If you're aspiring to improve your health and lose some weight, you may be tempted to try a colon detox product or program that promises rapid results. Though the idea of internal cleansing may sound intuitive and promising, many colon detox methods could actually end up doing your body more harm than good, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Types
One popular type of colon detox treatment is colonics, or colonic irrigation, which involves flushing water in and out of a tube inserted into the rectum. A single treatment generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, according to Oregon State University Student Health Services. Other methods involve using herbal laxatives or cleansing supplements that trigger bowel movements and following detoxification diets that require you to drink only liquids or eat mostly raw fruits and vegetables.
Benefits
Supporters of detox methods believe that toxins accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and lead to health problems ranging from asthma to arthritis. Those who promote rapid colon detox believe that cleaning out the colon gets rid of the toxins, promotes healthy bacteria within the colon and improves your immunity, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Evidence
Although promoters of colon detox methods claim that cleansing can remove hardened fecal matter and harmful toxic material from the colon, no scientific evidence supports these claims, according to Health Services at Columbia University. Promotional photos for colon cleansing supplements may show images of large amounts of gelatinous stool that supposedly emerges during detox, but they are likely fake or generated by a person taking large amounts of fiber supplements, according to Harvard HEALTHbeat.
Risks
The colon contains healthy bacteria, and cleansing the colon can wipe it out. Rapid colon detox can also clear out minerals such as potassium and lead to an imbalance of electrolytes. Other potential risks include dehydration from excessive loose stools and infection from contaminated or improperly inserted tubes. In rare cases, flushing out the colon can cause the body to absorb too many fluids; this may lead to heart failure, according to Health Services at Columbia University.
Precautions
Get approval from your doctor before you try any detox products, particularly if you have a health problem or are currently taking any medications for a health problem, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Discuss any herbs, pills or diets you plan to follow so that your doctor can warn you of any potential individual health risks. If you decide to undergo a colonic irrigation procedure, be sure your practitioner is experienced and is using sterilized disposable equipment.
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