Archives >	Printer Format E-mail Information
February 27, 2003

How Clean Should Your Colon Be?

By Karen Schneider

You know, I've been feeling awfully tired lately. I haven't been sleeping well, and when I do sleep, I grind my teeth. Also, I'm feeling slightly nervous, forgetting minor details, and eating more than usual but not gaining weight. Should I be worried? According to the November 2002 issue of Secrets of Robust Health — promoted as a "health newsletter for the thinking person," I should. Divulging information "you will probably never hear from your family doctor"(with good reason, as we'll see), the newsletter claims that all of my symptoms point to the same culprit: a parasite.

Parasites are organisms that live inside or on the body of their hosts, receiving nourishment and propagating, while at the same time causing a variety of symptoms. According to Secrets..., common symptoms of parasites can include constipation, gas and bloating, diarrhea, allergies, itchy ears, nervousness, apathy, tooth grinding, forgetfulness, and sleep problems, among others. The newsletter claims there are five to twenty-five pounds of fecal matter built up in my body on which the parasites thrive: "Many of our readers already know how unhealthy colon build-up is. Unless eliminated promptly, the food in our bodies tends to putrefy and poison our systems. Now we see that is also [a] wonderful breeding ground for all sorts of parasites."

The newsletter goes on to declare that constipation is the "plague of our time" and that individuals should be passing fecal matter two to three times a day — anything less than this is abnormal. On what grounds are they basing this assumption? On statements made by naturopathic doctors and traditional Chinese specialists. But after twenty-four years, can't I judge whether my body is excreting in a normal, natural fashion? According to this newsletter, no, I can't trust my body because it has been invaded and taken over by hungry parasites that don't want me to dispose of waste.

Cleansing as the Solution

Since most parasites are found in the intestinal tract and colon, the author suggests a thorough internal cleansing program, such as the one being promoted at the end of the newsletter. I should immediately stop neglecting my colon because, I'm told: "Remember that even such a conservative body as the Royal Academy of Physicians of Great Britain stated that 90% of disease and discomfort is directly or indirectly related to an unclean colon." As I'll explain, that claim may be false on more than one level.

What exactly is involved in this internal cleansing program? The cleansing program is advertised as being suitable for "everyone ages eight to 108," and the manufacturer recommends that it be used every day for two months. It has three components. First, there is the herb and fiber mix, which contains nearly forty herbal ingredients and two fibers. Then, there are the herbal antiparasite capsules, which contain nineteen herbs meant to banish parasites from your colon, liver, and kidneys. Finally, there is the herbal cleansing tea, which contains fourteen herbs meant not only to aid in digestion but to promote sound sleep. The whole program costs about $70. However, it only provides one month's supply of the antiparasite capsules. To follow through on the suggested two month regimen, an additional bottle will needed: $27.95.

The editor of the newsletter is a strong advocate of the program. He maintains that it cleared up not just his colon but a wide variety of other health problems: "Another thing that I'm thrilled about is that, upon awakening in the morning, I am no longer hoarse and can breathe properly — my passages feel totally clear."

Herbal Side Effects

Supposedly, there are no adverse side effects associated with this product. A "senior researcher" at Natural Medicine Associates quoted in the newsletter confidently claims: "This comprehensive seventy-ingredient herbal cleansing program doesn't have any side effects, aside from possible minor discomforts one might expect while cleansing their body. There are no special diet requirements to follow during the cleanse, and we recommend that you repeat the program at least one to two times a year. Furthermore, the products do not cause any adverse reactions with any medications you may be taking and the medications, in turn, do not adversely affect them."

If you are an avid HFAF reader, you are already know that herbal supplements are not so innocuous — they may indeed interfere with the prescription medications you are taking, and you should be aware of these potential interactions (see ACSH's publication on drug-supplement interactions). Many consumers wrongfully believe that labels stating "all natural" mean that the products inside are "all safe" and don't need to be used with caution. On the contrary, one should be very careful because herbal supplements are not regulated by the government and do not need to be proven safe before they are marketed. You can never be sure about what you're ingesting, its potency, its safety, and how it's going to interact with other drug therapies; thus, they should be used with caution.

Also, individuals should be aware that many of the herbal weight-loss and cleansing teas — such as the one used in this program — can produce harmful effects, such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, dehydration, and mineral imbalances, and that long-term use can upset colon function. Teas such as Laci Le Beau Super Dieter's Tea contain around 50% senna leaves, a powerful herbal laxative, but are not required by the Food and Drug Administration to carry any warning label or statement because they are considered food supplements. Since the teas are not regulated by the FDA, the exact amount of senna and its potency is unknown to consumers.

Changing Rhythms

Naturally, the body empties its waste once it has absorbed the required food and calories it needs for energy through the small intestine. But by taking any form of laxative on a daily basis, individuals will cause their body to lose needed nutrients and fluids and also fall out of a natural rhythm. Continued use of products for "internal cleansing" can lead to bloating, cramping, dehydration, and disturbances and imbalances in electrolytes (such as potassium and calcium, which ensure healthy teeth, joints, bones, nerve impulses, blood sugar levels, and the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body). More severe side effects may include cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, kidney problems, and even death.

It is possible for individuals to experience withdrawal symptoms when they cease such programs, including abdominal cramping, mild to severe constipation, bloating, mood swings, and general feelings of fatigue, but Natural Medicine Associates says these can also be taken as "symptoms" of parasitic infection. Your health problems may be a result of the treatment, not actual predatory parasites.

Credentials and Credibility

In hopes of gaining some credibility and authority (with the ultimate goal of talking consumers into purchasing this expensive product), the newsletter throws around names of doctors, medical specialists, and organizations purported to be "well-known" parasitic experts. There is a Dr. Ross Anderson, "one of America's foremost parasitic infection specialists," but the newsletter fails to list his affiliation and credentials. In my attempts to find more information about Dr. Anderson, the only references I was able to locate were in similar parasitic propaganda.

Also, the newsletter quotes a Dr. Peter Wina of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, though I was unable to find any mention of him on the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research's website. Then there is Dr. Frank Nova, "Chief of the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases of the National Institute of Health." Actually, Dr. Louis Miller is the Chief and Dr. Franklin Neva is Section Head of the NIH's Opportunistic Parasitic Diseases Section. And remember the Royal Academy of Physicians of Great Britain I mentioned earlier? There is a Royal College of Physicians, but no Royal Academy in Great Britain.

Perhaps these are innocent mistakes, but if the authors of this newsletter were not able to stay current and report such small details accurately, why trust that everything else reported is accurate and factual?

Real Parasites

Yes, there are parasites among us, but the situation is not as dire as the one painted by the Secrets of Robust Health newsletter and Natural Medicine Associates. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) division of the National Institutes of Health, parasites do affect millions of Americans but disproportionately affect those with already weakened immune systems, such as people with AIDS. It is difficult to ascertain the exact incidence of parasitic disease in the United States, since doctors are not required to report most types and cases to the Centers for Disease Control.

Some of the diarrheal diseases Americans experience are the result of parasites that live inside the intestinal tract. Examples of intestinal parasites include visible worms, such as tapeworms and pinworms, and microscopic organisms, such as Giardia lamblia. But parasites are not only found in the intestinal tract. Parasitic diseases, such as malaria, are blood-borne and indigenous to tropical climates. Common non-intestinal parasites found in the U.S. include the sexually transmitted parasite T. vaginalis (which affects up to three million women) and lice (pubic, body, and head). No amount of colon cleansing will ever rid your body of these non-colon-inhabitating pests.

