Dangers Of Colon Cleansers!by Brad Chang
Colon cleansers have become one of the most popular products among weight loss enthusiasts and health fanatics. Products of this kind are used for removing toxins that build up in the colon to avoid a number of health problems. Clean and well-maintained colons give the benefit of better nutrient absorption and healthier immune systems. Colon cleansers come in both synthetic and natural forms. Because of the belief that anything natural is safe, many people turn to natural colon cleansers with complete disregard for what it is made of. For most people, knowing that it contains natural products is enough to make them feel safe. This notion may even be supported by increases in bowel movement upon taking colon cleansers. Truly, these products do not make false promises. However, what they also do not do is tell their consumers of the hidden side effects each ingredient may cause. Most natural colon cleansers contain ingredients that pose possible threats to the health of anyone taking them. The most common of these include herbs called Cascara Sagrada, Senna, and Psyllium. These are some herbs that you must look out for when choosing a colon cleanser. It is recommended that products in the market containing one or all of these herbs be avoided. Cascara Sagrada, commonly used in both prescription and over-the-counter laxatives, is the main ingredient responsible for rapid bowel movement in colon cleansers. Although they may be relatively safe when taken in small quantities, ingesting them as prescribed by colon cleansing agents can cause serious multiple health problems including hepatitis, liver damage, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and colon lesions. Senna is also an ingredient used in laxatives to induce bowel movement. It is quite powerful and therefore it should only be ingested as needed. Regular intake of Senna causes imbalances of fluid and electrolytes in the body, a problem that can lead to fatalities in the long run. There have also been several cases of blood disease and liver failure among people who unknowingly took too much of this herb. Lastly, Psyllium is the fiber used in colon cleaners that is supposed to sweep the colon as it passes through. Apart from any possible reactions some people may have due to this ingredient, ingesting it may cause problems in both the digestive and excretory systems. Psyllium expands as it absorbs more water in the body. If it is not taken with a prescribed amount of water, expanded Psyllium may get stuck in the digestive tract. Apart from this, regular users of this herb develop dependency and find that their excretory system cannot function regularly. These are but some of the potential dangers posed by the major ingredients of colon cleansers. Some threats are less discussed and it is possible that there are some side effects that are yet to be discovered. This is not to say that colon cleansers should be avoided entirely. Colon cleansers can truly be beneficial for some. However, it is never enough to know the benefits a product might bring. It is also important to know more about the ingredients of the product or you might unconsciously be subjecting yourself to more serious problems than constipation. |
