Colon Detox vs Colonics

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http://www.jonbarron.org/detoxing-health-program/03-13-2006.phpColon Detoxification VS Colonics

Date: 03/13/2006

Posted By: Jon Barron

Lately, many of you have been asking me the difference between a traditional colonic and a colon detox program.

Which is better and why? The best way to understand the significant

differences between these two approaches is to look at the big picture

-- Intestinal Health -- and in doing so, the answers to many related

questions such as "which I prefer and why" and "what makes a formula

effective" become clear.

There is an old saying that "death

begins in the colon." This is an oversimplification to be sure but more

accurate than not. In fact, the road to health begins with intestinal

cleansing and detoxification -- no matter what the disease or problem.

Healthy Intestines

Unfortunately,

most people confine their understanding of intestinal cleansing to its

effect on fecal matter. And even though it is true that cleansing

programs do draw old fecal matter out of the colon, limiting the

discussion to fecal matter misses the big picture and obscures the

differences between colonics and colon detox programs.

Understand,

the intestinal tract is essentially a continuous tube from the mouth to

the anus, and each part of the tube has a specific function to perform.

Among these are:

Digestion -- transferring the nutritional value of that food into the body.

Processing the waste from that food and eliminating it from the body.

Serving as a drainpipe for waste produced as a result of metabolic functions within the body itself.

Serving as a drain for toxic substances absorbed through our lungs and skin, etc.

Functioning as a first line of defense in the body's immune system by

serving as a home to beneficial bacteria that identify and eliminate

viruses and unhealthy bacteria ingested with our food.

What can go wrong if the system is backed-up?

Physically,

the colon is simply not designed to store large amounts of old fecal

matter. Stores of old fecal matter are not only breeding grounds for

harmful bacteria and dangerous parasites, but the extra garbage causes

the colon to distend and expand. This causes the walls of the colon to

thin out (like blowing up a balloon more and more). As the walls extend

out, they press on and compress other organs in the abdominal cavity.

Consider

that a sluggish bowel can retain pounds of old toxic and poisonous

fecal matter (10-20 pounds is not unusual, and up to 65 pounds has

actually been reported). It should be noted that doctors rarely see

this accumulated matter during colonoscopies because patients are given

purgatives to clean out their intestinal tracts before the

colonoscopies, thus removing the evidence -- but they do see the

effects, the herniations of the colon aka duvertuculi.

In

fact, a clean colon is essential in our detox pipeline. The liver is

the main detoxifying organ of the body; it works by filtering out

and/or neutralizing dangerous drug residues and poisons from the blood

and then passing them out of the body through the colon via the bile

duct. But if the colon is plugged, it's like flushing a toilet clogged

with toilet paper; everything backs up. The net result is sickness and

disease. In fact, you can't even begin to cleanse and repair other body

systems until you clean out the colon so that the toxic material will

have a clean pathway out of the body.

Again, the net result of a backed-up system is sickness and disease including:

Constipation and the attendant symptoms of self-toxification.

Diverticular disease (herniations of the colon).

Hemorroids.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Ulcerative Colitis.

Crohn's Disease.

Colon/Rectal Cancer.

Other Related Diseases including: diabetes, Gall Stones, Kidney Stones,

Gout, Hypertension, Varicose Veins, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis,

and Obesity.

Other cleansing treatments (i.e. liver cleanse) are not as effective if the colon isn't clean.

How can I tell if the system is backed up enough to require a treatment?

A

normal bowel movement is soft and unformed. It should break apart when

it hits the water -- or at least when flushed. This is not to be

confused with diarrhea, which is characterized by water.

There

has been a great misconception among the public and most medical

professionals about how often a normal healthy person should move their

bowels. For years, doctors have thought that anywhere between one bowel

movement a day and one a week was normal. What we have learned is that

it is normal, and necessary, to have one bowel movement a day for each

major meal (as opposed to a snack) you ate the day before. If you eat

three major meals, you should have three bowel movements the next day.

If you don't, you're not alone. In fact:

In the United States, the average frequency of stool passage is just over 3 bowel movements per week.

Individuals with colonic inertia (a condition of the colon when muscles

do not work properly, causing constipation) often do not pass a stool

for 7-10 days at a time.

The

key issue, of course, (aside from organic disease) is lack of fiber in

your diet -- the more fiber, the faster the transit time of waste

through the intestinal tract . Even with all the attention fiber gets

in relation to healthy evacuation, it is still MIA in many daily meals.

So let's look what you're eating in terms of transit time:

A beef patty, white flour roll, and french fries have virtually zero fiber -- thus slow transit time.

What's

pizza made of? White flour and cheese. White flour and water is used to

make wallpaper paste. And cheese (casein), at one time, was the primary

ingredient in Elmer's Glue (thus Elmer's picture on the front). Ergo,

when you eat pizza, you're eating wallpaper paste and Elmer's Glue -- a

real stick to your "ribs" kind of meal.

