Colonic Irrigation For Weight Loss

Colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy, or colonics, is the cleansing of the large intestine and bowel with tepid water. According to the website fitness.com, celebrities are reported to use colonic irrigation for weight loss and cosmetic benefits. Ancient Egyptians used the process to stay young and for healing many ailments. But the National Council against Health Fraud said in 1995 that, "Colonics have no real health benefits."

Clearing Waste

In the 1930s Dr. John H. Kellogg, who was a surgeon as well as the founder of the company that made Kellogg's Corn Flakes, believed that clearing waste from the body was essential for good health and believed colonic irrigation was a valid method of maintaining a clean colon for better health. It is no coincidence that he introduced Kellogg's bran cereal, because diet is another way to clean the colon with fiber. He also marketed eating bran cereal as an aid to weight loss.

The Process

Before considering a colonic treatment, consult with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you. Always go to a reputable clinic where there are qualified medical staff on hand and ensure that they know your medical history before treatment. The session will last between 30 and 45 minutes and approximately 15 gallons of water is used to clean the waste. Colonic irrigation is not an enema, which uses only 1 or 2 quarts of water and only cleanses the lower eight to 12 inches of the bowel.

Colonics and Diet

In the 2000 book, "Vogue Beauty," Jane Waterman, a London hydrotherapist, says the treatment is safe and "unlike laxatives, is not habit-forming." Vogue considers fasting to be be a dangerous option chosen by women who want to detoxify and lose weight and sees colonic irrigation as a better choice. For long term weight loss, there is no substitute for a healthy lifestyle, including fresh food and regular exercise.

Colonic Holidays

Ian Belcher, colonic skeptic and UK journalist on "The Guardian" newspaper, reported on a week's holiday to a Thai beach resort where liquid diet and colonic irrigation were a daily occurence, whereas two or three times a year is the norm. (See Reference 5) Fasting was also involved in the holiday treatment and although he was investigating health benefits, he admitted that he did lose pounds and felt better for it. The liquid used for the daily colonics was not just water, it included warm "coffee and vinegar, lemon or garlic solution."

Conclusion

There is no clinical evidence to support weight loss with colonic irrigation alone. Although, as the Guardian writer reported on his colonic holiday experience, weight loss is a possible side effect of repeated colonic irrigation with diet restrictions. It can cause deydration according to gastroenterologist, Michael Picco, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic, who does not recommend it as part of a slimming plan.