Renew Life Organic Bowel Cleanse is a stimulant-free, all-natural colon cleanser that claims to naturally improve your body ability's to eliminate impacted waste--and the toxins trapped in it--with insoluble fiber, which safely increases stool elimination. It also claims to be one of the few colon cleansers that doesn't contain senna or cascara sagrada, two potentially dangerous stimulant laxatives.
Health experts aren't so sure this is true, however--they claim magnesium hydroxide doesn't even come close to being safer than senna or cascara sagrada.
What ingredients are in Renew Life Organic Bowel Cleanse? Renew Life Organic Bowel Cleanse contains magnesium hydroxide, organic oat bran, organic flaxseed, organic acacia fiber, fructooligosaccharide (FOS), rhubarb root, cinnamon bark, organic ginger root, organic fennel seed, cellulase, papaya leaf, organic cayenne pepper, organic coriander seed, organic cumin seed, Gentian root, organic black pepper, organic peppermint leaf, organic spearmint leaf, organic marshmallow root, organic slippery elm bark and okra.
Do the ingredients in Renew Life Organic Bowel Cleanse help cleanse the colon? Yes--but there's debate if it truly is safe. According to the medical website MedicineNet.com, magnesium hydroxide can promote laxative-like symptoms, such as diarrhea, stomach upset or increased stool elimination. It is recommended as a short-term treatment for constipation, however, although the site notes long-term use can lead to laxative dependency, which can worsen constipation.
WebMD.com also says it can cause serious, painful reactions, even with moderate use: dizziness, severe abdominal pain, vomiting and fainting can occur.
There is little evidence Organic Bowel Cleanse's other ingredients can promote stool elimination, although many of the ingredients are rich in dietary fiber, which can reduce the symptoms of constipation. These ingredients may be less effective, however, since these ingredients are more readily digestible in food form, not as an extract.
Is Renew Life Organic Bowel Cleanse safe? No. According to WebMD.com, magnesium hydroxide can cause loose stools, diarrhea, painful stomach cramping, dizziness and even fainting. People with kidney disease are advised not to take any supplements containing this ingredient.
Verdict: There is evidence this supplement can promote stool elimination, a necessary part of colon cleansing, but experts debate if this supplement is truly safe. It may not be. There's also the risk of developing laxative dependency with this supplement, which can actually worsen constipation.