In today's busy world, some people view detoxification diets as a way to shed unwanted pounds before a beach vacation, wedding or party. Many detox diets include a colon cleanse --- also called a bowel detox. The procedure may put your health at risk if not performed safely by a trained medical professional, reports the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Understand the facts about safe bowel detox to ensure your well-being and notify your doctor before considering any procedure that claims to rid your body of dangerous toxins.
Significance
The colon is a tube in your large intestine that plays a vital role in the removal of waste and toxins, as well as the maintenance of healthy bacteria. Your doctor may prescribe a safe cleansing of the colon as preparation for a colonoscopy or an X-ray so your colon lining is free of waste for examination. Doctors do not recommend a colon cleanse as a form of detox, as the procedure raises your risk for serious health conditions.
Function
Doctors often suggest an enema to safely cleanse the colon in advance of a medical procedure. DA trained medical professional inserts a tube through your anal canal down into the lower part of your colon, or rectum. Liquid is then passed through the tube into your colon and a pump is used to allow the liquid to travel through the colon. The fluid leaves the colon after a few minutes, taking waste with it.
Considerations
While your doctor may prescribe a safe colon cleanse to prepare for a colonoscopy, the use of the cleanse as a form of detox is unnecessary; your digestive system and bowels effectively rid the body of harmful bacterial and waste. A colon cleanse is also discouraged as a remedy for constipation -- the benefits are temporary and the condition will likely recur.
Theories/Speculation
Makers of bowel detox products claim the products free your body of dangerous toxins and lower your likelihood of allergies, asthma or other health problems like arthritis. Evidence is lacking to support these claims, according to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require manufacturers of cleansing products to prove the safety or effectiveness of the products.
Potential
Ask your doctor if any of your medications may cause complications before undergoing a safe bowel detox as preparation for a medical procedure like an X-ray or colonoscopy. Drink plenty of fluids during the cleanse to lower your chance of dehydration.
Warning
Fatigue, dehydration, dizziness and nausea are common side effects of bowel detox procedures performed without the supervision of a medical professional, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some detox diets that require laxatives to cleanse the colon trigger a rise in your level of electrolytes, which can cause complications if you have heart or kidney disease. The application of liquid under pressure may also result in a tear in the lining of your colon and serious injury or hinder your body's ability to expel waste.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Colon Cleansing: Is It Helpful or Harmful?
- MayoClinic.com: Do Detox Diets Offer Any Health Benefits?
- Cleveland Clinic: Debunking the Myths of Colon Cleansing
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: Clean Your Colon Health or Hype?
- MayoClinic.org: Unless Recommended by a Doctor, Colon Cleansing Should Not Be Attempted
- FamilyDoctor.org: Are Detox Diets Safe?
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