colon cleansing?

There are two schools of thought on colon cleanses:

The medical field has stated they are unsafe.

The holistic field says they are quite safe.

You have to keep in mind which camp most members here fall under - the medical field. I'm not ready to put my faith in the holistic way of life yet. Eating healthier and exercising are good life style choices. But colon cleanses and herbal products are VERY risky.

I have had to do bowel preps at least 11 times for procedures and two surgeries. I have seen what comes out of the colon using very powerful medications. There's just no way I'd ever take a colon cleanse! OMG!

No, I am of this camp too - we are what we eat. I prefer to manage my situation by controlling what, how much and when I eat. Or not eat.

You really can do harm to your colon walls with cleanses. This is why colon cleanses are not usually promoted or approved on medical websites such as this one.

Quinroxanne

Have you been eating normally?

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/10-flat-belly-tips

Expert Commentary – Bloating, Distension, and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Richard Lea, MD, Clinical Research Fellow and

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1681432/?tool=pmcentrez

FYI

"Colon Cleansing
I've been hearing about something called colon cleansing. What is it, and should I be doing it?

Not only does colon cleansing provide no benefit, it can be downright dangerous. Contrary to popular belief, the inside of the colon -- the end of the large intestine -- isn't dirty and does not need to be cleaned out. Mother Nature does that on her own by making sure that waste passes through and out of your body, taking impurities with it.

Colon cleansing is a procedure that involves having an enema or using a laxative that completely evacuates the intestine. It has been touted as everything from a toxin remover to a cure for cancer. Some spas even offer the treatment. Use of enemas particularly scares me because it may involve unskilled personnel performing a procedure that could be harmful. The risk of damaging the rectum, and even perforating the bowel, is a real one.

There is no medical reason whatsoever for having a cleansing enema. Enemas are only for treating stubborn constipation and for preparing the colon for a test (for example, a barium enema) or for surgery. So if anyone other than your doctor suggests an enema, just say no. If you want to flush out impurities from your body, have another glass of water instead.

-- BY NANCY SNYDERMAN, M.D."

http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekee..._295910,00.html


Mayo Clinic ask the digestive health expert

"Colon cleansing: Helpful or harmful?
Q. I've read many articles on colon cleansing as the root of all ills. I don't believe it. Generally, colon cleansing sounds like a good way to clean toxins from your body. What do you think?
No name / No state

A.Doctors don't recommend colon cleansing for better health or to prevent disease. The only appropriate use for colon cleansing is in preparation for a medical examination of the colon.

Your colon normally eliminates waste material and bacteria and absorbs water and sodium to maintain your body's fluid and electrolyte balance. Some colon-cleansing programs disrupt this balance and can be harmful by causing dehydration and salt depletion."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cle...AN00065/si=2765

"How Clean Should Your Colon Be?

By Karen Schneider

"Changing Rhythms

Naturally, the body empties its waste once it has absorbed the required food and calories it needs for energy through the small intestine. But by taking any form of laxative on a daily basis, individuals will cause their body to lose needed nutrients and fluids and also fall out of a natural rhythm. Continued use of products for "internal cleansing" can lead to bloating, cramping, dehydration, and disturbances and imbalances in electrolytes (such as potassium and calcium, which ensure healthy teeth, joints, bones, nerve impulses, blood sugar levels, and the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body). More severe side effects may include cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, kidney problems, and even death.

It is possible for individuals to experience withdrawal symptoms when they cease such programs, including abdominal cramping, mild to severe constipation, bloating, mood swings, and general feelings of fatigue, but Natural Medicine Associates says these can also be taken as "symptoms" of parasitic infection. Your health problems may be a result of the treatment, not actual predatory parasites. "

http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsID.194/news_detail.asp

This is newer IFFGD Consitpation.org

Common Questions about Constipation
Myths and Misconceptions
By: Ken Mandel, Ph.D.

