home
RSS
Colon cleansing: Not so healthy, analysis says
August 1st, 2011
12:15 AM ET

Colon cleansing: Not so healthy, analysis says

It has been touted as a natural way to improve your heath and cleanse the soul. But doctors are now finding the procedure known as colon cleansing can cause dangerous side effects.

Colon cleansing, technically known as colonic hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation, is a popular treatment, usually performed at spas. It often involves the use of chemicals in the body and in hydrotherapy, the colon is flushed with water through a tube inserted in the rectum.

But oral home remedies are also available and have become popular, especially over the Internet. Now researchers from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. say there's no evidence any of these colon cleansing treatments work and, in fact, when used improperly can cause cramping, kidney failure and in some extreme cases, death.

"There can be serious consequences for those who engage in colon cleansing whether they have the procedure done at a spa or perform it at home," says the lead author, Dr. Ranit Mishori, a family medicine physician at Georgetown University School of Medicine. "Colon cleansing products in the form of laxatives, teas, powders and capsules... tout benefits that don't exist."

Mayo doctor is no fan of cleanses

Although colon cleansing has been around for centuries as a way to rid the body of unwanted toxins, the American Medical Association determined in the early 1900s that the procedure was invalid; there was no evidence to show the methods worked. And even though there still remains no solid evidence these products do what they claim, colon cleansing has been making a comeback, mainly because manufacturers claim it also helps people lose weight.

"If this method were the key to weight loss, it would be amazing. But there is no evidence that this helps people lose weight,” says Mishori. "Manufacturers don't describe how it works. The statements are a little empty. They say it will enhance your immune system, up your metabolism, give you energy. It’s all pretty vague. Some people swear by it, but it could be a placebo effect. And companies can make these claims, because the federal government doesn't regulate their products."

Not expecting miracles, but I love my cleanses

According to the report released this week in the Journal of Family Practice, Mishori and her colleagues examined 20 studies published in medical literature over the last 10 years.

Investigators noted while these reports showed little evidence of colon cleansing benefits, there were a number of side effects reported following the use of these cleansing methods. Those effects included cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance and renal failure. And in some cases, ingredients in these remedies were toxic.

"Some herbal preparations have also been associated with aplastic anemia and liver toxicity," Mishori said.

Researchers also noted that many of the "spas" that offer colon cleansing have no trained clinicians and even organizations such as the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy and others who promote colon cleansing require technicians who perform professional colon cleansing to have little more than a high school diploma.

"When you flush your colon out with a hose, it's like giving yourself an enema on steroids. You shouldn't put things up there that really don't belong there," stressed Mishori. "Imagine 60 liters of water going through your colon. The stress it puts on the system, and the hose, if not used correctly, could puncture the organ."

As for the home remedies, Mishori says there's no need for them. "We poop and pee for a reason. If you are a healthy person, the body does it for you."

When asked what was the best way to cleanse the body, Mishori was quick to respond.

"Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly," she stressed, "Get six to eight hours of sleep and see a doctor regularly. But no one wants to do that," she said with exasperation. "But they'll use a hose to flush themselves out! The use of these methods are unhealthy. And what's scary is we only examined the cases that were reported to hospitals and doctors. Imagine all the people who are using these products and methods and have side effects and never go to the hospital. We don't know about them. The numbers could be staggering."

Follow CNNHealth on Twitter


soundoff (3,051 Responses)
  1. 토토사이트

    Hi! I could have sworn Iíve visited this site before but after looking at some of the posts I realized itís new to me. Regardless, Iím definitely pleased I stumbled upon it and Iíll be book-marking it and checking back often!

    https://smart-me.ru/members/gambling5nutjacket5/activity/70667/

    June 20, 2021 at 20:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. 울산출장안마

    I wanted to thank you for this good read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff you postÖ

    https://www.demilked.com/author/j5qyabx197/

    June 20, 2021 at 20:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. dịch vụ casino là gì

