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

• DSuper Colon Cleanse

• Rating: C
• Company: Health Plus, Inc.
• Specs: Lab Report
• Site: www.healthplusinc.com

Millions of Americans suffer from constipation, diarrhea and bloating, with most experts putting the blame on high-fat diets. The makers of Easy Colon Cleanse don't put the blame on our out-of-control eating habits, however. They actually claim the cause of these common--and often embarrassing conditions--are the cause of intestinal toxins, found in the fecal matter your colon can't eliminate. Easy Colon Cleanse reportedly softens the impacted fecal matter, making it easier to eliminate while improving your gastrointestinal health.

What ingredients are in Super Colon Cleanse? Super Colon Cleanse contains magnesium hydroxide, cascara sagrada extract, senna extract, buckthorn, turkey rhubarb, yellow dock, black walnut hulls, wormwood, cloves, bentonite clay, a detoxifying blend of milk thistle, dandelion root and burdock, a fiber blend of flaxseed, oat bran and psyllium husk, a soothing blend of fennel seed, peppermint leaf, marshmallow root, elm bark and aloe leaf, and a replenishing blend of lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus.

Do the ingredients in Super Colon Cleanse help cleanse the colon? There is plenty of evidence it can help cleanse the colon--the issue here is that it can cause additional gastrointestinal problems. According to Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) expert for About.com, cascara sagrada contains dangerous compounds called anthraquinones, known for its strong laxative effect. Regular use has been linked to hepatitis and colorectal cancer, which can become life-threatening if left untreated.

"People often assume that all herbal supplements are safe," says Bolen via About.com. "Cascara sagrada is a good example of the fact that caution needs to be applied before initiating any form of treatment, even one [sic] that is sold over-the-counter."

But cascara sagrada isn't Super Colon Cleanse's only dangerous ingredient. Senna, while being effective for the elimination of waste inside the colon, can cause serious side effects even with moderate use. According to WebMD.com, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea are common symptoms; irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, dizziness and confusion can also develop. There is also a great risk for dependency associated with this ingredient.

Is Super Colon Cleanse safe? No. Both cascara sagrada and senna can cause severe cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. Long term use of drugs containing these ingredients can also worsen constipation, which Super Colon Cleanse claims to cure. People with a history of heart, gastrointestinal or blood problems should take caution when taking this supplement.

Verdict: Although there is some evidence Super Colon Cleanse can promote bowel movements, it may not be safe for regular use. One of its ingredients, senna, has been connected with various side effects and complications, including severe cramping, vomiting and diarrhea.