Proponents of colon cleansing claim that their products and treatments, such as colonic irrigation, laxative teas and enemas, detoxify the body, remove intestinal parasites and dislodge stool that has clung to intestinal walls. These claims are based on a rationale that is fundamentally mistaken, according to Harvard Medical School. Stool does not adhere to the intestinal wall. Parasites necessitate treatment with medication prescribed by a physician for that purpose, the American Council on Science and Health says. There are risks associated with colon cleansing.
Intestinal Perforation
Practitioners of colonic irrigation, or colon hydrotherapy, claim that the procedure detoxifies the body and removes waste buildup. After plastic tubes are inserted into the rectum, large volumes of fluid, sometimes as much as 20 gallons, are repeatedly administered with a pump, the American Cancer Society explains. Colonic irrigation can be dangerous and has caused serious illnesses, and even deaths. Practitioners can inadvertently perforate, or puncture, the intestinal wall, the American Cancer Society warns. Intestinal perforation is a life-threatening emergency that can cause death if not promptly treated with surgery and antibiotics.
Electrolyte Imbalances and Dehydration
Methods purported to cleanse the colon, including laxatives and enemas, can lead to dangerous dehydration and imbalances of electrolytes due to diarrhea, Harvard Medical School says. Proponents frequently advise repeated use of these products. Electrolytes control functions such as muscle contractions and heart rhythm, and depletion of sodium and potassium can cause dangerous arrhythmias, low blood pressure and heart failure. Dr. Anne Larson, a professor of medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern, says colon cleansing is unnecessary because the lining of the intestines regenerates every seven days. She advises keeping the colon healthy with a diet high in fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Infection
Colonic irrigation machines and related equipment can spread infection if not properly disinfected between patients. Infections and deaths from contaminated equipment have been reported, the American Cancer Society says. An outbreak of amebiasis, or amebic dysentery, at a chiropractic clinic was spread to others after colonics were given to a patient suffering from bloody diarrhea caused by the infection, according to an article by G.R. Istre and colleagues in the Aug. 5, 1982 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Thirty six people were infected and six died. The colonic irrigation equipment was found to be heavily contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria.
Colon cleansing also disrupts the normal, beneficial bacterial flora of the intestines, according to Harvard Medical School. Normal flora keeps infection-causing bacteria in check and aids in the digestion of nutrients.
References
- Harvard Medical School: The Dubious Practice of Detox
- American Council on Science and Health: How Clean Should Your Colon Be?
- American Cancer Society: Colon Therapy
- Southweatern Medical Center: Trendy Colon Cleaners May Do More Harm Than Good
- New England Journal of Medicine: An Outbreak of Amebiasis Spread by Colonic Irrigation at a Chiropractic Clinic
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