Colon cleansing, a detoxification practice typically associated with alternative medicine, has been touted as a treatment for conditions ranging from asthma to irritable bowel syndrome. Mainstream medical practitioners generally frown upon the use of colon cleansing as a treatment for any disease or condition. According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, no studies have confirmed or refuted any of the health claims associated with colon cleansing. Laxatives used in colon cleansing may be associated with significant side effects and drug interactions. Consult a health care provider before performing a colon cleanse.
Dehydration
Picco reports that dehydration is the most common risk associated with colon cleansing programs. Stimulant laxatives may cause severe diarrhea, which can lead to extreme dehydration from the loss of intestinal fluids. Symptoms of dehydration may include thirst, dizziness, fatigue, fainting and changes in heartbeat.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Several laxatives can cause an abrupt changes in levels of electrolytes. These key minerals, which include sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate and magnesium, govern several important functions within the human body. Harsh stimulant laxatives may cause decreased electrolyte levels as a side effect of dehydration. Picco notes that some laxatives such as sodium phosphate contain high levels of electrolytes and may cause an abrupt and dangerous spike in electrolytes in the body. For people with kidney disease or heart failure, this side effect may be life-threatening.
Dependence
Alternative-medicine critic Stephen Barrett notes that all laxatives carry a risk of dependence. People who use colon cleansers regularly may be unable to defecate without them. Dependence will ultimately defeat the expressed purpose of colon cleansing, which is to restore digestive regularity.
Drug Interactions
Laxatives may reduce the body's ability to absorb certain medications, including herbal supplements. Herbal laxatives may also interact with pharmaceutical laxatives, leading to increased side effects and diarrhea.
Cramping and Pain
The National Institutes of Health notes that herbal laxatives such as cascara sagrada and senna may cause intense cramping and abdominal pain. When these side effects are accompanied by bloody stools or dizziness, they may signal a serious underlying health problem or adverse reaction. Cramping may persist for several hours after a bowel movement.
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