According to proponents of colon cleaning systems, flushing your colon can remove trapped toxins by helping hardened fecal matter exit the body. And if you've read about the dozens of supplements and devices that claim to promote optimum intestinal health, you may be led to believe that colon cleaning practices are as healthy and natural as taking multivitamins. In reality, cleaning your colon may not be as healthy as you'd think. In fact, it can be dangerous if you're not careful.
Alleged Benefits
If you believe the claims made by colon detox proponents, ridding your body of toxins by cleaning the colon can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of cancer and help you heal from ailments such as asthma, allergies and arthritis, according to MayoClinic.com. Immediate evidence of the cleaning doing its job is supposedly a boost in energy and increased feelings of lightness, but these effects may be more psychological than physical.
The Facts
No hard scientific evidence shows that colon cleaning procedures can improve your health. If you see promotional photographs from "detox" programs that depict large gelatinous substances expelled by the cleaning process, don't take them at face value. These images are likely of stool generated by participants taking large quantities of a program's fiber supplement, warns Harvard "HEALTHbeat." If accumulated fecal matter were to be removed, it would come from firm masses within the colon rather than so-called sludge on the walls of the colon. Your doctor will likely recommend against cleaning your colon with a detox system because your digestive system and bowel naturally help your body get rid of bacteria and harmful waste material.
The Risks
Your body's natural fluid and nutrient balance may fall out of balance if you consistently use products that claim to help you clean your colon. As a result, you may experience dehydration, cramping, bloating and imbalances of electrolytes such as calcium and potassium, warns the American Council on Sciences and Health. Further dangers include increased risk of infection, bowel perforations, irregular heartbeat, kidney damage and heart attacks. Methods you might use to clean your colon can also be dangerous within themselves. For instance, improperly inserting a colonics tube or using an improperly sterilized one can lead to infection.
Promoting a Healthy Colon
Unless your doctor says otherwise, you don't need a colon cleaning procedure to stay healthy. Your body is capable of defending itself against toxic invaders as long as you do your part to treat your body well. Maintain your body by eating a diet low in saturated fat, avoiding smoking or drinking large quantities of alcohol, drinking enough water to keep your urine light, exercising at least 30 minutes a day, sleeping until well-rested every night and checking in with your doctor from time to time, recommends Harvard "HEALTHbeat."
References
- Harvard "HEALTHbeat"; The Dubious Practice of Detox; 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Colon cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?; Michael Picco, M.D.; March 2011
- Health Services at Columbia University; Colon Cleanse; 2008
- American Council on Science and Health; How Clean Should Your Colon Be?; Karen Schneider; 2003
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