Colon cleansing

Briefly about the colon- all parts of the colon or large intestine comes after the small intestine in the digestive tract and measures approximately 1.5 meters in length. Although there are differences in the large intestine between different organisms, the large intestine is mainly responsible for storing waste, reclaiming water, maintaining the water balance, and absorbing some vitamins, such as vitamin K. By the time the chyme (digestive juice) has reached this tube, almost all nutrients and 90% of the water have been absorbed by the body. At this point some electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and chloride are left as well as indigestible carbohydrates known as dietary fiber. As the chyme moves through the large intestine, most of the remaining water is removed, while the chyme is mixed with mucus and bacteria known as gut flora, and becomes feces. The bacteria break down some of the fiber for their own nourishment and create acetate, propionate, and butyrate as waste products, which in turn are used by the cell lining of the colon for nourishment. This is an example of a symbiotic relationship and provides about one hundred Calories a day to the body. The large intestine produces no digestive enzymes — chemical digestion is usually completed in the small intestine before the chyme reaches the large intestine. A healthy colon maintains balance between assimilation and elimination. Like all systems, the elimination system is less than 100% efficient due to many reasons.Do we really need to cleanse our colons?The lifestyle of many people today helps in maintaining a colon that is unclean and the cause of disease A diet high in fat, consumption of a lot of sugar, salt, eating mostly processed food, drinking very little water, all contribute to the process. Preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals in food and water that we consume, polluted air, cosmetics, genetically modified crops and animals, antibiotics, other drugs, artificial sweeteners, aerated drinks, junk food, caffeine, sugar, white flour, aspartame, microwave-cooked food, hydrogenated fats and deep fried foods, which results in pounds of unwanted matter decaying in the colon. A sedentary life style, man’s upright position, numerous environmental changes, leaning towards non vegetarian diet adds to this to a large extent. What is colon cleansing?There is a general agreement among doctors that enema using purified water can be used to treat impacted bowel. Colon cleanse involves a speculum being passed into the rectum thorough which body-temperature water is passed. Over a gallon of water may be used in the process and the used water and waste which is eliminated is passed back down the tube where it can be viewed by the practitioner. The practitioner will often massage the patient's abdomen to help dislodge waste. The treatment may be uncomfortable but is not painful. Water enemas: where water is used for the procedure. This is similar to hydrotherapy but the amount of water used is considerably lesser. Here, only the lower part of the colon gets cleaned and not the entire organ. Clay enemas: Where bentonite clay mixed with water is used for the enema procedure. Coffee enema: In this type of enema, real coffee liquid is used to perform the procedure. The active ingredients in the coffee help to hasten the process of waste elimination and keep the colon free from blockages. It is claimed that the most effective method for colon cleansing is the use of oxygen-based cleansers. These are usually taken orally in capsule form. They use activated oxygen to naturally remove impacted fecal matter. They're extremely helpful in relieving constipation, but can also be used long-term to maintain and rejuvenate the colon. Colon cleansers can also just be food, laxatives or procedures, such as stated above. Herbs have been used in colon cleansing recipes for many centuries. Their healing powers are well known. The reason most of these herbs are used is for their liver cleansing and cathartic properties. Herbs such as aloe leaf, ginger, cayenne pepper and senna help produce bowel movements. Some colon cleansing methods advocate fasting of different types. Either fruit or vegetable juices or just water is advised. Resting your digestive system helps tone up its activity and is usually advised every month. When done systematically and sensibly it has benefits and no side effects. Moderation is the watchword. One needs to abstain from fast food, potato chips, cookies, cakes, noodles, and caffeinated beverages like coffee, black tea. Smoking, alcohol, soft drinks are best avoided.