Individuals may acquire parasites by eating raw and undercooked food and by drinking water. Parasites are also transmitted by insects (as is the case with malaria), by household pets, or even person to person through unsanitary habits and poor hygiene. Finally, by traveling outside of the United States, individuals put themselves at greater risk for parasitic infection and its subsequent spread.

Coping with the Real Parasites

If you think that you are have acquired a parasite, then you should consult your doctor and be tested. One way to test for a parasite is by giving a stool sample, which is then analyzed by a laboratory. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that three or more stool samples, collected on separate days, be examined by a laboratory to look for the parasite or its eggs. Oftentimes, this is the most effective method of diagnosis. A blood test can also detect some parasites.

Eliminating the parasitic infection is the key to relieving symptoms. You don't have to purge your body of all fecal matter to rid yourself of the nasty beast. Antiparasitic drugs are available through your doctor, and you can fight parasites by making changes to your diet or adding "friendly" bacteria to your gastrointestinal tract.

There are a number of preventive measures that you can follow to reduce your risk of acquiring a parasite. According to the NIAID, individuals should wash their hands before eating and after cleaning up or playing with pets. Also, fully cook meat, do not eat in places that appear unsanitary, and avoid water from uncertain sources.

Finally, if people offer you suspicious-sounding cure-alls, remember to beware of human parasites.

For more information about parasitic infections, visit the NIH's MedlinePlus website at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/parasiticdiseases.html

Responses: March 9, 2003 The real parasites are the snake oil profiteers who suck dollars out of the wallets of the unwary consumers they half scare to death with their biobabble. Pounds of non-transient fecal material in a colon? Sounds like a bunch of c**p to me. —hashultz April 30, 2003 On the other hand, my whole family and I loved the product that the newsletter advertised. We saw parasites with our very own eyes and all sorts of garbage coming out of us. Let's keep it in perspective — the above, just like the article itself, is only one person's opinion, that's all. I have another friend who didn't see parasites but after using the product recommended felt significantly better. I think that for the sake of fair and balanced journalism, you should not discard this response just because it doesn't agree with your point of view. —nmai August 2, 2003 As an individual who has endured FDA-approved drugs for almost every ailment know to man, without a cure, I think it is hypocritical to label all alternative treatments as scams. I recently began a colon hydrotherapy program and have had wonderful results. I don't have to worry about having an FDA-approved drug recalled because of its side effects, either, since the active ingredient is filtered water! While I do think that there are some "programs" out there that are ridiculous, I believe that it is irresponsible to throw all therapies that aren't "modern medicine" into the sewer. As for the non-transient fecal matter claim, colon hydrotherapy machines have clear viewing tubes so that this matter is visible. Trust me, it can't be a bad thing to get rid of some of the debris I saw. Do a little more research about a therapy before trashing it. KM New Orleans, LA September 1, 2003 I haven't tried any of the programs, but I am thoroughly researching them, and thus I found your article. All I know is that my little girl (seven years old) does have worms (pinworms). She has taken two different kinds of medicine, and they have failed to rid her of the worms. She has suffered for four years and I had taken her to the doctor, many times, and they could not even diagnose her. I saw the worms. The doctor gave her medicine but it did not kill them, because when she had a bowel movement her stool was full of live, moving worms. I bought some Pin-x and the worms in her stool were now, at least, not alive. Everyone in my family has the same problems, constipation and incomplete evacuation. My daughter's health has been compromised. My point is that I always thought that "colon cleansing" and "parasite cleansing" were quackery. I couldn't believe people actually were so stupid. Now I know that I was the stupid one. There were dead worms in every one of my family member's stool after we took the prescribed medicine. Did we kill them all? I don't know, so colon cleansing doesn't sound like such a bad idea. It is not quackery after all. And I want everyone to know that this is real. —cheryl

KO (September 23, 2004)

Not only did a colon cleanse clear up my gastric problems, it cleared my face of dark spots.

ic (October 11, 2004)

Karen Schneider suggests in her article, "Finally, if people offer you suspicious-sounding cure-alls, remember to beware of human parasites." Perhaps we should follw her advice as it applies to her article? Perhaps Karen Schneider should try the products she criticizes that might eliminate the parasites from which she suffers? In my humble estimation her fears and suspicions seem to be more dangerous than an internal cleansing product from which many of my friends have benefited immensely. By the way,the organization to which she refers in her article produces their all natural products in an FDA regulated facility. The moral of the story is, for Ms. Schneider, that she always finds what she seeks.

Ambrose Avery (February 2, 2005)

I think this article just goes to prove the point that "to each his own", or as my father says, "different strokes for different folks". While we all have the same "physiological makeup", we are all different too. What works for some may not work for others. You can't make "blanket" statements about any treatments being "better" than others. You just have to do your homework, which is why I'm reading/responding to this article. I'm in the process of investigating, and evaluating colon cleansing info. But, what you have to realize, and take into consideration,unfortunately is the authors "alterior motives" when evaluating any info. So may I suggest that anyone considering colon cleansing to do what I'm going to do, which is take this information, cross reference it with other information, and make a decision based on "my" body, and what I know works for me, and what worked for people that I know and trust.

Sage Wheeler (March 6, 2005)

I respect the author’s right to express her opinion. I found her article to be informative, though lacking in objectivity. It seems she made up her mind in advance, then went looking for the answer. She was correct in stating that not all herbs are safe, even though they are marketed as such. I support her in saying BE INFORMED about the products you buy. She was also correct in stating that there are very few scientific studies that support colon therapy. However, this does not mean that colon therapy is ineffective or ill-advised. The largest body of evidence for colon therapy is the amount of people it has helped. These are real people with real pain, some of whom have been competely cured. Though this anecdotal evidence is not acceptable in the realm of pure science, it cannot be ignored when it presents in such magnitude (as is evident by the comments already posted). I would also like to point out how easily the author urges people to go to their doctor for antiparasitic drugs. To add some objectivity, I've listed the known side effects of these drugs [mebendazole (Vermox), niclosamide (Niclocide), praziquantel (Biltricide), pyrantel (Antiminth), and thiabendazole (Mintezol)] below: -Confusion -Hallucinations -Irritability -Severe diarrhea -Severe nausea and vomiting -Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. -Fever, with or without sore throat -Chills -Unusual tiredness or weakness -Skin rash, itching, peeling, blistering, or redness -Muscle or joint aches -Low back pain -Painful or burning urination -Blurred vision or other eye problems -Convulsions (seizures) -Yellow eyes and skin. -Liver failure (in prolonged use only) Yours in health, Sage Wheeler

Tina (March 24, 2005)

