GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Intestinal cleansing is generally considered as a safer type of colon therapy. Its proponents suggest that the colon be cleansed twice a year. The cleansing process, which may take from 4 to 12 weeks, begins with an adjustment to the diet that includes limiting consumption of refined flour products, cheese, and meats. Some practitioners also suggest that their patients drink as much as 2 quarts a day of lemon water or plain water, separate from meals, for up a week. Upon completing these preparations, the patient is given a series of supplements that include components such as fiber, various herbs, acidophilus, chlorophyll or the juice of green leafy vegetables, and aloe vera juice, plus an abundance of water. The exact components used depend on the practitioner prescribing treatment. Some practitioners also recommend a weekly, biweekly or sometimes daily enema to be given after a natural bowel movement in order to prevent dependence. (When used as part of a short-term cleansing program, enemas probably will cause no harm; however, they should not be used over a long period of time. Enemas can become psychologically addictive and can create dependence.)
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Intestinal cleansing removes toxins from the body and helps to improve well-being in general. It also enables the gut to absorb the vitamins and nutrients needed to obtain optimal health.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Intestinal cleansing programs should not be used during pregnancy or by individuals with any form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, such as Crohn’s disease, regional Ileitis, or lcerative colitis.
