Treatments & Therapies

Colon Cleansing – Treatment, Effect and Risks

Colon cleansing

The human digestive system is under a lot of strain due to the variety of food and everyday stress . Irritations in the intestinal tract are usually noticeable with the corresponding symptoms. How is a colon cleansing carried out and what dangers can arise?

What is the colon cleanse?

Intestinal cleansing is the artificially induced evacuation of the entire intestine . The gut is the largest immune organ in the human body. 70% of the body’s defense cells are located on the intestinal mucosa . The job is to defend against pathogens and the vital job of absorbing nutrients that we ingest through food. The water balance is influenced and metabolic products are excreted through the intestines.

The gut also provides a habitat for over 450 different types of bacteria that produce important vitamins and protect the body from pollutants and other pathogens. If this balance is disturbed, diseases result. Factors such as stress and an unhealthy diet encourage this imbalance. In order to cleanse the body from the inside, a colon cleansing is carried out.

Function, effect & goals

In the most common cases, a colon cleanse is ordered in preparation for an exam or surgery. But this method is also widespread in the wellness area or before fasting cures. When suffering from chronic constipation , a thorough colon cleansing can be beneficial.

Depending on the procedure that follows after a colon cleanse, there are different methods of cleansing the colon. If the patient is about to have a colonoscopy (colonoscopy) after the colon cleansing, or if the cleansing is used to prepare for an operation, an orthograde colonic irrigation is performed. Before examining the colon , the diet should be as fiber-free as possible for a week beforehand.

The day before the examination, the patient drinks three to five liters of a PEG solution (polyethylene glycol) within a few hours. Flushing continues until a clear golden-yellow liquid is excreted. When preparing to drink, only clear liquids such as water or soup should be consumed to prevent the patient from becoming dehydrated. It has proven useful to drink another liter of a PEG solution on the day of the examination. The remaining substances remaining in the intestine are excreted. The intestines can also be emptied with enemas or with high-dose laxatives . With an enema, fluid is passed through the anus (back passage) into the intestine.

Another application is the cleansing of the intestines during fasting cures . The Glauber’s salt (sodium sulphate) and the enemas played a major role here. Before starting a fasting cure and then at regular intervals of about two days, Glauber’s salt is taken or an enema is used. The intestine purifies and this should trigger a health-promoting effect.

In order to rebuild the intestinal flora , the intestinal cleansing creates a basis. One method of gentle colon cleansing is the use of flea seeds . In combination with bentonite (mineral clay of volcanic origin), psyllium husk can bind the negative metabolic end products and remove the mucus that accumulates on the walls of the colon. The psyllium husks dissolved in water become a spongy pulp that stimulates peristalsis (intestinal movement) after consumption. This accelerates the emptying of the bowel.

A traditional way of cleansing the intestines is the use of special herbal mixtures that empty and cleanse the intestines. With the help of intestinal cleansing, the intestinal flora is built up and by eliminating harmful ingredients in food, the body can no longer poison itself. The intestinal bacteria can thus concentrate on their usual tasks, the formation of digestive enzymes and vitamins.

Risks, side effects & dangers

However, frequent colon cleansing also involves risks that should not be underestimated. With frequent enemas and colonic irrigations, the shifting of electrolytes in the intestines is promoted. This means that the salts dissolved in the blood , the electrolytes , can only partially or not at all take over the vital functions in the organism. The high loss of fluid during elimination is associated with this disease. Electrolyte imbalances show up in the form of muscle cramps , cardiac arrhythmias and clouded consciousness.

The risk of electrolyte imbalance is particularly high in elderly patients with poor circulation. In the worst case, it can lead to heart or kidney failure . By taking laxatives, possibly over a longer period of time, the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are suppressed. However, these strains of bacteria are necessary for better bowel movement. They also regulate the acidification flora in the intestine.

Improper use can result in damage to the intestinal wall. The formation of ulcers is higher and the occurrence of an infectious disease. If the instruments needed for an examination are not sufficiently sterilized, this can lead to infection.

Side effects such as abdominal cramps , vomiting or bleeding in the intestines can occur. Colon cleansing should only be done in consultation with a doctor. He explains possible risks and side effects and offers alternatives if necessary, provided that it is not a medically necessary colon cleansing. Many general practitioners offer a colonic irrigation procedure. However, people themselves can do a lot of good for the intestines with a balanced diet. Lots of exercise and sufficient fluid intake stimulate digestion. Sufficient sleep should also be ensured, since the body filters the pollutants during the rest phase.

Lisa Newlon
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Hello! I am Lisa Newlon, and I am a medical writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I have a Master’s degree in Medicine, and my deep understanding of medical terminology, practices, and procedures has made me a trusted source of information in the medical world.