Gut Feelings

JoAnn Cueva believes that, in medicine, open lines of communication are crucial. As marketing director for Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio, she serves as a link between doctors and patients and writes health stories in order to empower readers.


Colon Cleansing: Helpful or Harmful?


Written by Holly Coyle

After our live chat on lactose intolerance where more than 800 of you participated, I received this question from a reader:

How do you feel about (what are) the benefits/risks of periodic (quarterly, semi-annual) self-directed colon cleansing? Some people do this quarterly due to religious beliefs. I am not asking from the religion standpoint but simply on the benefits of such a practice — toxin elimination, weight control, etc.

Colon cleansing, otherwise known as colonics, is something I have always wondered about because my friend in L.A. believes in it. I asked two of the doctors at Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio to give their perspective. Here’s what Dr. Mario Garza writes:

The digestive system and bowel naturally eliminate waste material and bacteria — your body doesn’t need enemas or special diets or pills to do this.

One concern with colon cleansing is that it can increase your risk of dehydration. A potentially more serious concern is that certain laxatives used in colon cleansing, such as those with sodium phosphate, can cause a rise in your electrolytes, which can be dangerous if you have kidney disease or heart disease.

No quality research has been done to tell whether or not a colon cleansing is helpful. These are several reasons that argue against the need for colon cleansing. First, natural bacteria in the colon detoxify food wastes and the liver also neutralizes toxins.

Second,mucus membranes in the colon keep unwanted substances from reentering the blood and tissues.

And finally, the colon sheds old cells about every three days, preventing a buildup of harmful material.

The normal number of bowel movements varies from person to person. It may be as often as a few times a day or as little as a few times a week.

Increasing the number of bowel movements doesn’t improve weight loss. That’s because the body absorbs most calories before they reach the large intestine.

Here is Dr. Richard T. Shaffer’s response:

Thanks for the question. Keep them coming.

Categories: Uncategorized
Holly Coyle