Has Anyone Tried A Colon Cleanse Product ?

[marciab]

Hi All,

Does anyone know how these colon cleanse products work and what's in them. There are a couple of them that are being advertised heavily on the tv right now.

They claim that gunk gets stuck to the sides of our colon walls and how we need to use their product to clean it out. But, I don't understand how gunk could get stuck, since stomach acids and bile are strong enough to turn meat into mush. One even claims to get rid of parasites.

I was wondering if they could help us get over getting glutened faster. Or if they would help my stomach calm down after I have eaten something my stomach is not used to. I'm in the process of re-introducing meat.

Does anyone know if they are gentle on your stomach. I certainly don't want to cause any more colon / bowel problems than I already have.

Also, is this really necessary if you've been having normal bms for months now ?

Couldn't the same thing be accomplished by eating only high fiber foods and drinking tons of water for a few days ?

And, last but not least, will it interfere with nutrient absorption ?

Thanks ... Marcia

[aikiducky]

I'm no expert, but if your having normal bms, I'd think eating lots of fiber and drinking lots of water would be enough...

Pauliina

[key]

Marcia,

I have tried a couple of them, but only for a couple of days. They gave me loose stools and major gas problems. I couldn't tolerate them. Plus they have Senna in them and that is a laxative, so my fear is that it isn't good to get "hooked" on using them. Or overuse. I think that taking some ground flaxseeds in applesauce or eating some extra fiber would help just as much. This of course is just my experience. I don't think it will help you get over being gluttened faster. I think that just takes time for your intestines to heal again.

Monica

[Ursa Major]

When I tried using one from the health food store a year ago I went into full-blown celiac disease! Those things seem to be way too harsh for somebody who's intestines are already damaged.

I am not saying these cleanses are bad, quite the opposite...........for healthy people, that is. But I wouldn't recommend them for anybody who is recovering from celiac disease, you'll more likely than not make yourself sicker.

[jenvan]

Approach colon cleansing with caution...some of the cleanses are harsh and might only aggravate your system. One of the best ways to "cleanse" naturally and without harsh herbs or chemicals, is psyllium. Psyllium is an all natural fiber supplement that expands, absorbs liquids and pulls out old stool and toxins. That would be something pretty safe for you to look into. Since it is just fiber also, no laxatives, you can use for a long period of time.

[rachellek]

Approach colon cleansing with caution...some of the cleanses are harsh and might only aggravate your system. One of the best ways to "cleanse" naturally and without harsh herbs or chemicals, is psyllium. Psyllium is an all natural fiber supplement that expands, absorbs liquids and pulls out old stool and toxins. That would be something pretty safe for you to look into. Since it is just fiber also, no laxatives, you can use for a long period of time.

I was just wondering what your experience with psyllium is...I get so constipated any time I attempt to take it, even if I drink the recommended water. I have IBS as well and have been told by a few doctors to take psyllium regularly but it just gets me into trouble when I try. Same happen to you ever?

Thanks,

Rachelle

[Ursa Major]

Yes, psyllium is no good for me, it makes me worse. The main ingredient in the colon cleanse I tried was psyllium! Some people just can't use it, I guess.

[jenvan]

I was just wondering what your experience with psyllium is...I get so constipated any time I attempt to take it, even if I drink the recommended water. I have IBS as well and have been told by a few doctors to take psyllium regularly but it just gets me into trouble when I try. Same happen to you ever?

Thanks,

Rachelle

Hmm...that's interesting. How long of a period of time did you try it for? Another idea is combine psyllium with a few other items. I had C for years and tried all kinds of things to improve it. For me the psyllium has worked great…but it took me a few tries to find a brand that really did the trick. The one I use has 2 other ingredients, one of which is hibiscus--acts as a natural flusher. It helps move things through. You can buy hibiscus alone or if you are interested I can show you the combo. Depending on how bad your C is, you may need to start the psyllium off with a stool softener, or a few magnesium caps too, which have a bit of a laxative effect. I can't imagine why, but I guess it is possible the psyllium doesn't agree with you. I will say it took me a while to find one that worked well for me...I was taking one that made me pretty miserable previously. Oh--and another factor can be the dosage. You definitely have to finesse with psyllium and figure out the right amount for yourself. Take too much and it probably would back you up. Don't take enough and you won't notice anything working.

[Green12]

I was just wondering what your experience with psyllium is...I get so constipated any time I attempt to take it, even if I drink the recommended water. I have IBS as well and have been told by a few doctors to take psyllium regularly but it just gets me into trouble when I try. Same happen to you ever?