If your

diet consists of a lot of slow transit time food, then you are

essentially clogging your pipes. Once nutrients are absorbed from food,

there is no reason to keep the waste in your body. In fact, the longer

food stays in your intestines, the more it rots, causing long-term

disruptions and toxicity.

Dead men tell no tales

Consider

that disruption in the pH of intestinal fluids causes ulcers and

disturbs the balance of mucus. In his book Tissue Cleansing Through

Bowel Management, Doctor Bernard Jensen, DC, ND, Ph.D., shared:

One autopsy revealed a colon to be 9 inches in diameter with a passage

through it no larger than a pencil. The rest was caked up layer upon

layer of encrusted fecal material. This accumulation can have the

consistency of truck tire rubber. It's that hard and black.

Another autopsy revealed a stagnant colon to weigh in at an incredible 40 pounds.

Dr.

Jensen describes the problem associated with mucoid plaque (thickened

intestinal mucus) as: "The heavy mucus coating in the colon thickens

and becomes a host of putrefaction. The blood capillaries to the colon

begin to pick up the toxins, poisons and noxious debris as it seeps

through the bowel wall. All tissues and organs of the body are now

taking on toxic substances. Here is the beginning of true

autointoxication on a physiological level."

Thankfully, the

story does not end there. Modern awareness of the impact intestinal

health has on overall health has created a choice in treatment options.

This leads me to the question of the day:

What Is the Difference Between a Colonic and a Colon Detox Program?

The Enema

During

an enema, water is inserted into the rectum through a tube causing the

emptying of the lower bowel. Enemas are useful for a quick fix --

particularly when "temporarily" backed up. However, they only flush

loose fecal matter in the lower part of the colon.

The Colonic

A

colonic is a type of enema that injects large amounts of water under

controlled pressure through the rectum high into the colon for

cleansing purposes. Some treatments add things to the water such as

peroxide or even herbs. Think of the colonic as a powered enema. It

still only captures loose fecal matter, but goes higher into the colon

and is more thorough. The bottom line is that colonics do work to flush

loose waste and sediment from rectum and lower intestine but they:

can actually weaken muscles over time.

don't draw from bowel pockets.

don't draw from tissue.

flush all bacteria -- the good as well as the bad.

can disrupt natural pH balance.

run the risk that some water retained in the equipment from another

patient's previous use may be injected back into your colon.

If

you are so inclined, periodic colonics are not a bad thing. They can

definitely improve your health and sense of well being. Regular

colonics, on the other hand, may be too much of a good thing.

The Colon Detoxification Program

An effective colon detoxification program necessitates a two-pronged approach.

A colon correction formula

A colon detoxifier

Colon Correction

A

good herbal intestinal corrective provides both cleansing and healing

to the entire gastro-intestinal system. It stimulates peristalsis (the

muscular movement of the colon). It halts putrefaction and disinfects,

soothes, and heals the mucous membrane lining of your entire digestive

tract. Entirely herbal, with no harsh, habit-forming chemicals, an

effective activating formula will also help improve digestion, relieve

gas and cramps, increase the flow of bile (which in turn cleans the

gall bladder, bile ducts, and liver), destroy Candida albicans

overgrowth and promote a healthy intestinal flora, destroy and expel

intestinal parasites, and increase gastro-intestinal circulation. The

herbs used in this type of formula are also antibacterial, antiviral

and antifungal.

Colon Detoxification

In contrast with the colon corrective formula, a good detoxifier is cleansing and soothing. It is used periodically in conjunction with the corrective. The detoxifier formula is a strong purifier and intestinal vacuum.

It draws old fecal matter off the walls of your colon and out of any

bowel pockets. It also works to draw out poisons, toxins, heavy metals

such as mercury and lead, and even remove radioactive material such as

strontium 90. A good detoxifier will also remove over 2,000 known drug

residues. Its natural mucilaginous properties will soften old hardened

fecal matter for easy removal and also provide an excellent remedy for

any inflammation or irritation in the stomach and intestines. This

formula is helpful in irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease,

and hemorrhoids. And on top of everything else, a good detoxifier will

usually eliminate the effects of food poisoning or stomach flu in 20-40

minutes.

The list goes on…

The colon detoxifier program's two-pronged approach also:

Helps bring the colon back to life by stimulating the muscle movement of the colon.

Encourages matter to move forward through the system.

Halts putrefaction.

Disinfects.

Soothes and promotes the healing of the mucous membrane lining of the entire digestive tract.

Helps stimulate the body to begin the healing and repair of herniated areas.

Increases the flow of bile to help clean the gall bladder, bile ducts, and liver.

Promotes healthy intestinal flora.

