Colonic Irrigation

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Colonic Irrigation

Question:

I am a 24-year-old female. I have been hearing a lot about getting your colon cleansed. Do you suggest this? Is it a good idea?

Answer:

I do not believe that colon cleansing provides you with any positive health benefits. Doctors sometimes recommend colon cleansing before certain surgeries, colonoscopies or certain X-rays of the bowels. In these circumstances, colon cleansing is recommended for a specific reason, such as getting the best view of the inside bowel wall. It has nothing to do preventing some unknown disease or enhancing someone's overall well-being.

Some chiropractors, naturopaths and alternative medicine practitioners feel that many diseases are caused by improperly working bowels. They recommend fasting and cleansing of the colon to counteract this. Some suggest that it prevents colon cancer. I have not found any good scientific studies that support the idea that colon cleansing improves overall health, boosts the immune system, prevents cancer, or removes "unwanted toxins." The colon cleans itself out without help from cleansing enemas.

Not only do you not need your colon cleansed, but in fact it could be harmful. Colon-cleansing can disrupt the balance of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium) in the body. This can lead to dehydration and salt depletion. Ultimately, with continued cleansings, people can develop anemia and malnutrition. Cases of heart failure have been reported following cleansings, as have outbreaks of serious infections.

In summary, I believe that colonic irrigation is not necessary for health and is potentially dangerous. I would avoid it.

Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009