Archive for December, 2008
Natural Colon Cleanse
Organic Colon cleanse health is an important issue and should be treated as such. People should take into account the Natural colon cleanse cleaning, because many of them have colon problems, that they are not aware of. A person saves an average of five to twenty pounds of waste in their colon in a number of years, and this may be a problem, if not treated. We advise you to find a method for the treatment that best suits you to get rid of the accumulated waste.
Waste in your colon will have toxic effects on the body and eventually the accumulated waste will prevent the absorption of nutrients your body needs to function properly. Our bodies need a certain amount of nutrients per day, so it can survive and the prevention of health problems. A dual colon cleanse is highly recommended if your digestive system does not work properly. Internal cleaning will help you feel better, while cleaning your colon. Read the rest of this entry »
Colon Flush: Why We All Need to Do it
Many factors work harmoniously in order to create optimal balance of every system within the human body. Many issues in our modern world negatively affect and alter the human body’s normal functioning, weakening it and creating a compromised internal environment struggling to fend off invaders, such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Some of these factors are environmental. Daily, our bodies are subjected to electromagnetic stress from computers and electronics, emotional stress from all variety of relationships, sedentary lifestyles, and a high intake of processed and refined foods. Each of these issues places a toxic burden on the human body, and in our fast-paced world, an increasing number of individuals consume vast quantities of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, all of which places an enormous strain on the body over time.
Effects of an Unclean Colon
The organs working to reduce the toxic load on the body include the liver and several parts of the digestive systems. The colon is the chief organ in actually eliminating waste and creating an internal environment where nutrients can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream but with toxins being eliminated. When stress, poor nutrition, and environmental toxins overwhelm our bodies, disease may occur as the end result.
The colon in particular is a vital organ because it comprises much of the immune system and clears out hostile organisms not belonging in a healthy body. When the colon’s health is compromised, the cleansing process is slowed down or halted altogether. This is a dangerous situation because it can be the start of a number of debilitating diseases. This occurs because the body’s natural ability to heal itself, the immune system, has been hindered. In some cases, autointoxication may occur wherein toxins from the waste residing in the colon (for days and weeks) begin to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. Some signs a colon flush, or colon cleanse, is needed may include chronic constipation, diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, or a hindered immune system.
Methods for Cleansing the Colon
Many ways exist for remedying a colon that is not functioning properly. Colon cleanses and colon flushes are a necessary measure for removing impacted fecal matter and pathogens as well as built up mucous. In many cases, a colon flush will clean the colon and will also enable the bowel to begin healing itself and functioning properly again. There are different ways to flush out the colon. For example, herbal remedies offer help by stimulating the bowel to expel wastes and by killing harmful bacteria and other pathogens. Oxy-Powder® is the best choice as it is a safe, non-habit forming formula that safely eliminates accumulated waste matter from the intestinal walls, while naturally stimulating the body to induce regular bowel movements.
Another type of colon flush includes colonic hydrotherapy. Colonic hydrotherapy consists of an internal bath of warm, filtered water that is pushed into the colon for cleansing out waste. This helps to eliminate unhealthy substances within the organ itself and helps to create an environment suited for self-healing. Colonic hydrotherapy should be performed by a professional health care practitioner trained in this specific procedure.
Another type of colon flush is an enema. An enema involves flushing out the colon by the forceful insertion of a liquid, usually combined with water, in order to stimulate a bowel movement. Different herbs and chemicals are used in different enemas. Coffee enemas are becoming more common as the coffee stimulates a cleansing and healing effect within the colon, and is a natural stimulant for elimination. Enemas containing enzymes are also used as a type of colon flush, as natural enzymes safely consume and break down built up waste material and expel it. Enzyme therapy as taken orally is also a method of flushing the colon. Enzymes naturally break down food particles that are difficult to digest and help remove them from the body.
Results of Colon Cleansing
Colon flushes serve the purpose of promoting healing and cleansing of the body’s vital elimination organ. After healing the colon, other bodily systems can also work more efficiently. A colon flush is a healthy measure to take if the colon’s functioning has been compromised lately. In order to help secure long-term health, exercise, a nutritious diet, and reducing stress from your life should also be practiced. Although you should seek a health care practitioner trained in the field before initiating these colon cleansing methods, you can begin to implement an improved diet and other positive lifestyle changes on your own. Take care of your colon and you will begin to notice the change in how you feel in practically no time at all!