    Thể Thaobwin casino app androidLiverpool là nhóm bóng nhận ít thẻ nhất ở Premier League mùa này và đang đứng trước cơ hội đạt giải thưởng Fair Play ở mùa giải loại 5 liên tục. Sau lúc thăng hạng 96 thế giới, nhóm tuyển Việt Nam đã lọt nhóm phân tử giống số 2 vòng chủng loại World Cup 2022 khu vực châu Á.

    https://www.vnd188.bet/

    June 20, 2021 at 20:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. pharmaceptica

    erectile dysfunction and treatments https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 21:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. 먹튀검증업체

    Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe this site needs much more attention. Iíll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the information!

    https://alpha.mb-themes.com/user/profile/8427

    June 20, 2021 at 22:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. 토토사이트

    Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It's the little changes that make the greatest changes. Thanks for sharing!

    https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/u/canoeronald17

    June 20, 2021 at 23:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. 먹튀커뮤니티

    I was pretty pleased to find this web site. I need to to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every part of it and I have you saved to fav to look at new information in your website.

    http://www.gallery-ryna.net/jump.php?url=http://baccarat3kylernheo743.bearsfanteamshop.com/so-you-ve-bought-meogtwi-now-what

    June 21, 2021 at 00:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. 먹튀검증업체

    I quite like reading through an article that will make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!

    http://s.kakaku.com/jump/jump.asp?url=https://musescore.com/user/37743050

    June 21, 2021 at 00:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. 먹튀검증

    Very good post! We are linking to this particularly great content on our site. Keep up the great writing.

    https://media.skyegrid.id/members/baccarat4balldoll0/activity/126679/

    June 21, 2021 at 00:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. 메이저사이트

    Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and the rest of the site is also really good.

    https://sparxsocial.com/story9310467/poker-strategy-texas-hold-em

    June 21, 2021 at 00:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. 토토사이트

    I used to be able to find good advice from your content.

    https://championsleage.review/wiki/How_Betting_and_Socialmedia_Are_Connected

    June 21, 2021 at 01:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. trực tiếp k cộng

    Trực Tiếp Soccer Ngày Hôm Nay, Link Xem đá Bóng Trực Tuyến 24hlich c1Theo thể thức thi đấu, đội thắng ở cặp đấu này sẽ giành tấm vé đến Lithuania trong ngày hội bóng đá lớn nhất thế giới cho futsal. Tuyển futsal Việt Nam bước vào trận play-off lượt đi tranh vé dự play-off World Cup 2021 với sự tự tin. Tuy vậy, HLV Phạm Minh Giang bày tỏ, toàn đội ko ngán Lebanon tuy vậy sẽ tìm cách để khắc chế sức mạnh của đối thủ bởi bên trên băng ghế huấn luyện là nhà cầm quân Ramiro Lopez, người từng dẫn dắt futsal Tây Ban Nha.|Dựa vào lịch tranh tài, quý khách hoàn toàn có thể sắp xếp công việc

    https://virandoamor.com/detail/tinh-bong-da-24h-42541.html

    June 21, 2021 at 01:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. why not try here

    I am sure this post has touched all the internet viewers, its really really good article on building up new weblog.|

    https://diigo.com/0k7den

    June 21, 2021 at 01:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. 창원출장

    There is definately a great deal to learn about this topic. I like all of the points you have made.

    http://massage9sandurlltd.unblog.fr/2021/05/21/everything-youve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-ecb0bdec9b90ecb69cec9ea5/

    June 21, 2021 at 02:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. ty le bong da

    Thẳng Soccer Hôm Nay, Link Coi Bóng Đá Trực Tuyến 24h ku777Đội tuyển futsal Việt Nam đã được một trận đấu đồng ý được trước đối thủ cạnh tranh đầy mức độ mạnh Lebanon. Kết quả Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu vs Bình Phước thời điểm hôm nay 18h00 ngày 5/5, Hạng nhất nước Việt Nam.

