Colon Cleansing Herbs: Harmful Or Safe?

Colon Cleansing Herbs: Harmful Or Safe?
By Jason Uvios
The concept of colon cleansing has suddenly been much discussed and practiced all over the United States. This can be attributed to the steady rise of diseases like colon-rectal cancer and herniated bowel pockets. But, as with any new thing there have been a whole host of people claiming to be experts about that particular field. Since colon cleansing is still not accepted by conventional medicine as a valid medical process, there is this group of alternative medical practitioners who try and outdo each other with their own special remedies. While some of them may have genuine intentions there are quite a few who are anything but quacks.

To induce bowel movements and thereby clean the colon there are some who prescribe various kinds of medical herbs. Touted as alternatives to commercial laxatives there are genuine risks attached to having such herbs. Some of the most popular colon cleanse are cascara sagrada, rhubarb, senna, etc. All these contain substances called anthraquinones. These are the key substances responsible for the laxative effects of the herbs. But they also come with side effects.

We will list a few of the side effects of having such herbs:

-Severe muscle contractions in the abdomen leading to unbearable cramping and gripping pain in the abdominal region
-An electrolyte imbalance in the body because of loss of potassium. There is also a lot of loss of body fluid
-Nausea
-Diarrhea

with blood
-Rashes
-If used over a long period of time a condition called the melanosis coli may develop which leads to a dark pigmentation of the colon.
-If someone is under medication for some heart ailment then these can be harmful for the person
-No pregnant woman or nursing mothers should ever take these sort of laxatives. Even children should not use these herbs
-These have been cited as potential causes for liver toxicity, kidney impairment, hepatitis, heightened risk of adenoma or colorectal growths and cancer.

The best option for colon cleansing is to regulate your diet. Increase fiber intake and that would ensure that more roughage goes into your body. Consequently bowel movements should be more regular. Although the results may take time to show, but it is a much safer path.

If however you have already tried the and are now experiencing the side effects, then you should immediately discontinue taking them.

Jason Uvios writes about on Colon Cleansing Herbs: Harmful or Safe? to visit :- colon cleansing facts, colon cleanse tips and dual action colon cleanse