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Two Popular Ingredients Found In Colon Cleansing Products
If you look at a list of ingredients on many effective colon cleansing products, you will find that there are a few common ingredients in them. These common ingredients have their own effect on the colon as well as the intestines. These two common ingredients are quite effective and are found in must colon cleansing products as a main ingredient.
These two common ingredients that are found in colon cleansing products are all natural. They are bentonite clay and plyllium husk which are extremely effective in colon cleansing. Bentonite clay is an edible volcanic ash and psyllium husk is a plant fiber.
The use of psyllium husk or Powder
You will find that a gentle colon cleanser is psyllium husk or powder. It is also called Isabgol or Plantago syllium. When mixed with water, this ingredient forms a gel, and this same gelling action occurs in your digestive tract.
As psyllium husk travels through your digestive tract, it draws toxins from your system. It will also bind with fats to get rid of them. Since it is known that Psyllium husk has such a drawing effect, it pulls moisture out of your body as well. You will need to replenish your water intake by drinking extra water when you take psyllium husk.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay, also called volcanic ash, is used as a bulk laxative in the colon cleansing process. Bentonite clay binds with heavy metals, viruses, toxins, chemicals and bacteria that can bring about bacterial balance to your system. Bentonite clay can not only improve digestion by will stimulate liver function. Bentonite clay, just like psyllium husk, will draw moisture from the body so it is very important to keep a supply of water handy to drink. There are many different healing clays that can be used, so if bentonite clay is not suited for you, then try another edible and healing clay for colon cleansing.
Shake it up, Baby!
Do you want to know how to make a shake from psyllium hush and bentonite clay? Blend 1 Tbsp. of liquid bentonite clay and 1 tsp. psyllium husk powder in a large glass of juice or water. Vigorously shake this mixture and quickly drink it. Chase this with another glass of juice or water because you to not want any psyllium in your throat since the psyllium will swell. You can work up to drinking two of these shakes a day. Drink these shakes for a few weeks to cleanse your colon.
When you come to understand the common and natural ingredients that are used in many colon cleansing products, you may be apt to give them a try. If you are not at the point of purchasing colon cleansing products just yet, you can make your own gentle colon cleanse shake.
Colon Cleansing Product Reviews: Choosing the Right One
As people show more of an interest about their health, colon cleansing products are becoming increasingly popular in this country. Sad to say, not every one of these colon cleansing products delivers the goods. Before jumping on the bandwagon in order to start a colon cleansing program, it would be wise to read some colon cleanse reviews to ascertain which products will give you good results. Authoritative colon cleanse reviews may be found in health journals and magazines. You can also do an Internet search to find some reliable websites concerning colon cleanse reviews.
What to Look For in a Colon Cleanse Product
Constipation problems should be eliminated ( no pun intended!) as well as irritable bowel movement problems when you decide to try colon cleansing products. When reading colon cleanse reviews, make sure to pay attention to how effective and how fast the product works in terms of reducing constipation and giving you relief from your irritable bowel movements. If you have a good colon cleanse product, you should experience results in a short amount of time. Sometimes you may have to try a few different products before you find the one that is suited for you.
A good colon cleanse product not only relieves constipation and irritable bowel movements, but it also kills parasites that live within the digestive tract. Intestinal parasites are more common than most people think. Even healthy people have some parasites inside them. Before you spend your money on a colon cleansing product, make certain that this product can effectively kill parasites in the digestive tract. If the colon clean product does not say on the label anything about the anti-parasite effect of the product, then keep looking for a better one. Make sure you also read about the different ingredients on the label before you buy the product. Colon cleansing products that are composed of natural and organic ingredients are better than the ones made up by synthetic ingredients. Some good news from all of this is that the former colon cleanse products can give you much better results without any harsh side effects. If you will read some reviews about natural colon cleanse products vs. synthetic products, you will see what I am talking about.
