You can't entirely avoid toxins in food or the ones from the environment, but like most people, you want to limit the amount of toxins you're exposed to. A growing number of websites claim that colon cleansing helps the body eliminate toxins or "detox." Search the web and you'll find colon cleansing teas, fiber supplements, herbal concoctions, enemas and even complete colon cleansing kits that claim to clean out your colon and reduce toxins.

To get the so-called benefits of colon cleansing, you could use one of these colon cleansing products or enlist the help of a colon cleansing specialist called a colon hydrotherapist. Colon hydrotherapists use a special machine that pumps large quantities of water, and sometimes other substances like herbs, into your colon to remove waste. Lots of unsubstantiated claims are made about colon cleansing, mostly made by people who sell cleansing products or perform hydrotherapy.

THE RISK OF COLON CLEANSING

The problem is, colon cleansing is not scientifically supported. Not only is there no evidence that it's beneficial, it can be potentially risky. One report that scrutinized 20 previous studies on colon cleansing showed colon cleansing and colon hydrotherapy are linked with a number of side effects. Some of the minor ones include nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating and distension and diarrhea. More serious side effects of colon cleansing have also been shown, including sodium and potassium imbalances, dehydration, kidney failure and, in the case of colon hydrotherapy, injury or a tear to the colon wall. People who have had colon surgery or have certain diseases of the colon including diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and even hemorrhoids are at higher risk for complications. Colon cleansing is not a riskfree procedure- nor is it a pleasant experience.

WHY YOU DON'T NEED
COLON CLEANSING

The whole purpose of the colon is to reabsorb water, electrolytes and some nutrients from stool to make it firmer. Toxins don't normally build up on the walls of the colon as proponents of colon cleansing suggest.

Some colon cleansing products may temporarily relieve constipation, but they won't solve the problem of why you're constipated in the first place. There's a better solution. Eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation and support healthy bowel function without the risks of colon cleansing.

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"Add a high-quality pro biotic supplement to your diet to supply your gut and colon with friendly bacteria, especially if you don't eat a consistently healthy diet:"

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NATURAL DETOXIFICATION

For processing toxins, your liver is the master detoxification organ. When it's functioning properly, it breaks down many of the toxins you are exposed to into a form that is less harmful and more easily eliminated from your body. Your skin, respiratory system and immune system are other systems that protect you from toxins and foreign invaders. The truth is your body is constantly detoxifying 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the body was to stop detoxifying, you likely wouldn't survive beyond a few hours.

Colon cleansing is harmful in another way. Colon cleansers can destroy friendly probiotic bacteria that help support immune and digestive health, including the health ofthe master-detoxifier, the liver. This creates an imbalance in the colon and gut that's not conducive to good health.

Everyone can benefit from supporting their body's natural detox processes through good nutrition, maintaining a balanced gut and drinking plenty of water. Rather than using a colon cleanser, give your digestive and detox systems the support they need by eating a balanced diet of whole foods.

Replace processed carbohydrates with fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to nurture colon health. Add a high-quality probiotic supplement to your diet to supply your gut and colon with friendly bacteria, especially if you don't eat a consistently healthy diet. Doing these things will give your body the detox support it needs, without the risks of colon cleansing.