Colon cleansing is the practice of introducing water or some other fluid into the large intestine, or colon, for the purpose of flushing out waste materials. Though there is widespread anecdotal evidence that regular colon cleansing increases energy levels and promotes general well-being, the medical community is generally skeptical and suggests the practice can actually be dangerous.
Colonoscopy
According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, the only real medical reason for cleansing the colon is in preparation for a colonoscopy or similar procedures. Colonoscopy involves placing a small video camera into the colon via the rectum as an aid in diagnosis or surgery. Cleansing the colon could simplify the procedure. If an enema or other colon cleansing process is a necessary or recommended part of your treatment or evaluation, your doctor will let you know.
Detoxification
Proponents of colon cleansing often recommend the practice for the purpose of detoxifying the body. Colon cleansing has been practiced for this purpose as far back as ancient Egypt. Nineteenth-century doctors theorized that colon cleansing removed plaque-like build-up in the large intestine that was responsible for a wide variety of maladies. Modern proponents tout colon cleansing as a remedy for everything from fatigue to cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no evidence that toxins build up in the colon as a result of incomplete elimination and that there is therefore no support for therapeutic colon cleansing.
Constipation
Although the therapeutic value of colon cleansing is questioned by the medical profession, it is generally true that enemas are successful in causing elimination of fecal material from the colon. For this reason, colon cleansing is sometimes still practiced to treat constipation. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should consider eating a fiber-rich diet, getting plenty of exercise and drinking lots of water before treating constipation with colon cleansing. There is an increased chance of dehydration associated with colon cleansing, so you should be sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after an enema.
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