Colon cleansing is on the rise in this area and I was researching and found this site. Being an x-ray tech and performing many barium enemas I can tell you that most of what I've heard people say in my area are lies. I heard that an enema fluids only goes no more than six inches into your large intestine. That is a lie - if that were true then barium enemas would have no purpose. I also know that people have died from colon cleansing and barium enemas. The force of the pressure pushing in the opposite direction of the natural forces of your body can and has created movement in the small intestine and fecal matter has actually been expelled through the mouth - this level of toxicity in the wrong part of the body causes, in most cases, death within 24 hours. God created our bodies to work according to his plan. When we go against that natural process all kinds of harm can happen to us. There is a young girl who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She went through the colon cleansing. I believe if I were her I would do the same thing - then again - I would probably do anything that I thought would prolong my life. You really have to ask yourself - "If the people performing these procedures are legit, then why to they lie about minor points (such as the lie they tell about enema fluids only going up six inches into the rectum)?" They lie because they have to sell you on an idea to get you to buy it. WAKE UP!!! If you are in a life or death situation where you know you are going to die soon, by all means, get your colon cleansed. Other than that - CHOOSE LIFE!!! and skip the risk! UNCTina

michael (November 5, 2005)

There are not many doctors out there who are not recieving kickbacks from drug companies for pushing their drug. America has become the most obese and drug dependant country in the world, just watch tv for an hour and you are sure to be bombarded with several drug commercials that promise to ease your pain just by taking their drug. There is never any mention of looking into WHY you are ailing, just take the pill and it will all go away. Continue to eat and live as you wish, and take your pills. It is certainly not in a doctors best interest to encourage prevention or alternative natural remedies, that might mean long term health and a medicine free existance. Be careful, research thoroughly, heal yourself by giving your body a chance to do what it is supposed to do, eat healthy. No doctor knows your body better than you do, be aware of what is going on inside. You should know when it is time to seek medical help, we do a great job treating chronic illnesses and emergencies, we do a horrible job in the prevention department.

Bo King (April 20, 2006)

The newsletter quoted by Karen made mention of some "facts" by quoting and citing some notable names in the medical arena. They include the following: . Royal Academy of Physicians of Great Britain . Dr. Peter Wina of the Walter Reed Army Institute . Dr. Frank Nova of the National Institute of Health . Dr. Bernard Jensen . Dr. James Carter and some others. Please deny statements made by the above medical intitutions and also conduct analysis on the preventive and alternative medicine prescribed by the Natural Medicine Associates. One thing for sure, everybody is out to make some money but the question is - who really can we pay and rest assured that there are no unwanted side effects to that payment and no double cost in the future.

norak (May 21, 2006)

Have sufffered from lack of energy, weight gain, bloat, heartburn, insomnia and unexplained pain in my side for several years. After allopathic doctors threw up their hands with diagnosis of CFS, I tried a colon cleanse and am on my third week of a three-part program (herbal caps, fiber gel and tea) and I have lost eight pounds of bloat and an ungodly mess of visible worms, mucus and flukes. I'm here to tell you it is an eye opener, I have more energy than I have had in years, my stomach bloat is gone and my waist an inch smaller already. If you have lived or traveled in a third world country, eaten rare meat or fruit or vegetables at a restaurant where they don't wash produce thoroughly, it's highly likely you could have these critters, too. For me, this has worked.

Ginny (June 1, 2006)

It amazes me that no one ever points out that you can verify how clean your colon actually is after you do the colonoscopy prep. I always wondered about the notion that there was all this muck in the colon that had to be "cleaned". I never bought into the colonics theory, but I wondered just the same, after seeing all those ads in the new age newspapers. Well, after my colonoscopy I knew that this was all bunk. I saw with my own eyes what my colon looks like, and its as clean as a whistle. There is no "buildup", no pockets of muck, nothing but a pink fleshy twisty tube that looks fine and super clean. If more pictures were published of what the colon really looks like, maybe folks who want to "cleanse" themselves would just go get a colonoscopy instead! It would be far better for their health and the insurance covers it too!

Russ (June 3, 2006)

I used one of the "top-rated" colon cleansers and saw NO positive results at all. I totally agree with Ginny. Your colon is not clogged up with pounds of sludge. My doctor, who happens to be a surgeon, says he has NEVER seen a human colon what was coated with pounds & pounds of crud. My mother (who is 83 years old) recently had a colonoscopy. Her colon was clean as a whistle. She has a few polyps in her colon. But NO crud buildup! For those of you who claim to feel better after treatment, perhaps the herbs had a general cleansing effect on your entire body. But as far as getting rid of "pounds of built-up junk", I don't buy it. There is a silly rumor going around that Elvis was found to have 60 pounds of built-up crud in his colon when he died. Do you truly beleive that? 60 pounds of excess junk in his COLON? I think not. People, eat right and consume plenty of fiber. That's all you need to do. Nature will do the rest.

J.Howard (June 13, 2006)

After spending years suffering from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, I have become well aware of both the importance of GI health and of the inadequacy and narrow scope of western medical doctors. I was never able to be diagnosed because there is no pharmaceutical or surgical cure for celiac disease-- the only treatment is a gluten free diet. Of course western doctors would know nothing about that since they are not trained in preventative medicine or nutrition. So, when I hear claims of quackery in response to alternative medicinal approaches I roll my eyes and remember that I live in one of the fattest and most unhealthy countries in the world. If you don't take the time and have an open enough mind to research health issues for yourself you will NEVER reach optimal health.

John (June 18, 2006)

Comments here by those who say that a colonoscopy they or a family member had done revealed a sqeaky clean colon, and therefore crud buildup is all bogus bunk, must have forgotten the preparation part whereby laxatives and/or enemas are taken to cleanse the colon BEFORE the procedure is performed. Of course the procedure will then show an immaculate colon! What can you be thinking??? The purpose of a colonoscopy is not to show what normally resides there but what should NOT be there, like polyps. And you can't see those unless the colon is already sqeaky clean during the procedure. The following site provides details on what a colonoscopy entails: www.diagnosishealth.com/colonoscopy.htm

Amy (June 18, 2006)

I teach anatomy and physiology, am pursuing my master's degree in biology, and also have ulcerative colitis. I believe myself to be quite informed regarding the physiology of the colon. That being said, I would like to throw my two-cents worth into this discussion. In response to the comments regarding colonoscopies, I agree that anybody who has had this procedure done should see that the colon does *not* have the "garbage" that these unqualified salesman claim the colon to have. Even when taking the laxatives and preparations, it should be clear that if we truly had thirty pounds of fecal matter, the preparation for a colonoscopy would take much more than 12 hours!! Give me a break! As well as having an amazing effect on the plumbing system during that 12 hours! Having had three colonoscopies myself over 8 years, as well as having a large family, many of whom have undergone colonocopies, in addition to reading much research and seeing plenty of pictures, I believe I can safely say that the claims of colonic cleansers on the contents of the colon are complete bunk. The intestinal wall is a complex microecosytem of over at least 300 different species of bacteria and mucus. These cleansers shock this ecosystem. Anybody who has taken long-term antibiotics knows that disrupting these healthy bacteria can cause diarrhea and intestinal problems, and yet these cleansers will interfere with these bacteria. I will agree that the vast majority of Americans have horrible diets!! However, wouldn't it make eminently more sense to correct the problem at the entrance-way? By simply correcting what goes in, we can influence what is in the colon (garbage in, garbage out, as the saying goes). And yet most of these claims by colon cleansers don't require changes in the diet. They interfere with and, quite frankly, severly shock the large intestine, either through drastic chemical, osmotic, or physical changes. And yes, so do colonoscopies, but they only last two days, whereas these treatments require long-term trauma. Although I am in agreement with the assertion that we live in the most obese nation, I hardly think that anybody can draw a correlation between our obesity and medical and pharmaceutical status in this county. Using this logic, there is a correlation between suntan lotion and skin cancer !! Oh no, better not use suntan lotion!! Most obesity in America(and lest anyone think I am throwing stones here, I have struggled with this) can be ascribed to eating habits and nutrition, not pills. And while I am aware of huge abuses in the pharmaceutical industry and medical profession, at least there are legal and ethical contraints and consequences set-up to prosecute these abuses. What boundaries are set-up to test these cleanser products, when most do not have to be regulated since they are not registered as " drugs", but simply supplements. I would think that these so-called experts would gladly post the pictures, evidence, or research that supports their claims. And one would think they would welcome outside corroboration to this evidence. (I have seen some of these so-called pics', but how do we know that is is truly fecal matter and not part of the cleasers? allow outside examination and research!!) But like other snake-oil salesmen, they rely on paranoia, fear, and unknown "testimonials", as well as ignorance, the worst of all. I have read many of the responses and many claim that the original author should do more research. My challenge! Do the research!! Good grief, considering all of the advertising for yogurt and "probiotics"...where are these bacteria residing except for on the intestinal wall, what do people think are happening to he bacteria when they undergo these severe cleansings?! Those are my thoughts...thanks for listening Amy

