Are Colon Cleansers Safe?

Colon and rectum cancer is the second most deadly type of cancer, affecting both men and women, young and old. There's approximately 100,000 to 150,000 cases reported each year. It's commonly accepted that colon cancer primarily attacks the male population. In recent studies we learn that it plays no favorites, effecting both men and women at the same rate. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death among women. Today's research reveals that women have a 20% higher chance of getting colon cancer than men.

What exactly is the function of the colon?

When food is chewed and swallowed, it enters into the esophagus (gullet) and quickly goes to the stomach. It is then broken down by digestive juices and transformed into a liquid state known as (chyme). It then travels through the small intestine and is mixed with incoming bile from the gallbladder and digestive juices of the pancreas, it's then carried through ducts to the inner wall of duodenum. As the liquid passes through the small intestine nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Excess waste products are passed into the large intestine (Colon) where the liquid content is reabsorbed and formed together with other waste material such as bile, pigment, mucus and bacteria into stools that then are expelled through the rectum.

Should you use a colon cleansing product?

Around the age of 40, people begin to notice that they can't tolerate certain foods as well as they once did.

As you get older, your stomach produces a smaller volume of digestive enzymes and other secretions. Your body may not be able to digest or absorb foods as easily as it did when you were younger. Some feel it's necessary to use a colon cleansing product to clean their gastrointestinal tract, They believe cleansers will help them avoid a number of health problems such as arthritis, asthma, and allergies.

Dr. Michael Picco, MD gastroenterologist from the Mayo Clinic states, “While there is little scientific evidence to support or refute the benefits of colon cleansing, critics say it’s generally unnecessary and at times may even be harmful. Although doctors prescribe colon cleansing as preparation for medical procedures such as colonoscopy, most don’t recommend it for detoxification.

Their reasoning is simple. The digestive system and bowel naturally eliminate waste material and bacteria. Your body doesn’t need enemas or special diets or pills to do this.

Taking a colon cleanse product can increase your risk of dehydration. Potentially a more serious concern is that certain laxatives used in colon cleansing, such as those with sodium phosphate, could cause a rise in your electrolytes. This is especially dangerous for those who have kidney disease.”

Colon cleanse alternatives

Taking a daily natural liquid multivitamin supplement is a safer alterative to colon cleansing products. Look for vitamin supplements that are especially formulated to fight precancerous polyps, cleanse the colon and the digestive system. Taking whole food vitamins and nutritional supplements makes it less likely for polyps to return in patients who have already had them removed.

In addition to taking vitamin supplements, exercise regularly and eat high fiber, low-fat diet consisting of at least four vegetables and two fruits daily and 30% or less of calories from fat.

it's recommended that people 50 or older have a colonoscopy. This will detect any tumors, inflammation, polyps, and malformed blood vessels. Polyps can be surgical removed to prevent the possible spread of cancer cells.