Q. I have a friend who is convinced that constipation causes cancer. She is fanatic about cleansing her colon regularly.
Not only does she use an enema a couple of times a week, but she also drinks laxative tea containing senna all the time. She is constantly running to the bathroom.
This just doesn’t seem natural to me, but she insists that it rids her body of toxins. Are there any dangers to colon cleansing?
A. Regular use of laxatives and enemas is not advisable because the colon may lose its ability to empty normally. Even though it is natural, senna is harsh and can irritate the lower digestive tract. Diarrhea can lead to mineral imbalance.
Constipation can be caused by many things, including medications, thyroid problems or diabetes. The best way to prevent problems is to treat the cause.
We are sending you our Guide to Constipation with tips for natural solutions that do not involve laxatives or enemas plus a discussion of colon cleansing. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ The People’s Pharmacy®, No.GG-30, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
