Georgetown University doctors have found that colon cleansing may cause harmful side effects.
Their review of scientific literature, published in The Journal of Family Practice, demonstrates that colon cleansing can cause side effects ranging from cramping to renal failure and death.
What is Colon Cleansing?
The procedure, sometimes called colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, often involves use of chemicals followed by flushing the colon with water through a tube inserted in the rectum. It has ancient roots, but was discredited by the American Medical Association in the early 1900s.
Colon Cleansing Consequences
"There can be serious consequences for those who engage in colon cleansing whether they have the procedure done at a spa or perform it at home," says the paper’s lead author, Ranit Mishori, M.D., a family medicine physician at Georgetown University School of Medicine. "Colon cleansing products in the form of laxatives, teas, powders and capsules with names such as Nature’s Bounty Colon Cleaner tout benefits that don’t exist." She also says it’s important to remember the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has no authority to monitor these products.
Research on Colon Cleansing Side Effects
Mishori and her colleagues examined 20 studies published in the medical literature published in the last decade. She says that while these reports show little evidence of benefit, there is an abundance of studies noting side effects following the use of cleansing products including cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance and renal failure.
"Some herbal preparations have also been associated with aplastic anemia and liver toxicity," she says.
And Mishori points out that colon cleansing services are increasingly being offered at spas or clinics by practitioners who call themselves ‘colon hygienists’ but they have no significant medical training. In fact, organizations such as the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy and others who promote colon cleansing require hygienists to have little more than a high school diploma.
Healthy Alternatives to Colon Cleansing
Mishori says there are much better ways to enhance well-being: "Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get six to eight hours of sleep and see a doctor regularly."
Read Why You Need to Detoxify 24 Hours a Day
In addition to Mishori, other authors include Aye Otubu, M.D., M.P.H. and Aminah Alleyne Jones, M.D., M.P.H. of the Georgetown University and Providence Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Washington, D.C.
Spread the Health by forwarding this article to your friends and family, and sharing on Facebook.
Sign up for Pill Advised to discover how your medications and vitamins interact.
Watch Pill Advised videos to learn more and
join the Pill Advised Facebook page
Reference: The Journal of Family Practice. Published online August 2011.
“The dangers of colon cleansing,” Ranit Mishori, MD, MHS, Aye Otubu, MD, MPH, Aminah Alleyne Jones, MD, MPH
Source: The Journal of Family Practice
