If you're considering colonics for weight loss, stop and reconsider. During a colonic -- also referred to as colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy -- a tube is inserted rectally and pressurized water, sometimes with the addition of coffee, herbs, enzymes or probiotics, is introduced to flush the bowel. Colonics don't help with weight loss and are potentially dangerous to your health. Consult your physician before using colonics for weight loss.
Claims
Colonic proponents claim irrigating your colon detoxifies your body, removes pounds of encrusted and putrefied waste, restores your colon's health and normal function and helps with weight loss. Some advocates claim having a colonic is a good first step for a weight loss program. Stories of celebrities who have colonics in preparation for a big event or who claim to have lost weight with colonics have circulated in the media and have created interest.
Expert Opinion
Colonics are ineffective for weight loss and detoxification, according to health experts at New York University's Langone Medical Center. You don't need to detoxify your colon because it naturally metabolizes and detoxifies food waste and turns over its cells every three days. The claims about crust and putrefying food sticking to your colon is "baloney," says Robert Russell, MD, a gastroenterologist at Tufts University in Boston. Mucus membranes lining your colon protect you from unwanted substances and your liver also helps to neutralize toxins, making detoxification by colonic irrigation ineffective and unnecessary.
Dangers
Colonics are potentially dangerous to your health. Serious infections have resulted from contaminated equipment. Colonics can disturb your normal balance of fluids and electrolytes, potentially leading to lead to nausea, vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, fluid in the lungs, heart failure and coma. Colonics also carry a risk of bowel perforation, which can result in septic shock and death. Avoid colonics if you are recovering from bowel surgery, have rectal or colon tumors, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or internal hemorrhoids. If you have a colonic, verify that the practitioner is a qualified health-care provider and that the equipment is sterile.
Alternatives
To keep your colon healthy and clean naturally, drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods. These measures will prevent constipation, hemorrhoids and fissures. Get 25 g to 30 g of fiber each day from plant-based foods like whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Fiber has the added benefit of helping you feel full, which can help you control your weight.
References
- University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center; Fiber---Not Fast-Fix Colon Cleansing Products---Key to Colorectal Health, UC Experts Advise; Amanda Harper; February 2009
- NetWellness; General Detoxification and Colon Cleansing; The Ohio State University Glen F. Aukerman, MD; Mar. 6, 2006
- NYU Langone Medical Center; Colon Cleansing: Don't Be Misled By the Claims; Larry Lindner, M.A.
- Six Dimensions of Wellness: Benefits of Colonics
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