Colon Cleansing Laxatives

Laxatives are also known as purgatives or aperients and are compounds that are either natural or artificially prepared that induce bowel movements and bring about colon cleansing. Laxatives can be used to treat constipation and hasten the elimination of undigested remains of feces or undigested food in the colon.

Kinds of Colon Cleansing Laxatives

Colon cleansing laxatives are classified into different groups based on the mode on which they work. This basic classification includes:

• Bulk-forming Laxatives are essentially fiber supplements. They absorb water in the intestine, thus acting as a stool softener. Laxatives in this group should be consumed along with plenty of water or they are known to cause a certain degree of intestinal obstruction.
• Osmotics which are not recommended for diabetics, enable the flow of fluids through the colon. This results in bowel distention.
• Stool Softeners moisten stool and prevent dehydration. However, prolonged use may result in electrolyte imbalance.
• Lubricants produce a grease effect in the bowel, thus stimulating bowel movement within a few hours of intake.
• Chloride Channel Activators increase intestinal motility. However, they are not recommended as safe beyond a year of continuous use.
• Saline Laxatives can be likened to a sponge that draws water into the colon. This makes the passage of stool easy. Saline laxatives are popular in acute constipation treatments, especially in the absence of bowel obstruction.
How Do Colon Cleanse Laxatives Work?

A laxative, in reality is a mild toxin. When this toxin is introduced into the body, the body recognizes the toxin and reacts to it. The type of response to the toxin is usually absorption of water into the intestine or colon. This response, in order to dilute the toxin effect, in turn brings about softening of stool and free bowel movement. Sometimes, the draining of water from the body into the intestine may result in spasms, the reason for cramps and dehydration in improperly monitored laxative therapies. Colon cleansing helps the body to release accumulated toxins and mucus into the intestine. This brings about the cleansing effect. Naturally, a cleaner body, devoid of toxins is stronger, healthier and is more efficient.

Is Laxative use Habitual?

The use of laxatives, either natural or artificial can be habit forming, especially with long term use. This may occasionally bring about an opposite effect, instead of the very purpose of the use, cleansing. However, this can be overcome by taking adequate precautions to limit the use of colon cleanse laxatives long enough to remove waste, while adhering to a healthy diet immediately after the cleanse.

Benefits of Colon Cleansing Laxatives

The cleansing activity clears the body of toxins, thus giving you a healthy, refreshed and energetic body. After a cleanse, the intestine gains the ability to absorb the nutrition from food entirely. The innumerable benefits of a colon cleanse using laxatives include fewer body aches and pains; softer, smoother and healthier looking skin; a more efficient digestive system; free bowel movement and significantly improved overall health.