Is Colon Cleansing Another Alternative Health Scam?

Colon cleansing is popular alternative health procedure. In theory, over many years of poor eating habits, most people have colons clogged with toxic waste and dried fecal matter. The normal procedure of digestion is disrupted by these clogs, resulting in bloating and chronic constipation. Some people may be carrying as much as 40 pounds of waste that can be eliminated by the colon cleansing procedure.

There are five basic types of colon cleansing: herbal supplements, enemas, colon hydrotherapy, laxatives, and oxygen based cleansers.

Laxatives and enemas can temporarily relieve constipation, but are ineffective for deep cleaning years of built-up waste. The repeated use of laxatives and enemas can cause serious problems—especially the disposable chemical enemas. Most herbal supplements rely heavily on psyllium, a bulk-forming fiber supplement. Psyllium will also relieve constipation, but is only marginally effective in cleansing.

The most effective colon cleansing methods are hydrotherapy and oxygen based cleansers.

Hydrotherapy can range in cost from $35-$175 per session. Some practitioners advise as many as 48 sessions to provide optimum benefits. It is essential that practitioners be licensed or certified. Some states do not allow this treatment. Home systems are available at a cost of about $600.

Oxygen based cleansers are the least expensive and most effective colon cleansers. The presence of oxygen thoroughly removes old fecal matter while detoxifying and cleaning the intestinal tract. Some oxygen based cleansers are more effective than others.

Is colon cleaning necessary? One side points out that mankind has lived for centuries without the need for extensive colon cleansing. The other side responds by pointing out the refinements and chemical alterations to the typical modern diet. One study cited claims that newborn babies' blood contains almost 300 chemicals, some of which have been linked to significant behavioral problems in children.

Is colon cleansing good for everyone? Some practitioners claim that cleansing is especially beneficial for people suffering IBS or Crohn's disease. Other medical authorities say that people suffering these conditions should NEVER do colon cleansing, or do it only under the close supervision of a medical professional. Most practitioners advise consulting your medical professional first if you suffer from a chrioniuc condition such as kidney disease.

There are a number of online review sites making product comparisons and displaying testimonials from satisfied users. Can you take these at face value? One way to evaluate the claims is to consider what the site is selling. Is the site offering unbiased reviews or are they touting the only product they sell? Have you consulted your own doctor to see if he thinks a colon cleansing regimen would be beneficial? Will the results be worth the cost and the discomfort you may experience? Only you can decide whether the cost, discomfort and potential benefits are worth it for you.

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