Supporters of colon cleansing believe that toxins in your intestines cause health problems such as cancer, weight gain and arthritis. By clearing out the colon, they say, you will remove these toxins and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your intestines. Although doctors often prescribe colon cleansing before procedures such as colonoscopies, you may harm your body if you regularly use cleansing procedures such as laxatives and enemas, according to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco.
Minimal Evidence
Although many colon cleanse proponents claim they feel lighter and healthier after they detoxify, no strong evidence proves such procedures can remove toxins from your body or offer any added health benefits. Furthermore, the theory that colon cleansing can dislodge toxic material from the colon walls is inaccurate, as accumulated fecal matter tends to compact on the interior of the colon instead, according to Harvard HEALTHbeat.
Fluid Imbalance
A major risk of colon cleansing, whether by means of a laxative supplement or a colonic, is dehydration. Colon cleansing procedures may also wipe out friendly bacteria and important minerals such as potassium, according to Health Services at Columbia University. This over-cleansing can cause a deficiency or imbalance of electrolytes in the body and may lead to problems such as kidney failure. You are also at risk of heart failure if your body absorbs too many fluids during a colon flushing procedure.
Perforation and Contamination
The physical process of cleansing the colon can be harmful on its own. Equipment used for colon therapy is illegal unless used as part of conventional medical treatments, according to the American Cancer Society. Unskilled practitioners using colonics machines may not properly sterilize, insert or remove the equipment. Contaminated equipment can cause illnesses and even death. Another risk of improper use of equipment is perforation of the bowel walls. You may be at greater risk of sustaining bowel injury from colonics if you are newly recovering from intestinal surgery or if have conditions such as severe hemorrhoids, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.
Tips
Ask your conventional medical provider before you opt to use an enema, take laxatives or undergo colonic irrigation for cleansing purposes. She may ask you to give the list of any herbal ingredients in the products you intend to use. If your doctor gives you the thumbs-up to receive colon cleansing at a facility, ask your practitioner to show proof he is certified to perform colon therapy in your state. Also ensure that the equipment your practitioner uses is disposable and new. Do your best to avoid dehydration by drinking fluids throughout your colon cleansing treatment, recommends Dr. Picco.
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