"Is a long time period of stool in the colon a danger of constipation? Can it cause other disease?
Since ancient times there has been a belief that when stool resides in the colon for too long, "toxins" in the stool are released and can cause disease. This theory, which is referred to as "autointoxication" had a resurgence in the early 20th century, at which time the use of frequent enemas, cleansing purgatives, and even surgical removal of part or all of the colon were popular. Even today, colon cleansing with various purgative and enema procedures is promoted to maintain "colon health." However, there is no foundation in science for this theory. No data have ever shown that toxins are generated in the colon to be absorbed and contribute to other diseases. Autointoxication is a myth. While surgical removal of the colon is used, though very rarely, as a treatment in extreme cases of chronic and untreatable constipation, it is only considered when constipation has proven unresponsive to all other means of medical treatment and the colon is proven to have a local neuromuscular disorder. "

http://www.aboutconstipation.org/questions.html#1


also this is new

Health Highlights: March 8, 2006

"Bowel-Cleansing Products Linked to Chronic Kidney Failure

Some bowel-cleansing products that are used prior to colonoscopies are linked to chronic kidney failure, says the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

In a new posting on its WorstPills.org Web site, the Washington, D.C.-based group cites a recent study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology that shows bowel-cleansing products that contain sodium phosphate are an under-recognized cause of chronic kidney failure.

The research listed several factors that may contribute to the development of kidney problems as the result of using bowel cleansing products that contain sodium-phosphate. These include: inadequate hydration; a history of high blood pressure; and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and Celebrex.

For the study, researchers at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons reviewed all the kidney biopsies received at the facility between January 2000 and December 2004. They identified 31 patients with kidney damage consistent with phosphate toxicity. Of those 31 patients, 20 had taken oral phosphate solutions before a colonoscopy."



Colon cleanisng can mess up the good bacteria in the colon as well which is not a good thing in IBS.

There is no such thing as "autointoxification" but they want you to believe it.

FYI New

International Foundation for Funtional Disorders

IFFGD clinical corner

Question: I have a friend who frequently uses high colonics. She says it is to improve the health of her colon. I am curious about how effective these treatments are in promoting overall well being?

Answer: Before we discuss whether there are benefits of high colonics, it is important to understand the function of the colon. In the average adult the colon (large intestines) measures approximately 4 to 5 feet in lenght. The colon plays a limited role in absorbtion of water and sodium. A majority of fluid exposed to the gastrointestinal tract s first absorbed in the samll intestine. Roughly i liter will pass into the colon where 80 to 90% of the remaining fluid will be absorbed. Whatever is left is excreted in the stool. During episodes of decreased small bowel absorbtion, the colon can accomodate to absorb more fluid and limit the severity of diarrhea. The colon plays a relatively small role when looking at absorbtion of nutrients, a majority of which are taken up in the small intestines.

Stool consists of numerous bacteria numbering upward of 100 billion per gram of stool content. A majority of the bacteria persent in adult colons are anaerobic-bacteria that grow in a non oxygen environment. These bacteria are useful in controlling the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile. Another
benefit provided by colonic bacteria is the breakdown of complex carbohydrates resulting in the production of fatty acids that are used as an energy source by the cells that line the colon.
High colonics or colonic irrigation consists of flushing large amounts of fluids through a tube into the large bowel. Sometimes 25 gallons of fluid maybe required to clear the colon of stool. These fluids can contain a variety of ingredients including herbs, coffee, vitimins and enzymes. Promoters maintain that benefical effects result from ridding the body of toxins, bacteria and parasites that can contribute to a wide variety of ailments. Advertised cures for headaches, skin problems, mood swings, colds, fatique, excess weight, and irritable bowel syndrome are common. The numerous websites on the internet often show a large colon and claim "toxins" in the foul smelling stool cause inflammation and infections. I would argue that nothing could be further from the truth. As outlined earlier, the colonic bacteria that make up the stool play an integral role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. There are no reputable medical studies that show frequent colonic cleansing leads to fewer "toxins" or infections in the body. There is evidence, however that documents the potential harm associated with the use of high colonics. Complications have ranged from life threatening fluid and electrolyte changes to perforations sustained from insertion of the colonic tube.I would caution those who experince a temporary
relief from constipation. Constipation may be the first sign of a more serious diagnoses and I would strongly advise a visit to your primary care provider. In conclusion, I believe these very expensive therapies are nothing more then glorified enemas that carry a much higher risk of injury. I do not recommend high colonics for any medical condition and hope that the information provided will help you make an educated decision.
Thomas Puetz, M. D.

