Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 7/29/2011

Question
There are so many out there, can you recommend a good over the counter colon cleanser?  Thanks

Answer
Hello Lee,
Without naming specific brands, I can tell you in general what to look for.  The base of many of the colon cleanse products is fiber, which is good.  Typically, a mixture of soluble and non-soluble fiber is best since they do slightly different things to soften and push out the stool.   There may also be some ingredients to support the liver, like beet or artichoke concentrates, choline, methionine, milk thistle, and dandelion root, which are safe for most people to take short term.  There may also be purging herbs. A little of these (senna especially) is usually enough, in many cases it's unnecessary, and occasionally habit-forming.  So these should only be taken when other types of interventions are exhausted and then only for short periods of time (less than 2 weeks).  
Other suggestions for constipation and GI issues are to increase activity, water intake, decrease caffeine, alcohol, and sugars, and increase fiber, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes.  Many times if there have been recurrent GI issues a probiotic is essential, in milder cases not essential but still often helpful.  
In health,
Dr Conner