What's the difference between a laxative and colon cleanser?

Dear vharrell, Here is some info on both…both these methods are dangerous and should be avoided.

Laxatives: Can cause electrolytes disorders, such as low blood potassium, a condition that can cause paralysis, irregular heartbeat, and death. Electrolytes must be present in the body in very specific amounts for proper functioning of nerves and muscles including the heart muscle. Laxatives can cause dehydration - They remove needed fluid from the body because the colon isn’t given a chance to absorb this fluid. This dehydration can result in muscle cramps, tremors, fainting spells, and in some cases death. Laxatives irritate the nerve endings of the colon, which stimulate the muscles of the intestine to move material out of the gut. After repeated use of laxatives, the nerve endings no longer respond to the stimulation. Because of this, many people take more and more and more laxatives to try to get results. Eventually, the person may not be able to have a bowel movement without the help of laxatives. The person may soon lose control of their rectum causing rectal leakage. In some cases, nerve endings stop responding all together. Laxatives remove lots of water from the colon as well as food residue. The scales indicate weight loss after a laxative-induced bowel movement, but it is false weight loss. The ounces and pounds return as the body rehydrates after taking in liquids. If the person refuses to drink liquids, he or she risks dehydration, which can lead to fainting spells and in some cases death. Laxatives do not cause calories to be lost. Laxatives do not stimulate the small intestines where food is digested and absorbed. So by the time food reaches the colon, the calories have already been absorbed.”

Colon Cleaners: There are two main types of colon cleansing. The first type is a powdered or liquid supplement. The other type is colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, which involves inserting a rubber tube into the rectum and flushing it with water.

Your colon knows how to do its job, constantly shedding old cells, absorbing nutrients and keeping a delicate balance of bacteria and natural chemicals. Interfering with this process can hurt or destroy these relationships, meaning the colon won’t work as well as it should. Colon cleansing is unnecessary, and medical doctors do not advise you to do this. Skip the colon-cleansing supplements. As with all supplements, you won’t know what you are getting. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate colonics, so manufacturers can make health claims that aren’t supported by solid evidence. Chances are, you’re wasting your money. Sue…good luck