Summary
Colon cleansing is an ancient procedure that has evolved with time. It is known for claims of detoxification of the body and strengthening the gut. It involves flushing almost 60 liters of water into the rectum along with herbs, coffee, and teas.
Colonics claim that it leads to a healthy gut devoid of toxins and prevents several intestinal diseases. However, this claim has no scientific basis, and health professionals do not recommend this procedure. The only indication of colon cleansing in the medical field is when the gut is prepared for surgical or endoscopic procedures.
Contents showAll the pros and cons of colon cleansing should be explained before the procedure. A safety checklist should be strictly followed to prevent complications (such as dehydration, cramping, abdominal pain, and bowel perforation). Lifestyle modifications and dietary changes can be done to ensure good colon health.
Introduction to Colon Cleansing
In the modern-day era, accessibility to health-related issues has become easier than it was in the past. More and more people now believe and demand the scientific basis of things. Though lacking in scientific evidence and apparently benefitting health, traditional and homemade remedies are still being continued in practice by many people. One of these evolved approaches to preventing digestive system diseases is colon cleansing.
Colon cleansing or colonic irrigation has its roots in ancient Greece times. In the United States, it was introduced in the 1900s. Still, scientific theories did not support it much and lost its value. Recently, it is becoming increasingly popular as colon cleansing with teas, herbs, enzymes, or colon irrigation. (1, 2)
Is colon cleansing good for your health? Are there any harms of colon cleansing? Is it recommended to do regular colon cleansing? The mechanism of colon cleansing explained by traditional healers and colonics needs a scientific basis. Before colon cleansing, you should have an overview of the procedure, its benefits, and its harms. This article will help you weigh the pros and cons of this procedure and provide the answers to your questions about colon cleansing.
What is Colon Cleansing?
Colon cleansing is a technique in which about 60 liters of water is flushed through the colon (a small amount of water at one time and performed in several intervals), sometimes along with other substances, such as teas, coffee, or herbs. This fluid is flushed through the colon using a tube inserted into the patient’s rectum. This procedure usually takes about 30-45 minutes. (3)
Physiology of Colon Cleansing
The colon is part of your large intestine that reabsorbs water and other nutrients from the digested food, which stay inside it long before expulsion as a stool.
According to the colonics, this colon cleansing technique leads to bowel exercises and tones the bowel, keeping the evacuation of fecal matter easy by giving strength to the intestinal muscles. Moreover, it is considered that the accumulation of fecal matter in the colon causes the reabsorption of toxins into the bloodstream and interferes with the absorption of essential nutrients. This autointoxication is believed to cause various immune system-related diseases by believers of colonics with no scientific basis. (3)
However, these theories are not backed by scientific research, as we know that the intestinal muscles are smooth muscles and cannot be toned by exercise.
Are There Benefits of Colon Cleansing?
Traditional healers present colon cleansing as a very beneficial procedure for colon health and detoxifying toxins from the body. Various claims are being made regarding the benefits of colon cleansing by them. Still, most of them lack scientific basis and are not proven by studies. These are:
- Better digestion
- Weight loss
- Increased energy
- Improved immunity
- Improved mental outlook
- Reduced risk of colon cancer
There is only one scientifically proven benefit of colon cleansing backed by a pilot study on patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study showed that colon cleansing can improve IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Patients stated the symptoms of IBS were “less disturbing” after colon cleansing with the Ashong colonic irrigation apparatus (ACIA). (4)
What are the Associated Risks?
Colon cleansing is associated with many risks and complications, especially if done vigorously without any precautions. It can range from mild to severe complications. These are: (5)
Mild Adverse Effects
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
Severe Adverse Effects
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Bowel perforation
- Bacterial imbalance and infection
- Septicemia
- Renal failure
Methods of Colon Cleansing
There are different ways of colon cleansing used by the colonics. These include:
Oral or Rectal Supplements
In this method, the patient takes the supplements by mouth or through the rectum. These supplements help the colon to evacuate its contents easily. Examples of this method are enemas, laxatives, herbal tea or coffee, and enzymes.
Colonic Irrigation
It is also called colon hydrotherapy, which uses several gallons of water flushed through a small tube into the patient’s rectum. Once water is injected into the colon, the therapist may massage the abdomen. Then water is passed like a regular bowel movement by the patient. This process is repeated several times and may take 30-45 minutes.
What are the Indications for Undergoing Colon Cleansing? Is it Necessary?
Proponents of colon cleansing present this procedure as beneficial for gut health and convince people to undergo colon cleansing. Still, no such condition is stated in the medical literature to date where it is necessary for you to get colon cleansing outside the medical purpose.
The only indication we have to perform a colon cleanse in a medical facility is when doctors prepare the gut for surgical or endoscopic procedures. Following are a few clinical applications for which gut preparation and evacuation of fecal matter is indicated: (6)
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Barium enema for radiological imaging
- Colorectal surgery
- Enema to relieve constipation
Moreover, it is also important to mention that our digestive system is designed to auto-clean itself by different defense mechanisms. The digestive system naturally tends to identify unnecessary and toxic substances and remove them in the form of stools. The liver is a detoxifying center of the body that turns harmful and toxic substances into neutral forms, which are then excreted in urine or stools. So, there is no indication to undergo colon cleansing to detoxify the gut or strengthen the colon.