Destroys and expels parasites.

Destroys Candida albicans overgrowth.

Maintains regularity.

Decreases straining.

Speeds up the transit time of feces through the large intestine.

Yeah, but!

Okay,

the colon detox program is not all roses and sunshine; you may

experience some gas and bloating. But think about it for a moment. If

you were to start a car that had been sitting idle in the garage for

years, you wouldn't expect it to start right up. You might have to

crank it over several times. It might blow some smoke and backfire

several times, maybe even shoot some flames out the tail pipe -- but

then settle down and begin to purr.

Your bowel is no different.

Gas

and bloating are the smoking and backfiring of the bowel. Work through

it. Once you have rebuilt your bowel function, your intestinal tract

will begin to purr like a well-tuned engine. You may also experience

muscular movement, along with occasional cramping and aching, but these

effects are minimal if you use a properly designed formula.

What to Look for in an Intestinal Health Program

In

a colon corrective, I recommend you look for a formula that contains

all organic herbs such as: Cape Aloe, Senna, Cascara Sagrada, Barberry

Rootbark, Ginger Root, African Bird Pepper, Fennel, and Terminalia

chebula. (The Cape Aloe gives it strength, while the fennel makes it

gentle.)

In a colon detoxifier, I recommend you look for a

formula that contains all organic herbs such as: Psyllium seeds and

husks, Apple Pectin, Montmorillonite Clay, Activated Willow Charcoal,

Pau d'arco, Slippery Elm Inner Bark, Marshmallow Root, and Fennel Seed.

Each offers a unique benefit to the colon detox program as well as an

overall effectiveness not available in a colonic. Since detoxification

is the primary focus of this week's newsletter, let's look at the

ingredients in this formula in a little more detail.

Psyllium seeds and husks

are rich in soluble fiber and have long been used to ease constipation

and digestive system upset. Studies show that in addition to increasing

stool weight, supplements of psyllium seed husk produce stools that are

slick and gelatinous.

Psyllium is unique in

contrast with other viscous fibers that are fermented completely in the

colon in that it is resistant to fermentation. Researchers observed

that this gel provided lubrication that facilitated propulsion of colon

contents and produced a stool that was bulkier and more moist than were

stools resulting with use of comparable amounts of other

bowel-regulating fiber sources. An unfermented gel component of

psyllium seed husk promotes laxation as a lubricant in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Sep;72(3):784-9. Marlett JA, Kajs TM, Fischer MH.

A

number of studies suggest that psyllium may also be effective in

lowering cholesterol, promoting weight loss (it makes you feel full),

and aiding in the relief of numerous other conditions.

Psyllium decreased serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly in diabetic outpatients. Ziai

SA, Larijani B, Akhoondzadeh S, Fakhrzadeh H, Dastpak A, Bandarian F,

Rezai A, Badi HN, Emami T. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Nov 14;102(2):202-7.

Epub 2005 Sep 8.

(Note:

Psyllium can make tetracycline antibiotics less effective, so consult

your doctor for guidance before using psyllium while on a regimen of

antibiotics.)

Apple pectin may be used to

remove unwanted metals and toxins, lower cholesterol and to help reduce

the side effects of radiation therapy. In fact, it was used after Chernobyl

to pull radioactive waste from victims. Apple pectin also helps to

break down the build up of mucus and binds to various toxic metals --

mercury, lead etc. And Apple pectin is also another good source of

fiber. It has the ability to form a gel that can bind water and toxins

together, thus also bulking the stool and carrying the toxins out of

the body.

Montmorillonite clay is

medicinal powdered clay derived from deposits of weathered volcanic

ash. It is one of the most effective natural intestinal detoxifying

agents known, capable of absorbing up to 40 times its weight in fecal

matter. It is also capable of absorbing a wide variety of toxins in the

intestinal tract. Technically, the clay first adsorbs toxins (heavy

metals, free radicals, pesticides), attracting them to its extensive

surface area where they adhere like flies to sticky paper. Then it

absorbs the toxins, taking them in the way a sponge mops up a kitchen

counter mess.

According to the Canadian Journal of Microbiology

(31 [1985], 50-53), montmorillonite can absorb pathogenic viruses,

aflatoxin (a mold), and pesticides and herbicides including Paraquat

and Roundup. The clay is eventually eliminated from the body with the

toxins bound to its multiple surfaces.

Montmorillonite clay

is so far the only mineral found to catalyze the synthesis of RNA

polymers (with at least 10 nucleotides) from their individual units. In

other words, montmorillonite clay may have played a fundamental role in

the creation of life on earth. This just might be a point both

creationists and evolutionists can agree on.

Activated willow charcoal

does essentially the same thing in your intestinal tract that a

charcoal block does in your water filter. It attracts and traps

thousands of times its own weight in gases, toxins, food additives and

other chemicals. As a side note, it can absorb over 3,000 known drug

residues. Willow charcoal is preferred over charcoal from coconut

shells.

