Wikipedia – Colon cleansing – Colon cleansing (also known as colon therapy) encompasses a number of alternative medical therapies intended to remove feces and nonspecific toxins from the colon and intestinal tract. Colon cleansing may take the form of colon hydrotherapy (also called a colonic or colonic irrigation) or oral cleansing regimens such as dietary supplements. During the 2000s internet marketing and infomercials of colon supplements increased.
Mayo Clinic – Bowel Cleanser and Kidney Risk – Dear Mayo Clinic:
About six months after I had a colonoscopy, I developed a kidney problem. I read an article recently that warned of kidney failure associated with bowel-cleansing products that contain sodium phosphates. I know it’s important to have colonoscopies, but since I now have a kidney problem I don’t want to risk further damage. Are there safer ways to cleanse the bowel or to have a colonoscopy without bowel cleansing? — Orland Park, Ill.
Web MD – Natural Colon Cleansing – The practice of natural colon cleansing dates back to ancient Greece. In the United States, cleansing the colon — the large intestine — became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. But when the theories behind it lost support, it fell out of favor. Recently, though, colon cleansing — using, for example, teas, enzymes, or colon irrigation — has experienced resurgence.
New York Times – Colonoscopy Effectiveness – For years, patients and many doctors assumed that a colonoscopy was a colonoscopy. Patients who had one seldom questioned how well it was done. The expectation was that the doctor conducting the exam would find and cut out any polyps, which are the source of most colon cancer.
Web MD – Demystifying Detox Diets – The Master Cleanse or Lemon Detox Diet, Fat Flush, 21 Pounds in 21 Days, the Liver Detox Diet … these are just a few of the so-called “detoxification” diet plans that have become all the rage. Holistic healers and diet gurus are pushing all sorts of products and regimens that are supposed to help purge our bodies of chemicals and toxins, while helping us to lose weight — fast!
Cal Berkley on The Colon – Hi- I am considering doing some type of body cleansing and am overwhelmed by the mass amount of products, processes and literature out there. I am thinking about a liver and or colon cleanse but also hear that they can be to harsh for your body. Anyone know anything that might make my decision easier? I am hoping, in addition to cleansing my body for general health reasons, I also want to help alleviate sugar/food cravings, take off a few pounds and just feel good.
Harvard on Colon Cleansers – Detox used to refer primarily to medical procedures used to rid the body of dangerous levels of alcohol, drugs, or poisons. Now, it is the subject of a growing number of infomercials, Web sites, and print articles that urge us to eliminate alleged toxins claimed to cause everything from headaches to bloating, joint pain, fatigue, and depression.
EHow – When to Colon Cleanse? – A colon cleanse can be achieved with teas, enzymes, or colon irrigation (a procedure whereby liquids are induced into the colon via a tube or hose). However, with little research and fewer studies on the effects of colon cleansing, the jury is still out on whether a colon cleanse is necessary, according to Webmd.com
Discovery Health – Is colon cleansing a good idea? – Everyone knows toxins are bad. Many people, especially those interested in or practicing nontraditional medicine, believe that certain toxins accumulate in our bodies, causing disease and essentially poisoning us. This concept is known as autointoxication. By detoxifying the body, the reasoning goes, we can purify ourselves and restore our health
Web MD – Colon Cleansers: Are They Safe? – According to some alternative health advocates, just as you routinely shampoo your hair or scrub your floor, you should be regularly cleaning your colon as well. In fact, some people are making a lot of money persuading people that their colons are packed with several years’ worth of decaying waste and that a colon cleanser will solve the problem. Colon cleansers come in a variety of forms, including capsules, laxatives, enemas, and “high colonics” which flush large amounts of water through the intestines.