Detoxification diets often contain colon cleansers to promote weight loss by reducing the amount of fats, chemicals and other buildup in your colon. Health professionals debate the effectiveness of colon cleansers for improving your health or losing weight. Protect yourself from the possible dangers of colon cleansers for weight loss by separating the facts from the hype. Always consult your doctor prior to starting any type of colon cleansing.
Weight Loss From Colon Cleansers
"Colon cleansers allow for weight loss in much the same way as intestinal flues or other forms of diarrhea," explains Dr. Michael Hall, a Pennsylvania-based family physician practicing medicine for DuBois Regional Medical Center. He goes on to state that you lose mostly water weight when performing a colon cleanse, which causes you to quickly regain the weight when you stop using the cleanser. Contrary to Dr. Hall's statement that he has never seen a person sustain weight loss from colon cleansing, colon cleanser manufacturers suggest that you can maintain the weight loss because your digestive track can function at its best when you use colon cleansers regularly.
Scientific Evidence
Scientific research has failed to prove the effectiveness of colon cleansing for weight loss, increased energy or improved immune function. The research has verified that fasting or low calorie diets used along with colon cleansers can decrease your metabolic weight, increasing your chances of gaining weight when you resume your normal diet, according to the July 2008 issue of Health Beat produced by Harvard Medical School. Doctors often prescribe colon cleansers prior to medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy, but your body does not need them for any other purpose. Dr. Hall states, "The digestive system is designed to remove bacteria and waste from your colon and any other toxins or wastes get removed from your body when you breath, sweat or urinate.
Negative Effects
Colon cleansers often have dangerous consequences that endanger your health. Common side effects of colon cleansers include digestive disorders caused by the removal of healthy bacteria from your colon, dehydration as a result of frequent bowel movements and electrolyte imbalances caused by the removal of important minerals such as potassium, according to Go Ask Alice!, a question and answer service provided by Columbia University's Health Promotion Program. Symptoms of these conditions include blood sugar problems, fatigue and headaches. In extreme cases, you could experience a heart attack, stroke or coma, advises Dr. Hall.
Healthy Weight Loss
Bypass the risks associated with the use of colon cleansers for weight loss by adapting a healthy diet and increasing your activity level. Dr. Hall explains that a diet full of water, fresh produce and whole grains gradually improves the health of your colon and usually decreases the number of calories you consume, especially if you limit your intake of processed foods, extra sugar, extra salt and caffeine. Add a daily walk or other physical activity to increase your weight loss and better your chances of keeping the weight off.
References
- Dr. Michael Hall; DuBois Regional Medical Center; DuBois, Pennsylvania
- Go Ask Alice!; Colon Cleanse; August 2008
- Harvard Health Beat; The Dubious Practice of Detox; July 2008
