Colon cleanses may be good for your gut health by helping with constipation, preparing for a successful colonoscopy, and clearing out toxins. However, scientific evidence doesn’t support many of colon cleansing’s purported benefits.
Repeated or unnecessary colon cleanses may actually be damaging to your colon health and IBS symptoms. There are safer, more effective treatment methods for gut health problems.
Talk to your doctor about the best way to support your gut health, such as probiotics and lifestyle and dietary changes.
Understanding the Colon and Its Functions
The colon, or large intestine, plays a pivotal role in your body’s digestion process and waste elimination. After food passes through your stomach and small intestine, the colon works to absorb water and salt from the remaining food matter, transforming it into solid waste ready for excretion. You can thank this intricate processfor maintaining your body’s hydration and electrolyte balance.
Keeping your colon healthy is crucial because its functionality directly impacts your overall well-being. A well-functioning colon ensures that toxins and waste are efficiently removed from your body, reducing the risk of discomfort and potential health issues such as constipation or colon cancer. By supporting your colon health through proper diet, hydration, and regular check-ups, you’re contributing significantly to your body’s overall health and vitality.
What Is a Colon Cleanse?
Generally speaking, a colon cleanse is when waste and toxins are removed from your large intestine. The most common cleanse is colon hydrotherapy, which uses water to flush out your colon, but there are also herbal preparations with purported health benefits.
100 years ago, colon cleansing gained a lot of popularity for general well-being. Since then, more reliable wellness techniques have arisen.
A colon cleanse usually refers to one of 3 things:
- Colonic irrigation — To prepare for a colonoscopy, a doctor-supervised colon cleanse may be necessary by irrigating your colon with water. In rare cases, colonic irrigation may be administered to help with constipation. This type of colon cleansing, also known as a “colonic,” is offered at some wellness centers.
- Supplement-based colon cleansing — Certain supplements may help you increase the frequency of your bowel movements. Herbal preparations may directly flush toxins and fecal waste out of your colon, which is a more natural colon cleanse.
- Gut cleanse diet — You can make dietary changes to naturally clear out your bowels. High fiber consumption, for instance, can improve constipation and cleanse your colon of dangerous toxins and excess waste.
What is the fastest way to flush your colon?
The fastest way to flush your colon is generally considered to be a colonoscopy prep, which is medically supervised and involves drinking a solution that clears the bowels rapidly in preparation for a colonoscopy. This method is effective but not intended for regular detoxification or colon cleansing without a doctor’s recommendation. For those looking for a non-medical, quicker way to potentially aid in colon cleansing, a high-fiber diet, increased water intake, and the use of certain herbal supplements may help, although these methods work more gradually and their efficacy varies from person to person.
What comes out during a colon cleanse?
During a colon cleanse, you can expect to expel the contents of the large intestine, which includes undigested food particles, mucus, and stool. In colonic irrigation or hydrotherapy, larger quantities of water introduced into the colon can result in the removal of loose fecal matter, toxins, and in some cases, parasites. The output can vary widely among individuals, depending on factors such as diet, hydration level, and the method of colon cleanse used. In one study of healthy volunteers, an average of 2.65 pounds of waste (1.2 kg) was excreted during colonic irrigation.
How much does a colon cleanse cost?
The cost of an elective colon hydrotherapy treatment is about $100. The cost of a colon cleanse before a colonoscopy is around $55-$95 but depends greatly on your location and insurance coverage. Over-the-counter supplements or herbal remedies are generally less expensive upfront but may require prolonged use, adding to the overall cost over time. Dietary approaches, focusing on high fiber intake through natural foods or supplements, typically involve the cost of purchasing those foods or supplements.
Does insurance cover colon cleansing?
