Why colon cleanse? First, about the colon If you are thinking about some form of colon cleansing, it is useful to understand the role of the colon in our digestive system and our general health. However, to understand the operation of the colon, it is helpful first to appreciate that the digestive tract is a collection of organs in the body through which food and liquids pass when they are swallowed, digested and then finally eliminated as waste. These organs include the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus. The large intestine is made up of the colon and the rectum. The colon is around 5-6 feet long and has an ascending, transverse and descending portion. From there, it joins the rectum. It takes food between 18 and 24 hours to pass along the total length of the colon. The main functions of the large intestines are the formation and excretion of faeces and the absorption of water and minerals. Beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in the colon also manufacture vitamins B1, B2, B12 and K and help to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Cells of the colon secrete mucus, which lubricates and protects its walls. Inflammation or irritation of the intestinal wall results in the release of large amounts of mucus, as well as water and electrolytes. In this case, mucus can frequently be seen in the stool and there may also be diarrhea. By contrast, if faeces remain in the colon for longer than is desirable, causing constipation, large amounts of toxins are likely to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. This is called auto-intoxication or self-poisoning. Waste matter is filled with bacteria, so it is vital to get it out of your body as rapidly as possible. If your colon or rectum isn’t operating efficiently, it is likely you will experience issues such as bloating, gas, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, fatigue and pain. In addition, certain digestive disorders can actually lead to weight gain. One such example is small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), where the production of methane gasses can slow motility and ultimately lead to more absorption of calories.  The digestive system is under pressure to perform critical physiological functions on a daily basis. Broadly speaking, digestive problems are caused by a toxin build-up in the body, so it can be highly beneficial to “flush” the body of all toxic chemicals and waste occassionally. It is widely believed by many health practitioners that two of the most effective means of achieving this is through detoxification, or where large intestine health is a particular issue, with so-called “colon cleansers”. What are colon cleansers? Colon cleansers are a group of remedies that fall into two broad categories: 1. oral/rectal supplements and 2. colonic irrigation. As the name suggests, they are meant to "cleanse" the colon of toxins and substances that can cause disease and/or accumulation of fat. They are basically foods, food form supplements, laxatives and procedures used to rouse the bowels into action, producing a bowel movement. The intention is that, by causing the colon to expel its contents, this helps to rid your body of all the toxins and wastes that have gathered in the colon. As explained above, the colon is the section of the digestive tract that stores the waste material that most of us would rather not think about (and often don't), until our health starts to deteriorate. The colon has a tendency to get clogged with food particles, especially if you consume a lot of junk foods and not enough fresh fruit and vegetables. This can result in an accumulation of parasites and toxins that can have a detrimental effect on your health. It is widely accepted that the colon is a critical digestive organ in terms of its effect on our overall health. Colon cleansers have for that reason become a popular means of detoxification, ridding the body of potentially dangerous parasites that may have found a home in the digestive tract and promoting colon health and a healthy balance of good intestinal flora (probiotics).  It is thought by many that colon cleansers can also help to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, bloating, chronic fatigue, acid reflux and even skin and hair problems. Supporters of colon cleansers also say that they feel “cleaner” and healthier after cleansing, that they experience weight loss and increased bowel regularity. Colon cleansing is actually an ancient therapy. In fact, colonic irrigation was used by the Egyptians as far back as 1500 BC, was taught in Ancient Greece’s medical schools and was practised by Chinese medicine more than 3000 years ago. Even then, it was already appreciated that water can be a naturally effective cleansing agent that purifies, softens and neutralises. In more recent years (and particularly because of the increased pressure placed on our digestive systems by the modern-day diet), colonic irrigation and colon cleansing health supplements have seen a rise in popularity, as possible remedies that can support digestive health, weight management and general well-being. * Before changing your diet or taking health supplements, it is recommended to consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner (particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications).   © Specialist Supplements Ltd 2011 This is an information site only!  0845 094 3627 Shape and Weight Management Shape and Weight Management [Home] [Health Information] [Exercise] [Detoxification] [Colon Cleansing] [About Us] [Contact Details] [Sitemap] [HTML Sitemap] [Diet] [Dietary Fibre] [Fat Burner] [Metabolism] [Slimming] [Slimming Pills] [Weight Loss] [Meal Replacements] [Blog] [Slimming Products]