Are Colon Cleanses Safe?
May 16, 2024
Maybe you’ve heard about colon cleanses and wonder whether you should have one.
Proceed with caution, says Kulvir Nandra, M.D., colon and rectal surgeon at Mountainside Medical Group. He says that for most people, the colon does its job just fine, without any additional help.
The colon’s job is to absorb and remove water, nutrients and electrolytes, then form and propel feces toward your rectum and anus so you can eliminate them. Proponents of colon cleanses say it removes toxins, but the colon already does that. Some also claim it helps with weight loss, but again, there’s no scientific proof—or any proof for the claim that it increases energy or boosts the immune system.
Think Before You Colon Cleanse
“The idea of having a cleanse may seem like a good idea, but I advise any patient looking to do this or any colonic treatment to be careful,” Dr. Nandra says. “None have been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nor have ingredients been tested or verified by any medical board.”
Colon cleanses seem to have no general health benefits, he says. As a result, there are no scientifically justified reasons to conduct studies on them.
If a patient asks him about colon cleanses, Dr. Nandra inquires why and asks about digestive issues that may be signaling the need to do this. “I want to make sure we don’t have some sort of gastrointestinal problem going on, which we would work up comprehensively and treat—maybe something that’s being ‘masked,’” he says.
It’s important to know that a colon cleanse is definitely not the same as a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer, and it does not prevent colon cancer. Screening is still vitally important, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get screened, how and when.
Types of Colon Cleanses
There are two types of colon cleanses:
- Colon cleanses with supplements: Supplements can be taken orally or through the rectum, and can be purchased over the counter in stores or online. They include laxatives, enemas and herbal teas.
- Colon hydrotherapy: Also called colonic irrigation or a colonic, this procedure is performed by colon hydrotherapists who are not board certified doctors, physician associates/assistants, nurse practitioners or nurses. It requires up to 16 gallons of fluids pumped into a person’s rectum by a machine, retained for a short time, then expelled.
Risks of Colon Cleanses
Dr. Nandra says there are many reasons to leave well enough alone when it comes to colon health. He notes the following potential risks of a colon cleanse:
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration, which can cause dizziness
- Interference with your normal regularity
- Anal discomfort and irritation
- Microbiome disturbance—bacteria in your gut may be “upset” by a colon cleanse when it temporarily removes “good” bacteria
- Tear or perforation of the bowel if a colonic machine is used
- Potential for infection if colonic machine is used and equipment is not properly sterilized
Dr. Nandra also notes that people with certain conditions should not undergo a colon cleanse, including those with:
- Diverticulitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Previous colon surgeries
Maintain Your Colon Health
Your colon appreciates it when you take steps to help keep it healthy, Dr. Nandra says. He suggests:
- Talking to your doctor about colon cancer screening
- Eating a balanced, colon-healthy diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Avoiding excess red meat and processed meats
- Staying active with regular exercise
- Watching your weight, as excess weight may increase colon cancer risk
- Not smoking, as smoking may increase colon cancer risk
- Limiting alcohol use, which has been linked with a higher risk of cancers of the colon and rectum, according to the American Cancer Society
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Kulvir Nandra, M.D. To make an appointment with Dr. Nandra, call 888-974-4MSH.
- Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist in Northern New Jersey
- Make an appointment with a colorectal surgeon in Northern New Jersey
- To make an appointment with a gastroenterologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about gastroenterology and colon and rectal surgery resources at Hackensack Meridian Health
- Learn when you should be tested for colon cancer
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