    https://questiontime.info/detail/lich-thi-dau-bong-da-afc-champions-league-15446.html

    June 21, 2021 at 02:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. 먹튀검증

    This blog was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks!

    http://knoxigky999.fotosdefrases.com/totosaiteu-10-things-i-wish-i-d-known-earlier

    June 21, 2021 at 03:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. 포항출장마사지

    I need to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every bit of it. I have you book marked to look at new things you postÖ

    https://articlescad.com/15-hilarious-videos-about-1403924.html

    June 21, 2021 at 04:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. 먹튀사이트

    Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this information.

    http://yalta-school.com/user/creamcinema01/

    June 21, 2021 at 04:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. 사설토토

    An impressive share! I've just forwarded this onto a friend who was doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your website.

    http://s.kakaku.com/jump/jump.asp?url=http://baccarat4kameronuikx256.raidersfanteamshop.com/15-undeniable-reasons-to-love-totosaiteu

    June 21, 2021 at 04:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. 먹튀검증

    Spot on with this write-up, I really believe this website needs much more attention. Iíll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the information!

    https://ayosditoph.com/user/profile/11211

    June 21, 2021 at 05:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. pharmaceptica.com

    10 best erectile https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 05:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. 포항출장

    Having read this I believed it was really enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    http://massage4heldurvfvi.cavandoragh.org/10-compelling-reasons-why-you-need-pohangchuljangmasaji

    June 21, 2021 at 05:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. 먹튀검증

    I blog often and I genuinely appreciate your content. This article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

    https://www.kisskissbankbank.com/en/users/norsworthy-stanton-2-3-4-5

    June 21, 2021 at 06:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Online Casino Guide

    Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity to
    your publish is simply spectacular and that i could suppose you're an expert in this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay updated
    with approaching post. Thank you 1,000,000
    and please keep up the rewarding work.

    June 21, 2021 at 06:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. discover this

    Saved as a favorite, I really like your site!

    https://pianocoffee0.webgarden.at/kategorien/pianocoffee0-s-blog/advantages-of-proform-treadmills

    June 21, 2021 at 07:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Alonso Kutil

    May I use Wikipedia content in my blog without violating the copyright law?

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmkowalsky/

    June 21, 2021 at 08:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Scottie Staton

    I am starting a Virtual assistant business and would like to start building a website that can expand with me. I am on a very limited income so I need to start it for next to no money upfront. Please help..

    https://twitter.com/katekdesigns

    June 21, 2021 at 08:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Aldo Howerton

    I have a blog using Blogspot. I would like to ban a specific person from viewing and/or commenting. I am not looking to make the entire blog password-protected or moderate comments. I just want to ban a specific IP address. How can I do this?.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmkowalsky/

    June 21, 2021 at 08:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. 사설토토

    I seriously love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as Iím looking to create my own site and would love to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Thank you!

    https://vadaszapro.eu/user/profile/188245

    June 21, 2021 at 11:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. 먹튀검증업체

    Excellent site you have here.. Itís hard to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    https://jangipur-murshidabad.india77.com/user/profile/482569

    June 21, 2021 at 12:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. 토토사이트

    This is a topic which is near to my heart... Take care! Where are your contact details though?

    http://86x.org/home.php?mod=space&uid=153975

    June 21, 2021 at 12:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. 먹튀검증

    I needed to thank you for this good read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to look at new things you postÖ

    http://www.sdmnapoli.it/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=711494

    June 21, 2021 at 13:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. 먹튀검증업체

    I seriously love your site.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you build this website yourself? Please reply back as Iím attempting to create my very own website and would like to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Cheers!

    http://images.google.vu/url?q=http://www.wykop.pl/remotelink/?url=https://articlescad.com/addicted-to-us-too-6-reasons-we-just-cant-stop-1227551.html

    June 21, 2021 at 13:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. 출장

    I couldnít resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!

