Dangers of Colonics

Many practitioners of holistic medicine advocate the use of colonics, also called colon cleanses. Because it is the job of the colon to remove waste from the body, advocates of colon cleansing reason that cleaning the intestinal tract removes toxins and waste from the body, hence making it healthier. In reality the colon is a self-regulating organ and does not need help performing its waste removal tasks. Doctors do not recommend colon cleansing and warn that the process may actually cause harm.

Allergies

• There is a risk that you could be allergic to either the rubber tubes and nozzles used to deliver a colon cleanse or some of the ingredients in the cleanser.

Perforation

• It is possible for the water pressure or the cleanse equipment itself to puncture the wall of your intestine during a colon cleanse. This allows substances from your intestine to enter other arts of the body and can create a life-threatening situation.

Electrolyte Imbalance

• The large intestine absorbs substances like potassium and sodium from the food we eat. Colon cleanses can remove too much from our body too soon, causing an electrolyte imbalance.

Infection

• Colon cleanse instruments that have not been properly cleaned and sterilized can cause infection.

Water Absorption

• Your body may absorb too much water during a colon cleanse which can lead to nausea, vomiting, fluid in the lungs and heart failure.

Good Bacteria

• Your intestinal tract needs certain bacteria and chemicals to work properly. Colon cleanses can strip the body of substances it needs in order for your colon to work properly.