Colon cleansing: Valuable therapy or simply cleansing out of your wallet?

A 27-year-old graduate student was experiencing physical and emotional exhaustion, depression, anxiety and a general uneasiness with her body. One morning, while she was at the gym, a friend suggested she try colonic irrigation, a procedure that alternative health practitioner’s claim " cleanses" the colon. A colonic irrigation entails flushing the colon, or large intestine, with 10 to 20 gallons of water under gentle pressure by way of a rectal applicator. After researching the topic on the Internet and finding what appeared to be a reputable practitioner, patient went for her first high colonic treatment. The treatment lasted about an hour, and although it was uncomfortable at first, patient experienced no pain and relaxed as the therapy progressed. Patient said after her colonic irrigation she felt "energized" and "emotionally charged," but these feelings were replaced a few hours later with dizziness, uncontrollable shaking and nausea. She called the treatment center and was told that what she was experiencing was normal, that she should take it easy and drink lots of water. After a few more hours, she felt better again. Patient continued with high colonic treatments, having five in three months. The result, according to patient, is incredible. Patient feels stronger, more positive and energetic, and can even see an improvement in her complexion and overall appearance. Her experience with alternative therapy is not uncommon. With the renewed interest in naturopathic medicine, people have rediscovered alternative health treatments and are more frequently considering them as an option. Colon cleansing, or detoxification of the large intestine, has become a popular "natural" therapy. However, cleansing and detoxification are subject of disagreement between medical professionals and alternative health practitioners.

The colon, also called the large intestine, is the last section of the digestive tract where solid waste is stored and later passed from the body. It is approximately five to six feet long and wraps throughout the abdomen. The passing of waste into the large intestine occurs only after the small intestine has absorbed and needed vitamins and nutrients from food digested by the stomach. Indigestible portions of food remain in the large intestine until they are passed.

Of course, constipation and irregular bowel movements result in stool remaining in the colon for varying periods of time. Alternative health practitioners who advocate detoxification believe that remnant fecal matter may become lodged and eventually leak poisons into the blood stream, causing toxemia (abnormal levels of toxins in the blood) and infection as well as disrupting the natural balance of the body. In addition, the colon contains many types of bacteria, and practitioners of colonic therapies claim to cleanse the system by eliminating toxins from the body through fasting, herbal remedies and irrigation therapies. Alternative health practitioners way colonics offer relief from a variety of ailments such as chronic fatigue, gas, headaches, irritability and skin problems as well as constipation and diarrhea. There are up to 400 different types of bacteria in the colon, but these bacteria are necessary for the body to process waste, and the body is able to rid itself of stool naturally. Doctors has been treating patients and educating the public about digestive health for more than 30 years. Positive testimonials, like this patient does, are usually the results of a placebo effect. Testimonials are worthless; there are no medical, evidence-based studies to support these experiences, adding our mouth, nose and ears all have bacteria too. The colon is designed to have bacteria, and with the right diet the colon works wonderfully. Colon is a " wonderful, healthy organ that does not need assistance" and high colonics are "conducted by people who have no medical training, do not understand infection control and do not know the physiology of the body. Moreover, colonic treatments may be harmful. Colonic treatments may deplete the large intestine of needed vitamins and electrolytes (salts such as potassium sodium and magnesium).

Although some alternative treatments and therapies may be beneficial, others may be harmful to normal body processes. If you have a concern about your digestive health, you should always consult your gastroenterologist before trying any alternative treatments.