http://www.aboutibs.org/

and fyi on treating constipation

FYI

"Colon Cleansing
I've been hearing about something called colon cleansing. What is it, and should I be doing it?

Not only does colon cleansing provide no benefit, it can be downright dangerous. Contrary to popular belief, the inside of the colon -- the end of the large intestine -- isn't dirty and does not need to be cleaned out. Mother Nature does that on her own by making sure that waste passes through and out of your body, taking impurities with it.

Colon cleansing is a procedure that involves having an enema or using a laxative that completely evacuates the intestine. It has been touted as everything from a toxin remover to a cure for cancer. Some spas even offer the treatment. Use of enemas particularly scares me because it may involve unskilled personnel performing a procedure that could be harmful. The risk of damaging the rectum, and even perforating the bowel, is a real one.

There is no medical reason whatsoever for having a cleansing enema. Enemas are only for treating stubborn constipation and for preparing the colon for a test (for example, a barium enema) or for surgery. So if anyone other than your doctor suggests an enema, just say no. If you want to flush out impurities from your body, have another glass of water instead.

-- BY NANCY SNYDERMAN, M.D."

http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekee..._295910,00.html


Mayo Clinic ask the digestive health expert

"Colon cleansing: Helpful or harmful?
Q. I've read many articles on colon cleansing as the root of all ills. I don't believe it. Generally, colon cleansing sounds like a good way to clean toxins from your body. What do you think?
No name / No state

A.Doctors don't recommend colon cleansing for better health or to prevent disease. The only appropriate use for colon cleansing is in preparation for a medical examination of the colon.

Your colon normally eliminates waste material and bacteria and absorbs water and sodium to maintain your body's fluid and electrolyte balance. Some colon-cleansing programs disrupt this balance and can be harmful by causing dehydration and salt depletion."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cle...AN00065/si=2765

"How Clean Should Your Colon Be?

By Karen Schneider

"Changing Rhythms

Naturally, the body empties its waste once it has absorbed the required food and calories it needs for energy through the small intestine. But by taking any form of laxative on a daily basis, individuals will cause their body to lose needed nutrients and fluids and also fall out of a natural rhythm. Continued use of products for "internal cleansing" can lead to bloating, cramping, dehydration, and disturbances and imbalances in electrolytes (such as potassium and calcium, which ensure healthy teeth, joints, bones, nerve impulses, blood sugar levels, and the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body). More severe side effects may include cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, kidney problems, and even death.

It is possible for individuals to experience withdrawal symptoms when they cease such programs, including abdominal cramping, mild to severe constipation, bloating, mood swings, and general feelings of fatigue, but Natural Medicine Associates says these can also be taken as "symptoms" of parasitic infection. Your health problems may be a result of the treatment, not actual predatory parasites. "

http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsID.194/news_detail.asp

This is newer IFFGD Consitpation.org

Common Questions about Constipation
Myths and Misconceptions
By: Ken Mandel, Ph.D.

