A colon cleanse involves taking dietary supplements that, depending on formulation, will stimulate bowel movements, kill bacteria and eliminate water in the intestines. Over-the-counter colon-cleansing herbal supplements contain laxatives that help purge the colon of fecal matter and undigested food in the large intestine. While these supplements will stimulate the bowels and kill bacteria, the body can normally perform these tasks effectively on its own.
Detoxification
Ingredients in colon-cleansing supplements, namely laxatives such as psyllium husk, aloe vera, flaxseed and others, stimulate bowel movements so accumulated waste can be purged from the colon. The American Cancer Society reports that colon irrigation supplement manufacturers claim that this form of detoxification can help increase the efficiency of healing and strengthen the immune system.
Fecal Incontinence
Laxatives in herbal supplements stimulate bowel movements, which is believed to help treat fecal incontinence. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that fecal incontinence is characterized by the inability to control the bowels. This condition affects more than 5.5 million Americans. While a person may feel the need to move their bowels, they may not be able to make it to a bathroom before stool leaks from the rectum. Because many colon-cleansing supplements contain fiber, which helps make bulkier, easier-to-pass stools, it is thought they can help improve or eliminate symptoms.
Eliminate Bacteria
The gut is home to a variety of bacteria: bad bacteria---the kind that can cause pain, discomfort and lead to illness---as well as good bacteria such as probiotics, flora and acidophilus, which work by counteracting the bad bacteria. Good bacteria also help treats constipation and prevents the bad stuff from multiplying. While some herbs in colon-cleansing supplements kill bad bacteria, it cannot discriminate between those that are harmful and those that are helpful. In 2003, the Lancet published a study by lead author Francisco Guarner, M.D., indicating that bacteria in the intestines help maintain organ health, may prevent colon cancer and treat inflammatory bowel conditions.
Dehydration
Colon-cleansing supplements are designed to remove water from the intestines and treat diarrhea. The Mayo Clinic's Michael Picco, M.D., a gastroenterologist, suggests that although supplements are successful at eliminating water, they can lead to dehydration. For those who use colonic supplements, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to keep electrolytes balanced and avoid getting dehydrated.
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