Colon, High Fiber Diets and Anxiety

Internet readers can visit any colon cleansing supplement website and read about the toxins, parasites and harmful bacteria plaguing the average body. None of these claims are supported with clinical trials or research studies proving colon cleansing is necessary for colon health or even healthy. Most experts believe colon cleansing poses potential for greater harm than good, so they suggest a high fiber diet. Fiber is a unique natural laxative that may cause constipation leading to anxiety and even more problems with elimination if not taken correctly.

Eating a High Fiber Diet Can be Tricky

There are thousands of food products with the words "high fiber" printed on the label. These products add fiber to improve overall consumption of the complex carbohydrate linked to improved colon health. What these products forget to tell the consumer is that fiber can cause constipation just as quickly as healthy elimination.

Fiber is a bulk forming laxative that requires lots of water to work effectively. When fiber is eaten or taken in supplement form, 8 to 10 ounces of water should be consumed with the fiber and added water should be consumed throughout the day. It can take hours or days for fiber to work through the digestive system and during that time, water is the means of movement. Without sufficient water, fiber will form waste bulk and may lodge in the intestine due to lack of lubrication.

Psyllium husk is one of the most common forms of fiber supplement consumed daily. The bulk forming laxative works to expand the size of fecal matter and cause the natural bowel reaction to eliminate feces from the body. Psyllium and other forms of fiber can be used to treat diarrhea for just this reason. But, if diarrhea is not the problem, extra water is required to move the bulk through the bowel and out of the body.

Anxiety and Constipation

If a high fiber diet is consumed without proper amounts of water constipation is likely to occur. Constipation can result in straining, hard stools and difficulty moving bowels. A feeling of fullness or fatigue can result from untreated or recurring constipation thus leading to anxiety and other emotional reactions.

Having a healthy, happy colon is all about balance. A healthy balance of fiber and water are required for easy elimination. Colon cleansing herbs can have a hugely negative effect on the bowel including dependence and dehydration. The best choice is a high fiber diet with plenty of water.

Resources

"Health Benefits of Psyllium Husk." Home Remedies Web - Free Home Remedies, Herbal Remedies, and Natural Cures for Common Illnesses! Web. 26 Aug. 2010.

"Constipation Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 26 Aug. 2010

"Colon Cleansing: Is It Helpful or Harmful? - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic Medical Information and Tools for Healthy Living - MayoClinic.com. Web. 26 Aug. 2010.