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Friday, July 25, 2008

Internal Cleansing

Harvard Health Publications
Copyright 2006 Harvard Health Publications

Question:

What is your opinion on "internal cleansing" procedures to detoxify your internal organs and to stimulate proper functioning of the colon? I just purchased an internal cleanse for the first time and according to its accompanying literature it is actually healthy for an individual to have a bowel movement two to three times a day, and the reason such frequency not common is because of all the toxins in our body and buildup in our colons. Is this true?

Answer:

I am skeptical that a bowel-cleansing product would improve your health. Laxatives (medicines or herbs that stimulate the bowel to pass stool) and rinses for the bowel (by mouth or by enema) can be useful for treating symptoms of constipation. However, I do not recommend their use in the absence of constipation because they can cause side effects. Laxatives can cause cramping and diarrhea. Frequent laxative use can interfere with nutrition. Laxatives can also damage nerves in the bowel lining, resulting in a tendency to be constipated between laxative doses. Laxatives and rinses can both alter the concentration of electrolytes in your bloodstream, a problem that is occasionally dangerous.

There is wide variation in normal bowel frequency. If you have at least three stools each week, your bowel pattern is frequent enough, according to most experts. The healthiest way to encourage frequent bowel movements is to eat a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. By doing so you will optimize your nutrition, reduce your risk of colon cancer, and improve your digestive health.


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Harvard Health Publications Source: from the Harvard Health Publications Family Health Guide, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved.

Used with permission of StayWell.

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