Colon Cleansing in Young Children

Many people have seen infomercials and read about the importance of colon cleansing and how it can help you live a healthier life by removing toxins from the digestive tract. However, the materials usually do not tell you about cleansing for children, whether you should do it and what effects colon cleansing might have on young children.

What is Colon Cleansing?

• After years of consuming processed food, such as the ubiquitous fast foods in our society, the lining of the digestive system can become compacted with substances that are not digestible. This can hinder the absorption of other, healthier foods and also cause irregular bowel movements. Colon cleansing helps flush away all the plaque and toxins using different natural ingredients, and the process can be done in the comfort of your home.

Colon Cleansing for Children

• Because colon blockage only occurs after years of unhealthy eating, most children do not need to undergo colon cleansing. However, if your child has been brought up primarily on fast food and they are older (over 10 years of age), a mild---not lengthy---colon cleanse might be in order. Cleanses can be particularly useful for children who experience constipation, flatulence and a bloated abdomen. Done properly, colon cleansing is safe and will not damage a child's intestinal tract, so don't worry about possible side effects.

How to use the Products

• Colon-cleansing products usually come in tablet form, and comprise all-natural ingredients used to help break up plaque and toxins in the colon and digestive tract. These tablets can be found in pharmacies, as well as the pharmacy section of a Target or Walmart. You do not need a prescription to purchase them.

  Only perform a colon cleanse on a free weekend or extended break. As the byproducts are flushed from the colon and digestive tract, the child will need to use the bathroom, and probably quite often. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, and ensure that the child drinks at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day in order to stay hydrated. Do not follow a cleanse for an extended period of time; two to three days is quite sufficient for children.