Colon cleansing is a popular way for people to lose weight and to build the immune system. Usually a cleanse is done by eating specific foods and preparations, but some people will have a colon cleanse done by a practitioner using equipment to clean the colon in one or two sessions. While the jury is out on the efficacy of some of the claims made by cleansers, some physicians claim that cleansing can actually be bad for the body, according to gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., of MayoClinic.com. Choosing a milder cleanse may help you to avoid toxic side effects, although you should always consult with your personal health care provider before beginning a cleanse.
Dehydration
Cleanses run the gamut from a mild form that can be done over may weeks to a very stringent protocol that requires laxatives, herbs and little food. A harsher cleanse will cause the body to expel fecal material more quickly and with it lots of water. Dehydration results. To avoid this toxic effect, make sure to drink a lot of water while you are cleansing even if you do not feel thirsty.
Infection
This effect only occurs when choosing a cleanse through colon irrigation. During this type of cleanse, a practitioner will use instruments and tubing to inject gallons of warm water into the colon to flush out fecal material. Improperly sterilized instruments or a dirty office can cause an infection, according to physician Stephen Barrett on his Quackwatch website. The instruments can sometimes cause bowel perforation too, he reports. Check with the practitioner to make sure he's using clean and fresh materials for this procedure.
Electrolyte Imbalance
The changing amounts of water and laxatives containing sodium phosphate going through your body can cause an electrolyte imbalance, according to the health care practitioners at MayoClinic.com. Additionally some of the laxatives used to during a cleanse can increase electrolytes in the body resulting in illness or even death if you have kidney or heart disease.
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