The Side Effects of Colon Clenz
Websites selling Colon Clenz explain that this product cleanses the colon and intestines of toxins and waste build-up. The ingredients indicate that Colon Clenz is effective at stimulating bowel movements, because most of the included substances have laxative effects.
Websites selling Colon Clenz explain that this product cleanses the colon and intestines of toxins and waste build-up. The ingredients indicate that Colon Clenz is effective at stimulating bowel movements, because most of the included substances have laxative effects. One herb contained in Colon Clenz, senna, is a common ingredient in commercial laxatives, and all the ingredients are included in other herbal cleansing products. Colon Clenz can cause several side effects.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Senna and cascara sagrada are herbs commonly used to treat constipation. Both are stimulant laxatives, a stronger and harsher medication than stool softeners. Two other ingredients in Colon Clenz, turkey rhubarb and aloe, also have stimulant laxative properties. Gastrointestinal side effects from all these substances, as listed by Physicians' Desktop Reference, can include stomach pain and cramps, loose stools, diarrhea, Itching and redness around the anus, bloating and gas.
Electrolyte Depletion
Because of the laxative effects of Colon Clenz ingredients, taking more than the recommended dose or using it longer than directed can lead to dehydration and electrolyte depletion. This includes low potassium, known as hypokalemia. Early symptoms of low potassium include muscle pain and weakness, lethargy and headaches. Cascara sagrada in particular can cause dangerously-low potassium after more than a week or two of use, according to Wellness.com, and the Commission E, the German regulatory agency for herbs, identifies cascara sagrada to be associated with potassium loss. Signs of excessively-low potassium may include confusion, muscle spasms, tremors, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
Laxative Dependency
Using Colon Clenz on a regular basis can lead to chronic constipation. An individual can develop laxative dependency, in which the body cannot produce a normal bowel movement without a laxative, as explained by Physicians' Desktop Reference.
Urine Discoloration
Senna and turkey rhubarb can cause urine discoloration, according to Physicians' Desktop Reference. Senna can turn urine pink or brownish, and rhubarb can turn urine bright yellow or bright red.
Allergic Reaction
Any herbal remedy can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Colon Clenz contains black walnut, and nut allergies are common, as noted by Physicians' Desktop Reference. People who are allergic to other nuts, including the legume peanuts, may also react to the black walnut in Colon Clenz. People allergic to garlic, onions, hyacinths, tulips or other plants in the Liliaceae family may have a negative reaction to aloe, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash or hives, itchy or swollen skin, difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat or chest, chest pain, mouth or throat tingling, and facial, mouth or throat swelling. An allergic reaction to Colon Clenz should be considered a medical emergency.