Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonic hydrotherapy, is a form of liquid-based irrigation of the bowel, or large intestine, performed by many people. However, before self-treating or beginning any form of alternative or complementary medicine, discuss safety and efficacy issues with your primary health care provider. Colon hydrotherapy comes with a few disadvantages that you should know about beforehand. Research alternative therapies such as colon cleaning techniques to find evidence they work, and be aware of and understand potential health hazards associated with such practices.
Metabolic Imbalance
The body regulates the production and function of various components for optimal function. These components may include electrolytes, water, bacteria and enzymes normally produced by the body. Colon hydrotherapy may flood the intestines with excess amounts of water, whose absorption may throw off these balances, according to IntelliHealth.com. Symptoms of such imbalances include nausea, vomiting and more serious conditions such as excess lung fluid and heart problems. Talk to your doctor about the associated risks of procedures such as colon hydrotherapy and its resulting side effects.
Irritated Bowels
Too much water intake through the colon may lead to irritation of the bowels and perforation or tearing of the bowel or intestinal walls, according to InteliHealth.com. If you're diagnosed with bowel problems such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis or intestinal tumors or hemorrhoids, colon hydrotherapy is not recommended.
Reduction of Good Bacteria
Although colon cleansing is often performed before medical procedures such as a colonoscopy, the practice is discouraged by most traditional health practitioners, according to the Mayo Clinic. The colon is home to a variety of "good" bacteria that help break down waste in the colon and excess bacteria from the body. When the good bacteria is flushed out with colonic hydrotherapy, the intestines are vulnerable to attack by viral and bacterial infections without an adequate defense system in place to stop it.
Discomfort and Risk of Infection
The process of colonic irrigation or hydrotherapy may be uncomfortable for some people because it often causes cramping and pain, according to Dr. Stephen Barrett. He also cautions that if equipment and tools used in the procedure aren't clean and sterilized, serious infection may result. In medical parlance, colonic irrigation is an invasive medical procedure, according to the California Health Department's Infectious Disease Branch and the National Council Against Health Fraud. Don't receive colonic irrigation procedures from chiropractors and physicians.
