Do you realize that you may be carrying as much as the equivalent of 8 meals of undigested food in your colon? That's 8 meals of waste that inhibits the function of your digestive system in general and your colon in particular. The end result can be chronic constipation, a rise in harmful bacteria in the body, a population explosion of parasites living in the digestive tract, and nosedive in the function of your immune system. Fight back using the best colon cleansing methods. The tools in your war arsenal against a clogged colon are hydrotherapy, enemas, and herbals cleansers. Please note that laxatives are not colon cleansers and extended use can damage the muscle surrounding the colon.

Hydrotherapy removes old hardened waste from the colon and is sometimes called high colonic irrigation or high colonics. Trained professionals at a clinic or day spa are the only individuals to trust for this process. A device known as a speculum is carefully pushed into the rectum. The speculum is attaches to a colon irrigation machine. That device sends a flood of warm water into softening fecal matter attached to the colon wall. This is sent through a tube leading back into the machine and hygienically disposed of. Not until 20 to 30 gallons of water has been flushed through the colon will the procedure cease. It only sounds a bit over the top; this method is undoubtedly the best colon cleansing treatment available.

Enemas are relatively inexpensive with the added advantage of home use. They reach the lower half of the colon and fail to remove mucoid plaque. Enemas may be plain water, or contain coffee or clay.

A less expensive and invasive alternative to hydrotherapy are herbal cleansers. Psyllium is the main active ingredient as a general rule, though other herbs can be included in the formula. Herbs disinfecting the digestive system while it is going through the detox process can prove quite effective: marshmallow, chaparral, and slippery elm are especially recommended as they contribute to the healing process. For individuals who cannot withstand the rigors of hydrotherapy, herbal cleanser can still provide some relief.