Zoey (June 23, 2006)

Yesterday I received a booklet in the mail about colon cleansing, called Secrets something... In it were very disturbing pictures and references to what supposedly lives inside of us.... I read it thoroughly and yes, it made me very concerned, even afraid! Should I do this or not? I was stunned, bewildered, plain scared.... what to do?? yes or no?? Then quietly I remembered... I had just had a very thorough colonostompy... spelling is probably wrong....a look-see, if you will. And I truly think if my doctor who I trust had seen something he would have said... Hey, you know you've got some little wormy things living up in there?? Girl, you need to do ....blah blah... and instantly I calmed down and realized... The snake oil con-men struck again...and I almost fell for it... People, dont believe everything that comes down the pike... Use your own good common sense and your dr's advice.... I do believe in natural ways of taking care of myself but I do not believe in every Tom,Dick and Harry that show up...these days not in a wagon but thru the mail and internet, emails.... The "snake charmers" are still among us, friends.... Trust your instincts and the good Lord ... Be wary....be smart, and finally be well...

Anonymous White (July 3, 2006)

To the people who claim to have witnessed crud, gunk, worms, sludge, etc. coming out after using herbal products, has it ever occured to you that perhaps you are seeing the same products after going through you in some semi-digested state? One time I tried ear candling and after the same amount of "cerumen" came out of my ear as my friend, whom I know to have a lot of earwax, I was skeptical. Aside from the fact that I don't even have the type of earwax that is dk. yellow and waxy (mine is light and flaky. Many Asians have this type. Look it up if you don't believe me.)Then I thought to myself, gee, the "candle" is made of muslin and beeswax. where does the beeswax go? DUH! it drips down the interior of the cone very slowely and hardens, creating the "earwax". I tried psyllium husks once, and yes, the result looked weird. I was told that it was "scraping the gunk" from my colon. Was it? Or is it just an indigestible fiber that looks weird when you eliminate it? If you feel better after colon therapy, it's a combination of maybe not eating the usual bad foods for a few days, drinking lots of water like perhaps you don't usually do, and maybe some placebo effect. We were no designed/did not evolve to have liquids flushed into any orifice. Just because the pharmaceutical companies are unscrupulous doesn't mean that faith healing is any less so. At least big pharma has to pass regulations. USE YOUR POWERS OF CRITICAL THINKING AND DEDUCTIVE REASONING!

DeeDee (August 26, 2006)

GARLIC is your answer.

Garlic Kills All Parasites, eat more garlic your friends won't mind it ]

you give them garlic they won't smell it. Organic prunes and organic beans

will make you regular naturally!! Organic foods will help you the DASH diet with

organic foods work.

Arik (November 19, 2006)

Hello There,

As a guy that suffered for years from constipation - the colon hydrotherapy have the best results comparing to all the other drugs i took - advices etc.

The doctors which tried to help me - didnt help - only this kind of treatment helped me to live well.

While on the line between N.Y and Israel - i can recommend on 2 great clinics on different side of the world.

Israel: www.b-teva.co.il located at Raanana.

124 Ahuza Street,

Raanana

Tel 972-9-7406252

And at New-York

N.Y: http://naturalvitalitycenter.com/

225 East 64th street

Suite 202

NY 10021

Tel: 212.888.9116

Be Good,

Arik Bernard

jack (November 28, 2006)

Yes, this TV INFOMERCIAL is made to take your moeny, not to cure your health.

It's a known fact that "TV INFOMERCIALS ARE CREATING UNLIMITED WEALTH" for people.  Its now 2006 and this TV INFOMERCIAL IS STILL RUNNING for how many years!!!  Lets take others, Jeff Paul, Carleton Sheets, Girls Gone Wild and this one, they are all still running.  WHY? Because they work in CREATING WEALTH not creating cures.

If you seach on the INTERNET, you will see sites, such as www.PeachThink.com on how to make your own TV INFOMERCIAL at http://www.peachthink.com/infomercial.html and how its is possible to make millions and even become famous.  Let's face the facts, these people are making millions using TV INFOMERCIALS selling all kinds of stuff !!!   One of these days, I wish I could make a TV INFOMERCIAL and everyone would be writing about me!

JR (January 20, 2007)

"I tried it many times on my clients and it never failed to work. Since I do the blood work I check for parasites at the cellular level. In just 2 months parasites are virtually all gone! That is the reason I have been recommending your program for years". Dr. John Curran, Cranston, RI What does it say about a product when the author of the above testimonial (on this product's literature & website) makes the news like this: "Federal agents yesterday arrested John E. Curran, the "natural healer" whose practice was shut down by the Health Department in June, after a federal grand jury charged him with pretending to be a doctor, fraudulently diagnosing people and selling them more than $1 million in bogus treatments." Full story at: http://www.projo.com/news/content/projo_20050917_doc17.225ee8be.html This happened in Sept. 2005 and they're *still* using the testimonial of this 'doctor'.

Richard (June 28, 2007)

From Ginny: Well, after my colonoscopy I knew that this was all bunk. I saw with my own eyes what my colon looks like, and its as clean as a whistle. There is no "buildup", no pockets of muck, nothing but a pink fleshy twisty tube that looks fine and super clean. While I have a friend who says this too, what happens right before they do this procedure? A colon cleansing! The jury is still out to me on colon cleansing. I lean toward it being mostly a bunch of bunk, but I'm evaluating.

N. Gibson (July 5, 2007)

Interesting discussion - good information on both sides. I'm wondering what impact, if any, colon cleansing (whether from colonoscopy prep or from naturopathic products) has on the upper digestive tract (small intestine, stomach, liver, etc...). I imagine blockage of the lower GI tract would have an impact on the upper tract. It makes more sense to me that most problems originate in the upper GI tract. Would be interested to hear comments. I also wonder how transit time factors into this?

