DIY Colon Cleanse

Eliminate toxins. Lose weight. There are lots of claims out there about what colon cleansing can do for you. But colon cleansing is a controversial practice in medical circles, and it's important to consider all the facts before giving it a try. Learn more about colon cleansing, some do-it-yourself procedures and whether it may be right for you.

Background

• Colon cleansing, a number of alternative medicine procedures designed to rid the colon of toxic buildup, is based on the medical theory of "auto-intoxification," the idea that the body cannot clean itself of all the toxins created by digesting food. This medical theory was popular up until the early 20th century, but is no longer accepted by the majority of the medical community. However, proponents of colon cleansing claim certain toxins build up in your system, causing negative health consequences like low energy, skin and hair problems, fat accumulation and even cancer. Other people who subscribe to colon cleansing simply claim they feel better after a cleansing, while others use it to lose weight (though it's unlikely you would lose any fat from colon cleansing, you may be technically lighter because of lost stool and water weight). The practice of colon cleansing is based on anecdotal evidence, not findings of peer-reviewed medical studies.

Prepared Colon Cleanses

• Many companies produce colon cleansing products that are prepared and ready to take (usually orally) in the comfort of your own home. These products are usually composed of a combination of laxatives and herbal supplements, and are systems lasting a week, a month, or longer. If you are considering purchasing a colon cleaning program, you should read all the ingredients and directions carefully, considering both cost and safety. If a product contains laxative ingredients and recommends long-term use, for instance, it could lead to laxative dependence and severe constipation once you discontinue use. Another thing to consider is the safety of herbal components. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and some herbs can cause side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Home Oral Cleanings

• Another option is to make your own cleansing solution with ingredients around your house (or the local grocery store). These are usually referred to as detox diets, and eliminate most solid foods and increase liquid intake. One example is the Master Cleanse diet, which uses a solution of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. Detox diets claim to work by pulling toxins from the body, including the digestive tract, however, they are not widely accepted by the medical community both because they do not provide enough nutrition (making them unsafe if used for a long period of time) and because not eating can actually cause the gut to stop passing food at all, resulting in constipation.

Mechanical Colon Cleansing

• One last do-it-yourself colon cleansing option is old-fashioned mechanical method: enemas. An enema works using the same principle as a colonic irrigation performed by an alternative medicine practitioner, using water to expand the lower intestinal tract and cause it to evacuate its contents. However, an enema can often be safer because it is not as invasive as a colonic and colonic practitioners have been known to use ingredients, like coffee and herbs, in their preparations that have caused serious illness and death. You can purchase either prepared sodium phosphate enemas at a pharmacy, or reusable home enema bag. Follow the directions on the packaging to prepare an at-home enema.

Warnings

• Be aware that colon cleansing products, whether oral or mechanical, usually rely on irritating laxatives to induce evacuation of the lower intestinal tract, and overuse of laxatives can lead to dependence. Be sure to discuss any alternative medicine procedures or supplements you are taking with your doctor to prevent negative side effects or interactions. Cleansing products can cause some medications to be less effective.