Colon Cleanse Vs Laxative

Years ago when someone would be suffering from constipation they would reach for the ex-lax and wait a few hours before the ‘urge’ would strike them. Then, unfortunately, they would spend the rest of the day close to the nearest toilet. While laxatives have improved over the years and have gotten considerably more ‘gentle,’ they are still formulated with harsh chemicals and this is the main reason why the choice between colon cleanse vs. laxative is not a difficult one for a good percentage of people. A colon cleanse can take many forms, but is usually all natural and the safer of the two.

Ingredients in Colon Cleanse Vs. Laxative

The main difference in a colon cleanse vs. laxative is the ingredients from which they are formulated and how those ingredients effect the body. Laxatives are, for the most part, chemical pharmaceuticals that can be over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. Two of the most popular laxatives currently on the market are ex-lax, which is formulated with Sennocides and Ducolax which has the active ingredient Bisacodyl USP. Both ex-lax and Ducolax are considered to be ‘stimulant’ laxatives which simply means they promote peristalsis, or contractions in the muscles along the intestines which cause matter to be moved along through them.

A colon cleanse generally refers to an herbal formulation that can have stimulant effects but usually works through a high fiber base that swells in the intestines pushing everything in its way on through for elimination. Both colon cleanse vs. laxative can be administered orally or rectally. The rectal form of a laxative is usually in the form of a suppository while the rectal form of a colon cleanse would be through the use of an enema or colonic irrigation.

The Degree of Side Effects in Colon Cleanse Vs. Laxative

There is always the potential for side effects from either a colon cleanse or a laxative, but most often, laxatives are known to carry the greater danger. Laxatives should never be used by pregnant women because of the ever present danger of causing premature labor. The stimulant action that makes a laxative effective also has the potential to promote uterine contractions. While there are some stimulating herbs which are known to carry the same side effects, the usual bulk-forming fiber colon cleanse products do not promote peristalsis.

Most colon cleansing products are formulated with a muciligenic fiber base that swells and becomes a slick, gel-like mass that slides easily through the intestinal tract. Many herbal colon cleansing products contain a combination of antioxidants like Acai, Green Tea, Resveratrol and Maqui Berry to counteract toxins in the colon and throughout the entire body. Some also include probiotic compounds to replace digestive bacteria that have been removed during cleansing. There are very few side effects associated with herbal colon cleansing products as opposed to their chemical laxative counterparts.

When choosing a colon cleanse vs. laxative the first thing that most people will look at is which has the greater potential for side effects. Also, it is important to understand that most oral colon cleanse supplements work gently over time, whereas a laxative is a chemical that is meant to stimulate bowel movements within 6 to 12 hours. A colon cleanse is intended to rid the intestines of built up waste and toxins to restore the digestive system to good health while a laxative is simply to relieve constipation.