None described the benefits of either colonic hydrotherapy or oral medicines. Out of 297 abstracts, they found only 16 published manuscripts and 1 letter that met quality standards. They published their review in the November 2009 issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Brooks Cash searched medical literature and conference abstracts for information related to colon cleansing, scoring studies for quality. Rather, practitioners have undergone a training process structured by an organization that is attempting to institute its own certification and licensing requirements. Colon cleansing practitioners are not licensed by a scientifically based organization.Inadequately disinfected or sterilized irrigation machines have been linked to bacterial contamination. The devices that practitioners use for the procedure are not approved for colon cleansing by the US Food and Drug Administration.Side effects of colon cleansing include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, acute kidney insufficiency, pancreatitis, bowel perforation, heart failure, and infection.These conditions increase the risk of adverse effects. Colon irrigation is not wise-particularly if you have a history of gastrointestinal disease (including diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis) or a history of colon surgery, severe hemorrhoids, kidney disease, or heart disease.He concludes with 4 things to tell patients about colon cleansing: Mishori urges doctors to raise the issue of colon cleansing with their patients and let them know about lack of evidence and potential risks. Colon hydrotherapy is not one of those purposes, and the FDA has issued a number of warning letters to "colon hydrotherapists" who misuse the devices. Several patients died when unsterile hydrotherapy equipment infected them with amebiasis, an intestinal parasite.ĭevices used for colonic therapy and irrigation are Class III medical devices and must be licensed by the FDA and used only for those medical purposes that are approved by the FDA. Some adverse events were mild like cramping and nausea, others life-threatening including bowel perforations, kidney and heart failure, and abdominal abscesses. Mishori found little evidence that they were effective and many reasons to avoid them. In a recent article in the Journal of Family Practice, Dr.Ranit Mishori reviewed the case for colon hydrotherapy and herbal supplements sold to clean the colon and "detoxify" the body.ĭr. ![]() The problem is that there is not a shred of evidence that colon cleansing does any of these things.Īnd there is evidence that it can make holes in the colon requiring surgery, cause serious infections, lead to dehydration and heart and kidney damage, and sometimes kill. ![]() Using informercials and celebrities, they say they will "boost the immune system" and promote weight loss. Lots of evidence that they are actually harmful, even potentially life-threatening.Īdministered either orally as teas, pills, or powders or through the rectum as high-powered enemas or colonic hydrotherapy, colon cleansers promise to "detox" the body and eliminate fatigue, weight gain, and headaches.No proof that they are effective in promoting general health or well-being. ![]() Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Twitter Copy this URL Share via EmailĪlthough they are widely touted on TV, on the Internet, and in newspaper and magazine ads, colon cleansing regimens have:
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |