Desperate times call for desperate measures… or so they say. If the idea of scrubbing your colon squeaky clean or getting rid of any putrefying gunk that may be sitting in it has ever crossed your mind, then it’s time to reconsider. For centuries, mankind has always been obsessed with autointoxication, which stands on the presumed theory that there’s a constant build-up of feces, parasites, pathogens, and toxins in the bowels. Although the theory itself has been squashed on a number of scientific occasions, society still seems to gullibly give in to the allure of quack enthusiasts and young celebrity influencers. [1] All the more reason why I’m stepping in and giving the facts so that youcan decide what’s best for your body. Get ready- today’s post is all about the controversial topic of colonics. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Colonic 101

A colonic can also be referred to as colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy, or high colonics. Those who administer colonics are referred to either as colon hydrotherapists or colon hygienists. It’s believed that the modern colonic device was invented a little over a hundred years ago. [2] Think of a colonic as a pumped-up version of an enema. When booking an appointment with a therapist, here’s what you’ll expect.

First, there will be your typical paperwork involving filling out your personal health history, underlying conditions, and concerns. You will then undergo a quick rectal exam, followed by a quick change of clothes into a medical gown. After that, the fun (or “cleansing”) begins.
A tube (speculum) will be inserted into your rectum (about 1.5 inches deep), with an inlet and outlet tube attached just outside of the tube. Close to 60 liters of water is then pumped through the tube and into the colon, where it can “flush” all of its contents. In some procedures, the hygienist or therapist will include vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, and/or enzymes into the water. You’ll then receive a gentle abdominal massage to help facilitate the process even further, as well as move any trapped pockets of gas. Afterward, you’ll be directed to the toilet where you can fully evacuate your colon. This may take a few minutes, or even a second go-around of water insertion and abdominal massage. Once you’re done, you’re free to go home. A typical colonic can last around 45 minutes. [2] [3]

The Dark Side of Colonics

You may hear about the occasional success story with colonics. Hopefully, those that do try a colonic come out otherwise unharmed and well. But unfortunately, not everyone leaves a session feeling any better, if not worse.

The side effects of colonics may include electrolyte imbalances, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, cramps, and kidney failure, with more extreme symptoms including the unnecessary depletion of good bacteria in the gut (heightening the risk of an imbalance, or dysbiosis), infection, perforation (rectal tears), and allergic reaction (depending on what they include into the water mixture). [4] All of these risks are further increased if you’re dealing with or have had hemorrhoids, rectal or colon tumors, heart or kidney disease, (recent) bowel surgery, diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn’s disease. [5] There are even cases in which those that have undergone colonic therapy have been infected due to the equipment. Although therapists strive to keep their tools and equipment sterile, contamination can still occur. A publication in the November 2009 issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterologyinvestigates this in detail, finding, “…evidence of 36 cases of amebiasis among patients who underwent colonic hydrotherapy in a Colorado clinic. Ten of those patients had to have their colons removed surgically and 6 died.  Testing of the clinic hydrotherapy equipment after routine cleaning found heavy contamination with fecal coliform bacteria.” [6]
Then there’s the possibility of developing a dependency, which increases with frequent use. Our colon was designed to work perfectly on its own. Unless there is an underlying medical condition preventing this natural function, it shouldn’t need any help. Just like with enemas, you can start to depend on a colonic in order to properly evacuate, leading to motility disorders (which are not easy to treat). [7]

Fact Check

Contrary to popular belief (the bulk of it being anecdotal claims), colonics have absolutely no standing in the scientific literature. The Natural Standard Professional Database (NSPD) concludes that there’s “limited clinical evidence validating colon therapy as a health promotion practice” and the American Medical Association (AMA) condemned it as far back as 1919. [8] The FDA itself has also been entangled in the sheer mess of colon therapy, having issued up to seven different warnings (three in 1997, single ones in 1999 and 2001, three more again in 2003). [9] To its credit, colon therapy is overseen by both the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy (NBCH) and the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (IACH). Both provide training and representation for prospective and current practitioners. That being said, neither of these are based on any scientific rationale. Becoming a colon hydrotherapist doesn’t make you a qualified healthcare practitioner, nor does it give you the license to treat, diagnose, or prescribe (which both the aforementioned groups strongly emphasize). According to the executive director of IACH, “We suggest to our therapists and anybody doing colon hydrotherapy that it should be done for medically indicated purposes and at the indication of a physician.” [10]

But let’s be honest, good luck finding a doctor that will tell you it’s OK to do a colonic without any risk. Any doctor worth their salt would object to the practice, and refer you stay regular with the basics of fiber, hydration, and proper bowel habits that don’t entail forcibly evacuating your colon.

Conclusion

So, colonics… yay or nay? It’s a big NAY from me, everyone. As I’ve covered in the past, you don’t need to “detox” your body. You have a liver, kidneys, lungs, and intelligent gut that’s designed to do that for you. All we can do is treat it in kind by not abusing it with fad practices like colonics, detox pills and teas, and a poor lifestyle. With colonics, you’re paying a hefty sum just to do a risky procedure. There are more cons than pros. And just because someone famous did it does not mean you’re going to receive the same benefits.

Now, if you are having trouble with your gut, then consider reading my post on constipation and gut health and thyroid. These are good places to start. After that, consider speaking with your doctor if your situation is greatly impacting your quality of life. Being able to go and go regularly is our natural right as human beings. Anything wrong with that should warrant a visit with the doc.

Alright guys, there you have it. Another myth busted. If I burst anyone’s colonic bubble, then I apologize. But you all deserve to know the truth before getting yourself into serious trouble. There’s so much misleading (and dangerous) health information out there that with my voice I hope to bring a little more clarity and truth. We can all do better, and the better we do, the healthier we become.

Sources:

[1] https://web.archive.org/web/20150424180208/http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/ManualHealingandPhysicalTouch/colon-therapy
[2] https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary
[3] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/colon-cleansing-is-it-safe/
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435
[5] https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary#1
[6] https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/blog/warning_colon_cleansing_not_only_useless_but_dangerous/
[7] Use of enemas is limited. FDA Consumer 18(6):33, 1984
[8] http://e-lactancia.org/media/papers/ColonLimpieza-FamPrac2011.pdf
[9] https://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/gastro.html
[10] http://healthland.time.com/2011/08/01/colon-cleansing-not-so-cleansing-after-all/