Are There Any Side Effects of Colon Cleansing?
Since the Ancient time of Egyptians and Greeks, it is believed that there is an accumulation of feces lining the wall of large intestines and that these buildup shelter parasites causing general ill health.
Though this belief has been discredited in the early 20th century, many people today still would like to have their colon cleansed. To answer this need of civilization, the medical group of people has resorted to alternative medical therapies intended to remove fecal waste and unidentified toxins from the colon and intestinal track.
There is what we call colon hydrotherapy which uses enemas to inject water, sometimes mixed with oil or other liquids into the colon using special equipment. There is also the oral cleaning which is taken orally. This is supposed to clean the colon by forcing bowel movements such as dietary fiber, herbs, dietary supplements or laxatives.
One of the benefits these colon cleansing claimed is detoxification. Detoxification is the removal of toxic substance from the body. Others are claiming increased metabolism and zeroing on parasites. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports these alleged benefits of colon cleansing. According to the noted physicians, the bowel itself is not dirty and is not the one causing ill health.
The colon itself cleanse the body without need for assistance. It has been said that some types of colon cleansing presents potential hazards. If the equipment used during colon cleansing was not properly sterilized, it can cause amoebiasis. It has also been associated with heart attacks and electrolyte imbalances.
Frequent use of colon cleansing may disrupt the proper function of the colon. It may lead to dependence on the drugs just to defecate and may result to serious illness. Some herbs being used as colon cleansing may also reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs.
Therefore, colon cleansing is not necessary if the purpose is detoxifying and weight loss. Colon cleansing has been proven to interfere with the balance between good and bad bacteria in the environment of intestines and natural chemicals in the bowel. Some colon cleansing disturbs the electrolyte balance which may lead to dehydration and salt depletion.
These are the common causes of anemia and malnutrition. Colon cleansing may also disrupt the colon’s ability to shed dead cells thus may form masses and may later become cancer.
However, colon cleansing is a practice done by medical practitioners before abdominal operations or surgery. It is also performed when there is a need for the digestive system to be minutely examined or before giving birth. These procedures are usually supervised by professionals and are expected to be under control.
Colon cleansing must be done only if the purpose is for the general well being. Consultation from your doctor must also be sought before under taking any colon cleansing procedures.