    https://knowyourmeme.com/users/casino3z2hlgtd997

    June 21, 2021 at 14:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. 출장안마

    Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

    http://noexcuselist.com/li/?url=http://massage7gierrevuxd.almoheet-travel.com/12-helpful-tips-for-doing-chuljang-anma

    June 21, 2021 at 17:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. 먹튀검증커뮤니티

    Iím amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog thatís both equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I came across this in my hunt for something relating to this.

    http://dirstop.com/story7556849/play-tai-sai-a-new-method-to-love-playing-casino-games

    June 21, 2021 at 18:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. 출장마사지

    I like it when folks come together and share thoughts. Great site, stick with it!

    https://www.tripline.net/casino0o0lurfx491/

    June 21, 2021 at 18:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. 메이저사이트

    Your style is unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this site.

    https://www.mybbstyles.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=27016

    June 21, 2021 at 20:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. 출장

    Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a superb articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

    https://hotibo.com.ua/user/profile/318281

    June 21, 2021 at 21:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. 먹튀사이트

    Hello! I could have sworn Iíve been to your blog before but after browsing through a few of the articles I realized itís new to me. Regardless, Iím definitely happy I stumbled upon it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

    https://www.bookmarking-maze.win/20-myths-about-meogtwigeomjeungsaiteu-busted-6

    June 21, 2021 at 22:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Vince

    Thanks for another excellent post. Where else could anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.

    http://blanchardmountain.org/2021/06/18/an-incredibly-intriguing-web-site-with-great-write-ups/

    June 21, 2021 at 22:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. htv2 trực tuyến

    Links Coi Trực Tiếp đá Bóng Futsal Việt Nam Vs Lebanon Vòng Loại World Cupvtv5 trực tiếp bóng đá việt nam hôm nayĐây có lẽ là trường hợp “của đi thay người" khá như mong muốn đối với Ben McLemore. Thiếu chút nữa tay ném của Los Angeles Lakers đã có thể gặp tai nạn nguy hiểm. Cập nhật kết trái trận nước Việt Nam vs Lebanon nằm trong play-off vòng chủng loại Futsal World Cup 2021.

    https://virandoamor.com/detail/bxh-c1-chau-a-49830.html

    June 21, 2021 at 22:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. ku bet

    Xoilac Tv Thẳng Bóng Đá online casinoĐội tuyển chọn Việt Nam chỉ muốn một kết quả hòa có bàn thắng nhằm lần loại hai góp mặt tại World Cup futsal. Nhưng, để làm được như vậy

    https://frontsportsbox.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 23:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. 출장안마

    Good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by chance (stumbleupon). I've book marked it for later!

    https://demodrop.com/casino1t0xgbkb915

    June 21, 2021 at 23:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. 출장안마

    Your style is unique compared to other folks I've read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this blog.

    https://angoliatko.com/user/casino5p7akzbu993

    June 21, 2021 at 23:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. 케이출장

    I really like it when individuals come together and share ideas. Great website, continue the good work!

    https://xn--8sbbbdilbz2axdeh4ad4c4g3df.xn--p1ai/user/profile/37739

    June 21, 2021 at 23:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 출장

    I want to to thank you for this good read!! I certainly loved every little bit of it. I have got you book marked to check out new things you postÖ

    http://sfwater.org/redirect.aspx?url=https://anma7emilianomibr737.page.tl/The-Worst-Advice-You-Could-Ever-Get-About-2623526363B2623511093B2623475603B2623493243B2623516483B.htm

    June 22, 2021 at 00:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. pharmaceptica

    vidalista tadalafil reviews https://www.pharmaceptica.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 00:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. 먹튀검증업체

    Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    https://wikidot.win/wiki/Trading_in_Shortterm_Forex_Markets_Together_With_Trent_Et_Quaranta

    June 22, 2021 at 00:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. pharmacepticacom

    chroloquine https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 01:40 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

Leave a Reply to Common Sense


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.