context: The practice of natural colon cleansing dates back to ancient Greece. In the U. S., cleansing the colon -- the large intestine -- became popular in the early 1900s. But when the theories behind it lost support, it fell out of favor. Recently, though, colon cleansing -- using, for example, teas, enzymes, or colon irrigation -- has experienced resurgence. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Is colon cleansing good for you? Scientific research on colon cleansing is extremely limited. There is no good evidence for most of the claims that its practitioners make. And the side effects can range from mild to severe. There are two main colon-cleansing methods. One involves buying products; the other involves seeing a practitioner to have a colon irrigation. Colon cleansing with powdered or liquid supplements. You take some supplements used for colon cleansing by mouth. Others you take through the rectum. Either way, the idea is to help the colon to expel its contents. You can find these products on the Internet or in health food stores, supermarkets, or pharmacies. They include: Enemas Laxatives-both stimulant and non stimulant types Herbal teas Enzymes Magnesium Colon cleansing with colon irrigation (high colonics). The first modern colonic machine was invented about 100 years ago. Today, colonic hygienists or colon hydrotherapists perform colon irrigations. Colon irrigations work somewhat like an enema but they involve much more water. While you lie on a table, a low-pressure pump or a gravity-based reservoir flushes several gallons of water through a small tube inserted into your rectum. After the water is in the colon, the therapist may massage your abdomen. Then you release the water like a regular bowel movement; the process flushes out the fluids and waste. The therapist may repeat the process, and a session may last up to an hour. The practitioner may use a variety of water pressures and temperatures and may or may not combine water with enzymes, herbs, coffee, or probiotics. Probiotics are supplements containing beneficial bacteria. One of the main theories behind colon cleansing is an ancient belief called the theory of autointoxication. This is the belief that undigested meat and other foods cause mucus buildup in the colon. This buildup produces toxins, the theory goes, which enter the blood's circulation, poisoning the body. Some people claim these toxins cause a wide range of symptoms, such as: Fatigue Headache Weight gain Low energy On the surface, the idea of toxins being reabsorbed by the body makes some sense. After all, rectal suppositories are used to rapidly administer drugs but the whole theory of autointoxication has been disproven. The health claims made by producers of colon cleansing products and colon irrigation practitioners are broad and wide-reaching. Their main goal is to clear the colon of large quantities of stagnant, supposedly toxic waste encrusted on colon walls. Doing so, they claim, will enhance the vitality of the body. Other stated goals include: Improving mental outlook Improving the immune system Losing weight Reducing the risk of colon cancer Quality scientific research is lacking when it comes to determining whether or not a colon cleansing is helpful. Are bowel movements enough to clear the colon? Or is it true that colon cleansing can be beneficial? We do know that the body alone can do the following: Natural bacteria in the colon can detoxify food wastes. The liver also neutralizes toxins. Mucus membranes in the colon may keep unwanted substances from reentering the blood and tissues. The lining of the intestines regenerates itself faster than any other tissue in the body, preventing a buildup of harmful material. The normal number of bowel movements varies from person to person. 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. Remember that "natural" doesn't necessarily mean safe. The government doesn't regulate natural colon cleansing products, so their potency, safety, and purity can't be guaranteed. And, each state has its own rules about whether or not practitioners must be professionally licensed. It's always a good idea to talk with your primary health provider before starting a new practice such as colon cleansing. There are some potential side effects, including: Vomiting, nausea, cramps Dizziness, a sign of dehydration Mineral imbalance Potential interference with medication absorption on day of procedure Bowel perforation Infection Depletion of helpful normal bowel flora unless replaced (i.e. probiotics) Kidney failure Be aware, if the therapist adds a substance to the water during colon irrigation, you run the risk of an allergic reaction. Risks of side effects increases, if you have: Diverticulitis Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease Severe hemorrhoids Tumors in your rectum or colon Recent bowel surgery Heart disease or kidney disease What you eat -- not what you flush through your colon -- may have the greatest impact on colon health, lowering your risk of colon cancer and enhancing your overall health. Increasing both soluble and insoluble fiber can help with a wide range of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diverticular disease, and colorectal cancer. The typical American consumes about 15 grams a day, but you need closer to 25 grams to 30 grams. If there are no gluten issues, add sources of both insoluble fiber, such as cereal and whole grains, and soluble fiber, such as bran, some fruit, some vegetables, and oatmeal. Also, drink plenty of fluids, but drink alcohol in moderation. Avoid tobacco and limit red meat. And, of course, get screened for colon cancer beginning at age 50, or earlier if your doctor advises.