Colon Cleansing Has No Proven Benefits, and Is Dangerous

Google “colon cleansing” and you get 4.8 million entries – most of them extolling the benefits of the procedure, and suggesting novel high-irrigation contents.  The procedure is very old, but in 1919 the American Medical Association issued a paper discounting the concept of auto-intoxication.  Nevertheless, people still believe the wash-out rids the body of toxins, though it’s become increasingly fashionable to use herbal extracts or other substances, such as coffee or probiotics, in large volumes.

Georgetown University researchers have published a paper in the Journal of Family Practice that reviews available medical literature on colon cleansing, and summarizes two case reports of adverse outcomes after the procedure.  They report that they can find no scientifically robust studies in support of colon cleansing.  They conclude by offering 4 points about colon cleansing for family practitioners to tell their patients:

1. Colon cleansing is not advisable, especially for patients who’ve had any gastrointestinal disorder or surgery, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
2. Side effects of colon cleansing include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, dehydration, acute kidney failure, pancreatitis, bowel perforation, peritonitis or other infections, and heart failure.
3. The devices used for the procedure are not approved by the FDA for colon cleansing, and are often inadequately disinfected or sterilized.  This can facilitate the occurrence of infections.
4. Colon-cleansing practitioners are not licensed by a scientifically regulated body, such as the American Medical Association or the American College of Gastroenterology.  Training offered by the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy is rudimentary, and requires little more than a high school diploma and CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certification.

You have been warned!  Save your money and avoid an unpleasant procedure that’s of questionable value and potentially dangerous.