Throughout my years of speaking with people during and after cancer treatment, questions about colon cleansers have come up more than I ever expected. But what exactly is a colon cleanser
? And is it helpful?
Colonics, or colon cleansers, are often marketed as a way to “detox” the body to improve well-being and overall health. Colon cleansing, also called “colon irrigation” or “colon hydrotherapy,” may be performed at home or in spas or clinics using water-based irrigation methods into the rectum, dietary and herbal supplements, teas, capsules, and/or laxatives.
Quite honestly, this is not my idea of fun.
In health news just last week, a study in the August issue of The Journal of Family Practice reported that there is no scientific evidence that colon cleansing offers any health benefits. The authors reviewed 20 studies about colon cleansing from the past ten years.
In fact, colon cleansing may even be harmful. A number of the studies reviewed reported side effects including cramping, bloating, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance and kidney failure. Cleansing may also remove good bacteria that contribute to overall health. One exception: “cleansing” for a colonoscopy through methods recommended by your physician is appropriate for the procedure.
The average adult colon is a long muscular tube measuring 3 to 4 feet in length and 2 ½ inches in width. The colon works to reabsorb fluids and electrolytes and store waste for elimination.The bacteria in the colon are both good and bad, and serve as part of our defense against infections. Bottom line: the colon is designed to “cleanse” itself.
But what if you have colon cancer or are taking cancer therapies that are causing constipation, diarrhea or other digestive issues? The authors list four key points for anyone considering colon cleansing:
If digestive issues are a common problem for you during cancer treatment, talk with your physician and request a consultation with a Registered Dietitian who has experience in oncology. An oncology dietitian can review your current eating habits and give you direction on changes you can make that may help. If diet changes alone are not enough, your physician or nurse can recommend medications to help as well.
For more information from MD Anderson: Clean Your Colon: Health or Hype?
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