J.B. (July 8, 2007)

What is wrong with you people? You sit at your desk all day, use elevators and escalators, then plop on your butt when you get home and watch T.V. while eating a Big Mac. Wonder why you're feeling fatigued and suffering from headaches and sore muscles? So, you ingest a product with over 70 herbs in it (hoping for a quick fix for your sedentary lifestyle) and rejoice at the site of a 15 foot long terd. These companies are playing mind games with you. They are so crafty! Research has long shown that the bowels are not crusted with old poo. What you see when you look in the toilet is a product of herbs tearing the living daylights out of your guts. Of course, it's going to look nastier than normal, not to mention the smell. Just try taking echinacea for a while and see what that does to you. I highly recommend echinacea if you love running to the toilet several times a day. (Don't forget your camera to document the event.) By the way, echinacea costs a lot less than colon cleansers and is a heck of lot safer.

randall (July 22, 2007)

As a physician and human nutrition scientist, I have followed and studied the issue of colon health, colon cleansing, etc. I have never been an slave to so-called medical orthodoxy. At the same time, I am a scientist and look to the evidence for or against particular treatments, etc. I believe that my first job is to "do not harm," and at the same time I believe that I must be open to therapies which may not be considered orthodox by my peers IF I CAN ASCERTAIN THAT THE TREATMENT WILL NOT HARM THE PATIENTS AND HAS SHOWN SOME DEGREE OF EFFICACY IN EXPERIMENTAL &/OR CLINICAL RESEARCH. The following are my conclusions on the issues of colon heath: (1) The most important variable in colon health (and health, generally) is a good diet and adequate water intake. Nine servings of varied vegetables/fruits (preferably raw or lightly steamed) is especially important. I recommend to all my patients to begin their day with 1 cup cooked oatmeal (stay away from those little packages of flavored oatmeals) and 1/2 to 1 cup fruit in the oatmeal (strawberries, cranberries, blueberries are especially good). I, also, recommend that my patients drink at least 8 - 10 8-oz glasses of water each day. (2) For all of my patients, I also recommend a single doze of fiber (Metamucil, for example) each day just in case their diet is not quite up to par as to fiber. (3) I, also, recommend to most of my patients that they use the laxative, Milk of Magnesia, once every two weeks according to the label directions. (4) I recommend to all my patients daily exercise such as walking, jogging, or running the equivalent of 2 miles. (5) I warn my patients against colonics, hydrotherapy, & enamas. In a very few patients with very specific, acute problems, I have prescribed the occasional enema. At no time do I recommend that an enema be anything more than barely warm tap water. In summation, items 1, 2, & 4 are appropriate for all patients. Item 3 is appropriate for some patients. And Item 5 is appropriate for a very small minority of patients and should not be undertaken without my direction. I hope this information is helpful.

Andy (September 6, 2007)

Wow, I took the colon cure and now I just got a new job, won the lottery, my hair grew back, a stranger on the street game me their BMW, and-- my acne is gone! Do you detect a hint of sarcasm there? My god, people, THINK for a minute. What about all the people who live to be 100 without EVER getting "hosed out" or swallowing herbal remedies which are dangerous because no one knows how strong they are? DO THEY have 300 lbs. of sludge in their colons?

Andy (September 7, 2007)

I apologize if my earlier post offended anyone, but it was my honest reaction to some of the other posters on here. If you are one of the offended ones, I ask you to please read on. If you aren't, please also read on! I have one more point to make: those of you who have seen the horrific things in the toilet or wherever after one of these "cleanings" - have you ever had the "stuff" analyzed by an independent lab? I strongly suspect that what you'll find is what an earlier posted suggested - the normal healthy body parts that have been dislodged by the cleaning - as well as the ingredients you've been swallowing. And as for those of you who had their colons hosed out at one of these "treatment" centers and saw "yukky stuff" in the outflow: were you allowed to capture any of it for testing? And do you **really** think those machines can't be manipulated to flow out a bunch of sludge from a hidden compartment? How closely did you inspect the machine; did you pull apart the plumbing? And finally, those who claim they saw worms after swallowing a concoction: did you READ this site, where they stated how the large amounts of fiber in these products can clump together in the body and form long strands - which look somewhat like worms? Please THINK before swallowing any capsules, or anyone's line of bull. If you react emotionally, you are playing into the hands of the quacks. I also notice how EMOTIONAL all the "pro-colon-blowers" are. Why is that, do you think? Perhaps they are actually shills for the industry, or have money invested in it, or actually "treat" people themselves? Yes, people DO scream loudly and get emotional when you threaten their income - or ill-gotten gains!! And the skeptics on this page are almost 100% reasonable and well-thought-out in their responses. Again, it makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Jennifer (September 15, 2007)

I grew up in a very healthy family: very active and with a mother who loved to cook healthy, low-fat meals (she's now a chef).

I have had colonic irrigation done 3 times, the first 2 times in Asia for week-long cleanses (2 colonics/day). I thoroughly researched the process of the cleansing program down to the details of each ingredient in the supplements provided. My mother was formerly an ER nurse, so I am very familiar with proper sanitation and sterilization, and this program's procedures were fine (in fact, my mother did the second cleanse with me). At this particular place, the colonic irrigation was not performed with the fancy machines that are performed here in North America - they use a bucket of water and gravity, and no one accompanies you for the procedure. There's nowhere to hide any "gunk" - what you see in the strainer when you're finished is what came out of your body. And I have to say, what came out the second time I did it (after eating primarily vegetables and other high-fiber, easily-digestible foods the week before, as recommended as a "pre-cleanse") was far superior in terms of substance than the first time about 3 months before.

I find it amusing that people who have never had the procedure done, can be so judgemental about it, insistent that it doesn't work and is a load of crap (pun intended). Regardless of claims for or against, if people find that it works for them, who are you to say otherwise?

BJ BREWER (September 20, 2007)

I know prior to my colonoscopy or "butt cam" as I call it, I took the "Fleet" regimen. My colon was, as has been described, pink and rubbery and clean. My questions for the doc (Randall) are *(1) what's stuck or can get stuck in the small intestines and how can that be adequately cleansed? and (2) Is there an examination that can determine the extent of that accumulation - if any?

S. W. (December 2, 2007)

I never at any time thought that I could ever be free of parasites. I believe there are many ways parasites can enter the body. Even after cleansing, they still exist. However, after cleansing it is obvious that a fine-tuning has occurred. After my last cleanse I felt great and looked great. I never believed that the majority of people are walking around with pounds of food stuck to their colon; however, each individual’s body functions differently. Because of diseases, improper care or just aging, over a period the body can experience a breakdown. I am 41 and over the years, I have noticed my digestive system change multiple times as well as several other body functions. Yes, I believe the body should release after each meal. If food is going in and not coming out regularly, common sense should kick in and people should realize that the body is not working properly, especially when it did before. I do believe that the buildup about the importance of colon cleansing has gotten out of control. On the other hand, I am aware that there is good that comes from the process. I just think people need to stop buying into the hype, listen, and learn their own bodies instead of allowing others to speak for their bodies. I am not against cleansing because I have done it several times and have gotten GREAT results. I do not believe that the concept of colon cleansing is a scam. I believe the greed of those making money off the products have painted a dark cloud over the whole concept in general. These individuals have caused people to doubt and be reluctant, which is understandable.
For instance, there is no need to cleanse for a month and continue to use the products at a reduced amount for the rest of the year. Our systems can become dependent on the drug and unable to function on their own. The sellers just want to make money and the more they sell the more money they will make. The sellers should not be racking up funds from selling these products, but they are because people are buying into the hype.

g (January 4, 2008)

The title of this article is a bit misleading. Instead of a directed examination of colon cleansing, it vacillates between a critical examination of the Secrets of Robust Health newsletter and the relationship of parasites to health. Darn it all! I wanted to read something in depth about colon cleansing!