Insurance coverage for colon cleansing depends largely on the context and method of the cleanse. Prescribed colonoscopy preparations, a form of colon cleansing, are usually covered by insurance as part of the colonoscopy procedure, which is a recommended screening for colon cancer. However, elective colon cleansing methods such as colon irrigation, herbal supplements, or detox diets are generally not covered by insurance as they are not considered medically necessary and lack sufficient evidence of their benefits and safety. Always consult with a healthcare provider and your insurance company for the most accurate information related to your situation.
Benefits of a Colon Cleanse
What are the benefits of colon cleansing? The benefits of supervised colon cleanses may include:
- Makes safe, effective colonoscopies possible
- Improves constipation and nausea
- Resets your bowel movements
- Reduces IBS symptoms
- Detoxes your lower digestive system
- Prevents future toxin absorption
- Possibly lowers risk of colon cancer or colorectal cancer
Detoxification is a vague term that’s hard to measure, but certain individuals may need to clear out their colon to get rid of specific toxins, such as heavy metals or pathogens.
Colon cleanses are not recommended for weight loss, allergy relief, or regular detox. The FDA does not regulate colon cleanses, so they don’t recommend them for treating any disease.
How often should a person do a colon cleanse? Due to the dangers of repeated cleanses, avoid getting colon cleanses more than 1-2 times a year. On the other hand, multiple smaller-dose colon cleanses may be safer and more effective than large-dose hydrotherapies.
Dangers of Unnecessary Colon Cleansing
It is not dangerous to have a colon cleanse right before a colonoscopy screening. However, there are dangers to unnecessary colon cleanses, especially on a frequent basis or for any procedure not overseen by your healthcare provider.
Side effects of colon cleanses may include:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Infection
- Inflammation in the colon or large intestine
- Dysregulation of normal colon function
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Dehydration
In rare cases, a colon cleanse can result in these dangers:
- Colon perforation
- Sepsis
- Fluid imbalance — particularly dangerous if you’re on dialysis
- Heart disease
- Chronic constipation
Avoid trying fad colon cleanses that instruct you to take pharmaceutical laxatives or enemas, or that make broad promises about “miracle” benefits. These are red flags of a potentially dangerous product or advice that’s more likely to cause side effects than offer any health benefits.
What to Expect During a Colon Cleanse
Most colon hydrotherapy sessions are pretty similar. Here are the steps you can expect during a colon cleanse session:
- You lie on the treatment table.
- The colon hydrotherapist gently inserts a tube into the rectum.
- Warm water is pushed through the tube to flush the colon of waste buildup.
- The hydrotherapist may send repeated streams of warm water into the colon.
- The water and waste escape the colon through the tube.
Integrative hydrotherapists may massage the abdomen to facilitate movement of waste through the colon, as long as you agree beforehand.
Incorporating yoga into a saline colon cleanse seems to improve colonoscopy outcomes.
If you are going through an herbal cleanse instead of just hydrotherapy, the process is similar, but the warm water will be infused with enzymes, supplements, or other colon cleansing products.
Debunking Common Myths about Colon Cleanses
Colon cleanses have been surrounded by a cloud of myths and misconceptions, often presented as a cure-all for various health issues. It’s vital to approach these claims with a healthy dose of skepticism and an eye for scientific evidence.
Myth 1: Colon Cleanses Lead to Significant Weight Loss
Contrary to popular belief, colon cleanses are not an effective method for long-term weight loss. While some may experience a temporary reduction in weight due to the removal of waste material from the colon, this does not equate to fat loss. The weight is likely to return once normal dietary habits resume. Scientific studies do not support the use of colon cleanses for weight loss.
Myth 2: Colon Cleanses Can Cure Diseases
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that colon cleanses can cure diseases. Detoxification of the colon is often marketed as a means to rid the body of toxins and cure a range of illnesses. However, the body’s natural detoxification systems (the liver, kidneys, and intestines) are highly effective on their own. Introducing unnecessary cleanses can disrupt the natural balance and potentially cause harm.