Colon Cleanser Tablets
Colon cleanser tablets are an excellent way to keep your colon clean and healthy. To ensure good results and to keep your body safe, you need to know how to select the right colon cleanser tablets from the many available on the market.
Reasons for Using Colon Cleanser Tablets
As the name implies, colon cleanser tablets are used to clean out the colon. Cleansing the colon should be a part of your regular health routine to help keep your overall health at its optimum level.
You may be surprised to realize the importance of the colon regarding overall health. The reasons are very simple. In response to the foods you eat, your colon naturally produces mucus and sludge to protect itself during the digestive process. The more unhealthy foods you eat, the more mucus and sludge your colon produces. Unfortunately, this mucus and sludge tends to become built up on the inner colon wall and makes it difficult for waste to pass through. Thereafter, constipation may develop.
In addition to causing constipation, the accumulated sludge releases toxins into your bloodstream. These toxins spread throughout your body, causing your immune system to weaken, ultimately leading to many illnesses such as allergies, skin rashes, and general fatigue.
To help keep the colon clean and prevent the spread of toxins within your system, you should use colon cleanser tablets. Using the right colon cleansing tablets will flush out your system and remove the waste from the walls of your colon.
Selecting Colon Cleansing Tablets
If you have been searching for colon cleansing tablets already, you have probably discovered literally dozens of different tablets are available. How are you supposed to determine which colon cleanser tablets are right for you?
You should consider several factors when shopping for colon cleanser tablets. The first thing you need to consider is whether or not the colon cleanser tablets are oxygen-based. Oxygen-based colon cleansers, such as Oxy-Powder®, are capable of liquefying the waste built up on your colon wall. This allows it to be released more easily from your body while also leaving your colon cleansed and healthy.
Many colon cleanser tablets can be detrimental to your health. For example, colon cleanser tablets relying on a laxative effect should be avoided. These types of colon cleanser tablets do not actually cleanse the colon. Rather, they soften the stool that was going to be released anyway. As a result, the mucus and sludge that has built up on your colon walls is not removed. Also, your colon can become dependent upon the supplement, which means you will not be able to eliminate waste properly unaided. On the other hand, oxygen-based colon cleanser tablets are not addictive.
You also need to be careful to select colon cleansing tablets made with fresh ingredients. To save money, some manufacturers use ingredients that are nearly expired or they use parts of plants containing less of the active ingredient than the actual source. This results in tablets that are not potent or that do not provide the proper effect. In some cases, the ingredients may expire and can actually upset your colon or make your digestive problems worse.
Colon cleansing tablets including a variety of ingredients are more effective than those relying on a single ingredient. In fact, some single ingredient colon cleansing tablets can be too abrasive and can damage your digestive system. Those colon cleansing tablets (made solely from Psyllium husks for example) can be detrimental if used too frequently.
Recognizing When Colon Cleansing Tablets are Effective
There are a number of ways to determine whether or not your colon cleansing tablets are effective. First, the appearance of your stool can help you determine if you are achieving success. If your colon cleanser tablets are cleansing the mucus from your colon, you will notice that your stool is shiny. It will probably be dark in color as well, which will help you differentiate between colon cleanser tablets that cause diarrhea and those that are actually cleansing the colon.
You may also lose some weight after using quality colon cleansing tablets. This weight is not fat. Rather, it is weight lost from finally emptying the accumulated waste from your colon. Some people lose as much as 20 pounds after cleansing their colons. Even if you don’t lose weight, most people feel lighter after a successful colon cleansing.
Colon cleansing tablets are beneficial to your digestive system as well as your body. Just choose the right tablets in order to obtain the results you desire.
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Colon Cleansing Safety Tips
If you have a problem with constipation, which option would you choose to remedy the situation?
Over The Counter (OTC) laxative drugs, enemas or purgatives?
Colon hydrotherapy?
Oxygen-based colon cleansers?
Herbal colon cleansers?
OTC laxative drugs usually take about eight to twelve hours to work their way through your system. They are usually taken with warm water the night before so that you experience results by morning. Colon Hydrotherapy needs to be conducted by a skilled technician using highly sterilized equipment. Oxygen-based colon cleansers (which use the oxidation process to "loosen" matter) may work for many, but they do not contain fiber which science has established, as necessary for optimal colon health1. All three of these methods cleanse only the colon—with no viable result on overall health. They do not help to enhance the performance of other eliminatory organs such as the liver, the kidneys, and skin.
