Bowel cleansing is just another name for colon cleansing, which is the process of cleansing the large intestines of toxins, parasites and other pollutants. It's done with either the ingestion of supplements or the administration of fluids. Both processes are said to eliminate waste material from the walls of your colon, thereby removing toxins and pollutants that could be contributing to some of your health problems.
Supplements
With internal colon cleansing, you're using a supplement, powder, tea or suppository that contains herbs, enzymes and even stimulant laxatives to increase the movement of your bowels. These active ingredients essentially accelerate the muscle contractions in your large intestines, forcing the colon to expel all of its contents.
Fluids
The second means of cleansing the colon is often referred to as colonic irrigation. In this method, tubes are fed through your rectum and into your colon. The first tube pumps large quantities of water, herbs, enzymes and other compounds into the large intestines, explains the American Cancer Society. The abdomen is then thoroughly massaged before another tube carries the liquid, toxins, parasites, pollutants and waste out of your body.
Function
Regardless of the method used to cleanse the colon, the results are said to be the same. You're preventing toxins, parasites and pollutants from being absorbed into the intestinal walls, where they can then poison the bloodstream. This leads to a weakened immune system and a variety of illnesses and diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, allergies, fatigue, weight gain, headaches and even cancer.
Significance
According to both the American Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic, there's currently no scientific evidence to support the process of colon cleansing. The Baptist Health Systems takes this assertion one step further, stating that the colon is already able to eliminate toxins in an efficient manner. The lining of your colon, as well as the rest of your gastrointestinal tract, sheds every three days. If toxins did build up along the walls of your colon, your body is getting rid of them through this process, so there's no real need to evacuate the intestines of waste. Actually, colon cleansing could do more harm to your body than good.
Consequences
The process of colon cleansing can increase both fluid and mineral loss, which could lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, cautions the Mayo Clinic. The faster waste passes through your colon, the less fluid and minerals are absorbed by the intestinal walls. You could also see a spike in electrolytes, causing problems for people with kidney or heart disease. Even colonic irrigation can puncture the bowels, spilling waste into the body and causing infections.
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