How Important is it to Cleanse Your Colon

Over the years colon cleansing has gone in and out of vogue and there has been a good deal of debate as to whether or not it is important. In fact, there is still a good bit of controversy even within the medical community. Some doctors are ardent advocates while others don’t see the importance. Advocates believe that it is essential to at least periodically flush waste and toxins from the colon while opponents contend that the digestive system is a marvelous biological system that operates quite well on its own. This often leaves the layperson baffled and questioning, “How important is it to cleanse your colon?”

Advocates for Colon Cleansing

People in favor of colon cleansing believe that there are toxins that build up within the intestines that not only prevent adequate digestion and toxin elimination but are also responsible for a great number of diseases and illnesses. There is ample evidence to support this theory if esteemed organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute can be taken at face value for their word. Both groups recommend that dietary fiber be increased in order to prevent such conditions as polyps on the colon and even colorectal cancer. Why would they recommend increasing fiber if it wasn’t necessary to flush matter from the colon? Based on the fact that it is virtually impossible to get adequate dietary fiber from the over-processed foods that are eaten on a daily basis, it shouldn’t be necessary to ask how important it is to cleanse your colon. Fiber is needed to maintain movement of waste in the digestive tract. If adequate fiber is unavailable form dietary sources, cleansing becomes important.

Opponents to Colon Cleansing

There is a second group of people who believe that colon cleansing just isn’t necessary. They contend that the digestive system works just fine all by itself. Individuals who don’t see the need for cleansing feel that a healthy diet can eliminate the problem. This becomes problematic in that it is almost impossible to get sufficient fiber in foods that are currently available. There are so many fiber supplements and fiber additives and fiber ‘shakes’ that it is becoming increasingly obvious that it just isn’t possible to eat healthy enough to avoid the need for at least periodic cleansings. While it is true that the digestive system is a wonderful piece of biological machinery, it is also worth mentioning that even the most advanced machinery becomes less efficient over time. In those situations colon cleansing just might be necessary.

Symptoms to Recognize

How important is it to cleanse your colon? If symptoms persist such as a constant feeling of being bloated or sluggish, it is a pretty good indicator that toxins and waste are building up in the intestines. Also, if bowel movements are irregular, a good cleansing might be necessary. Other symptoms include being lethargic or lacking in concentration. Some individuals notice that they are more prone to colds and influenzas when they are not ‘regular.’ In these cases, cleansing the colon is reported to boost immunity by ridding the system of toxins and other pathogenic microorganisms; thereby making the body more efficient and healthy.

Depending on an individual’s lifestyle and dietary habits, cleansing the colon becomes more or less important accordingly. If ample fiber is provided then cleansing may not be all that necessary. However, if adequate fiber isn’t consumed on a daily basis then it becomes all the more important to cleanse your colon.