To Cleanse Or Not To Cleanse...

Russian Nobel Prize Prize-winning biologist Elie Metchnikoff (1845-1916) is credited with the famous expression "Death Begins In The Colon". 

Elie Metchnikoff

I couldn't agree more with him. 

Recently, I was asked about the best way to take off the pounds & improve your health overall. There is no easy answer to this question because there are literally thousands (even tens of thousands) of techniques and methods to achieve this goal. I decided to start off with one of the most elementary and ancient techniques available.

What Exactly Is Colon Cleansing?

Simply put, it is the process of cleaning the intestinal tract and the colon to remove toxins. Some of the methods used for colon cleansing are injecting water, dietary supplements, laxatives, and herbs. People resort to colon cleaning mainly because any accumulation of toxins in the intestinal tract will lead to various diseases.

In The Beginning...

It is believed that the ancient Egyptians thought that the toxins accumulated in the intestine and started causing fever and pus.

Their theory was further supported by the microbiological studies conducted in the 19th century. In the course of time, scientists came up with the suggestions that since the body cannot fully remove the wastes and toxins on its own, colon cleansing was advised.

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Applications And Known Symptoms

Colon cleansing is done before any surgery, procedures, or colonoscopy. A regimen of liquid is administered on the previous day to the surgery, thus the colon and the intestinal tract is cleaned of any accumulation. The toxins can cause weight gain, headache, fatigue and low energy levels. 

Colon cleansing can be done in two methods, one by using oral supplements and the other by getting it done with the help of a physician. The oral supplements can be purchased in pharmacies or health food stores and the list of supplements include laxatives, herbal teas, enemas, and anti-parasite capsules. 

Colon irrigation is better than an enema in that it does not give any discomfort to the person. Purified water is pushed into the colon and the remains are pushed out. The physician may also use probiotics which have beneficial bacteria in them.

Benefits of colon cleansing 

Since toxins are removed in the process of colon cleansing, the advantages are innumerable. The person who undergoes this will get a better mental outlook, lose weight, get a stronger immune system, and also a reduced risk of colon cancer.

Yeah, But Is Colon Cleansing REALLY Necessary?

There are also arguments that the natural bacteria present in the colon can help in removing the toxins, and the liver also helps in neutralizing them. 

It is said that the colon, with the help of the mucus membranes, prevents any unwanted toxins from entering the blood or tissues. 

Since the old cells of the colon are removed very often, the chances of harmful bacteria adhering to the colon walls are very remote.

It is also argued that the body absorbs most of the calories even before they reach the intestinal tract, and so weight loss cannot be attributed to this reason.

Side Effects Of Colon Cleansing 

To be fair, I need to also mention that colon cleansing does have some side effects, which include but are not limited to: nausea, vomiting, and cramps. A person may also feel dizzy and dehydrated. 

There are also chances of infection in the area. Colon cleansing should generally be avoided if a person has Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, or has undergone any gastrointestinal surgery without a doctor's advice. 

Persons with heart or kidney diseases also should not undergo colon cleansing.

Achieving Optimal Health

The food you take has the maximum impact on the health of the colon. It will reduce the risk of colon cancer greatly and boost the general health. 

Diet with more fiber will reduce colon problems such as constipation and diverticulitis. Intake of more cereals, whole grains, and fiber, which are present in fruits, vegetables, and oatmeal, apart from a lot of fluids, will enhance the health of colon.

Tobacco and red meat should be reduced or even eliminated. 

What are your thoughts on this important subject?

Leave a comment below.

"Your Health Is Your Wealth!!"