Debbie, I am familiar with it and basically think it is bogus. I do believe in adding good bateria if you need too, but I have heard alot about these programs lately and don't believe in them.Body Cleansing = Wallet Cleansing Many people, often influenced by the appeal of alternative healthcare or herbal products, have become enamored by the concept of body cleansing or detoxification. The Pitch Pitch No. 1 is that the body�s intestinal tract is loaded with a huge number of bacteria, many of which are harmful. These bacteria then release toxins that get into the body and cause all sorts of ills. Pitch No. 2 is that there are a huge number of toxins and pollutants in the environment (almost always unidentified) and that we ingest and subsequently poison our intestinal tracts and body when the pollutants are swallowed. The cure is to periodically cleanse the body and, especially, the intestinal tract. This process is accomplished by a wide and wild combination of the following: periodic fasting, laxatives, enemas and, especially taking a variety of pills, powders and liquids, most of which are herb based and which are sold by the promoter of body cleansing. The hidden therapeutic agent, of course, is the skill and enthusiasm of the promoter who sells the product and program. The Skinny The human intestine is a beautiful organ. The long, almost sterile, small intestine is where calories, vitamins and minerals from the food you eat are absorbed. The large bowel or colon that follows is 5-6 feet long. Its main purpose is to dehydrate liquid stool that enters it and to store formed stool until it is evacuated through the rectum. The colon is loaded with bacteria, up to 500 different types at last count. These bacteria are almost always beneficial, creating stool bulk, and manufacturing certain necessary vitamins. Yes, they do create rectal gas but this is not a disease nor does it injure the bowel in any way. Can toxins be absorbed from the intestine? Sure, any type of toxic agent such as cyanide, arsenic, lead or dioxin chemicals can be absorbed and injure a person. These should be avoided. Once ingested, they are quickly absorbed. There is nothing in these body cleansing or detoxification programs that prevents this type of poisoning. The breakdown products from the intestine�s bacteria almost never are absorbed. Over the years, our bodies have learned how to deal with and benefit from these bacteria. Does it hurt to reduce the bacteria in the gut? The answer to this question may be yes. Antibiotics taken for any reason reduce the number of intestinal bacteria and, thereby, make room for certain other very nasty bacteria to grow. One is Clostridium difficile. Doctors call it C. diff. This bug is resistant to most antibiotics, causes a serious illness, and requires prolonged treatment. You should especially avoid �high colonic enema� clinics. These are not medical facilities. They are run by people who known nothing about sterility and transmission of diseases. Wide outbreaks of infections such as hepatitis have occurred in such places. The bottom line is that body cleansing or detoxification is a fraud. It will only cleanse your wallet or purse and it may injure you. References: Quackwatch------------------ http://webpotential.com/ericibs/index.htm
Super Detox Program--Anyone tried it?
I heard on American Health Radio about a 30-day course of herbal supplements that detoxify the colon. The doctor who created it was being interviewed (it sounded sort of like a radio infomercial), but I didn't get his name. Supposedly there are four steps--eliminating the solid waste, cellular cleansing of the colon (?), eliminating yeasts and parasites, and replacing intestinal flora. Eliminating toxins from the colon is supposed to aid in absorption of vitamins/minerals and improve the function of the immune system. Is anyone familiar with this product? ------------------~Debbie~Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
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Debby, I think Eric said it in an extremely effective way!The colon does a very good job of cleansing itself. I don't know what "cellular cleansing" of the colon means, but it sounds like a great quack catchword! Any "good" flora, as you know, can be replaced by a good acidophilus product such as the PB8 you have taken -- if indeed it needs replacing from having taken an antibiotic. "Bad" bacteria like C Difficile have to be treated with vancomycin or other anti-fungals or antibiotics. As Flux has said on here, "harmful" yeast rarely becomes a systemic problem except in the cases of some kind of immune deficiency and in that case, you need a prescribed anti-fungal. Parasites also need the same.
G
I do not believe that Body Cleansing = Wallet Cleansing. I think that the fiber products that contain herbs and micro flora are beneficial to some people suffering from IBS. Life Plus has a fiber product called Colodyne that helps many people. Fiber Smart is another product and I believe the company that makes Fiber Smart has a number of different products that are made as cleansing products. These and many other products could help or they could cause problems. Just look at my wife, we believe that she is allergic to fiber and they cause her problems, but they help many people. Like most things that deal with IBS, one thing will help one person and possible hurt the next. IBS is all a matter of trial and error. Please check out this thread on colon cleansing. If I read it correctly, Flux is saying the same thing that I am http://www.ibsgroup.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/005376.html ------------------ http://www.digestioninfo.com
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