Gross health question - anyone ever 'clense' or 'detox' your colon?

[honeybear]

I can't believe I'm even considering this. For a while now I've felt blah and like my insides were just icky. A week or so ago I had a very mild case of a tummy bug and I just felt like I literally needed to be flushed (sorry if TMI). Not like an enema, but more like a whole system thing. I stumbled upon a site for Dr. Natura's Colonix, which is a 3 month clense and detox. I have to say that some of the images of what happens during that 3 month period are downright scary. Maybe the testimonials are right and all the grossness is worth it for getting all kinds of stuff out of your body.

I was just curious if anyone has ever 'detoxed' through a program like this and if it's worth the cost and committment for 3 months.

[jvirginia]

Nope ...

I've heard this is a total scam. Ask your doctor.

[seals]

I just did a colon cleanse on Sunday (m)

in preparation for xrays of my kidneys, etc. on Monday. It was broth, jello, plain coffee, tea or water for the whole day and then 3 laxatives. I couldn't imagine doing that for 3 months! The clear liquid diet for a day or so might help though. There is also yogurt or Activa which to me helps get my digestive system back on track.

Sue

[amelia1]

Funny you should mention this.....

I just got my colon cleansing system delivered to me on Monday. I am too chicken to try it yet. This is the one I bought...

http://www.bellesaidietes.com/thepro...7460&owner=736

I can't believe I'm even considering this. For a while now I've felt blah and like my insides were just icky. A week or so ago I had a very mild case of a tummy bug and I just felt like I literally needed to be flushed (sorry if TMI). Not like an enema, but more like a whole system thing. I stumbled upon a site for Dr. Natura's Colonix, which is a 3 month clense and detox. I have to say that some of the images of what happens during that 3 month period are downright scary. Maybe the testimonials are right and all the grossness is worth it for getting all kinds of stuff out of your body.

I was just curious if anyone has ever 'detoxed' through a program like this and if it's worth the cost and committment for 3 months.

[SaraV]

They're pretty much a scam...

The only bigger scam is liver cleanses, where you drink olive oil and vinegar. The "Impurities" you see "flushed out" (TMI!) are actually the oil, formed into soap bubbles by the action of the vinegar plus stomach acids.

I've read a lot of reports on the actual effects of them. They're probably not going to actually *hurt*, although too-frequent use can mess with your electrolytes. But all that "toxins" stuff is based on a total misunderstanding of the human body, the colon, and how it all works.

[amelia1]

Scam or not...I will try just about anything once! LOL

[debikins]

I asked my dr about it recently since I was

scheduled to do a colonoscopy and I was very curious about the "stuff" that they claimed came out of their intestinal track with the colon cleansing....he told me it was unnecessary. The liquid stuff (very salty) they give you cleans everything out, and believe nothing like I saw on those websites showed up. Ewwww! I think it's a scam.
Debi

[donnap72]

Man, I am completely disturbed by the people who draped the "stuff" so artistically around their toilet seat to take pictures! I have never, NEVER has the desire to take a picture of anything that came from my body other than DD!

How super nasty! Do they ask you to take pictures of what comes out when you buy the product? I think they're staged. A lot of that stuff looks like seaweed to me!



As for actually doing this, I don't think I would but I've met several people who swear by it. Just this summer I went into a Vitamin Shoppe to pick up something & the salesperson was doing the hard sell on their colon cleansing products. She swore you'd never feel better. I still wonder if she's actually done it herself or if she was just spitting out the sales pitch.

[fatcat]

I say scam too...

3 months sounds insane. I did a week long one in Sweden about 20 years ago because they people I was staying with were really into it. I was simply starved and had insomnia and lost 10 pounds in a week but gained it right back the day it was over and I went out for pizza.

I think if you feel blah from what you are eating, cut out trans fats, sugar, corn syrup, refined white flour products. Eat only whole grains, lots of vegetables and fruit, lean protein.

[aurielee]

I agree - colon cleansing sounds like a scam..

To make yourself & your "gut" feel better, try eliminating "bad" foods from your diet by reducing fat intake, not overeating, etc. The best "cleansing tool" for your colon is actually water. Your bowel's job is to absorb water, so the more water you drink, the better you'll feel. And then use fiber.. Not only fiber can prevent the development of diverticulosis (pockets in your colon), but it also regulates your bowel.
If you do choose to try colon cleansing stuff, be aware, that when you use any kind of laxatives or "clean out" stuff plus fasting, your body may loose many important electrolytes; there is a possibility of feeling weak and getting quite sick. I'd say, first consult your doctor before trying anything "alternative". As I mentioned, simple things, like diet change, increased water & fiber intake might help you more than colon cleansing..
Aurie

[2Carol]

So if you do this are you going to report your "results"?

I took a look at the website photos - pretty remarkable (and gross).

So if you do this will you report your "results" to us?

[honeybear]

Thanks ladies! I"ve decided....

To skip to clense. First of all, I"m still nursing (but on the road to weaning my boo-boo depending 26 month old). So even if I wanted to 'clense' I couldn't/wouldn't do it until she was completely boob-free.

That said, I am working on your suggestions (which I knew anyway) including more H2O, eating less, eating better etc.

So fortunately, or unfortunately, you won't be seeing any pics of my poop on this board

Thanks again for reaffirming my 'gut' feeling! - C

[2Carol]

Congratulations1

To skip to clense. First of all, I"m still nursing (but on the road to weaning my boo-boo depending 26 month old). So even if I wanted to 'clense' I couldn't/wouldn't do it until she was completely boob-free.

That said, I am working on your suggestions (which I knew anyway) including more H2O, eating less, eating better etc.

So fortunately, or unfortunately, you won't be seeing any pics of my poop on this board

Thanks again for reaffirming my 'gut' feeling! - C

Congratulations on such a great breastfeeding success.

One thing I don't recall seeing mentioned is simply adding a fiber product (like Metamucil). The psyllium seed isn't digested but holds lots of moisture and adds bulk moving through your gut. In the process it sweeps out stuff that may be left behind. One key is to drink enough water. The additional fiber will help to remove cholesterol from your system. Cholesterol is one component of bile which helps to digest food. That's the only time cholesterol is "free" and easily removed. The fiber is sort of like the brown paper bag soaking up the grease from french fries. Anyway adding fiber is sort of one of those can't hurt, might help, and doesn't cost much ideas.

[Legolady]

I have done several Colonics over the years and I am always shocked by what comes out. :-)

L

[libba]

Speaking as someone who is recovering from a bowel prep for a colonoscopy yesterday - the cleanse DOES NOT make you feel all lovely! More tired out and weak and crampy!