If we were all eating a balanced diet, with plenty of fresh fruits and whole grains and vegetables, exercising, drinking sufficient water, and going to the bathroom whenever necessary, we'd have no reason to discuss bowel cleansing nor the products meant to accomplish it.

In today's busy world, we often go to fast food, grab high calorie drinks for water, and our too busy to make our way to the toilet right away. Diets today don't have enough fiber and most people do not exercise at regular intervals, which causes our digestive system to suffer.

Poor bowel functioning leads to a wide range of problems, right from a buildup of bowel plaque to experiencing unpleasant sensations like heaviness, queasiness and a bloated feeling. All this leads one to feel quite unwell. Further, there is a risk of the toxins accumulating and eventually poisoning the whole body. This calls for some quick colon cleansing help.

You may find using an herbal colon cleanser to be the solution to your problem. These cleansers are mild and effective ways to improve your overall health by restoring natural bowel function and digestion. To start, you may need a cleanser that contains slightly stronger herbs in order to give your intestines a good clean-out. Then you can use milder formulas to maintain bowel health.

Fiber is present in almost every herbal colon cleanser. Fiber is a bulk which stimulates the intestines to continue their movement. There are two types of fiber: insoluble fiber which is found in bran, and the fibers found in fruits and vegetables. If you ingest too much insoluble fiber you may experience gas and discomfort, especially if you are not used to that much. Instead, increase your insoluble fiber intake slowly.

Water soluble fiber is fiber that absorbs water and is gentler on your system than other types. This type of fiber can be found in oat bran, psyllium husk seeds, and other types of natural and herbal products. It latches on to fats and cholesterol and has been shown to be beneficial in combating heart disease. It also is less likely than other fibers to give you an upset stomach.

An herbal colon cleanser also contains special herbs and plant extracts. These are designed to make the intestinal muscles tighten, which assists the body in moving out waste products. A better alternative than a harsh chemical laxative, an herbal stimulant can be equally effective and easier on your body. A couple of common stimulant herbs are senna and cascara sagrada.

Some herbal colon cleanser products may common in more than one formula. One is for getting started and is stronger and more aggressive at cleaning out the bowels. Some may be combined with various colon irrigation methods as well. The second product is designed to keep things normal once the bowels have been 'turned on' and started to work more normally. They usually contain a bulk forming soluble fiber.

You will want to check with your doctor to determine if herbal products are appropriate and safe for you. No matter which product you pick, always be sure to drink a lot of water and to use the bathroom when nature calls.