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Colon Cleanse With Flax Seeds & Psylium
Flaxseed and psyllium are commonly used in herbal colon cleansing products to help flush toxins from your body, says Colon-Cleanse-Information.com 1. Colon cleanse supporters claim that a colon cleanse can help you shed excess weight, improve bowel function and improve your general well-being. However, there is no medical evidence that colon cleansing provides any health benefits.
About Colon Cleansing
The main purpose of a colon cleanse is to eliminate toxic build-up and promote the reabsorption of nutrients into your system, says Colon-Cleanse-Information.com 1. The theory behind it is that when toxins -- mainly impacted fecal matter -- build up, they slowly poison your system and affect your general health and well-being.
About Flaxseed
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Flaxseed has long been used as a natural laxative because it expands in your system, on contact with water, and adds bulk to stools to aid their passage through your intestinal tract, says the University of Maryland Medical Center 2. Flaxseed is also rich in fatty acids, which may provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome.
About Psyllium
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that forms a gelatin-like mass in your gut and helps push food and waste through your system, says the University of Maryland Medical Center 2. It is often used to treat diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome because it firms up stools to move them more swiftly through your digestive tract.
Available Forms
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Use fresh flaxseed within 24 hours of grinding and refrigerate the oil to retain the active ingredients, says the University of Maryland Medical Center 2. You can also buy flaxseed in powder and capsule form. Psyllium is available in dry seed or husk form -- which can be mixed with water -- or as a laxative in capsule and tablet form.
- Use fresh flaxseed within 24 hours of grinding and refrigerate the oil to retain the active ingredients, says the University of Maryland Medical Center 2.
- Psyllium is available in dry seed or husk form -- which can be mixed with water -- or as a laxative in capsule and tablet form.
Benefits and Precautions
The Mayo Clinic says colon cleansing is not necessary because the body is capable of removing toxins without assistance. However, advocates believe that colon cleansing can relieve constipation and diarrhea, promote regular bowel movements and proper absorption of vitamins and minerals, enhance the functioning of the immune system, increase energy levels and promote general health, says Colon-Cleanse-Information.com 1.
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References
- Colon-Cleanse-Information.com: Colon Cleanse: What Is It & How Does It Work?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Psyllium
- MayoClinic.com: Consumer Health
- Mishori R, Otubu A, Jones AA. The dangers of colon cleansing. J Fam Pract 2011;60:454–6.
- Mathias M. Autointoxication and historical precursors of the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2018;29(2):1548249. doi: 10.1080/16512235.2018.1548249
- Eisele JW, Reay DT. Deaths related to coffee enemas. Journal of the American Medical Association 1980 244:1608-1609.
- Handley DV, et al. Rectal perforation from colonic irrigation administered by alternative practitioners. Medical Journal of Australia 2004 181:575-576.
- Istre GR and others. An outbreak of amebiasis spread by colonic irrigation at a chiropractic clinic. New England Journal of Medicine 1982 307:339-342.
- Smereck J. Aplastic anemia: a possible toxic effect of an herbal "colon cleansing" preparation. Journal of Emergency Medicine 2009 36:191-93.
- Amebiasis associated with colonic irrigation - Colorado. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 1981 30:101-102.
- American Cancer Society. Colon Therapy. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/more-cam-info.
- Ratnaraja N, Raymond N. "Extensive abscesses following colonic hydrotherapy." Lancet Infectious Diseases 2005 5:527.
Writer Bio
Jessica began her writing career in 1995 and is Senior Editor at a London communications agency, where she writes and edits corporate publications covering health, I.T., banking and finance. Jessica has also written for consumer magazines including "Cosmopolitan" and travel, home/lifestyle and bridal titles. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and journalism from the University of Queensland.