Living a healthy lifestyle and getting regular screenings for colon cancer can help you maintain your digestive system. Some people also turn to colon cleanses to improve their gut health. Proponents suggest that these treatments and products rid the colon of toxins, improve energy and treat conditions such as arthritis and high blood pressure.
But are these cleanses potentially more harmful than helpful?
“While it’s important to pay attention to your gut health, colon cleanses do not offer any medical benefit — and they pose serious health risks,” says Craig Reickert, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon at Henry Ford Health. “If your colon is functioning normally, it’s regularly removing waste from your body. So, rather than turning to a colon cleanse, turn to your doctor with any concerns about your digestive health.”
How Your Self-Cleaning Colon Works
Your colon, also called the large intestine or large bowel, is a key part of your digestive system. It is a muscular tube that is constantly moving, reabsorbing water, salt and nutrients from your food. As it pushes the remaining waste through your body, it maintains a healthy community of bacteria, called your microbiome.
Just as your skin serves as a barrier on the outside of your body, your colon creates a barrier inside your body. That means bacteria from other areas of the body cannot enter. So, your colon is a contained, efficient, self-cleaning system that routinely clears toxins and waste from your body.
“The only time you need to clean your colon is before a colonoscopy, a procedure to screen for colon cancer,” says Dr. Reickert. “Your doctor will prescribe a laxative to take the day before the procedure. These preparations allow us to see the entire colon to detect and remove polyps, which can turn into cancer.”
What Is A Colon Cleanse?
A colon cleanse, also called colonic hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation, is an invasive procedure to clean out the colon. During these procedures, a hygienist inserts a small tube into the rectum and flushes large volumes of water into the colon. The water may also contain other substances, such as herbs or coffee, which some people believe help clean the colon and improve regularity. “But there is no scientific evidence to support these health benefits,” stresses Dr. Reickert.
Many people opt to use colon cleanse supplements instead of having a procedure. These supplements come in the form of laxatives and herbal teas available over the counter.
Colon Cleanse Side Effects
“You should proceed cautiously when considering a colon cleanse procedure,” says Dr. Reickert. Many of these procedures are performed in spa settings by individuals who are not licensed medical professionals.
Colon cleanse procedures may disrupt the natural balance in your colon and cause harmful side effects, including:
- Dehydration from flushing fluid out of the body
- Electrolyte imbalances that can impact your heart and kidney function
- Elimination of “good bacteria” in the colon
- Infection from contaminated fluids, instruments or facilities
- Tears in the colon or rectum from fluid pressure or instruments
Colon cleanse supplements can also have side effects. “Some products contain Cascara sagrada, a dietary supplement, to treat constipation. If taken for more than a week, these products may interfere with long-term regularity,” says Dr. Reickert.
Before considering a colon cleanse, check with your doctor. This caution is especially important if you take medications to control blood pressure, electrolytes or diabetes. “Your doctor can help you avoid unintentional short- and long-term health problems from a colon cleanse,” says Dr. Reickert.
Individuals who should always avoid colon cleanses include those with:
- Diverticulitis, diverticulosis and inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
Having Digestive Problems? See Your Doctor
If you’re thinking of trying a colon cleanse procedure or product to treat ongoing digestive issues, Dr. Reickert suggests talking with your doctor. He or she can review your health history and may suggest additional testing to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. See your doctor if you have:
- Abdominal bloating and pain
- Ongoing nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits that last more than a week
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms are often benign, but they can also be signs of a more serious illness like colon cancer, the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. If you are experiencing these symptoms, your doctor may recommend a colon cancer screening. “Early detection is the key to effective treatment. Make it a priority to have regular screenings, beginning at age 45, or sooner if you have a family history of the disease,” says Dr. Reickert.
He also suggests these lifestyle strategies to maintain healthy digestion:
- Eat a diet packed with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and 25 grams of fiber per day
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol and stop smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
“Remember that it’s normal to have some variation in your bowel schedule. If you have concerns, your doctor can help you develop a safe and effective plan to improve your digestive and overall health,” says Dr. Reickert.
To find a doctor or gastroenterologist at Henry Ford, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-436-7936.
Dr. Craig Reickert is the Division Head of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Henry Ford Hospital. He also sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center – Pierson in Grosse Pointe Farms.
