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Colon cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cleansing/AN00065
- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael F. Picco, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Michael F. Picco, M.D.
Michael F. Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"Mayo Clinic's website is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our website provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
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Question
Colon cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?
Is colon cleansing a good way to eliminate toxins from your body?
Answer
from Michael F. Picco, M.D.
Although doctors prescribe colon cleansing as preparation for medical procedures such as colonoscopy, most don't recommend colon cleansing for detoxification. Their reasoning is simple: Your digestive system and bowel naturally eliminate waste material and bacteria — your body doesn't need colon cleansing to do this.
Proponents of colon cleansing, on the other hand, believe that toxins from your gastrointestinal tract can cause a variety of health problems, such as arthritis, allergies and asthma. They believe that colon cleansing — also called a colonic or a colonic irrigation — improves health by removing toxins, promoting healthy intestinal bacteria, boosting your energy and enhancing your immune system. However, there's little evidence that colon cleansing produces these effects.
In fact, colon cleansing can sometimes be harmful. Colon cleansing can cause side effects, such as cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting. More serious concerns with colon cleansing are that it can:
- Increase your risk of dehydration
- Lead to bowel perforations
- Increase the risk of infection
- Cause changes in your electrolytes, which can be dangerous if you have kidney disease or other health problems
If you choose to try colon cleansing, take these precautions:
- Check with your conventional medical providers first, especially if you take any medications or have any health problems.
- Make sure your colon-cleansing practitioner uses disposable equipment that hasn't been previously used.
- Get a list of specific herbal ingredients and amounts in any colon-cleansing products you use — some herbal supplements can cause health problems.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids while undergoing colon cleansing to prevent dehydration.
Are probiotics and prebiotics important for health?
- Richards DG, et al. Colonic irrigations: A review of the historical controversy and the potential for adverse effects. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2006;12:389.
- Mishori R, et al. The dangers of colon cleansing. Journal of Family Practice. 2010;60:454.
- Colon and liver detoxification. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. 2010;26:260211.
- Horne S. Colon cleansing: A popular but misunderstood natural therapy. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. 2006;6:93.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. March 22, 2012.
- Seow-Choen F. The physiology of colonic hydrotherapy. Colorectal Disease. 2009;11:686.
- Acosta RD, et al. Clinical effects of colonic cleansing for general health promotion: A systematic review. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2009; 104:2830.
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