Almost everyone who comments on the merits or risks of colon cleansing has a really strong opinion about it.

The colon is also known as the large intestine. According to WedMD, researchers have so far devoted little effort to formally studying the pros and cons of the process.

How It Works

While natural colon cleansing was widespread in ancient Greece, it didn’t become popular as a way of restoring health in the United States until the 1920s and 1930s. The practice then lost popularity, only to regain it in recent years among advocates of using teas, enzymes or colon irrigation.

There are two methods of colon cleansing. The first involves buying powered or liquid supplements, then taking them by mouth or through the rectum. The products include laxatives, enemas, enzymes, strong herbal teas, powers and antiparasite capsules.

The second method cleanses the intestine using colonic irrigation. While the patient lies on a table, a machine used by a colonic hygienist or colon therapist pushes water through a tube inserted into the rectum. Once the colon has filled with water, the practitioner massages the abdomen, then uses another tube to flush the fluid along with wastes. An appointment might take as long as one hour.

The Federal government doesn’t regulate the products used for colon cleansing as far as their strength or safety. Each state sets any licensing requirements for practitioners.

The Pros

Proponents of colon cleansing believe that undigested meat and other foods result in mucus in the large intestine and toxins that eventually circulate through the body. They insist that these toxins can cause symptoms like weight gain, headaches, fatigue and low energy levels. They believe colon cleansing can ward off an accumulation of toxins that contribute to illnesses such as arthritis, allergies and asthma.

Manufacturers of cleansing products have as a general goal removal of the accumulation of allegedly toxic wastes fastened to the walls of the colon. This allegedly enhances the patient’s feelings of well being. Other objectives include weight loss, lowering the risk of colon cancer, boosting immunity and improving the individual’s mental outlook.

The Cons

Individuals who speak out against colon cleansing point to a lack of research to show that the practice really offers any health benefits. Some believe that the body doesn’t need the help of a mechanical process to remain healthy for several reasons.

The intestinal tract naturally contains bacteria whose job is to detoxify wastes from food. The liver also handles them. Since old cells in the large intestine fall off every three days, the body naturally prevents harmful substances from accumulating. Some experts insist that the colon’s mucus membranes prevent toxins from moving back into the circulatory system and the rest of the body. Weight loss claims are sometimes dismissed because the body absorbs most of the calories consumed in food before they get as far as the colon.

The Mayo Clinic points out that the natural digestive process makes a colon cleansing process unnecessary. Naysayers point to a risk of dehydration. Another potential side effect is a rise in electrolytes from laxatives containing sodium phosphate. This elevation can prove dangerous to patients with kidney or heart disease.

WebMD reports that other potential side effects and symptoms include vomiting, nausea and cramps. Some patients experience strings of mucus when the body reacts to the cleansing substance as a toxin. Bowel perforation, infection and possible adverse interaction with other medications are also risks.