COLONICS: Do They Really Do The Job for Chronic Constipation?

Years ago, very few people concerned themselves with toxins and how the body stores them in the large and small intestines. In fact, who ever spent much time thinking about intestines altogether? When people were constipated, they kept it to themselves and their doctors. It was hush-hush. But not any more!

Sure, we all knew some hardy individuals that followed strict eating regimes and monitored their bowel movements. But they were in the minority, and we called them “Health Food Nuts.”

Now, with nationwide obesity and the many serious health problems associated with overweight, we are forced to pay attention to our gut – excuse the pun, but we now have a gut reaction!

As a health professional, I am often asked what I think about colonics as a way of cleansing and detoxifying the body. Here’s my counsel.

The large intestine is separated from the small intestine by a valve, called the ileo-coecal valve. This valve insures that fecal matter from the large intestine never backs up and re-enters the digestive tract, as this would poison the body. As a result of the protection from this valve, a colonic is only able to clean the lower portion of the intestines.

For sure, any non-chemical intestinal cleansing is better than no bowel cleansing at all. Hardly a person alive hasn’t experienced the discomfort of a congested large intestine. But I believe that colonics alone are too temporary a solution to chronic constipation.

In my view, it’s essential to choose a cleanse that you ingest through the mouth, that then continues to work it’s way down the body, clearing and cleaning along its nine yard journey. Yes, that’s where the phrase “the whole nine yards” originated!

And, don’t expect it to be a one day job either. Good cleanses take about 7-10 days to be truly effective. Check out good ones at your local Health Food store, and get ready to feel lighter and cleaner.

Personally, I like the ‘Master Cleanse” which consists of fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. That, plus 10 days of super-discipline, works like a “roto-rooter” for your digestive tract.

Happy cleansing!