Myth 3: Colon Cleanses Improve Overall Health and Energy Levels
While promoters of colon cleansing suggest that it can boost energy levels and improve overall health, these claims lack empirical support. There is little evidence to suggest that colon cleansing produces any beneficial effects on energy or health beyond the digestive system. In fact, it can lead to side effects such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
How to Naturally Keep Your Colon Clean
Here are a few ways to naturally maintain a healthy, clean colon:
- Eat more fiber. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables should provide enough fiber. Fiber supplements are also an option.
- Supplement probiotics. You can get probiotics (beneficial bacteria) through diet or supplementation. Probiotics are good for your gut microbiome.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, and keep those electrolytes high. Among other benefits, hydration ensures your bowels can function properly.
- Try a saltwater flush. Drinking lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of salt (usually sea salt or Himalayan salt) on an empty stomach first thing in the morning or right before bed might make you need to go to the bathroom. There’s limited scientific evidence for the benefits of a saltwater flush, but proponents claim it “works for them.”
- Reduce potential toxins. Limit red meat and added sugar. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. For certain individuals, these toxins may build up in the large intestine — particularly in cases of constipation and leaky gut.
- Try natural laxatives. Prunes, psyllium, aloe vera, senna herbal tea, and even leafy greens can act as all-natural laxative agents.
- Visit a gut health expert. Integrative and holistic doctors tend to focus more on gut health management. PrimeHealth clinicians have helped hundreds of patients like you take control of their gut health.
- Reduce stress. Chronic stress contributes to a long list of diseases, including gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Avoid stress to prevent health problems.
The Role of Probiotics in Gut Health
Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, a vital component of your overall health. These beneficial bacteria help in digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and fighting off harmful bacteria. By incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet, you can support your digestive health and enhance your body’s natural immune response.
On the other hand, if your diet lacks these foods, probiotic supplements can be an effective way to ensure you’re getting enough of these beneficial microorganisms. Regular consumption of probiotics contributes to a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for optimal digestive functioning and improved immune health and can help prevent gastrointestinal disease such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and diarrhea. Remember, a healthy gut is key to a healthy body, and by making probiotics a part of your daily routine, you can take a significant step towards maintaining your overall well-being.
Who should get a colon cleanse?
The only people who should get a colon cleanse are those who have talked with their healthcare provider about the medical procedure.
If you’re about to get a colonoscopy, your doctor may supervise a colon cleanse to allow for a safe, effective colon and rectum exam.
You should not get a colon cleanse if…
- …you have heart disease.
- …you have kidney problems.
- …you’re on dialysis.
- …you have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
- …you went through a prior colon surgery.
- …your digestive tract is structurally abnormal.
Is a colon cleanse the same thing as an enema?
No, a colon cleanse is not the same as an enema, although both may be dangerous to your gastrointestinal and digestive health. In many cases, colon cleanses are extra-powerful enemas.
Coffee enemas are popular colon cleansers. Proponents claim they boost your liver function, rectal health, and immune system. However, scientific evidence is similarly sparse for an enema’s benefits.
Consulting with a Healthcare Professional
You must consult with your doctor before considering a colon cleanse or any other method of detoxification. They can help determine the safety and effectiveness of such methods and provide alternative recommendations for achieving optimal digestive health. Not to mention, carrying out a cleanse without medical supervision can lead to potential complications and harm.
Remember, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and incorporating beneficial probiotics are key factors in keeping your colon clean naturally.
Better Gut Health = Better Overall Health
Most everybody could benefit from better gut health, but a colon cleanse is probably not the panacea you’re looking for. Although a cleanse may help with constipation or detoxification, unnecessary colon cleanses can cause dehydration, infection, and even bowel perforation.
Our experts have helped hundreds of people like you with their gut health. We craft a personalized treatment plan that works for your unique situation, including lifestyle changes, supplements, and group visits. Schedule an appointment with PrimeHealth in Denver, Colorado.
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