Some may consider colonic hydrotherapy a diet, because of the recently popularized notion that it contributes to weight loss. The goal of colonic hydrotherapy --- also known as colonic irrigation --- is not to encourage weight loss but to rid the body of toxins. Any weight lost as a result of the procedure is most likely water and waste, according to WebMD. Should you choose to continue eating the recommended foods and limiting what therapists would call the harmful foods, you might lose weight, not as a direct result of the colonic, but because you are eating healthfully.
History
According to WebMD, colonic irrigation --- essentially cleansing enemas --- became popular in America in the 1920s and 1930s, but has been used to cleanse the body of toxins since Ancient Greece. Recently, the practice has gained popularity when some celebrities praised it as an effective way to lose weight.
Procedure
The patient lies flat on a table in a comfortable position. A trained professional inserts a tube into the rectum and fills the intestines with up to 20 gallons of warm, sterile water. The therapist may add enzymes, herbs, coffee or probiotics to the water, according to WebMD. The therapist massages the patient's abdomen to loosen any stubborn material in the colon. The waste material leaves the body through a separate tube. There is no odor and, generally, no pain. The entire procedure takes about one hour.
Benefits
Patients and colonic therapists praise the procedure for its removal of harmful bacteria, leaving a friendlier environment for beneficial bacteria to grow. Those with intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation claim that it relieves their symptoms, while others may feel lighter or less stressed.
Risks and Side Effects
Colonic irrigation is not regulated by the FDA, and there are no scientific or medical studies that have studied its efficacy. Because it is unregulated, the safety of the procedure cannot be guaranteed, but the risk for serious harm or side effects is low when the procedure is performed by a trained and certified professional. According to WebMD, there are 5,600 colonics performed in Britain each year, and there have been no reports of severe side effects. There is a risk of allergic reaction to any substance added to the water, as well as dehydration and a mineral imbalance.
Alternatives
It is possible to enjoy the purported benefits of a colonic without submitting to a colonic irrigation. There are products on the market that you can take at home that claim to have the same effects as a colonic irrigation. They are usually in the form of oral supplements or rectal suppositories that encourage the colon to expel its contents. Always consult with a physician before embarking on a colon cleanse.
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