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Colon Broom claims to be the go-to supplement for “relieving constipation, losing weight, and reducing bloating.” Beyond its amusing name, let’s investigate if these claims hold any weight and if Colon Broom is a worthwhile investment for shedding those extra pounds.
How Colon Broom works
Colon Broom’s secret weapon is powdered psyllium husk, a commonly used soluble fiber supplement. This type of fiber is known for its ability to create bulk in the stomach when mixed with liquid, ultimately curbing your appetite by making you feel full.
In the realm of soluble fibers, the effectiveness of suppressing appetite is linked to how thick and bulky the fiber becomes when mixed with water. The logic here is that a more viscous substance slows down gastric emptying, making it harder to eat too quickly or too much.
However, it’s essential to consider the trade-off. While thicker and bulkier soluble fibers might be more effective at suppressing appetite, they often come with potential gastrointestinal side effects. These can include constipation, especially if you fail to consume an adequate amount of water alongside the supplement.
Comparing Colon Broom
Colon Broom vs. Metamucil vs. Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk, the star of Colon Broom, is a robust soluble fiber capable of holding up to 10 times its weight in water. It’s a budget-friendly choice found in many supplements, including Metamucil. Both Colon Broom and generic psyllium husk powders share a similar unrefined nature, featuring more insoluble components, visible as tiny specks or cloudiness when mixed with water.
In terms of bulking effects, there’s little difference between Metamucil, Colon Broom, or generic psyllium husk powders when used in similar doses. However, Metamucil often includes artificial sweeteners and colorings, while Colon Broom opts for stevia and vegetable juices for a more natural touch.
If artificial additives are a turn-off, Colon Broom or a generic psyllium husk powder may be preferable. Still, Metamucil offers versions without sweeteners and with natural coloring, so check the specific ingredients.
If cost is a factor, generic psyllium husk powder takes the lead in affordability. Even Metamucil, priced at around $15 for over a month’s supply, is more budget-friendly than Colon Broom, which can cost $65 for a month.
Colon Broom vs. Chia Seeds vs. Glucomannan
Moving beyond psyllium husk, other soluble fibers like chia seeds and glucomannan (PGX) join the competition.
While Colon Broom’s psyllium husk holds up to 10 times its weight in water, chia seeds can manage 15 times, and glucomannan an impressive 50 times. Glucomannan, with its high proportion of soluble fiber per weight, creates a thicker consistency when dissolved, making it superior in creating the appetite-suppressing bulk in the stomach.
Glucomannan proves more effective than psyllium husk in suppressing appetite and supporting weight loss. However, its thicker nature contributes to more gastrointestinal side effects, making it less ideal for addressing constipation.
Colon Broom Side Effects and Concerns
When it comes to soluble fibers like Colon Broom, safety is generally not a major concern, but there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you’re new to such supplements.
Soluble fibers are usually well-tolerated, but for some, they might lead to minor digestive issues like gas, bloating, or mild abdominal discomfort. To minimize the risk of constipation, it’s crucial to mix the supplement with an ample amount of water.
However, it’s important to note that soluble fiber supplements, including Colon Broom, may pose a risk of gastrointestinal obstructions or blockages. If you have a history of abdominal surgeries or conditions like Crohn’s disease, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor before incorporating such supplements into your routine.
Colon Broom: Does It Deliver?
Now, let’s address the big question: Does Colon Broom actually work for weight loss?
Soluble fiber drinks, like Colon Broom, are typically consumed before meals with the primary goal of curbing overeating. The key here is that these drinks are most effective when you’re already making an effort to reduce your overall food intake. If you’re not actively managing your diet, snacking frequently, or dealing with stress-induced or binge eating, the impact of Colon Broom may be limited.
It’s essential to set realistic expectations. While research indicates that soluble fibers can contribute to improvements in cholesterol and blood sugar levels—factors associated with obesity—they don’t consistently demonstrate significant weight loss results.
In essence, soluble fiber drinks play a supportive role in weight loss by helping manage appetite, but they’re unlikely to be the sole cause of weight reduction. The takeaway here is that for soluble fibers to be effective, you need to be proactively managing your diet.
