Colonics Benefits

Colonics, also called colon hydrotherapy, is a safe and effective method of removing waste that adheres to the walls of the large intestine through the use of warm water, according to the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy. A colon therapist administers a colonic irrigation system that infiltrates water into the intestine through the rectum and sucks out the water and waste that loosens from the intestinal walls. Colonics have health benefits that may help you.

Constipation

Constipation is an acute, and sometimes chronic problem that involves not having sufficient number of bowel movements or experiencing a stool that stays in the large intestine too long and becomes dry and hard, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases. A colonic may soften and loosen the waste that is packed together from the intestinal walls, cleanse the colon and move the debris that is clogging the intestinal tract out of your body. Despite the potential benefit of a colonic, MayoClinic.com says you may incur risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially if you have a history of heart or kidney disease. Talk with your doctor about the use of colonics in helping you overcome constipation.

Eliminate Buildup of Toxins

The colon is home to toxins from microorganisms, mucus and other substances. A colonic infuses your large intestine with warm water and may help you eliminate these toxins and purify your body. The colon therapist may also massage your abdomen to help break up any waste or toxins that are sticking to the intestinal walls. After the water has had time to penetrate and absorb into the waste, the therapist may use the irrigation equipment to suck the liquid out from your intestines and rectum along with the toxins and debris. Despite health claims about colonics, MayoClinic.com says it does not support the use of colonics, in part because of a lack of evidence based clinical research and because many physicians believe the bowls naturally eliminate waste and bacteria. Talk with your doctor about colonics if you plan to use special ingredients in the colonic, such as herbs, coffee or other products that may irritate the large intestine, or have a history of hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, inflammation of the colon, or other conditions that could increase your risk for infections.

Preparation of Colonoscopy

The conventional preparation for a colonoscopy involves drinking a laxative, such as polyethylene glycol, sodium phosphate or magnesium citrate, the day before your exam, according to Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. You may have adverse reactions from these solutions, including nausea, vomiting, cramping, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and loss of blood to the colon, or kidney complications. Research by Yeong-Hau Lien published in "Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology" in 2008 reports that oral sodium phosphate is associated with irreversible kidney injury and failure. A colonic the day before, or on the day of the colonoscopy, may cleanse your colon from feces, without the same health risks as laxatives, so that the gastroenterologist may inspect your colon without any loose waste present.