In recent times, the colonic cleansing has become something of a fad, with a large number of celebrities endorsing the procedure, claiming that it works wonders for them, or that it has brought them vast health benefits.
A colon cleanse or colonic irrigation as it is also called is based on the premise that food decomposes or rots in the intestine and that it causes toxins to be created there, which are then required to cleaned out.
Colonic cleansing is supposed to be good for treating problems such as diarrhea, constipation and other problems of the gastrointestinal tract, parasites and yeast infects and even to help manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
The claim is that colonic cleansing is also able to assist in losing weight by helping the metabolism speed up and lowering the amount fat that is absorbed by the body. It is also claimed that colonic irrigation can help to make a person feel more vitality and energy.
However, many in the medical community are skeptical of any actual benefits accruing from colonic cleansing or in indeed any need at all to perform such an internal cleansing of the bowel for any reason other than as a preparation of abdominal surgery or similar procedure.
The contention is that the digestive system does not need any help or aid to eliminate waste and bacteria. In fact this Mayo Clinic article sounds a cautionary note about how a colonic cleanse may actually be harmful.
There is the apprehension that a colon cleanse is not able to actually offer any real benefits; in fact that it increases the body’s chances of becoming dehydrated in the process.
And there is also the apprehension that a colon cleanse is likely to increase the electrolytes in the system due to the use of sodium phosphate, which can be dangerous for those with heart or kidney disease.
Though the benefits of colonic cleansing can be iffy, if one does intend to have a colon cleans, the following precautions should be taken:
- Those that have any health problems or are on any medication should take their doctors’ leave for the procedure.
- Make sure disposable equipment is used, which has not previously been used on others.
- Don’t expect miracles and if extravagant claims of weight loss or health improvement are made, take those with a pinch of salt.
- Find out about herbal or other ingredients that may be used in the cleanse and their possible side effects.
- Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
