Proponents of colon cleansing say it helps the body get rid of toxins, cleanses the colon and boosts your energy. According to the Mayo Clinic, however, there is little scientific evidence in favor or against colon cleansing. Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D. says colon cleansing can be a bad idea, mostly unnecessary and sometimes harmful.
General Symptoms
What problems you develop by using a colon cleanse depends on what ingredients are included in the product you're using. Teas, pills and laxatives can all be used to do a colon cleanse, and they can contain one or a mix of ingredients depending on their strength. Common ingredients in colon cleanses include senna, psyllium and cascara sagrada. All three of these ingredients can cause a multitude of side effects, from skin irritation and allergic reactions to diarrhea and even serious liver problems.
Digestive problems
Digestive problems are the most common side effect of using colon cleanses. Severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation are all possible consequences of taking colon cleanses. While these symptoms might disappear once you stop taking the colon cleanser, the Global Healing Center website points out that sometimes the harmful effects are more dramatic and can include colorectal tissue death, lesions in the colon and rectal bleeding.
Extreme Effects
Cascara sagrada, a common ingredient in colon cleansers, contains cancer-causing agents, according to Global Healing Center. It can also cause liver damage, including acute hepatitis. Senna has been linked to liver failure and unhealthy weight loss. According to My Best Health Portal, one of the most dangerous forms of colon cleansing might be colonics, where a rubber tube is inserted into the rectum and large amounts of water are flushed in and out to extract hardened feces. Colonics can cause infections, chemical imbalances and rupture of the colon wall.
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