Colonics, also known as colon cleansing, is a process that uses laxatives, herbs and other additives to remove toxins from the intestines. Companies that manufacture colonic products indicate that colon therapy can boost energy, reduce the risk of colon cancer and help you lose weight. Because the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate colonics, or the herbs and laxatives used in these products, proving or disproving manufacturers' claims are left to the consumer.
How it Works
Colonics work by you or a practitioner using an enema to flush a water solution through the rectum into the large intestine. Laxatives, fiber, dietary supplements or herbs may be added to the solution to induce the release of excrement and waste. Although you may lose a few ounces after your bowels are vacated, it's not the kind of weight loss you might expect based on the manufacturer's claims.
Ingredients
Some of the ingredients in colon cleansers include psyllium husk, aloe vera, flaxseed, bisacodyl and cascara sagrada. Psyllium husk is a plant that contains a large amount of soluble fiber, which is known for reducing constipation and causing bowel movements. Aloe vera is a powerful laxative, according to National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine. Flaxseed helps remove liquid from the intestines and boost bowel movements. Bisacodyl, a powerful laxative, stimulates bowel movements. Bisacodyl is found in many over-the-counter laxatives. Cascara Sagrada, another laxative, helps absorb liquids in the intestines, easing symptoms of diarrhea. None of these ingredients have been approved to -- or claim to -- cause weight loss.
Constipation
Constipation, which accounts for about 2.5 million doctor visits each year, is a digestive condition that causes a person to move her bowels fewer than three times per week. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that constipation is characterized by hard, dry stools. A constipated person often has to strain to move her bowels, which can cause pain and discomfort. Laxatives, including those used in colonics, are the most commonly used medications for treating constipation. If you've used a colon-cleansing product to help treat constipation and you lost a few pounds, note that according to the NDDIC, constipation itself can cause weight loss.
Considerations
According to the American Cancer Society, there is no evidence that colon therapy treats cancer, helps with weight loss, detoxifies the system or cures any kind of illness. Another common claim by colon-therapy providers, that a colonic can remove accumulated toxins and fecal matter, has also been disproven, says the ACS.
Warnings
If you have certain digestive diseases, including diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, rectum or colon tumors, you risk worsening or irritating your condition or suffering a bowel injury by using an enema, according to the ACS. Colon therapy can also lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, according to gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D. "The digestive system and bowel naturally eliminates waste material and bacteria," says Dr. Picco. "Your body doesn't need enemas or special diets or pills to do this."
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