Experts say herbal colon cleansers are the better choice because they aid the body in performing the elimination process naturally. They also help to support immune health because they help to maintain a balanced microflora2. Because they are herbal, these colon cleansers are not under the direct supervision of the FDA, but consumers who do their homework will recognize strong natural ingredients and be able to choose a reliable, quality product manufactured by a GMP-certified company.
When making your choice of a colon cleanser, remember these safety tips.
Don’t Become Dehydrated: The body loses fluids when using over–the-counter stimulant laxative drugs and purgatives. These colon cleansers work by absorbing water from the body. This could upset the balance of potassium, sodium, magnesium and phosphorous in the body and can affect the function of vital organs. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration when using any colon cleanser.
Avoid Addictive Colon Cleansers: Some colon cleansing methods simply purge the body of accumulated waste without engaging the peristaltic muscles of the colon (the muscles used to move food along the digestive tract, and ultimately to disposal). Prolonged use of such colon cleansers causes peristaltic muscles to lose their natural ability to contract leading to greater dependence on laxative drugs. There are a growing number of people who use laxative drugs as a means to lose weight. This is not safe and can present a number of health risks.
Don’t Wash Out Good Bacteria: Prolonged use of OTC laxative drugs and colon hydrotherapy treatment can lead to a weakened immune system since such treatments wash out necessary bacteria and the protective mucus lining. Good bacteria are needed to produce certain nutrients, immune cells and to maintain the colon health. 2
Consult your Doctor: If you suffer from frequent bouts of constipation or diarrhea you should consult your doctor who may want to perform a thorough examination. Ask your doctor about taking a colon cleansing product that adequately suits your needs.
Pregnant and Nursing Women are advised not to wait until after nursing before taking any medications since certain ingredients could harm or adversely affect baby’s delicate health. Such women should consult their doctors before taking any type of medication.
Allergen Sensitivities: Always check if the product contains gluten or other allergens that could trigger a reaction. Many colon cleansers are gluten free and allergen sensitive. Check for these and consult your doctor before taking any colon cleanser.
Colon Cleansing and Prescription Medicine: If you are taking prescription medicine, you should consult with your doctor before starting a colon cleanser program. Ingredients found in certain colon cleansers could effect, react with or dilute the efficacy of the prescription drug.
Medical Conditions: If you are suffering from diabetes do not use laxatives which could contain dextrose, fructose or sucrose–ingredients found in many natural laxatives. If you are suffering from an inflamed appendix or have a fever, or are suffering from vomiting, nausea, or other maladies or health disorders, it is advisable that you do not use a colon cleanser unless it is recommended by your doctor.
Safety for Children: Colon cleansers are not intended for children. Do not administer a colon cleanse product to your child without consulting your doctor first. Keep colon cleansers and other medicines away from the reach of children. Many laxative drugs come in the form of chocolates or flavored syrups which can be very tempting to children.
Proper Storage: Many colon cleansers require you to store them in a cool, dry place or keep them refrigerated. Read the instructions on the label and follow through on them for efficacy of ingredients.
Follow Instructions Carefully: There are colon cleansing programs that require restrictions on your diet. Some may even require you to fast. Others simply require you to drink 8 glasses of water. Read through all instructions carefully and follow them closely. Colon cleansing products will also include contraindications on the labels. Be careful to check if any of contraindications apply to your particular situation. Again,—it is important that you consult your doctor before choosing a colon cleansing method.
Safety is vital when choosing a colon cleansing product. A reliable, trusted manufacturer will ensure a quality product with ingredients that are safe for your body. Study the ingredients and how they work in the body. Many herbs have been studied extensively in recent research studies. The main aim of colon cleansing is not only to provide safe and immediate relief from constipation, but to aid in regulating your system for natural cleansing and elimination of waste.. Nutritional colon cleansing can help to strengthen the functions of the eliminatory organs, thus supporting optimal general health.
