Flushing the large intestine is generally viewed dubiously among medical professionals. They believe the health benefits are largely overstated or false, and there are many helpful bacteria in the tract that are also washed away.
Proponents of the act point out that it’s been practiced for a long time and note that doctors use rectal suppositories to administer drugs rapidly. They also believe that undigested foods can cause mucus buildup in the colon, which can produce toxins that enter the bloodstream, causing all sorts of issues, including fatigue, weight gain, headaches and general low energy.
Overall, colon cleansing product manufacturers make broad statements on the health benefits of the practice, reports WebMD. The purpose of the cleanse is to remove waste from the colon walls, which practitioners claim can improve the body’s vitality.
Researchers at the Georgetown University School of Medicine and Providence Hospital begged to differ, issuing a report on colonics in the Journal of Family Practice. They determined that colonic cleanses with water, herbal remedies and other supplements don’t achieve much, other than discomfort.
Colonics: Similar to Colonoscopy?
Those undergoing a colonoscopy are already familiar with colon cleansing. That’s because a colonoscopy requires the ingestion of large amounts of fluid to clean out the area before a camera inspects it for potential cancerous polyps. With a colonic (sometimes referred to as colonic irrigation), a large amount of water and potentially such substances as coffee or herbs are flushed into the colon via a tube inserted into the rectum. The goal is an eventual purge, which proponents claim will help with weight loss, increasing energy and eliminating the toxins that produce allergies, arthritis and asthma while boosting the immune system.
There are two main methods of colon cleansing: using over-the-counter products or visiting a practitioner who will administer the procedure.
Some over-the-counter products are self-administered and taken by mouth. These include laxatives, herbal teas, enzymes and magnesium. There are also home enema kits. All are found on the shelves of drugstores, supermarkets and chain discount stores.
When you visit a colonics professional, you will receive a high colonic irrigation using a machine that will administer the water directly into the rectum. A colonic hygienist or hydrotherapist usually performs the procedure.
The patient lies on a table while a low-pressure pump or gravity reservoir flushes up to 16 gallons of water into the colon via a small tube inserted into the rectum. Several different pressures and temperatures may be used, and practitioners may combine the water with coffee, enzymes, herbs or probiotics, which are supplements containing beneficial bacteria.
While the water is in the colon, the therapist may massage the abdomen to stimulate flow. You will then release the water and any waste in a nearby toilet. The process may be repeated after that. Most treatments last about an hour and cost about $80 to $100 per session.
Colonics Controversy
There’s just one problem – there’s no real scientific evidence that colonics live up to their promises. The digestive system and bowels already eliminate waste from the body. With colonics, you risk of dehydration, bowel perforations, and changes in electrolyte levels that can be dangerous for those with heart, kidney or other underlying problems, and increase the risk of infection. Some coffee colonics have even caused several fatalities. There’s also the side effects of bloating, cramping, vomiting and nausea that can accompany a colonic.
Whether colonics are even necessary is debatable. Bowel movements and the natural bacteria found in the colon are believed to be enough to remove any toxins created by food waste, while the liver also works to detoxify the body. Mucus in the colon is a barrier to absorption back into the bloodstream of any unwanted substances, and the colon itself sheds its old cells every three days, preventing any buildup. As for weight loss, most calories have been absorbed by the body before reaching the large intestine.
Before Trying a Colonic
It’s wise to ask your family doctor about the procedure before taking a colonic. This is particularly true if you take prescribed medicines for health problems, have ongoing heart problems or other issues with internal organs. It is generally recommended that you do not undergo colon cleansing if you have ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, rectal or bowel tumors, or have had recent bowel surgery.
Check the colonics facility’s background and make sure they use disposable equipment. Also determine the types of herbal ingredients and their amounts to determine whether there may be any allergic reactions to them. And make sure to stay well-hydrated during the procedure.
Unfortunately, there is no government regulation of the colonics industry, which means that the procedures, safety and efficacy aren’t monitored. Some states, but not all, require practitioners to be licensed. There are professional standards organizations for the colonics industry, and studies have shown that trained professionals who adhere to recognized practices generally have no problems. In Britain, one study monitored colon irrigation and found no problems in more than 5,000 colon irrigations.
Keep in mind that diet and lifestyle, rather than flushing the colon, have the greatest impact on overall health. Eating more insoluble and soluble fiber helps with constipation. The average American eats up to 15 grams a day, when 20 to 35 are recommended.
Cereal, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, oatmeal and bran added to the diet can help.
Drink plenty of whatever, but don’t overdo the alcohol or red meat and avoid smoking. That and regular colon cancer checkups are the natural way toward better colon health.