Is a colon cleanse good for your health?

You may have seen colon cleanses—also called colonic irrigations, colonics, or colonic hydrotherapy—promoted on TV or in magazines. Ads for colon cleansing promise weight loss, less bloating, removal of toxins, lower blood pressure, and glowing skin. Sounds great, right? But are these health benefits real? The short answer is—not really.

Get the facts about colon cleansing and how to protect your colon, with help from gastroenterologists (GI doctors) at LCMC Health.

How the colon keeps digestion rollin’

Before you even think about a colon cleanse, it’s important to know how the colon works. Your colon, or large intestine, plays an important role in digestion—the process of absorbing nutrients and getting rid of waste. When you eat, food moves from your mouth, down your esophagus, through your stomach, into the small intestine, and then to the colon.

As food travels, the body breaks it down. By the time it reaches the colon, it’s mostly liquid. The colon absorbs what it needs and breaks down anything else. That waste then moves into the rectum and out of the body.

What is a colonic?

A colonic is a type of colon cleanse procedure that irrigates the colon. Usually, a colonic hygienist sends water through a tube into the rectum. The goal is to stimulate a bowel movement. There are also a variety of products on the market that advertise ways to clean the colon at home.

Know that a colonic is not the same thing as an enema, which your provider may prescribe before a specific medical procedure. However, sometimes people try to use enemas to clean the colon.

Facts and myths about colon cleanses

Before you consider a colon cleanse, make sure you know the facts.

Myth: Regular colon cleanses are necessary to clean out the colon.

Fact: Colonics are marketed as a way to detoxify the body or improve digestion. Similarly, other colon cleaning products promote “natural colon cleansing.” But your body’s digestive system is already designed to naturally clean itself, each time it goes through the digestive process. Most people don’t need additional “cleaning.”

Myth: Colon cleanses improve your immune system and colon health.

Fact: Colon cleansing can cause a number of side effects, including a disrupted digestive system and dehydration. These side effects can negatively impact your health.

Myth: The benefits of a colonic outweigh the risks.

Fact: Colon cleansing is especially risky for those with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or a digestive condition, such as diverticulitis. These conditions can put you at a higher risk for dehydration, kidney failure, heart failure, and pancreatitis from a colon cleanse.

Ways to protect your colon health

If colon cleansing isn’t the best move, what can you do to keep your colon healthy and your digestive system running smoothly? Try these simple steps, which can go a long way.

Talk to your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer

First, talk with your provider at your next checkup about your risk of colorectal cancer. They’ll let you know when you should begin cancer screenings.

Get a colonoscopy

Current guidelines list the age for a first colonoscopy as 45. Colonoscopy is the most common type of colorectal screening. Begin routine colorectal screenings at age 45 if you are at average risk of colon cancer. You may need earlier or more frequent screenings depending on your risk.

For most, colonoscopy prep is a type of colon cleanse. This colon cleansing clears the digestive system, so your gastroenterologist can get a clear view of the colon.

Eat the best foods for colon health

What you eat impacts your colon health. Give your colon health a boost and help your digestive system work better by eating a healthy diet with lots of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods have a good amount of fiber, which helps things move through the digestive system. Try to eat less processed meats. Research has found that eating hot dogs and other red meats may increase your risk of colorectal cancer.

Focus on healthy lifestyle habits

Many lifestyle habits that support your overall health also benefit your colon. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke, and limit how much alcohol you drink.

[H2] Find digestive care in your parish

Are you looking to schedule a colonoscopy near you? Do you need help with stomach troubles or digestion? Contact the digestive care team at LCMC Health. Our gastroenterologists provide specialty care for all your GI needs.