What are the Colon Cleansing Agents Used?
Colon cleansing can be done with tap water (as in colon hydrotherapy), herbal laxatives (such as senna, cascara, and aloe vera), coffee, and teas. These can be given by mouth or through a tube placed in the rectum as an enema.
Bisacodyl, anthraquinone glycosides (Cascara), and sodium picosulfate are the colon cleansing agents commonly used in a hospital setting. These can be used alone or in combination to get the desired effect, followed by a tap water enema. (7)
Tips for Safe Colon Cleansing
If you are planning to undergo the procedure of colon cleansing, here are some tips that might help you to avoid any undesirable effects.
- Always consult a doctor before undergoing any procedure. Some people may be at a greater risk of developing complications during the procedure and should be warned.
- Understand the procedure of colon cleansing and all the potential benefits and risks of the procedure.
- Consume plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration before and after undergoing colon cleansing.
- Always choose a qualified and licensed person with the knowledge and ability to deal with any complications that may develop during the procedure.
- Ensure the sterilization of instruments before undergoing the procedure.
Tips to Boost Your Colon Health
Other than colon cleansing, there are many ways to improve your colon health without the risk of complications. These include: (8)
- Good hydration (drink plenty of fluids)
- Use of high fiber diet(plant-based diet)
- Use of probiotics (that is good for the natural microbiome of the colon)
- Smoking cessation
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Regular Exercise
See Also
Cost of Colonoscopy Without Insurance?
Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopy?
Organizations That Provide Colon Cancer Grants
Gastrointestinal Medical Education
References
1. Ebbel, B. (1937). The Papyrus Ebers. Copenhagen: Levin and Munksgaard. pp. 30–32.
2. Toronto Area Colon Hydrotherapy | A Brief History of Colonics. (n.d.). https://www.digestivehealthcentre.com/colonics-history.html
3. Seow-Choen F. The physiology of colonic hydrotherapy. Colorectal Dis. 2009 Sep;11(7):686-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2009.01837.x. Epub 2009 Mar 27. PMID: 19508546.
4. Hsu HH, Leung WH, Hu GC. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with a novel colonic irrigation system: a pilot study. Tech Coloproctol. 2016 Aug;20(8):551-7. doi: 10.1007/s10151-016-1491-x. Epub 2016 May 19. PMID: 27194235; PMCID: PMC4960275.
5. Mishori R, Otubu A, Jones AA. The dangers of colon cleansing. J Fam Pract. 2011 Aug;60(8):454-7. PMID: 21814639.
6. Froehlich F, Wietlisbach V, Gonvers JJ, Burnand B, Vader JP. Impact of colonic cleansing on quality and diagnostic yield of colonoscopy: the European Panel of Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy European multicenter study. Gastrointest Endosc. 2005 Mar;61(3):378-84. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5107(04)02776-2. PMID: 15758907.
7. Fork FT, Ekberg O, Nilsson G, Rerup C, Skinhøj A. Colon cleansing regimens. A clinical study in 1200 patients. Gastrointest Radiol. 1982;7(4):383-9. doi: 10.1007/BF01887677. PMID: 6754521.
8. Schaefer, A. (2018, June 15). Colon Cleanse: What You Need to Know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/pros-cons-colon-cleanse#safety-tips
Dr. Muhammad Daniyal Haider is a general physician who continuously seeks for platforms to serve the community and utilize his knowledge and abilities to improve the health system. Dedication to the cure of diseases and, more importantly, prevention and awareness of people about these diseases is the goal. He is a general physician, author, and calligrapher. He is passionate about research projects, the latest guidelines and techniques which can lead to a better approach to the patient’s condition.
Franco Cuevas is a physician who graduated from the National University of Córdoba, Argentina. He practices general medicine in the Emergency Department at Sanatorio de la Cañada, Córdoba. His focus is on writing medical content to improve physicians' access to relevant medical information for daily practice. He has participated in some research projects and has a special joy in teaching and writing about medical concepts.
Dr. Baran Erdik is an M.D. with further specialization in Internal Medicine/Cardiology. He traveled the world, working as a physician in New Zealand, Germany and Washington State.
After earning his Master’s in Healthcare Administration and Policy from Washington State University, graduating summa cum laude, he decided to make a turn in his career. His master’s degree opened the door for him to a different aspect of the healthcare industry which highly piqued his interest. He found his new passion in consulting for hospitals and medical practices, where he could leverage his physician experience – understanding the needs of the clinicians – as well as his studies in healthcare administration.
He has now settled down in Atlanta, consulting for healthcare facilities, and helps CSR on a wide range of issues: mergers and acquisitions, policy compliance, and savings and efficiency, among others. What he enjoys most in his work is the need to constantly adapt to challenges and changes. It makes every day different and worth going to work for.
He has also done research on evidence-based medicine, focused on how big data can be used in medicine and consulting.
Follow us