Myths about Colon Cleansers
Know the facts: Your Colon Cleans Itself
Search the internet, and you’ll inevitably stumble upon the suggestion for a “colon cleanse.” While the options to cleanse your colon are endless, your colon does an excellent job all on its own – without the help of expensive laxatives or other medication.
With a variety of products on offer, we wanted to demystify questions regarding manufactured colon cleanse products.
Myths: Why we need a colon cleanse
- Detoxify your body & lose weight.
- Eliminate waste build-up.
- Aid in the prevention of cancer.
While all these things sound beneficial to your health, they have one goal: to get consumers to buy.
Myth: You need a colon cleanse to detoxify your body & lose weight
Artificial colon cleanses are typically marketed to clean out your intestines from parasites or a food blockage. While it is true your colon needs its normal bacterial flora, no evidence exists to support the claim for an artificial colon cleanser. In fact, the colon works hard to do that naturally.
Breaking down any unabsorbed food material that has passed through the small intestine, the colon uses bacteria – much like in a fermentation process – for nourishment and discards unwanted waste product from the body.
Instead of opting for a colon cleanse, carefully examine your diet to ensure your daily intake contains at least 25–35 grams of fiber and that you stay hydrated.
Following these tips, you will maintain good colon health and lose weight in a healthy manner.
Adequate nutrition and hydration, along with a regular exercise routine are the best ways to lose weight; there is no need to detoxify your colon. Rather than helping your body, a colon cleanse eliminates water weight, leading to potential dehydration and reducing kidney function.
Myth: You need a colon cleanse to eliminate waste build-up
In Ancient Greek practices, colonic cleansing was considered highly beneficial. Without cleansing, there was an assumption that food would build up within their intestinal walls and prevent the Greeks from attaining their desired health and physique. To prevent a buildup, they would find techniques to cleanse their colons, like the ones offered on the market today.
Today, no scientific proof exists to support the claim of food back-up in the colon. Unless diagnosed with a specific disorder that harms your colon, it’s uncommon to have internal food buildup. With that information in mind, there is no need for a colon cleanse. In fact, there is evidence to support the contrary, as the colon walls are incredibly resistant to bacteria, viruses, and toxins. B-cells and T-cells in the bloodstream and lymphatic system eliminate the transference of any bacteria and viruses.
Stay informed. The concept of eliminating “food build-up” from inside the colon is a myth. Marketing companies target uninformed consumers, who remain unaware that our colon cleanses itself.
Myth: You need a colon cleanse to prevent cancer
Cancer elicits fear in consumers leading them to purchase products designed to fight the disease. Colon cancer is prevalent in about 4% of men and women in the United States. An early diagnosis boosts survival rate. Unfortunately, no colon cleanse is going to prevent this type of cancer – or any other type for that matter.
Most colon cancers originate from adenomatous polyps. Polyps are abnormal growths that develop on the lining of the colon (large intestine). While most are benign, adenomatous polyps can be precursors to colon cancer. If you are concerned about the prevention of colon cancer, it’s best to schedule regular exams with your doctor or a medical specialist.
Ultimately, no objective evidence supports cleansing the colon on your own. Promises on the products by the manufacturers are vague. While it may seem necessary to do something within your control, the healthiest and safest option is to work alongside your physician to create a diet or treatment plan to reach the healthiest version of you.
Conclusion
Your colon naturally cleans any impurities and bacteria out of your system. Any associated risks of colon cleansing such as a perforated rectum, electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrest, and infection should be enough to deter consumers from administering one themselves.
With an abundance of opinions that praise the results of a “colon cleanse,” having access to truthful information and education about your colon can help you navigate any false information and advertising often found online.
If you still have questions or health concerns, schedule an appointment with your physician or a healthcare professional to access the information you require to make an informed decision about your health.