Colon cleansing is indeed a thing.

The real question is, ‘Is it harmful or helpful?”

Allow me to shed some light on some of this controversy here. But before I do, let me clarify what it is exactly that I’m referring to.

There are dietary cleanses or fasting/ restrictive diets and this involves the ingestion of juices or other foods or the lack of, to restrict the intake of processed foods, caffeine, fatty animal protein, alcohol, excess sugar and excess sodium.

Colon cleansing AKA a colonic or colonic irrigation is a whole different thing in which large amounts of water, sometimes up to 15 gallons and occasionally other substances such as herbs and coffee are flushed through the colon using a tube inserted through the rectum.

Proponents of colonic cleansing believe that “toxins” in the gastrointestinal tract or bowels leach back into the body and cause ailments such as arthritis, fatigue, allergies and many other symptoms. This concept by the way is referred to as “autointoxication” and has been debunked by the American Medical Association.

Just so you know, there has been no evidence thus far that colon cleansing improves health by removing toxins, boosting your energy and enhancing your immune system.

On the other hand however, colon cleansing can be harmful and has been linked to certain deaths. Moderate problems include dehydration, colon perforation (a tear in the colon), infection, reduced kidney function, electrolyte imbalances, etc.

Some people such as some celebrities who have had it done have said it made them feel like a million bucks. We in the medical profession consider it the placebo effect. Let me explain…

How many times have you had a good day in the toilet when you felt like you made a good deposit into the sewer system of your city or town and you emerged from that little room feeling like you are on top of the world? You feel pounds lighter and you feel as if you can slay any dragons!

Yes, that’s a real feeling and may be the feeling you get after a colonic and not necessarily that it was because you removed some “toxins’ from your body.

If you want to have those moments more often, might I suggest some fiber-laden foods such as beans (legumes), grains and vegetables. Rest assured, you can reproduce this feeling at will, any time you so choose.

So, what’s the skinny on colonic cleanses you ask?

Don’t bother. Avoid the risk if you can. Consider eating a healthy balanced diet for a sustainable, long term healthy colon instead.