Colon Cleansing | Health Briefs: Colon Cleansing, Breakfast Mistakes And Test For Chagas Disease
Colon cleansing can supposedly help you lose weight, eliminatetoxins and enhance well-being. But a review of scientific researchsuggests these claims may be a pile of nonsense.
Ranit Mishori, of Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., andcolleagues reviewed 20 studies on colon cleansing published inmedical literature over the past decade. They found little evidenceof benefit but plenty of negative side effects, including vomitingand kidney failure.
Colon cleansing often involves flushing the colon with a mixtureof herbs and water through a tube inserted in the rectum.Self-administered alternatives include laxatives, teas and oralcapsules. Although the procedures may be touted as the ultimatedetox treatment, “the body has its own mechanism to detoxify,” saysMishori.
David Greenwald, at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NewYork City, agrees. Scientific evidence of the benefits of coloncleansing is lacking, he says.
“Focus on the proven things,” says Greenwald. “Increasing fiberin the diet has been shown to be of benefit.”
Avoid breakfast mistakes
Many people start their day with diet blunders. Here’s how tocorrect them, with help from Dr. Wayne Andersen, an obesityspecialist in Maryland and medical director for Take Shape forLife, a weight loss program:
Skipping breakfast… Dieters often use this strategy, butnumerous studies have found breakfast eaters are more likely tomaintain a healthy weight and make better food choices throughoutthe day. Even an unhealthy breakfast is often better than nobreakfast at all.
… or eating it too late. Don’t wait longer than an hour.”Thirty minutes is ideal,” Andersen says.
Not eating enough protein. You won’t stay full long oncarbohydrate-rich breakfasts such as sugary cereals or pastries.Choose cereals made from rice, oats, wheat, barley or rye; eggs andlow-fat dairy such as yogurt and milk also are good proteinsources.
Skimping on fiber. Fiber is filling enough to lower youroverall caloric intake without leaving you feeling deprived. Choosewhole-grain breads and cereals and add fruits and vegetables and ahandful of nuts and seeds to staples such as cereal and eggs.
Taking in too many – or too few – calories. Aim for roughly 300to 400 calories per morning meal.
Drinking too many calories. Fruit juices and energy drinks,along with many flavored coffee creamers, often are packed withsugar. Water and unsweetened green tea are always good choices.
Not reading food labels. Compare total calories, protein,fiber, sugar and fat content, and pay attention to serving sizes.Remember some “healthy” foods such as granola and cereal bars canbe very high in sugar and fat. If you’re eating at a restaurant,check for nutrition facts via online menus.
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