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Will A Colon Cleanse Rid Me Of Toxins?

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MARIA CANNAROZZI, M.D., Correspondent

Published: November 1, 2007

Today, more people are seeking alternative treatments that will help them feel better overall or improve their quality of life. Certainly, many product manufacturers have latched onto this potential market, offering an abundance of health-enhancing products and services on the Internet, in health food stores and alternative medicine settings.

An increasing number of patients are asking physicians about detoxification regimens — in particular colon cleansing. The colon cleanse, a practice unproved in medical literature, is based upon the premise that the body is under constant assault from pesticides, smog, sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and other toxins that can remain in the colon for months or years.

Detoxification proponents contend this accumulation of toxins in the colon can lead to a variety of common medical ailments, including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, severe gas and bloating, weight gain, chronic fatigue, acid reflux, parasites, stomach pain, diverticulitis and skin and hair problems. Yet, the cause for such conditions may be multiple or unknown in any one individual.

The colon cleanse is primarily designed to flush out accumulated toxins from the bowels. Participants ingest a proprietary mix of herbs to induce frequent and excessive bowel movements over a period of days to weeks.

The colon cleanse, a more recent alternative treatment, differs from a colonic (also known as colon irrigation), a procedure dating back to ancient times. During a colonic, water is infused into the colon (similar to an enema, but placed much higher into the bowel), and bowel contents are washed out of the colon while the patient is in a colon hydrotherapist's office.

No medical evidence supports the use of colon cleansing or colonics for a specific disease condition or patient population. In fact, the body already has several systems in place, including the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, to naturally eliminate toxins within hours of consumption. Common ailments such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome may be successfully treated with bulk forming agents, increased intake of water, a more active lifestyle and other nonmedicinal measures.

These aggressive alternative therapies can be unsafe for those vulnerable to intestinal and cardiac problems or with other chronic health conditions. Seniors; pregnant women; and people with heart, kidney, bowel or liver diseases should avoid colon cleansing and colonics. Risks of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, impaired nutrition and worsening of underlying medical conditions are potential concerns.

That being said, what if an otherwise healthy person wishes to try a colon cleanse or colonic? Certainly, many products and testimonials are available on the Internet, but be very selective about the sources of information on these Web sites. Cost of regimens vary based upon type of therapy provided (herbs versus colonic procedure), location (home versus provider office) and other services that may be packaged with the cleansing.

Remember that these detoxification practices have no substantiated preventive health benefit, and long-term or excessive cleansing or irrigation programs may be harmful. Before beginning any "wellness-enhancing" medical therapy, consult your physician and share your thoughts and concerns. Working together, you and your doctor can decide what is ultimately best for your individual overall health and wellness.

Dr. Cannarozzi is an assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at USF Health.

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