Colon cleansing is a common practice prescribed by doctors preceding a test such as a colonoscopy, during which they need a clean colon to view any abnormalities in your intestines. For purposes of detoxifying your body however, fasting for a day to clean you bowels is not necessary, according to the Mayo Clinic, and may do more harm than good.
Fasting
Without added herbs, enemas or liquids aimed at clearing out your colon, a day of fasting will not clean out your digestive tract. When you avoid eating for a full day, your body adjusts by shutting down production and storage of cholesterol and fat, substances that your body relies on for energy, according to the Harvard School of Medicine. It turns instead to stored fat and continues the metabolic processes you need to live. Certain proteins that play a role in fat metabolism also cease production.
Medical Cleanse
When you prepare for a medical procedure that requires you to have a clean colon, you cannot eat any solid foods for 24 hours before the procedure. In the case of a colonscopy, your doctor prescribes a solution that triggers bowel movements so that you completely void any feces that may linger in your bowels. You'll be advised to drink clear liquids such as apple juice and white grape juice. The oral laxatives ensure that you'll have a clean colon so the doctor can get a clear view of your intestines to look for abnormalities, such as tears or polyps.
OTC Cleanse
Over-the-counter cleanse programs often include herbs and laxatives that promote cleansing. When you undertake the cleanse, you don't eat any solid food. You may be directed to drink warm salt water, herbal teas or a combination of lemon, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper as part of the program. According to the Harvard School of Medicine, proponents of the full-body cleanse recommend sticking with the fast for up to 10 days. No medical data exists to support the claims that colon cleanses help you lose weight, restore energy levels or relieve arthritis and chronic fatigue symptoms.
Risks
Undertaking a colon cleanse on your own without medical supervision can lead to complications. You can undergo an electrolyte imbalance, a serious side effect if you have heart problems or kidney disease. You may become dehydrated and develop constipation, making bowel movements difficult and hard to resume when you do eat again. You disrupt the intestinal flora in your gut that helps your body maintain balance. The body is equipped to clean itself through normal digestive processes when you eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. According to the Harvard School of Medicine, your body is created with a robust self-cleansing mechanism that doesn't require cleansing fasts or self-induced laxative protocols.
Member Comments