I wouldn't put too much stock in the claims of the organization being discussed because it is advocating on its behalf. Even if its claims are peppered among truths, it surely becomes difficult to separate truth and exaggeration.

At any rate, at the end of the article I still am not entirely sure about how clean my colon should be. Though to be fair, I suppose that I should not be overly concerned about parasites (assuming a functional immune system among other things).

The one thing that I would like to see is someone just buckle down and do the research. Design the experiment. Get some funding. Collect a cohort. Run the experiment! It's that simple. Most of these posts contain all sorts of assertions that have no empirical backing. Among the certainties we have to work with are:

1. Liquid pressure within the colon can be fatal under certain conditions

2. In some people, colon hydrotherapy seems to produce some sort of effect (weight loss, change in skin appearance). Basically, the effects are inconsistent between subjects but so are the effects of prescription medication.

3. Parasites may reside in the colon, but this is not likely to be the case in a "healthy" person

4. The structure of the colon makes the accumulation of waste unlikely

5. There may be a tendency to conflate oral and non-oral colon treatments

I leave it to someone else to gather the implications. As a researcher I know that the impact of colon therapies can be examined and measured thereby determining not only the effect but the degree of effect. It's just a matter of someone taking the time to do it. In the least a person can systematically collect reports from those who have had a colon procedure. At least we'd have some data and be able to start making hypotheses about what's going on if anything.

LT (January 12, 2008)

I had parasites. Big ones. And it was quite scary, so I am sharing my story below. Feel free to confirm with me any of the details here -- I know that "poop" isn't a glamorous topic but we all do it, and we should be informed. So while I won't prescribe a cure-all, I will honestly tell you about my experiences because it doesn't sound like Karen can speak intimately to this subject, and I can.

At 23-years-old, I was healthy and physically active and just starting out in the corporate world. I grew up in a middle-to-upper class family (it's so hard to define these days), attended public school, and ate what most people consider to be a healthy diet (vegetable/fruit/soy dairy and fish/chicken were staples). At the time, I was an avid runner and was also modeling part-time. By all outside appearances, I was in incredible health. I mention all of this because there seems to be a misconception that parasites only happen to "dirty" people or people with poor immune systems. As someone who showers daily, washes her hands constantly, and even flosses with dedication, I can tell you right now that parasites can and often do live within us all.

Part of their inherent genius as parasites is that they can infect their host without their host's knowledge. They fool the host body into thinking they are part of it and the symptoms, if any, are often very subtle. While some parasites are like a bad guest who leaves your house in disarray, and make you vomit or have loose bowels, there are many others who prey on you without leaving any noticeable evidence. In hindsight, I can potentially attribute some of my more persistent acne/rashes, fatigue, headaches, abnormally high appetite, and rare but sharp stomach pain to my parasites, but there is no way to be certain.

What follows is graphic, but true. I was and am a regular gal. I go a couple of times a day, and it's a quick, comfortable thing for me. Well, I discovered my parasite quite randomly after going for a jog one evening. I came home and needed to eliminate and, when I did, I immediately noticed a problem. My bowel movement was normal, but what accompanied it was certainly not. When I tried to clean myself, it wasn't business as usual, because apparently I had a tapeworm situation. By situation I mean that this worm had either died or outgrown my intestines, and was now coming out inch by inch. It took a moment to register what this was... but I don't eat much pasta and I immediately recalled all the various worms in formaldehyde-filled jars in biology class. This was something that belonged in a jar, not inside of me!! I pulled, and pulled, and pulled, and it just kept coming out. At this point I pretty much freaked and threw on a pair of loose pants and drove myself to the nearest emergency room. After 15 minutes they gave me a gown, and told me to wait. This was excruciating and mortifying, as the worm was just kind of there, and I had to explain over and over that I basically had a worm coming out of my butt and if that didn't constitute an emergency, then what does? I still don't know if it was alive or dead, but the doctor came in, took one look at me, and told the attending nurse to get a jar. Arm over arm, he extracted more of the worm, all the while expressing his amazement at the situation. They put about 10 feet of worm segments into the jar, and then the doctor proceeded to tell me that although he didn't know if that was all of it, he could give me an anti-parasitic to hopefully kill anything else in my system. I asked him a million questions, and he told me there is no way to prevent it, that you can get them from fruits/vegetables/meat/water/contact... all kinds of things! He asked if I'd ever been to any impoverished countries. No. Did I eat a lot of pork. No. Well, he said, he'd never seen anything like this but good luck and could he keep the worm?

I have no way to know how long that tapeworm was in my system. By the size of it alone, I'd guess a few years. Where did I get it? Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean islands? No one can tell me.

What I can tell you is that parasites are real, and they can happen to ANYONE. Another important FACT to consider is that many parasites, and specifically tapeworms, don't reside in your colon. A colonoscopy won't reveal them to you because the scope doesn't reach your small intestine. One of the only good ways to get a look at the small intestine is via Barium x-rays, although this is a challenge that western medicine is working to address. Anyhow, the point is that the worms attach themselves to the lining in your small intestine, where your food is digested and most nutrients are assimilated. They don't "eat" your food and you don't lose weight. In fact, I was often very hungry and constantly fighting weight gain because I was malnourished and my body kept signaling my brain to take in more food/nutrients. My healthy diet was getting leeched into the skin of the tapeworm... so basically I had a very healthy tapeworm and a deceptively unhealthy body.

Immediately after my tapeworm incident, I underwent a couple days of a doctor-prescribed anti-parasitic medicine. I then began researching parasitic infections, preventions, and so forth. One thing is certain, however... as much nonsense as there is related to parasites and treatment, there is an unacceptable void that western medicine has yet to fill on this topic. Parasites are real, and yet the CDC and other resources dedicate seemingly no resources to educating us about these occurrences and often fail to document them properly in the first place. Call it a fear of things that are "dirty" and "unseemly" but ignorance is dangerous. Many ailments can be attributed to a deeper problem, and cannot be solved simply with medication. Sometimes there is an imbalance or problem in your system and needs to be addressed, not just with Tylenol for the headaches or Clearasil for the acne. You have to address the source, not the symptoms.

I personally have never experienced hydrotherapy, but I do perform herbal cleansing once a year to flush my system (including my small intestine). I welcome western medicine to step up to the plate and create a product to address the very real medical problem of parasitic infection. Until that time, it is up to each consumer to separate fact from fiction, and find what works best for them in the holistic marketplace. If the ACSH doesn't like holistic capitalists, then perhaps they should author a paper about the negligence of western medicine to study and develop therapy for parasitic infection. Let's go, big pharmaceutical companies! We got parasites... do you have the solution???

In the meantime, if you'd like a recommendation for a holistic product I use, or have questions, feel free to contact me. I am not affiliated with the medical or holistic health industry in any way, and will only make an endorsement based on my own personal experience with various product(s).

Good luck, and good health!

Sam (January 13, 2008)

The following WebMD article might be worth reading if you are considering a colon cleans...

