In general, colon cleansing is not a good idea. Sometimes, it is necessary for people preparing to undergo a medical procedure or examination, such as a colonoscopy or a colon X-ray. All waste must be eliminated from the colon so that its lining can be viewed during these two procedures. But unless a doctor has recommended it as preparation for such a procedure, I strongly discourage people from colon cleansing. It can cause traumatic injury to the colon and result in long-term medical problems.

Colon cleansing is a process to empty the colon of waste material and bacteria. Common methods are an enema -- inserting a tube through the anal canal and into the lowest part of the colon (rectum), then passing liquid through the tube and into the colon -- or swallowing a liquid to purge the colon of its contents. During an enema, pressure is required for the liquid to reach the upper part of the colon -- usually a length of four or five feet -- and a pump is often used to force the liquid through the colon. Within a few minutes, the fluid comes back out of the colon, bringing waste with it.

Unless specifically recommended by a doctor, colon cleansing should not be attempted, for several reasons. First, putting liquid under pressure into the colon can damage the colon's lining. In some cases, excess pressure can actually tear a hole in the colon.

Second, colon cleansing, done regularly, can harm the colon's ability to function properly. The colon's main function is to store waste material and to propel that waste out of the body with muscular contractions. The muscles in the wall of the colon need to stay in shape to effectively move waste through the colon. With an artificial technique, such as colon cleansing, the colon doesn't need to work as hard to pass waste material, and its muscles may weaken and become less efficient. This can inhibit the body's ability to expel waste normally.

Proponents of colon cleansing claim toxins from the gastrointestinal tract can cause health problems, such as arthritis, allergies and asthma. They say that colon cleansing removes these toxins, thus promoting better health. No scientific evidence exists to support this theory. The digestive system and colon naturally eliminate waste material and bacteria; the body doesn't need colon cleansing to do this.

Some people use colon cleansing as a remedy for constipation. Cleansing may help clear out the waste, but it's not a long-term solution for constipation. The results are usually short-lived and constipation often recurs. For some, a combination of diet changes -- such as adding more fluids and fiber -- and regular exercise may help prevent constipation. But for others, constipation is a difficult problem that requires medical attention to determine the cause and identify appropriate treatment.

If constipation is a chronic problem, or if you have other digestive health concerns, talk to your doctor. Colon cleansing is not an effective treatment for these or other medical conditions, and it has the potential to cause serious side effects, including long-term colon damage.

Mark Larson, M.D., Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn't replace regular medical care.

 

 

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