Laxatives empty the colon short term but are an irritant to the body. Therefore, the body produces a thin watery substance that goes through the colon and leaves behind impacted toxins and waste. Colon hydrotherapy uses pure water and does not irritate the body. One of the tremendous benefits is that it hydrates the body. Laxatives are also habit forming and long-term use can cause peristalsis (muscle action) to become weakened or nonexistent.