Colon cleansing removes toxins from your bowel and helps you lose weight, at least temporarily. Health professionals disagree about whether colon cleansing is safe or advisable. Do-it-yourself cleanses could cause dehydration and colon spasms. People with certain medical conditions, including kidney and heart disease, should seek a doctor's advice before undergoing the treatment.
Benefits
Removing toxins from your digestive track makes sense, says Linda Bates, a director of the National Herbalists Association Australia. She says built-up fecal matter is unhealthy. According to Bates, people with irritable bowel syndrome, anyone who suffers frequent diarrhea, indigestion, bloating or constipation may benefit from a colon cleanse. She does not recommend at-home cleanses, which she said could cause severe diarrhea, dehydration and spasmodic twists in your colon. She does not advocate colon cleansing as a weight loss remedy and warns people against self-diagnosing problems with their digestive track.
Weight Loss
You lose weight following a colon cleanse in the same way you lose weight if you have an intestinal flu or other form of diarrhea. People who market colon cleanses suggest the weight loss will be permanent as a well-functioning digestive track will encourage regular bowel movements. Colon cleanses come in herbal formulas, as irrigation systems and as part of fasting plans. The Master Cleanse, for instance, is a fast-cleanse that involves drinking about eight glasses of cayenne pepper-laced lemonade for up to 21 days.
Unnecessary
Dr. Michael Picco, a gastroenterologist for the Mayo Clinic, says there is little evidence to support claims that toxins in your digestive track can cause problems such as arthritis and allergies, or that removing those toxins will give you more energy or improve your immune system. According to Picco, your bowel is designed to naturally eliminate waste and bacteria. He says the use of some laxatives can be harmful to some people. Some laxatives contain sodium phosphate, which produce a rise in electrolytes, which can pose serious problems for people with heart or kidney disease.
Constitipation Not a Health Risk
Constipation is uncomfortable, but there's no evidence that excess waste in your colon harms your health, says Robert Russell, a gastroenterologist at Tufts University. He told "The Washington Post" that there has "never been any indication that there's a higher incidence of colon cancer or any other dread disease in constipated people." He advocates that people who suffer from constipation drink more water, consume more fiber and exercise regularly. He says that cells in your digestive tract are replaced every two to three days and that bacteria in your colon is naturally metabolized and detoxified.
Considerations
Picco says that if you are considering a colon cleanse, you should first consult a physician, especially if you take any medications or have any health problems. Find out what herbs are used in the cleansing process and ask your doctor if any of them is harmful. If you are getting an irrigation cleanse, find out if the practitioners uses disposable equipment. Also, keep yourself properly hydrated, Picco says.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Colon Cleansing
- "Sydney Morning Herald"; Straight Flush; Bronwyn McNulty; Feb. 12 2009
- "The Washington Post"; We'll Pass, Thanks; Lawrence Lindner; Jan. 9, 2001
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