Weight loss fads encompass a variety of philosophies and practices ranging from the mildly silly to the potentially dangerous. One fitting into the latter category is colon cleansing. Colon cleansing methods can involve taking supplements or using powders that contain powerful laxatives such as senna, or irrigation of the colon using water laced with anything from oils and vitamins to coffee. Aside from being unnecessary, and possibly dangerous, colon cleanse diets are not effective as a weight loss tool.
Theory/Speculation
Practitioners of and adherents to many types of alternate medicine believe that solid waste can build up in your colon, crusting over and putrefying. This impacted and supposedly decomposing waste is then blamed for releasing toxins into the rest of your body, which are blamed for causing problems from fatigue to certain cancers. Manufacturers and purveyors of colon cleanses claim that forcibly evacuating the colon removes this impacted waste and the toxins that it releases, and that doing so can foster weight loss, ease constipation and rejuvenate your body.
Misconceptions
The theory that food can crust over and putrefy in your body has no basis in reality, according to gastroenterologist Dr. Robert Russell. The cells in your gastrointestinal tract renew themselves every three days, making it impossible for any food to stay stuck to them. Your colon contains natural bacteria that metabolize toxins, and the mucous membranes that line your intestinal tract prevent any toxins from seeping out of it and into the rest of your body.
Dangers
Colon cleansing by any method can remove the necessary, healthy bacteria that occur naturally in your colon. Forced elimination can also result in dehydration and a loss of potassium and other minerals. If a colon cleanse involving the introduction of fluids into your colon is done improperly, it can lead to infection or contamination. There is also a risk of heart failure if your body is forced to absorb too much water. At the very least, the use of colon cleanses containing laxatives can cause you to become dependent on them.
Expert Insight
The leading cause of constipation, according to University of Minnesota Extension author Sara Sjoberg, is lack of fiber in the diet. Fiber creates bulk that stimulates healthy elimination. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains all contain enough fiber to keep you regular, while being low in fat and calories, which helps with weight loss. A diet that is high in fiber can help ease the need for laxatives like those found in colon cleanses. A fiber-rich diet can also help you avoid chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
References
- "UC Health News"; UC Health Line: Fiber---Not Fast Fix 'Colon Cleansing' Products---Key to Colorectal Health; January 2009
- NYU Langone Medical Center; Colon Cleansing: Don't Be Misled By the Claims; Larry Lindner, MA;
- Go Ask Alice!: Colon Cleanse; August 2008
- University of Minnesota Extension; Help Yourself to Health with Dairy, Fruits, and Vegetables; Sara Sjobery; 2003
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