"Is a long time period of stool in the colon a danger of constipation? Can it cause other disease?
Since ancient times there has been a belief that when stool resides in the colon for too long, "toxins" in the stool are released and can cause disease. This theory, which is referred to as "autointoxication" had a resurgence in the early 20th century, at which time the use of frequent enemas, cleansing purgatives, and even surgical removal of part or all of the colon were popular. Even today, colon cleansing with various purgative and enema procedures is promoted to maintain "colon health." However, there is no foundation in science for this theory. No data have ever shown that toxins are generated in the colon to be absorbed and contribute to other diseases. Autointoxication is a myth. While surgical removal of the colon is used, though very rarely, as a treatment in extreme cases of chronic and untreatable constipation, it is only considered when constipation has proven unresponsive to all other means of medical treatment and the colon is proven to have a local neuromuscular disorder. "

http://www.aboutconstipation.org/questions.html#1


also this is new

Health Highlights: March 8, 2006

"Bowel-Cleansing Products Linked to Chronic Kidney Failure

Some bowel-cleansing products that are used prior to colonoscopies are linked to chronic kidney failure, says the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

In a new posting on its WorstPills.org Web site, the Washington, D.C.-based group cites a recent study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology that shows bowel-cleansing products that contain sodium phosphate are an under-recognized cause of chronic kidney failure.

The research listed several factors that may contribute to the development of kidney problems as the result of using bowel cleansing products that contain sodium-phosphate. These include: inadequate hydration; a history of high blood pressure; and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and Celebrex.

For the study, researchers at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons reviewed all the kidney biopsies received at the facility between January 2000 and December 2004. They identified 31 patients with kidney damage consistent with phosphate toxicity. Of those 31 patients, 20 had taken oral phosphate solutions before a colonoscopy."



Colon cleanisng can mess up the good bacteria in the colon as well which is not a good thing in IBS.

There is no such thing as "autointoxification" but they want you to believe it.

FYI New

International Foundation for Funtional Disorders

IFFGD clinical corner

Question: I have a friend who frequently uses high colonics. She says it is to improve the health of her colon. I am curious about how effective these treatments are in promoting overall well being?

Answer: Before we discuss whether there are benefits of high colonics, it is important to understand the function of the colon. In the average adult the colon (large intestines) measures approximately 4 to 5 feet in lenght. The colon plays a limited role in absorbtion of water and sodium. A majority of fluid exposed to the gastrointestinal tract s first absorbed in the samll intestine. Roughly i liter will pass into the colon where 80 to 90% of the remaining fluid will be absorbed. Whatever is left is excreted in the stool. During episodes of decreased small bowel absorbtion, the colon can accomodate to absorb more fluid and limit the severity of diarrhea. The colon plays a relatively small role when looking at absorbtion of nutrients, a majority of which are taken up in the small intestines.

Stool consists of numerous bacteria numbering upward of 100 billion per gram of stool content. A majority of the bacteria persent in adult colons are anaerobic-bacteria that grow in a non oxygen environment. These bacteria are useful in controlling the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile. Another
benefit provided by colonic bacteria is the breakdown of complex carbohydrates resulting in the production of fatty acids that are used as an energy source by the cells that line the colon.
High colonics or colonic irrigation consists of flushing large amounts of fluids through a tube into the large bowel. Sometimes 25 gallons of fluid maybe required to clear the colon of stool. These fluids can contain a variety of ingredients including herbs, coffee, vitimins and enzymes. Promoters maintain that benefical effects result from ridding the body of toxins, bacteria and parasites that can contribute to a wide variety of ailments. Advertised cures for headaches, skin problems, mood swings, colds, fatique, excess weight, and irritable bowel syndrome are common. The numerous websites on the internet often show a large colon and claim "toxins" in the foul smelling stool cause inflammation and infections. I would argue that nothing could be further from the truth. As outlined earlier, the colonic bacteria that make up the stool play an integral role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. There are no reputable medical studies that show frequent colonic cleansing leads to fewer "toxins" or infections in the body. There is evidence, however that documents the potential harm associated with the use of high colonics. Complications have ranged from life threatening fluid and electrolyte changes to perforations sustained from insertion of the colonic tube.I would caution those who experince a temporary
relief from constipation. Constipation may be the first sign of a more serious diagnoses and I would strongly advise a visit to your primary care provider. In conclusion, I believe these very expensive therapies are nothing more then glorified enemas that carry a much higher risk of injury. I do not recommend high colonics for any medical condition and hope that the information provided will help you make an educated decision.
Thomas Puetz, M. D.

http://www.aboutibs.org/

FYI on treating constipation.

http://www.aboutconstipation.org/site/about-constipation/treatment/

There is a BIG difference between expert advise from Doctors and gastroenterologists and an ordinary persons opinion or advise from alternative websites trying to sell products as well.