Colon Cleansers: Are They Safe?
Experts discuss the safety and effectiveness of colon cleansers.
By Jenny Stamos
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Charlotte E. Grayson Mathis, MD
You may have heard about colon cleansers, and even wondered whether you might need one yourself.
According to some alternative health advocates, just as you routinely shampoo your hair or scrub your floor, you should be regularly cleaning your colon as well. In fact, some people are making a lot of money persuading people that their colons are packed with several years' worth of decaying waste and that a colon cleanser will solve the problem. Colon cleansers come in a variety of forms, including capsules, laxatives, enemas, and "high colonics" which flush large amounts of water through the intestines.
"Artificial colon cleansers are big business," says Melinda Johnson, MS, RD, a registered dietitian based in Phoenix, Ariz., and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. How big a business? Just type "colon cleansers" into any search engine, and you"ll get an idea.
But it turns out that, when taken to extremes, an obsession with inner purification can be harmful.
WebMD consulted the experts to find out all about colon cleansers -- their safety and effectiveness, and whether or not colon cleansing is for you.
Colon Cleansers: Dirty Business
Colon cleansing is based on the theory that waste collects in the colon over time and stagnates there, causing toxins to form and spread throughout the body -- a phenomenon known as "autointoxication." Many 19th century doctors accepted autointoxication as fact. Although scientific research conducted as early as the 1920s failed to confirm it, the misconception persists. Other colon cleanser advocates insist that the accumulated stool blocks the colon, preventing the proper elimination of waste.
But experts say there is no such thing as autointoxication, and that the human body is actually very good at taking care of itself. Colon cleansing is really a strange fad, says Ruth Kava, PhD, RD, director of nutrition at the American Council on Science and Health in New York City. “The body can cleanse itself quite well. The kidneys and lungs remove toxins and by-products from the blood stream, and regular bowel movements remove any waste products from the gastrointestinal [GI] tract."
David L. Diehl, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University, and chief of gastrointestinal endoscopy at Bellevue Hospital Center, agrees. "High colonics are often touted as a way to cleanse the colon of 'adherent stool' that has been there for years or even decades," he says. "The problem with this concept is that there is no such thing. The body does a good job of eliminating stool, and there are no 'pockets' in the colon that collect stool for years. I do a colonoscopy every day of the week, and a preprocedure purge is sufficient to clean out the stool and leave a pristine looking colon."
Colon Cleanser Cautions
Colon cleansers aren't just unnecessary, according to experts, they may even cause harm. "Using coloncleansers on a repetitive basis is not a great idea," Kava says. Your intestines aren't just a waste disposal unit; they're also a place where nutrients from food are absorbed to the bloodstream, to be transported throughout your entire body. Washing out the intestinal tract could potentially interrupt this absorption, leaving you with a vitamin or mineral deficiency, Kava tells WebMD. Â In addition, frequent use of some types of laxatives can have a boomerang effect, so that cleaning your colon could leave it less able to do its job the way nature intended.
Another pitfall of colon cleansers is that they can lead to dehydration, Johnson says.
Moreover, high colonics can potentially harm the colon, causing small tears or internal damage.
Perhaps most alarming, colon cleansers have no proven safety record. "Colon cleansers are really not strictly regulated and tested," Johnson says. "If a product is shown to be harmful, the FDA will take action to have it removed from shelves, but it's not at all the same as taking a prescription drug that's been tested meticulously."
Healthy Colon Cleansers
"A healthy diet that includes enough fiber and water is nature's way of cleansing your colon," Johnson tells WebMD. A diet that is low in fiber and water, on the other hand, usually results in constipation. You can think of fiber as acting like a "toothbrush" passing through your colon, she says. So every day that you meet your recommended daily dose -- between 21 and 25 grams per day for adult women and 30 to 38 grams for adult men -- you're literally consuming a colon cleanser. Up your fiber intake slowly by making room in your diet for foods like fruit, vegetables, beans, and high-fiber cereals. Keeping your body moving as much as possible is important, too, Johnson says. Physical activity increases blood flow throughout the body, and the better your blood flow, the easier it is for your colon to work efficiently.
The Truth About Colon Cleansers
"They may provide temporary relief if you're constipated," Johnson says, "And yes they will cleanse your colon of its contents, but they can also be dangerous, expensive and inconvenient." Bottom line? Your colon knows its job; leave it alone and it will take care of itself.

El (February 5, 2008)

I am a proponent of colonics. But like with anything, they can be overdone. Some people are addicted to them, just like laxatives. A good colonic hydrotherapist will NOT damage your colon and will NOT force you to do more than necessary.

An average American diet is full of processed meat, soda, soy and pasteurized dairy. Your colon may be a wondrous intrument of nature, but frankly, we eat too many mucus-forming, acidic foods (soy is awful). An occasional colonic will help your body keep its natural balance. As to the arguments that it's 'Unnatural', please! Are antibiotics 'natural'? Is 'Lyrica'? Your blood pressure medication?

I am not a health professional by any means, but after a very bad antibiotic experience two and a half years ago (Cipro) I was forced to research things myself and learn in order to improve my health. In the process I helped my mother and my fiance and a few other people around me who were open to other modalities. The important thing is: they felt better.

I find it appalling that if it's not in the AMA good book, then it's 'quackery'. I originally come from Russia, where a lot of things that are considered 'alternative medicine' here, have been used for years TOGETHER with Western approach. Russian medicine and medical care, by the way, are far superior to the US health care. When I went back there two years ago to visit family, I went to a lab one afternoon, paid $300 out of the pocket and they ran 20 tests for me, which they emailed to me next day. In Russia, you will not be proscribed a strong antibiotic without first taking your culture and testing a few different ones on it (I was resistant to 2 out of 4) People: wake up! This excellent country's health care system is something like # 30 in the so-called 'civilized' world.

Colonic hydrotherapy, massage therapy, hydrotherapy - they are all respected modalities in Russia, and actually in most of Europe, as well.

Of course, there are people who do it here, there and everywhere who are not professionals and can harm you. But so can most pharmaceutical drugs. Do your research! If the person talks a mile a minute and charges or prescribes you too much, there is certainly room for doubt!

Same with natural supplements: there are a few respected and great brands. They cost more, but they work! And then there are the rest.

Another thought: I have met a lot of people in the recent two and half years of my health journey who are in the so called 'alternative medical' field. What a lot of them have in common is personal experience. They got sick - or their family member got very sick - they were stumped using conventional means - they found a cure or a number of them after doing their own research and by trial and error and achieved success. And that pushed them to pursue this path of healing. Of course you will always find people who are in it for the money, but frankly, this is NOT a super lucrative field in general. People I know who do this are not wealthy and are not in it for the wealth. I imagine they got into this on similar grounds as myself, when I gave some herbs recently to an office co-worker who had been suffering with flu after effects for over three weeks. Three days later, she was fine and she was on the internet buying these herbs for her family. And I felt happy because I was able to translate my experience into knowledge and into actual helping someone overcome illness.

