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Detox With Colonics

Proponents of colonics claim that the procedure is an effective way to detoxify and cleanse the body of unhealthy toxins. Colonics is a procedure in which a tube is inserted in the rectum and used to flush out waste as warm or cold water filters through the tube. Weed through the pros and cons of colonics by identifying the risks, taking special note of claims that seem too good to be true and consulting with your doctor.

  1. Identify the Risks

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration is a concern with colonics. Some laxatives used to detoxify with colonics can also increase electrolytes in the body, which can be dangerous if you suffer from heart or kidney disease. Colonics can also cause fluid overload and bowel perforation. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, bowel perforation can lead to potentially deadly infections. During colonics, up to 20 gallons of warm or cool water are pumped into the rectum. Colonic hydrotherapists sometimes supplement water with caffeine, soap, minerals, herbs, enzymes or other substances to help with the procedure. In an article published by the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Michael Picco, M.D., recommends inquiring about supplements used to avoid complications.

    Beware of Inflated Claims

    • Proponents of detoxifying with colonics also claim that the procedure flushes unhealthy bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract to build your immune system and boost energy. They also claim that cleansing the colon of excessive waste can ease the symptoms of asthma, chronic fatigue, sinuses and constipation. However, critics suggest that because the human body naturally eliminates waste, detoxifying with colonics is unnecessary and could be harmful. According to the National Institute of Cancer, the American Cancer Society issued a statement in 2007 urging people to not believe claims that colonics can cure cancer and other diseases. According to Dr. Brooks Cash in an article published by the National Cancer Institute, people will typically feel lighter and better after the procedure, but there is no scientific evidence that supports the claimed benefits of colonics.

    Consult Your Physician

    • Consult your primary care physician before you detoxify with colonics. While colon-cleansing is recommended by physicians to prepare patients for procedures such as a colonoscopy, most medical experts do not prescribe it as a detoxification method. Your risk of complications during colonics is increased if you are over 65 or suffer from Crohn's disease, diverticulitis or colitis.

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