Colonics are a type of colon cleanse that may help to detoxify the body through the removal of fecal matter stuck in the large intestine. According to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, the benefits of colonics have not been evaluated in clinical trials, and the procedure has the potential to cause serious side effects.
Electrolyte Imbalances
In addition to fecal matter, colonics clear away important minerals from the large intestine that are normally absorbed into the bloodstream. These minerals, or electrolytes, are important to a number of physiological processes, including regulating the amount of water in the body, blood acidity and muscle action. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy's (ASGE) consensus document on colonoscopies, hyperphosphatemia--a certain type of electrolyte imbalance in which there are excessive amounts of phosphates in the bloodstream--occurs in as many as 40 percent of individuals who had a sodium phosphate liquid colonic. This condition may be particularly serious for those with pre-existing kidney problems. As many as 20 percent develop hypokalemia (insufficient potassium in the bloodstream) that, if severe, can lead to heart arrhythmias, muscle fiber breakdown, kidney failure, fatigue, muscle spasms or paralysis. The ASGE also note that sodium phosphate colon cleanses have been linked to decreased exercise capacity, seizures, severe edema (swelling), dehydration and hypocalcemia, a condition in which levels of calcium in the blood are too low, causing confusion, depression and tingling in the extremities. Severe hyponatremia may also occur (a condition in which there is insufficient sodium outside of the body's cells), potentially leading to fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and altered mental status (confusion, hallucinations, reduced consciousness or coma).
Perforated Bowel and Infection
During a colonic, rubber tubing is used to administer the liquid cleansing solution. The bowel wall runs the risk of being perforated by the tip of the tube or by the use of excessive water pressure. If a hole is punctured in the bowel, severe abdominal pain and a life-threatening infection may occur.
In addition to infections that can occur from structural damage to the bowel, colonics can introduce bacteria and viruses to the large intestine. If the rubber tubing or gloves are not sterilized, they may spread germs to the large intestine, putting it at risk of infection.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to the materials used to perform the colonic are possible. A number of different substances may be added to the water used in the colon cleansing solution. According to the ASGE, these may include polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium phosphate or herbs such as senna. If you are allergic to one of these substances--or to latex or the material of the cleansing tube--you may have a potentially serious allergic reaction. Symptoms may include skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, eyes or tongue, severe abdominal pain, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, dizziness, faintness and low blood pressure.
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