Colon cleansing is an ancient practice which celebrities such as Oprah have made popular again. If you're interested in losing weight, you may have been tempted by programs that promise quick results for little effort. However, colon cleansing for weight loss is based on flawed science and may pose a risk to your health.
History
Colon cleansing is based on the belief that toxins from undigested food build up in the colon and are absorbed by the body, causing a wide range of health maladies, according to the New York University Internal Medicine blog. NYU reports that ancient Egyptians, as well as ancient Greeks, used colon cleansing via laxatives and enemas to promote health. However, just because a practice is ancient doesn't make it correct.
The Facts
In normal, healthy people, toxins do not build up in the colon. Absorption of nutrients happens in the small intestine, not in the colon, according to Dr. Stephen Barrett, M.D. Dr Barrett also reports that surgeons who operate on the colons of living people, and coroners who perform autopsies on the deceased, have found no evidence that hardened feces stick to colon walls. The only surefire way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories than your body burns, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Types
Colon cleansing diets rely on one or more colon cleansing procedures. Usually, a colon cleansing diet includes fasting combined with use of one or more "natural" laxatives; these diets may also include a procedure to flush out the colon, according to Dr. Barrett. Barrett discusses two types of colon flushes: an enema, which uses about a quart of fluid and which you can do yourself, and colonic irrigation, which uses up to 20 gallons of water and must be performed by a professional.
Dangers
Colon cleansing can be dangerous. Some of the laxatives in commercial cleansing products contain sodium phosphate which can disrupt the natural electrolyte balance that controls your heart and kidney function, reports the Mayo Clinic. Overuse of enemas can cause enema dependence, which means you won't be able to have a normal bowel movement without them, reports NYU, and colonic irrigation with large amounts of water can cause bowel perforation, meaning they can literally tear a hole in your digestive tract, reports Dr. Barrett.
Alternatives
Instead of spending money on colon-cleansing products, consider working with a nutritionist to create a healthy weight-loss plan. You can also look into reputable programs which encourage healthy eating and losing weight at a safe rate. If you suffer from constipation, increase your fiber consumption and, if that doesn't provide relief, speak to health care professional.
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