Proponents of colon cleansing claim that the procedure can detoxify your body by removing harmful substances and waste materials from your large intestine. During a colon cleanse, a hygienist or therapist may irrigate your large intestine with water, herbal preparations, coffee or other fluids to flush out accumulated wastes and remove toxins that may cling to your intestinal walls. Colon cleansing may cause an infection or injury when it's performed incorrectly or under unsanitary circumstances, according to the American Cancer Society, or ACS. Clinical evidence does not support colon cleansing as an effective therapy for disease treatment or detoxification. Consult your health care provider before undergoing a colon cleanse.
Purpose
Some practitioners of colon cleansing claim that this alternative therapy increases your body's natural healing abilities by removing toxic materials from your digestive tract. You may have a colon cleanse to treat a specific health condition or as a routine hygienic measure to detoxify your system. Some alternative cancer regimens include regular colon cleansing with coffee enemas or herbal solutions to support your immune system and boost your body's ability to fight the disease. According to the ACS, claims about the health benefits of colon cleansing are unfounded, and the procedure may cause illness or injury.
Health Complications
In some forms of colon therapy, a therapist may use a pump to irrigate your lower digestive tract with large amounts of fluid. Other forms of therapy involve one or more enemas using coffee or another preparation that may have healing properties. These procedures are typically performed multiple times during the same session to cleanse your colon thoroughly. The ACS advises against colon cleansing due to potential health risks and misleading claims made by practitioners of colon therapy. The Food and Drug Administration does not allow marketing of any colonic irrigation equipment that is not intended for conventional medical purposes, such as cleaning out the colon before a diagnostic exam.
Precautions
Before having a colon cleanse, the Mayo Clinic advises that you talk with your health care provider, especially if you have a serious health condition. People with colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colon tumors, heart or kidney failure should avoid colon cleansing due to the risk of intestinal injury or fluid overload, the ACS notes. Check with the therapist performing your colon cleanse to make sure that he uses disposable equipment to prevent illness caused by cross-contamination. If your practitioner is using an herbal preparation, request a list of ingredients so that you can be aware of any potential allergic reactions or interactions with medications you're taking. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you prepare for your cleanse by staying well hydrated. If laxatives are used during your cleanse, you may be at risk for an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration.
Alternatives
The Mayo Clinic notes that whether or not colon cleansing is safe, the procedure may not be necessary. Your body cleanses itself naturally by eliminating wastes after digestion. Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking adequate fluids and increasing your activity level may be healthier alternatives if you're trying to correct constipation, the Mayo Clinic advises. The ACS cautions that colon cleansing is not a substitute for conventional cancer therapy and that delaying medical evaluation or treatment may compromise your health.
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