Internal Flush Vs. Colon Cleansing

Detoxification diets that promise quick weight loss often include internal flush kits that contain laxatives and other ingredients, as well as a colon cleanse to rid your body of harmful chemicals. The diets receive significant media attention, although doctors typically discourage internal flushing and colon cleansing as unnecessary and potentially threatening to your overall health. Alert your doctor prior to considering any diet that promises rapid weight loss.

Significance

Although some Hollywood entertainers promote detox diets as a method to shed pounds quickly in preparation for a wedding, vacation or performance, evidence is missing to prove the diets provide any significant benefits. Those who embrace detox diets typically substitute food for a liquid mixture that is intended to flush the body when consumed, while others undergo a colon cleanse --- often prescribed by your doctor in preparation for a medical procedure --- to clean the body of dangerous toxins. Many detox diets include both an internal flush and a colon cleanse, although both procedures pose threats to your health and offer little reward, as your body effectively removes harmful chemicals through the natural digestion process.

Internal Flush Products

Those who profit from detox diets claim ridding your body of harmful chemicals is necessary to lose weight in a short time frame and lower your risk for serious diseases. You can purchase internal flush kits, sometimes labeled as colon cleansers, at most drugstores or online without a prescription. Media attention has been focused on a detox diet that requires users to perform an internal flush for a 10-day period by drinking salt water and laxative teas, as well as a mixture of maple syrup, water, lemon juice and cayenne pepper.

Medical Colon Cleanse

A medical colon cleanse is performed prior to a colonoscopy or other procedure and is intended to clean your colon of waste so that your doctor has a clear view of your colon lining during her inspection. Your doctor may accomplish the cleanse through an enema, which involves guiding a small tube into your rectum and then pumping liquid into your body to flush out waste, although some doctors prefer to cleanse your colon through the consumption of a liquid medication.

Theories/Speculation

Supporters of detox diets that include internal flush procedures and colon cleansing typically promise fast weight loss along with other benefits that include higher energy levels, as well as relief from fibromyalgia and arthritis pain. Some detox diets claim cleaning your body through a flush or cleanse results in reduced risk for diseases like diabetes and cancer. Scientific research or evidence is missing to prove any long-term benefits of the procedures. Rapid weight loss often occurs during a detox diet due to fasting, severe calorie restrictions or laxative consumption, although you typically regain the weight once the diet concludes. Colon cleansing prescribed for medical purposes quickly rids your intestines of waste, but your body's natural digestion system effectively removes waste and other harmful bacteria during urination and excretion.

Warning

Unnecessary colon cleansing often results in tears or damage to the lining of your colon and may prevent your digestion system from functioning effectively.