References:
Vopr Pitan. 1998 ;(1):39-42. Dietary fibers in diet therapy. PMID: 9606867 Infection and Immunity. 1973 July; 8(1): 30-35. Effect of Colon Flora and Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Growth In Vitro of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae. Department of Medicine, The Medical College of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Colon
To better understand the health of the digestive system and colon, it is helpful to first understand the different parts of the colon and their specific functions. This can help you become a stronger advocate for your own health and may grant you further insight into how your body works.
The colon is made up of 6 parts all working collectively for a single purpose. Their purpose is ridding the body of toxins that have entered the body from food sources, environmental poisons, or toxins produced within the body. The colon’s role is to transfer nutrients into the bloodstream through the absorbent walls of the large intestine while pushing waste out of the body. In this process, digestive enzymes are released, water is absorbed by the stool, and a host of muscle groups and beneficial microorganisms work to maintain the digestive system.
Overview of the Colon’s Anatomy
The colon is approximately 4.5 feet long, 2.5 inches wide, and is a muscular tube composed of lymphatic tissue, blood vessels, connective tissue, and specialized muscles for carrying out the tasks of water absorption and waste removal. The tough outer covering of the colon protects the inner layer of the colon with circular muscles for propelling waste out of the body in an action called peristalsis. Under the outer muscular layer is a sub-mucous coat containing the lymphatic tissue, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The innermost lining is highly moist and sensitive, and contains the villi- or tiny structures providing blood to the colon.
The colon is actually just another name for the large intestine. The shorter of the two intestinal groups, the large intestine, consists of parts with various responsibilities. The names of these parts are: the transverse colon, ascending colon, appendix, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and the rectum and anus.
Parts of the Colon:
Transverse, Ascending, and Descending Colons
The transverse, ascending, and descending colons are named for their physical locations within the digestive tract, and corresponding to the direction food takes as it encounters those sections. Within these parts of the colon, contractions from smooth muscle groups work food material back and forth to move waste through the colon and eventually, out of the body. The intestinal walls secrete alkaline mucus for lubricating the colon walls to ensure continued movement of the waste.
The ascending colon travels up along the right side of the body. Due to waste being forced upwards, the muscular contractions working against gravity are essential to keep the system running smoothly. The next section of the colon is termed the transverse colon due to it running across the body horizontally. Then, the descending colon turns downward and becomes the sigmoid colon, followed by the rectum and anus.
Ileocecal and Cecum Valves
The ileocecal valve is located where the small and large intestines meet. This valve is an opening between the small intestine and large intestine allowing contents to be transferred to the colon. The cecum follows this valve and is an opening to the large intestine.
The Rectum and the Anus
The rectum is essentially a storage place for waste and is the final stop before elimination occurs. The “tone” of the muscles of the anal sphincter and a person’s ability to control this skeletal-muscular system are vital for regulating bowel movement urges. When elastic receptors within the rectum are stimulated, these nerves signal that defecation needs to occur. In other words, these muscle and nerve groups convey when a bowel movement is necessary but allow a person to control when waste will actually be removed, as the final step in the digestive process. The anus is the last portion of the colon, and is a specialized opening bound with elastic membranes, sensitive tissues, and muscles and nerves allowing it to stretch for removing bowel movements of varying sizes. If, for example, you suffer from constipation, these tissues can become damaged and lose their ability to function normally if waste has to be forced out or remains in the body for prolonged periods. So it’s definitely good practice to keep things moving along at a regular pace. Ideally, you should have two bowel movements per day but at least once a day is pretty good; anything less than that could spell trouble for not only your digestive health but general health as well.
Physiology of the Colon
To summarize, approximately 500 ml (milliliters) of food pass through the colon daily. The various sections of the digestive tract absorb and remove water, propel waste throughout the long system of muscular tubes, work to keep the body alkalized, and accommodate the colonization of billions of beneficial microorganisms to aid us in breaking down waste matter. Regardless of the depth of your knowledge regarding the colon’s functions, please realize the importance of its functions for promoting overall health. Be good to your body on the inside as well as out by following a healthful diet, drinking ample of water, and keeping all your biological systems well maintained with stimulating exercise and by getting plenty of rest.
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