So, I'll step off the soapbox now, but.. here are a few suggestions:

Eat lots of veggies and fruits (organic)

drink water

avoid all soda, especially diet (aspartame is evil)

if you are having issues, take a month off: dairy, corn, soy and wheat/grain (except brown rice)

have an occasional piece of dark chocolate

take liver supporting herbs a few times a week

and get a colonic times two once or twice a year, combined with Black Walnut tincture (it's antiparasitic)

move and meditate daily, see a funny movie twice a week.

that's all

cheers
e

stephanie (February 12, 2008)

if i had a choice between healing my body using a. man made synthetic chemicals who's side effects are too numerous to tor using b. God created natural plants, vegetables, fruits and herbs to heal my body...guess which one I would choose? I am not knocking the health field, however, if over 50% percent of americans are overweight and the only thing doctors will prescribe are pills and more pills or a horrific surgery (gastric bypass) why would i choose a field that only wants to medicate you rather than getting to the root of the problem by teaching how to eat correctly, drink plenty of water and exercise? most genuine alternative health communities tell you that what you eat is utterly important to how you feel and in conjunction with cleaning out your system of old toxins. a doctor rarely tells you to change your diet (both my sister's and myself -i have since lost nearly 60 pounds and went from a size 16/18 to a size 6/8- are obese and had major problems and surgery) neither of our respective doctor's placed us on a diet or told us to change our eating habits. instead it was surgery...it was pills...it was some form or type of medication. i went to the emergency room more than twice at 5'1 and nearly 190 pounds i was obese. do you think any doctor made one comment as to the problem and direct correlation of my obesity and emergency room visit?! of course not, they prescribed medications and sent me on my way. i had to take my health in my own hands, losing weight, cleansing my system of toxins has greatly, drastically improved my health. i'll send pics to any one who requests it! don't knock it until you try it. if you eat 1 pound of food a day but only excrete 1/2 pound every 2-3 days, where does all that food go? to your hips, butts, stomach and sits in your system. inform yourself, educate yourself. if we all ate totally healthy diets, fruits, veggies, lean meats and whole grains and fiber with ONLY WATER and perhaps the occasional wine (proven benefits) we would all be the healthiest nation. but due to our laziness and picking up fast food which contains no nutrional value, stress, etc. we are sickly people. it starts with first what you place in your mouth, and then getting rid of it in an effective way so that your body only uses what is needed to effectively work and maintain itself. i am not saying colon cleansings are the answer to every health problem out there but if nothing else it will give you a good cleansing, i promote using only good herbs, some of which you can find in your medicine cabinet, to give you a good cleansing, and not the water therapy. if our ancestors had very low instances of cancer, heart disease, etc, lets look at how their diet and lifestyle differs from ours and then let us start to copy it. they lived off the farm (buy organic) they didn't eat such things as blue, red dye, aspartame, etc! They didn't eat bleached white flour or huge helpings of ice cream and refined sugars. They ate as natural as possible with lots of fruits and veggies that were in season, meats raised without unnatural antibiotics or that was fed sickly animal byproducts as its main meals, etc. Educate yourself. Eat right, cleanse your system using natural herbs that are safe and beneficial and time tested (look up healthy lifestyles of cultures other than americans who have a higher level of health and see what they eat, take). God bless

DJ (February 23, 2008)

I think what is being missed here is that our knowledge about the world in which we live is constantly evolving. Specificly what we believe that we understand about ourselves. With the human body, I believe this to be doubly true.

Question> for the medical professionals:
Why in God's name has there not been a new study done since 1920 that is as well traveled and documented as this one? You Do realize that you are referencing study that is almost 100 hundred years old ? As to the Biology professor & the Good Doctor -- I DO APPRECIATE you comments as they sound as if there coming from practical places... While I might not agree with you statements whole heartedly, the comments appear to be more than well grounded allbe them biasedly stated.

Question> for the Holistic/Naturalist practioners:
Why in God's name has there not been a call for holistic enthusists to use more prudence in the administration of colonics? Consumers are consumers, and if they find something that they believe works [when it is quick and easy that is], they will use it until the wheels fall off, without regard for future outcome. I myself am a believer in the power of nutritional supplements and holistic remedies, but I continue to believe that medicine has a solid roll in my health as well.


The point I am making is that both sides of the aisle have very important points to make that are founded in accuracy, and both sounds have fallacy in their arguments as well. Doctors and Medical Scientists have to stop putting their heads in the sand about holistic therapy, because the sad truth is medical science is forced by its very nature to be slow and methodical about advancement. From adhering to the most noble of ideals [being certain as can be that you "do no harm"] to the most pragmatic [keeping malpractice insurance premiums low]it does not serve medicine to rush to judgment on any change of practice. Acknowlege, though, that due to chemical changes elsewhere in our environment [from animals to plants, to pollution]methods for alleviating illness have to change -- faster than your proceedures will allow. An the means people are going to have to push the envelope in order to affect progress.

Conversely, Holistic Practioners need place step out of the roll of technician. These individuals need to increase there understanding of nutrition and how it can affect change that is lasting and positive. Holistic medicine is and has always been about utilizing nutrition to optomize the body to defend and heal itself. Holistic Practioners are NOT Technicians and shouldn't be operating that compacity unless they have prior training & experience. And get licensed & certified as Nutritionist so as to stop the recommendations being discounted from the other side of the aisle.

In summation, even the supplements are about changing your nutritional make up so that you are allowing your body to fight for istelf --- without one leg tied behind you back. We're just not going to let anyone makes us sick from a cure!

Mike Petrakis (March 29, 2008)

After doing much research I came upon the Bible like book called "The Tao of Health, Sex and longevity" and finally decided to by the clysmatic colon cleanser. I describe the book as "bible" not because of its size or religious similirities..but because the importance I give to the book as some....even nut jobs...give to the bible. hehe

Anyway. To make this quick.
1-Karen Schneider, Please explain the 2 pounds of Plastic, muccusy, green hard spiral, stringy, and many times very long seemingly toxic waste that so many pictures portrayed on websites about autotoxification. (by the way, those 2 pounds, were most likely just the daily amount excreted.
After just finishing the 7 day cleanse myself. I give swear to it, that 2 pounds of that exact same toxic waste left my body EVERY SINGLE DAY. I ATE NOTHING THE WHOLE SEVEN DAYS. YES.. just ask me at the_greekcanadian@hotmail.com for more info..Or for proof.

if enemas like colon cleanses have also been used for ritual rectal drug administration such as balché, alcohol, tobacco, peyote, and other hallucinogenic drugs and entheogens, most notably by the Mayans and also some other American Indian tribes. Some tribes continue the practice in the present day. ONLY BECAUSE THE COLON ABSORBS MATTER AT A MUCH FASTER RATE THEN THE STOMACH.

THATS WHY I CERTAINLY WANT THAT TOXIC WASTE OUT OF MY SYSTEM. (PERIOD)

Can someone please enlighten us all with a study done on that waste which is excreted from the rectum during colon cleansing. Thanks you all for your time!

PEACE - LOVE - HEALTH

Mike the_greekcanadian@hotmail.com

And in Karen Schneider words:
"Finally, by traveling outside of the United States, individuals put themselves at greater risk for parasitic infection and its subsequent spread."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

In his book, V.E.Irons says:'you will probably continue with wrong combinations of food as long as you live and so will continue to need a series of colon cleanings." In his book, Colon Health: THE KEY TO A VIBRANT LIFE , 116 year old DR. Walker is equally adamant:
"The elimination of undigested food and other waste products is equally as imortant as the proper digestion and assimilation of food..the very best diets can be no better than the very worst if the sewage system of the colon is clogged with a colection of waste and corruption."