Pau d'arco (Tabebuia heptophylla) comes from the rain forests of Brazil and other areas of South America. Pau d'arco works well in the formula because of its proven ability to help control Candida.

This amazing herb also nourishes the body's defense system and helps

protect against pathogenic organisms. It has been used for centuries to

improve immune function, detoxify, and reduce pain throughout the body

-- especially in the joints. Research has shown that it contains a

natural antibacterial agent, has a healing effect on the entire body,

cleanses the blood, and kills viruses. Pau d'arco has been used as a

treatment for AIDS, allergies, all infections and inflammations,

anemia, asthma, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, as a blood builder,

bronchitis, all types of cancer, colitis, cystitis, smoker's cough,

diabetes, eczema, fistulas, gastritis, gonorrhea, hemorrhages, hernias,

Hodgkin's disease, liver disease, leukemia, lupus, multiple sclerosis,

osteomyelitis, Parkinson's disease, polyps, prostatitis, psoriasis,

rheumatism, skin cancer, skin sores, spleen infections, snake bites,

ulcers, varicose veins, warts, and plain old wounds.

The great demulcent and emollient properties of Marshmallow (root)

make it useful in treating inflammation and irritation of the

alimentary canal, and of the urinary and respiratory organs.

Marshmallow's mucilage content helps soothe inflamed tissues -- not

only in the intestinal tract, but also in the lungs making it

beneficial in cases of bronchitis and asthma. The active biochemicals

in Marshmallow are large carbohydrate (sugar) molecules, which make up

the mucilage. This smooth, slippery substance can soothe and protect

irritated mucous membranes. Marshmallow has been known to relieve

indigestion, kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and even

external skin wounds such as boils and abscesses.

Slippery elm bark

works with the body to draw out impurities and toxins, assisting with

the healing of all body parts. And slippery elm's coating action

soothes the irritated tissues of the intestines, colon, urinary tract,

and stomach ulcers. The primary chemical constituents of slippery elm

are mucilage (galactose), starch, tannins, calcium, vanadium, and zinc.

Licorice root

stimulates the production of digestive fluids and bile, soothes ulcers,

helps reduce intestinal inflammation, and supports the healthy function

of the kidneys, liver and bladder. Its action in soothing ulcers is

unique. Rather than inhibit the release of acid, licorice stimulates

the normal defense mechanisms that prevent ulcer formation.

Specifically, licorice improves both the quality and quantity of the

protective substances that line the intestinal tract; increases the

life span of the intestinal cell; and improves blood supply to the

intestinal lining.

Fennel is a carminative

herb that helps reduce colic, gas, indigestion, intestinal disorders,

assimilation, nausea, and flatulence. It also can help break up kidney

stones and uric acid in the tissues and is therefore used in treating

gout. Fennel (seed) will help clear mucus and phlegm from the lungs and

it will also help rid the intestinal tract of mucus. Its tissue

cleansing properties also have a cleansing effect on the gall bladder

and liver. Fennel is very effective for cancer patients after radiation

and chemotherapy. Fennel will help improve digestion and quiet hiccups.

This herb will effectively reduce or eliminate intestinal and stomach

gas.

And yes -- fiber is an important factor in our diet,

yet the average person in America has a fiber intake of less than 10

grams a day. For optimum health and to prevent certain forms of cancer

(colon or breast) and aid in the prevention of heart disease, you need

between 25-30 grams of fiber a day! Flax (stabilized, ground)

is one of the highest sources of fiber known. It is also extremely high

in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3's lower high blood

cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 25% and 65%.

Omega-3's decrease the probability of a blood clot blocking an artery.

They also lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and lower insulin

requirements in diabetics. Unfortunately, omega-3 fatty acids go rancid

very quickly after grinding. That's why it's vital to use stabilized

ground flax if you are not grinding it fresh yourself on a daily basis.

And flax is high in lignans, some of nature's most powerful anti-tumor

bio-chemicals. The fiber in flax (along with the flax lignans) works as

a perfect complement to the fiber found in psyllium seed husks.

Regular Maintenance

In

the end, colonics offer a quick cleanse and promote a sense of well

being, but I still prefer a long-term multi-faceted approach that

addresses the big picture.

I recommend a summer and winter

liver and blood cleaning and a fall and spring intestinal cleansing

combined with a heavy metal detox. Alternating these treatment programs

promotes optimal wellness and vitality, plus offsets disease and signs

of aging. If it helps get you in the mood, think of the Intestinal

Cleansing program (including the colon cleanse and heavy metal detox)

as just another natural part of Spring Cleaning. You wouldn't live in a

house with backed-up pipes so don't live in a body with backed-up

pipes.