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Should I do a colon cleanse while in Remission?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/8/2009 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
I've been in remission for about a year and would like to do an herbal colon cleanse. I'm doing it for health reasons and just feel like it would help me feel more rejuvenated, help lose a few pounds and basically just "cleanse." I'm concerned that it would somehow instigate my UC again. Does anyone have experience with this?
Posted 5/8/2009 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Honestly, I wouldn't, not that I've ever been in remission but if that miracle ever happend for me I wouldn't do a clense, have you ever done one before?

From what I've read/heard, it's really not necessary and can actually do more harm than good because it can change the PH balance in your colon and bring on problems, plus I've been told by many docs that having a bowel movement is the best and natrual way to cleanse your colon out...just like douching, women shouldn't douche since there's really no benefit, we're designed to naturally cleanse ourselves that way too (with dishcharge) and douching can actually cause yeast infections cuz again you're messing with the natural PH balance of the vagina.

:)
Posted 5/8/2009 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't.
Posted 5/8/2009 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Personally, I never would do a colon cleanse, even if I didn't have UC. I've heard they are unnecessary and potentially dangerous even for people with normal colons. It's entirely possible that the cleanse could cause irritation, and I think (I haven't talked with my doc about this, so I'm not sure) that our colons are more sensitive than people who don't have UC.
Posted 5/8/2009 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
I did a cleanse after my last flare. I think it was a liver cleanse. It wasn't one of those scam cleanses that show photos of gross stuff.

I bought the cleanse at Whole Foods. I checked the ingredients. Everything was healthy for the body and organs. I remember turmeric was listed as one of the ingredients.
Posted 5/9/2009 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
I would NOT do a colon cleanse.
Posted 5/9/2009 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
You know how the saying goes..."if it ain't broke..."

I wouldn't want to give my colon any reason to act up!
Posted 5/9/2009 7:01 AM (GMT 0)
But our digestive systems are broken.

I found the liver cleanse to be beneficial. Of course, it didn't cure my condition. But it made things better. I was able to stop taking Beano and to reduce my dosage of Lactaid after the cleanse.

It is important to read the ingredients. I should have mentioned that I won't take or do anything that causes diarrhea. Many colon cleanses can cause diarrhea. I did a colon cleanse once a few years ago. It didn't give me diarrhea. I did a liver cleanse after my last flare. I didn't want to risk getting diarrhea, and I had already done a colon cleanse; so I didn't think it was necessary to do it again.
Posted 5/9/2009 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
I personally would not do a colon cleanse- there is so much information out there that shows them to do more harm than good. But aside from that, all the factual info which proves these "cleanses" to be ridiculous, the obsession with "cleaning" one's nbody is totally puzzling. The body is a self-cleaning organism!!!!! and I know the arguments- "Well, we eat such junk now, it's not designed to clean out Doritos & the like". Bull..... you ask any doctor, your PCP, GI etc. about cleanses & they will all concur that there is no need. I'll stick with my dirty polluted body, thanks though. the only type of "cleansing" regime I think is helpful is either a colonoscopy prep or fasting. which doesn't really clean, but does let your GI tract slow down & flush stuff out. I fast every now & then, just to give my body a break.

Posted 5/9/2009 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't do it either, I agree with the others.
Posted 5/9/2009 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all of your replies. After some thought, I'm not going to risk it. I think I'll just do a more natural cleanse, maybe a fruit/vegetable fast for a day or so to let my body relax from having to digest the "harder stuff" -- Perhaps more of a "detox" than a "cleanse." I'm due for my colonoscopy soon, so I guess I could just use the prep day to count as a cleanse - it sure as he** cleans me out! LOL.
Posted 5/9/2009 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
You could just try to eat healthier, add fruits and veggies and fibre to your diet.

We do underestimate the actual ability of the colon....it's a bit of a process,but trying to eat regularly, a bit more often so that to not have the digestive system to digest huge meals infrequtly, will help get the colon get its regular exercise.

Change your diet....the cleanes are a perceived easy fix for wrongs probably not happening.

It's a process that you'll see overall.

Besides, what would you do after the cleanse? How would you eat? If you do the cleanse and not change anything else, seems a waste of effort for your body to go through. What you don't want to do is get your colon worked up over nothing.

quincy
Posted 5/9/2009 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
At best, "colon cleanses" are a popular way to separate you from your money. At worst, they can do damage. It's your body and your right to do as you wish, but IMO colon cleanses are not necessary.
Posted 5/9/2009 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Wouldn't do it. It's not a natural thing to do to yourself, no matter how it's promoted.
Posted 5/9/2009 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
You really shouldn't judge all products badly just because there are some scam artists out there. Many of the ingredients in the liver cleanse (which was also a detox) I took had anti-inflammatory ingredients, plus ingredients known to be good for the body. I would never take anything that is harmful.
Posted 5/10/2009 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
You can always just ask your GI but I doubt he/she would endorse it...happy you have been in remission for so long and with just mesalamine...very encouraging.
Posted 5/10/2009 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Of course, your GI probably would not endorse it. His/her education probably did not cover herbal medicines.

My boyfriend's mom's (who has microscopic colitis) doctor didn't even tell her about probiotics. When I told her about them, she replied, "Why should I take probiotics, I'm already taking antibiotics." When I explained what they were, she said that she only takes what her doctor advises her to take. I think the idea of putting bacteria back into the colon, even if it is good bacteria, is Voodoo science to her.
Posted 5/11/2009 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I just did a Colon cleanse last week. It did not do any harm to me. I just did the 10day cleanse by drinking REDJUICE every night. its like drinking natural juice extracts..
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