Nor do they address the underlying issues in functional disorders as well as many other problems that can result.

"Even today, colon cleansing with various purgative and enema procedures is promoted to maintain "colon health." However, there is no foundation in science for this theory. No data have ever shown that toxins are generated in the colon to be absorbed and contribute to other diseases. Autointoxication is a myth."

from the info above

Jesse, cleansing can disrupt gut flora, electrolytes,with some you can become dependent.

Eating fiber works from the top down. Whats the name of the item your refering too. Some can also be gi irritants.

There is some bad information on that site.

Fiber can sometimes upset IBS by causing more gas and hence pressure on the colon and pain. However, it can also help some people and its important in a persons diet. Just try Konsyl or one of those and start at a low dose.

Do you live in a tropical area or have pets?

Did you have a colonoscopy and if so how long ago?

Yes, somewhat sound, but fiber is an important part of a good diet and there maybe some cavets to that responce.

 Were you actually diagnosed with IBS and what are your IBS symptoms?

 

I was diagnosed with IBS this summer by this blood test (I think it's called prometheus?) but I have had a full work up all come back clean, including colonoscopy, endoscopy and ultrasound, as well as lots of bloodwork. I have gas, bloating, hemorrhoids, loose stools (anywhere between 1 and 5 a day), incomplete evacuation and stools are always abnormal smelling, colored etc.

No tropical area, no pets. My colonoscopy was in october of 2008 I believe. Every time I've tried a fiber supplement my stools have passed more easily; usually they break off before being fully expelled, leaving a mess if you know what I mean, but the fiber helps with that.

While the colon is fully capable of cleaning itself, there are definitely some things you can do to help it along. I've been dealing with IBS for about 12 years now and have noticed a considerable difference in my colon health due to a few lifestyle changes. I strongly recommend eating better foods such as raw vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Cut out all the processed junk and anything that has high fructose corn syrup. Adding a little exercise to your daily routine is also very helpful. If you want a little more information check out this article at the bottom of this post.

Not only will you feel better, but you'll also start losing weight and have more energy. Whatever you do, stick with it. A lame attempt will only give you lame results. Good luck to any and all who are trying to cleanse their colons.

Post Edited By Moderator (shawn12) : 5/9/2011 10:07:12 AM (GMT-6)

I see basically two sides to the conversation here, some people that think colon cleansing is hogwash and then some that disagree. Basically stating that it does work.

One of the reasons that it "might" work is due to our modern day diet which is full of toxins and preservatives - not a mixture for health!

I have tried several different colon cleanse products and while I haven't lost much in the terms of weight I have noticed increased energy levels. I'm not sure exactly why this is but from what I have read and also from what I "understand" (note that I am not a doctor lol) the high fiber content of most colon cleansers "scrubs" the intestines and the colon.

This makes it easier for nutrients in food to be absorbed through the walls of the the big/little intestines and the colon.

I also did feel less bloated which quite frankly might be considered the best "side effect" of doing a colon cleanse.

This is where I go to get information on colon cleansers:

They also have a really great database of ingredients, sorted by the different cleansers. They do not have all the cleansers on the market in their database but they do have most of the popular ones. Not only that but they have also broken down each ingredient and added a definition to each one, so if you are not sure what an ingredient does, you can always look it up.

This is a really great resource, here is the link to it:

Great conversation though, really enjoyed it and will definitely be following in the future!

Post Edited By Moderator (shawn12) : 5/9/2011 10:06:18 AM (GMT-6)