Credit: Laxatives to Lose Weight)

How to Participate in an Overnight Colon Cleanse

We all have our weak moments, where we indulge in rich foods, alcohol, and other things that are sure to wreak havoc on our colons. When you improperly mix foods during meals, it can cause the carbs to ferment, the red meat to putrefy, and the fats to turn rancid before they can be properly dealt with. Eating so much food can also deplete the enzymes that are needed to efficiently break food down for digestion. If you find yourself splurging, it's best to do an overnight colon cleanse to go ahead and cleanse those nasty toxins out of your body.

 

To participate in an overnight colon cleanse, simply squeeze the juice of a half an organic lemon and add that plus one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar into sixteen ounces of distilled water. Before going to bed, take eight capsules of Oxy-Powder (or another oxygen-based colon cleanser) and drink the sixteen ounces of lemon/water/vinegar mixture. The next day, you'll eliminate it all--trust me!

 

(Picture Credit: Colon Info)

Getting to the Nitty Gritty About Colon Cleansing

Dr. Edward F. Group III lists only two more frequently asked questions about colon cleansing in his book The Green Body Cleanse. And, without further ado, here they are!

 

Q: How often should I repeat a six- to seven-day colon cleanse?

A: Dr. Group recommends that six- to seven-day colon cleanses be repeated every three to six months if any of the following apply:

• You regularly ingest processed or fast foods, alcohol, soft drinks, or coffee
• You feel compacted or are suffering from constipation
• You don't exercise at least three times per week
• You regularly experience gas, bloating, or yeast infections

Even if you don't experience any of the above, Dr. Group still believes that you should repeat a six- to seven-day cleanse every six months to help maintain optimal digestive health.

 

Q: Why is oxygen colon cleansing better than other colon cleansing programs?

A: Oxygen cleansers, unlike their counterparts, are able to clean the entire 25-30' length of the digestive tract. It's estimated that the average person has between ten and twenty pounds of compacted fecal waste lodged in their intestinal tract by the time they reach the age of forty. That's disgusting. Oxygen cleansers help to push through this accumulated waste and cleanse the entire colon.

 

Have any other questions about colon cleansing? Leave them in the comments!

 

(Picture Credit: din4.com)

Colon Cleansing: Get the Facts

Here are a couple more frequently asked questions that Dr. Edward F. Group III lists in his book The Green Body Cleanse:

 

Q: How will I know when my bowels are clean and the accumulated waste is gone?

A: First, it's necessary for you to eat live, raw fruits and veggies to stay as clean inside as possible following your colon cleanse. Because the typical American diet is so awful, you'll need to cleanse on a continuous basis to maintain your clean colon. Dr. Group recommends using an oxygen-based cleanser two to three times each week to maintain following a colon cleanse.

You should notice that the color of each following bowel movement is lighter and that the transit time is much shorter the cleaner your colon becomes. To check your transit time, eat a whole ear of corn one night with dinner (make sure you don't eat corn the previous three nights/days!). Record the time of your meal and then keep an eye out for corn in your stool. Once you see kernels of corn in your bowel movement, write down the day and time. Then do the math, and you have your transit time.

You should also be experiencing softer, more frequent, and smoother bowel movements following your cleanse.

 

Q: What symptoms can I expect during colon cleansing?

A: You might experience the following:

• Watery or gaseous stools
• Noisy bowel sounds
• Temporary cramping caused by gas

 

Come back tomorrow to finish up Dr. Group's colon cleansing FAQs!

 

(Picture Credit: i-techtalk)