|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Colitis & Colon Cleansers

Colitis, an inflammation of the colon, affects approximately 2 million people in the United States. While dietary changes and consuming more water can be an effective form of treatment, some physicians and holistic practitioners recommend a colon cleanse to detoxify the colon, helping to reduce symptoms and flare-ups of colitis.

  1. Symptoms

    • Colitis usually appears in people under the age of 30, but it can develop at a later age. It affects men and women equally and does appear to be hereditary. Symptoms of colitis may include but are not limited to: anemia, pain, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, rectal spasms, weight loss and abdominal tenderness, loss of appetite or urgent, frequent bowel movements.

    Types of Colitis

    • There are many types of colitis, all of which attack the digestive system, including: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ischemic, chemical, diversion, atypical, infectious, and microscopic. The method of development usually determines the type of colitis involved, but the specific form can be hard to determine because many have virtually the same symptoms.

    Colon Cleansers

    • Colon cleansers might be beneficial to the sufferer of colitis. Colon cleansers help to remove impacted impurities that build up on and line the walls of the intestines. This buildup can cause infection and irritation to the intestine walls and could trigger colitis. Colon cleansers are also beneficial because many contain herbs that will remove parasitic infestations in the intestines. These parasites can contribute to colitis, causing intensification of symptoms and frequency of occurrence.

    How Colon Cleansers Work

    • Many colon cleansers use an oxygen-based formula to break the buildup into a gas or liquid form, which is then eliminated by the body, usually through several bowel movements. Other colon cleansers use chemical- or herbal-based formulas to effectively loosen the buildup. It is usually then passed from the body in the usual way.

    Warnings

    • The frequent use of colon cleansers is not recommended--it can cause bowel irritation and dehydration and decrease absorption of vital nutrients. It is very important to drink plenty of water when doing a colon cleanse. Also, the frequent bowel movements usually associated with colon cleansing can irritate hemorrhoids and cause bleeding. As with any other type of home remedy, you should talk with your doctor before attempting it.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles