Buyer's Guide To
Colon Cleanser Products
What Everyone Needs to Know About Colon Health

• Carlson Labs-Hi Fiber Colon Cleanser

• Rating: C+
• Company: Carson Labs
• Specs: Lab Report
• Site: www.carlsonlabs.com

Unlike most colon cleansers, Carlson Labs' Hi-Fiber Colon Cleanser isn't in supplement form--it's in powdered form, similar to bulk laxatives such as Metamucil. According to its makers, this fiber-rich mix immediately softens the impacted waste inside the colon, making it easier to pass. This reportedly eases the strain on the colon walls, improving the health of your colon. Experts aren't so sure this cleanser is as effective as it claims, however.

Carlson Labs Hi-Fiber Colon Cleanser contains calcium, iron and psyllium.

Do the ingredients in Carlson Labs Hi-Fiber Colon Cleanser help cleanse the colon? To an extent--but the results are no different from other high-fiber powders, such as Metamucil. Carlson Labs Hi-Fiber Colon Cleanser main ingredient, like Metamucil, is psyllium, an extract taken from the fibrous Plantago ovata plant, which has been clinically shown to increase the frequency of bowel movements. According to several clinical trials, psyllium seed husks have been shown to stimulate the intestines by increasing the bulk of the stool, which forces it to expel the accumulated waste. WebMD.com has named it as a generally safe treatment for constipation, which can make the stool infrequent and harder to pass.

There is no evidence this cleanser can eliminate toxins inside the colon, however. Many experts claim intestinal toxins don't even exist.

Is Carlson Labs Hi-Fiber Colon Cleanser safe? Yes. Taking this powder without drinking enough water can cause it to swell and block off the esophageal tract, which can be fatal. Make sure to drink at least eight ounces of water to avoid this potentially dangerous complication.

Verdict: If you compare this cleanser to Metamucil, you'll notice there isn't a big difference between the two—in fact, they're practically the same product. If you're having trouble having bowel movements, this cleanser can help, but don't assume it's any different from any bulk laxative product on the market. It simply isn't.