Do Colon Cleansers Really Help?

A natural colon cleanse flushes the waste out of your large intestine -- but does it work? Photo via Shutterstock
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that afflicts men and women worldwide, according to the American Cancer Society's report. In the US, it is among the leading cause of cancer deaths. Such statistics makes taking good care of your colon an important task, but just how would you do that?
Most people would think of colon cleanse as the solution and colon cleansers are now being widely advertised as an excellent approach to promoting colon health. Unfortunately, experts think otherwise.
So, what's the real deal about these colon cleansers? Are there really medical benefits from them? Let's find out.
What are Colon Cleansers?
Colon cleansers, as the name suggests, pertain to products that help cleanse the colon by expelling it contents. They come in various forms ranging from teas, tablets, and capsules to powders, enzymes, and enemas. These products are available online, or through physical stores like pharmacies, supermarkets, and health food stores.
Are Colon Cleanses Useful or Unnecessary?
The use of colon cleansers is based on something called "autointoxication," a phenomenon wherein the waste and toxins that have accumulated in the colon through the years spreads throughout the body and "poisons" it. The result of this poisoning is disease. Despite the lack of solid proof, the misconception persisted, leading to the advent of products that claim to cleanse the colon by removing the supposedly "toxic" waste buildup.
Another use of colon cleansers is in relieving constipation, as colon cleansers promote proper elimination of waste, which they do so by getting rid of accumulated stool that blocks the colon. Other reasons for use include improving mood (source), boosting immunity (source), losing weight, and reducing the risk of colon cancer.