Thanks,

Rachelle

Rachelle,

That was my experience with psyllium exactly. I had severe constipation for years and it was suggested I take as well. It didn't move a thing for me. I got more constipated, if that was even possible!

Turns out I was severely allergic to psyllium, and flax and a lot of the substances recommended for constipation, according to my allergy test results.

I was told that these these things can be very irritating to a inflamed/damaged intestinal lining (that we all have with celiac, other auto-immune conditions, food allergies, digestive disorders, etc.) and in my case it was just causing more inflammation and stagnation of the bowels, not allowing me to pass anything through.

I would just say proceed with caution as far as bowel cleansers go, they can be harsh on a compromised system. This is totally my opinion of course and it is different for everybody.

[penguin]

Can someone tell my why dr's tell people with "IBS" with D to take fiber? In my experience, that's the last effing thing you want to do!

[marciab]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies, but I'm not constipated anymore since going on this diet.

I was asking about the colon cleanse products because of what they said about the gunk getting stuck on the sides of our colons. They claim that their products are they only way to get rid of that. I was thinking if we have that gunk sitting there then it could take longer to get all the gluten / toxins out.

Does anyone know is this is just a hoax to get us to buy the product ?

Thanks marcia

[Warrior Woman]

the colon cleanse is a load of crap!

There is nothing stuck to your colon. there is nothing to get rid of that a good dump wont take care of. It really is a waste of money and for some dangerous. None of those things are tested or have a peer review to qualify them. Not only that, you can bet if there was really something stuck to your colon or any other part, it would have a procedure that was FDA approved that some company could be making a lot of money off of.

Lorraine

[jenvan]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies, but I'm not constipated anymore since going on this diet.

I was asking about the colon cleanse products because of what they said about the gunk getting stuck on the sides of our colons. They claim that their products are they only way to get rid of that. I was thinking if we have that gunk sitting there then it could take longer to get all the gluten / toxins out.

Does anyone know is this is just a hoax to get us to buy the product ?

Thanks marcia

I do believe that you can get stool sitting in your colon for longer than it should, and that is why I think the psyllium is a good tool for cleaning that out--but I don't think a full-on cleanse is necessary. If you are regular now and going everyday, things are probably moving pretty well through there. Diet is key--we eat things are bodies weren't made to process in large amounts and I think that is one of the reasons so many folks are irregular. Glad you have made improvements since going gluten-free though!

[ravenwoodglass]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies, but I'm not constipated anymore since going on this diet.

I was asking about the colon cleanse products because of what they said about the gunk getting stuck on the sides of our colons. They claim that their products are they only way to get rid of that. I was thinking if we have that gunk sitting there then it could take longer to get all the gluten / toxins out.

Does anyone know is this is just a hoax to get us to buy the product ?

Thanks marcia

This is bunk, they are just trying to sell their product. In addition these colon cleansers remove the beneficial bacteria that we are supposed to have in our intestines and can also upset electrolyte balance. Not only are they not beneficial they are outright dangerous. IMHO. Get more fiber from your foods if needed and when constipated, which does not happen often to me anymore, I find good old prune juice gets things going.

[key]

I agree, I think they are trying to make money. They are expensive and the ingredients are the same as many things you can get in the healthfood store for way cheaper. Senna is not good to take on a regular basis, which is the stimulant part of the cleanses. They all made me miserable. I fell for it twice! No more. Fiber doesn't work for me. It just irritates my stomach. I have been fine for two weeks. I am taking Lexapro and I think as long as I avoid being gluttened I am ok.

Monica

[jenvan]

Yeah, like Monica said too...Senna is an herbal laxative...definitely don't want to take it on a regular or frequent basis. Your body can become dependent.

[marciab]

I tried Metamucil (physillium) capsules and I bloated up like a blow fish. I took them for 5 days before figuring out that they were not going to work for me.

I think ya'll are right. These products are probably ok for people with otherwise healthy digestive systems, but not us.

It's too bad there isn't an organization to monitor these products. The ads are very convincing.

Thanks for your help. Marcia

[jenvan]

Marcia-

Well, techincally the FDA is there to monitor them and force those kinds of companies/products not tested, regulated to carry the warning "This product is not intended to cure, treat etc. any disease...." That warning should technically be on the product you saw...but its usually more in the fine print...

