The alternative medicine therapy of colon cleansing is used to remove fecal matter and other toxins from the colon. Colon cleansing can be carried out with either enemas or oral dietary supplements. There is no scientific evidence that colon cleansing is beneficial, but many practitioners believe the buildup of feces along the intestinal walls can cause health problems.
The Greeks as well as the Ancient Egyptians used the use of enemas for the purpose of cleaning the colon. This practice was based upon the belief that the body could not completely rid itself of toxins and waste. The process of auto-intoxication was developed to clean the colon and extend a person’s lifespan.
Early in the twentieth century there was a resurgence in the use of auto-intoxication, but the truth of the matter is that while an occasional enema is useful, too many and you actually increase the likelihood of a problem. There are many dangers associated with colonic irrigation and enemas as it can actually cause an inability to defecate without the assistance of an enema. Also, bowel perforation or infection, or in rare cases, a heart attack can occur.
The use of dietary supplements for cleansing the colon is very popular in recent history. Advertised as being better than fiber for your digestive tract, colon cleansing supplements are being sold in high volume. There is ongoing debate on the effectiveness and necessity of colon cleansing, but it is a medical fact that a person’s diet plays a large part of colon health.
While colonic irrigation and enemas might be dangerous, dietary supplements that contain colon cleansing agents help to maintain regularity and consistency in regard to bowel movements. Eating a healthy diet that includes fiber and colon cleansing supplements are great ways to stay healthy.
Colon cleansing as defined by alternative medicine practitioners is more than just a daily pill or occasional enema. Detoxifying the body by removing poisons, toxins, free radicals, and fats is considered a process, which includes dietary changes, exercise, as well as supplements.
There is a good case for maintaining a healthy colon, as colon cancer is a leading cause of death by cancer in the United States. Most people eat a terrible diet consisting of refined sugar, chemical additives, caffeine, meat filled with antibiotics, and fat. Consumption of fiber rich foods such as raw vegetables and fruits is dangerously low in many people’s diets and it is necessary to make changes to the diet in order to live a longer and healthier life.
The practice of colon cleansing is most often recommended as the initial part of a healthier lifestyle. By taking a colon-cleansing supplement for the first few days and increasing fiber intake, most people will shed excess pounds that have been lying in the colon for days!