Overall review: Colon Broom
Reviewing Colon Broom by effectiveness for weight loss, I’m giving it a C. It basically works to help manage hunger, and taking it without already reducing your food intake is not likely going to have any effects on weight whatsoever.
Reviewing Colon Broom by cost, I’m giving it an F. A monthly cost of $65 for flavored psyllium husk is way too expensive, especially since you can get psyllium husk powder in bulk at over 30 times less.
Reviewing Colon Broom for safety, I’m giving it a B. Psyllium husk at the doses that Colon Broom provides is relatively safe to use, provided you have it with enough water.
Overall review, I’m giving Colon Broom a D. I would not recommend it at all.
Top alternatives to Colon Broom
Overall, Colon Broom is essentially an extremely overpriced flavored psyllium husk drink. It’ll work basically the same as any other powdered psyllium husk.
You could then flavor it yourself with whatever you wanted: Crystal Light, True Lemon or True Lime if you don’t want any artificial flavorings, mix it with any juices or smoothies you make, or just infuse it with real fruits.
If you’re looking to achieve similar effects, but better than those of Colon Broom, I would use a quality soluble fiber.
- Chia seed – 1 to 3 tsp w/ meals
- Flaxseed (ground) – 1 to 3 tsp w/ meals
- Flaxseed (whole) – 1 to 3 tsp w/ meals
- Glucomannan (caps) – 1 to 3 caps w/ meals
- Glucomannan (PGX caps) – 1 to 3 caps w/ meals
- Glucomannan (PGX powder) – 0.5 to 1 scoop w/ meals
- Glucomannan (powder) – 0.25 to 1 tsp w/ meals
- Inulin – 1 to 3 tsp w/ meals
- Oatmeal – 1 cup / day
- Psyllium husk (caps) – 3 to 12 caps w/ meals
- Psyllium husk (Metamucil) – 1 scoop w/ meals
- Psyllium husk (powder) – 1 to 3 tsp w/ meals
Learn more about
- Dietary fiber: an overview
- Glucomannan For Weight Loss
- 6 Things To Look For On Supplements
- 5 Things to Know Before Buying Weight Loss Supplements
- Other weight loss supplements
Citations
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Pal S, Ho S, Gahler RJ, Wood S. Effect on body weight and composition in overweight/obese Australian adults over 12 months consumption of two different types of fibre supplementation in a randomized trial. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2016 Nov 17;13:82. doi: 10.1186/s12986-016-0141-7. PMID: 27891167; PMCID: PMC5114742.
Ullah R, Nadeem M, Khalique A, et al. Nutritional and therapeutic perspectives of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.): a review. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(4):1750-1758. doi:10.1007/s13197-015-1967-0
Shirsand S.B., Suresh S., Para M.S., Swamy P.V., Kumar D.N. Plantago ovata mucilage in the design of fast disintegrating tablets. Indian J. Pharm. Sci. 2009;71:41–45. doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.51952.
The Nutrition Source – Chia Seeds https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chia-seeds/
Zalewski BM, Chmielewska A, Szajewska H. The effect of glucomannan on body weight in overweight or obese children and adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition. 2015;31(3):437-42.e2. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.09.004
Attributions
photograph of psyllium seed husks by Bastique (Cary Bass) licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
See also
- Doctor Reviews: BiomaBioma and other generic probiotics may support general gut health but lack specific, research-backed benefits for weight loss.
- Doctor Reviews: LipozemLipozem and similar keto BHB supplements have shown little to no effectiveness in supporting keto, weight loss, or athletic performance.
- Doctor Reviews: Youthful BrainYouthful Brain is unlikely to improve cognitive performance in healthy individuals, as research shows limited benefits for their ingredients.
- Doctor Reviews: Lemme CurbLemme Curb is basically just a high-dose chromium supplement, which hasn’t been proven to help with weight loss or cravings in healthy people.
- Doctor Reviews: Nello SupercalmNello Supercalm is a drink mix with ingredients that may help manage stress and anxiety, though it might not work for everyone.