Colon Cleanse Medicine
Colon health is crucial to your overall well-being. The colon can be considered the sewer of your body, and as such is responsible for extracting and eliminating waste.
A healthy colon prevents toxins from entering and lingering in your system, a vital part of preventing colon and rectal cancer.
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According to the National Cancer Institute, there were 108,070 new cases of colon cancer and 40,740 new cases of rectal cancer in 2008, as well as 49,960 related deaths during the same year. Placing high priority on the health of your colon means you can avoid becoming a statistic.
What Is Colon Cleansing?
Colon cleansing is a detoxification method designed to flush harmful bacteria from the system. Detoxification diets mandate a liquid-only diet for at least a matter of days, with the purpose of removing toxins while simultaneously retaining nutrients in the body. Vitamin supplements can also provide a nutritional boost to a detox diet, since these have nutrients not already present in the liquid concoction you’ll be drinking.
Cleansing diets are very safe and effective when properly performed. It’s normal to feel flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and dizziness during the program. However, you must make sure to stay hydrated, follow instructions carefully, and be certain that your chosen cleansing regimen does not contain any allergens that might cause a reaction.
Before you embark on a colon cleanse diet, it’s important to discuss your plans with your doctor. He or she can advise you on the best method to suit your individual needs.
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Why Should I Cleanse My Colon?
Bad habits come back to haunt us over time. Whether our vice is smoking, drinking, overindulging in caffeine, or eating fatty, processed foods, these unhealthy choices build up toxins in our bodies. In turn, that waste begins to drag you down, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Bad breath
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent gas, bloating, or indigestion
- Respiratory problems
- Depression or irritability
- Joint pain
Colon cleansing flushes your system of the accumulated bacteria from years of unhealthy living. Detoxification brings benefits such as:
- Cleansed kidneys and digestive system
- Weight loss
- Increased metabolism
- Boost in energy
- Improved bloodstream health
- Increased skin elasticity and youthful appearance
- Purified glands and cells
- Relief of pressure and irritation in arteries, blood vessels and nerves
- Elimination of all unusable waste and hardened material
Your individual health will dictate the frequency of colon cleansing. For those in good health, however, four times annually is considered a good starting point. If you have a congenital colon problem such as irritable bowel syndrome, your frequency may differ. Consult with your doctor before beginning a cleansing regimen.
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How Do I Cleanse My Colon?
Cleansing programs begin with a period of fasting. This can last as little as twenty-four hours and as long as several days or more. No matter the length of the fast, it’s vital to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluid – most experts recommend two liters of water on a daily basis.
Once the fast is over, eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables for a week. This will induce a healthy amount of fiber into your system, thereby making it easier and more effective to flush toxins. Exercise during this time will help the process, though you should keep your exercise low-impact. Walking is the best option, with a daily target time of fifteen to thirty minutes.
Of course, there are many colon-cleansing programs on the market, all of which have their own take on the basics listed here. The best known of these cleansing programs is the Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet and the Maple Syrup Diet. This program is based on the Peter Glickman Book Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days.
Glickman believes that the Master Colon Cleanse not only removes toxins from the body, but also prevents cravings for caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and junk food. Dieters using the Master Cleanse drink only lemonade made from fresh lemon juice, grade B maple syrup, filtered or bottled water, and Cayenne pepper, with no solid food throughout the cleanse. Toxins such as chemical fertilizers, drugs, heavy metals, hormones, and pesticides will be cleansed from the system. The program runs from a minimum of ten days to a maximum of about 45 days.
Other Cleansing Options
As an alternative to commercial cleansing programs, it can be easier and more cost-effective to create your own homemade regimen. These are the main components of a homemade colon cleanse:
Eliminate unhealthy foods such as deep-fried or processed products, high-fat meals, or refined ingredients. These are hard to digest and back up your colon as a result.- Fast for as little as twenty-four hours or as long as a week. A juice-only diet can help detox the body and prepare the system for cleansing.
- Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes.
- Stay hydrated. Water is necessary to flush your system of toxins.
- Consider other components such as herbs (ginger, milk thistle and aloe vera are very helpful) as well as bentonite clay and probiotics, which are considered good bacteria.
Colonics offer another method of colon cleansing. A colonic involves the insertion of a disposable speculum into the anus; which is connected to plastic tubing that provides colon hydrotherapy by slowly inserting water into the colon. The therapist usually massages you stomach area as the colon muscles contract. Feces are then pushed into the hose for observation and disposal. Typical colonic sessions run from about 45 minutes to an hour. Most patients have a minimum of a three-session series within the span of seven to ten days.
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If you choose a natural program for detoxification, you’ll be combining home remedies such as increased fiber, diet supplies, and probiotics with cleansing supplements such as psyllium husk as well as herbs.
However, if you choose to go to the commercial route, you’ll be selecting amongst a wide variety of products on the market. These include:
- Dr. Natura’s Colonix program, a fiber-based cleanser that costs $88 for a three-month supply.
- Oxypowder, an oxygen-based colon cleanse program that costs $42 for 120 vegetarian capsules.
- Dual Action Cleanse, a dual-part system that is considered a good constipation solution. However, it requires probiotic supplements such as Toxinout in order to constitute an effective colon-cleansing program. Costs for the program are $79.90 and up.
When selecting the right cleansing program for you, do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations, consult online reviews, and consult with a trusted medical source before purchasing a program.