[loraleena]

You could try colon hydrotherapy, where they flush your colon with water. You must go to a certified therapist for safety reasons. Personally I believe that we have massive amount of waste stuck in us. Just because you are pooping, doesn't mean you don't have things stuck. Look at your poops. If they are long wide and large you are passing could stools. If for example they are thin or small little ones then this could be because you have blockage to your colon. I am not saying that all cleanses will work for all people, but I do not believe that cleansing is a bunch of crap. No more a bunch of crap than all the horrendous drugs doctors have people on. Do lots of research!

[olalisa]

I wouldn't really advocate a colon cleanse, but I read that cabbage contains an amino acid that helps heal intestinal villi. I found that VERY interesting becasue for about 6 months before my diagnosis I CRAVED cabbage....I would have to stop what I was doing in the middle of the day and go buy a head of cabbage and cut it up and eat about half of it at a time. My sweet hubby would have to go bring me cabbage wedges in the middle of the night. It was so crazy....then after my DX I learn that it helps heal the villi! I still crave it now, but not quite as "primal" an urge as before.

so.....long story short....I suggest cabbage.

[Rachel--24]

You can get stool sitting around in there. When I had a CT scan a couple months back I was told I had lots of impacted stool. I figured I did since I'd been constipated for over a month after eating one block of cheese. I was not feeling good at all.

Right after the CT scan I was scheduled for a colonoscopy and after taking the prep for it I was all cleaned out and have had normal movements ever since. I dont think the cleanses are necessary and I agree that they are just out to make money. An enema is probably safer and just as effective.

[RiceCake]

Approach colon cleansing with caution...some of the cleanses are harsh and might only aggravate your system. One of the best ways to "cleanse" naturally and without harsh herbs or chemicals, is psyllium. Psyllium is an all natural fiber supplement that expands, absorbs liquids and pulls out old stool and toxins. That would be something pretty safe for you to look into. Since it is just fiber also, no laxatives, you can use for a long period of time.

I had the same response to Konsyl. Just made things a lot more constipated and felt like it had turned to concrete. Eventually I gave up. Magnesium seems to help a bit. Also, since finally going 100% gluten free and adding buckwheat, things have been better. I had thought I was gluten-free but was still getting cross-contammination.

[marciab]

I finally gave in and called the 800 number to see just what was in the "A....... Cleanse". You will not believe what the first ingredient is .... physillium ...

Then flax, apple pectin, slippery elm, barberry, black walnut, ginger and magnesium stearate.

I looked up the ingredients in my Presc for Nut Healing book and just for the sake of keeping it short ... pectin removes unwanted toxins and metals, slippery elm soothes inflamed mucous membranes of the bowel and stomach, barbery stimulates intestinal movement, black walnut aids in digestion and cleans the body of some parasites and ginger cleanses the colon and reduces spasms and cramps.

I am not going to buy any. I am convinced my stomach would explode. But the physillium or flax, pectin, slippery elm and balck walnut taken one at a time might not be so bad.

What do you think ? Thanks Marcia

I hope I don't get into trouble for mentioning a name.

[ravenwoodglass]

I finally gave in and called the 800 number to see just what was in the "A....... Cleanse". You will not believe what the first ingredient is .... physillium ...

Then flax, apple pectin, slippery elm, barberry, black walnut, ginger and magnesium stearate.

I looked up the ingredients in my Presc for Nut Healing book and just for the sake of keeping it short ... pectin removes unwanted toxins and metals, slippery elm soothes inflamed mucous membranes of the bowel and stomach, barbery stimulates intestinal movement, black walnut aids in digestion and cleans the body of some parasites and ginger cleanses the colon and reduces spasms and cramps.

I am not going to buy any. I am convinced my stomach would explode. But the physillium or flax, pectin, slippery elm and balck walnut taken one at a time might not be so bad.

What do you think ? Thanks Marcia

I hope I don't get into trouble for mentioning a name.

I think I might add an apple a day to my diet, put some flax seeds on my cereal, eat some walnuts everyday and add some ginger to my stir frys. I have also seen barberry and slippery elm bark in 'supplement form' in my local health food store but I personally would just add the foods to my diet. It would most likely be much less expensive also.

[Guest Pixi]

I think they're great if you DON'T have Celiac.. or are far along in the healing process.

I bought one from GNC and got very very drained, tired, sleepy, sick.. big time tummy pains, running to bathroom a lot, etc..

But my Mom, who doesn't have Celiac, tried it and she was fine.. actually helped regulate her.

So I do think they're a great idea for cleansing.. but only if you don't have intestinal or digestive issues!