Apr. 3--I have heard a lot about colon cleansing. Is this something that everyone should do and does this prevent cancer?
The colon is a part of the intestinal tract. The intestinal tract starts with the mouth leading to the stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Colon cleansing is a concept of "alternative medicine" related to body cleansing and detoxification. The idea is that a poor diet that is mostly absent of fiber can lead to a buildup of waste in the colon. This is also known as constipation. Laxatives that have been used for years in the form of oils, liquids, tablets and suppositories could certainly be viewed as colon cleansers. As a child, I quickly learned that the over consumption of fresh apple cider made by my grandfather created a colon-cleansing emergency. As far as I know, there are no scientific studies that support colon cleansing. However, there is certainly some common sense that colon cleansing could be helpful for some individuals. Your potential for good health requires a healthy intestinal tract.
Adequate water consumption with daily bowel movements is an important part of the body's natural ability to detoxify. This natural ability can be altered by a poor diet that includes lots of sugar and white flour with the absence of raw fruit and vegetables. Do you remember that we made paste from flour and water in kindergarten? Some drug therapies that include antibiotics and pain medications can also alter normal bowel function. The consumption of high amounts of meat including processed meats such as hot dogs can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States behind prostate and lung cancer. This is why good bowel health is important. There are many individuals who should consider seeing a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. This is where the colon is inspected for precancerous polyps and precancerous flat lesions. Signs and symptoms of a possible problem include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, weakness or weight loss.
If you have a diet low in fiber, you may consider adding a fiber product such as psyllium or Metamucil. The addition of ground flax seed is also helpful. Fiber is a great way of helping to cleanse the colon. If this type of product creates excess gas then consider the addition of a probiotic such as Enterobiotic Plus as you may have an intestinal yeast imbalance. If you want to do a structured colon cleanse then consider the Supreme Cleanse Kit by Gaia Herbs.
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