Pick up any tabloid at the supermarket and you’re likely to see a bold headline promising to reveal the beauty and health secrets of the stars. If you’re like many curious people, you may have even thumbed through to get the scoop, right? And what you found may have surprised you. Among the trendiest “secrets” of Hollywood celebrities such as Kim Bassinger and Janet Jackson is the practice of
colon cleansing. If you believe the stories, maintaining a squeaky clean colon is how they keep their radiant complexions, stellar good health, and control their weight.
However, the latest research says not so fast.
Sketchy evidence in support of colon cleansing. A new review conducted by Georgetown University School of Medicine researchers examined 20 studies on colon cleansing published over the past 10 years. The results revealed a substantial lack of evidence that the practice of colon cleansing actually restores health or is a useful weight loss strategy. On the other hand, evidence abounds when it comes to unwanted side effects such as cramping, bloating, vomiting, kidney failure, liver toxicity, aplastic anemia, and even death.
The new stud, published in the Journal of Family Practice, looked at both colon hydrotherapy – a process that uses a tube to pump water in and out of the rectum – as well as
special drinks used to cleanse the colon. Dr. Ranit Mishori, study researcher from Georgetown University Medical School clarified his stance, saying “This is not a manifesto against complementary and alternative medicine, since I’m a big proponent.” But he does aver that there really is no scientific evidence that proves colonics can boost your health. Quite to the contrary; they can be very dangerous.
Prior studies have also found that colon cleansing, sometimes known as colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, can possibly lead to bacterial infection due to the use of unsanitary equipment. To make matters worse, in some cases rectum perforations have led to death. It’s interesting to note that colon hydrotherapy equipment isn’t approved by the FDA except for medical purposes such as preparation for
colonoscopy or other such procedures.
What proponents have to say. Proponents of colon cleansing believe that the process boosts the immune system and flushes dangerous toxins brewing in the intestinal tract. They stand by the idea that the practice is a natural way to enhance your overall well-being while detoxing your body. In their opinion, when the colon is clogged with waste material, these harmful toxins can lead to diseases such as asthma, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, obesity, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and even cancer. According to supporters, colon cleansing restores the balance of good intestinal bacteria, which leads to a more efficient immune system and improved energy levels.
Other medical experts believe the digestive system is well equipped to remove waste without any outside help. In light of the newest studies, perhaps the best way to make sure your colon is as clean as it needs to be is to do it the old fashioned way. That means eating a diet rich in fiber, getting your probiotics, drinking plenty of water, and exercising. Sometimes Mother Nature really does know best.
