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What is a colonic? -

The logic behind getting a colonic is to give your colon an extra cleanse, using hydrotherapy to help it function at its best.

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Hydrotherapy -

Hydrotherapy is a treatment using water. In this case, the water is claimed to remove stool and gas from your colon.

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Flushing process -

A colonic irrigation involves the insertion of a tube into your rectum, to flush out any stool. A large amount of pressurized water is pumped in.

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Goop -

Known for getting on board with health trends many would consider bizarre, Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop website featured an article about colonics in the mid 2010s.

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Goop -

At the time, many celebrities were speaking about their fondness for colonic hydrotherapy. It raised the profile of the procedure, with many wondering: does it have proven benefits?

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Colonoscopies and cleanses -

During a colonoscopy, a camera is inserted in the colon. Most colon cleanses are only approved by doctors prior to a colonoscopy procedure taking place. Apart from colonics, there are other ways to purportedly "cleanse" the colon.

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Colon cleanse: enemas -

Where a patient is experiencing chronic constipation or needs to prepare for a colonoscopy, an enema might be suggested for use.

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Colon cleanse: enemas -

Enemas work by releasing liquid into the colon and large intestine via a tube. However, there are dangers associated with enemas when they are performed at home or repeatedly.

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Colon cleanse: laxatives -

Taking herbal supplements with laxative effects or over-the-counter laxatives could be considered a type of colon cleanse.

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Colon cleanse: detox teas -

Detox or "teatox" teas are sometimes touted as helping to cleanse the colon, including ingredients such as oolong, mate leaves, peppermint, ginger, and lemongrass.

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Detox trend -

Detoxes are regularly touted in wellness circles to help with weight loss, provide an energy boost, and assist with getting rid of toxins from the body.

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Detox trend -

In the body, the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and digestive system are responsible for detoxing. But the detox trend asserts these systems can become overloaded and might benefit from detox support.

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Gut microbiome -

To practice "flushing" of the gut, and keep it healthy, it's recommended to drink plenty of water, increase fiber intake, and include products like yogurt and kefir to improve the microbiome.

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Intestinal health -

The intestines are some of the biggest organs in the body. While they are not the main detoxification organ (which is the liver), they are responsible for absorbing the nutrients from food.

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Intestinal health -

Food is broken down, nutrients are absorbed, and waste material is solidified and removed from the body via the intestines.

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Mind-gut connection -

One of the reasons why there has been a drive to practice good gut health is due to growing evidence regarding the mind-gut connection.

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Mind-gut connection -

According to the mind-gut connection, the gut microbiota may affect behavior. An emotion neurotransmitter called GABA is produced in the gut that helps regulate brain activity and can calm anxiety.

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Waste elimination -

Some doctors say claims by colonic therapists that colonics detox the colon ignore the fact that the digestive system knows how to eliminate its own waste and toxins.

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American Cancer Society -

The American Cancer Society has said there is no evidence that toxins accumulate on bowel walls, let alone that this was due to "poor elimination of waste from the colon."

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Risks of colonics: dehydration -

While they might seem harmless, colonics aren't for everyone. They can throw off your electrolyte balance, dehydrating you and leading to symptoms such as dizziness.

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Risks of colonics: gut microbiome disruption -

As the gut already does a great job of removing waste and cleaning itself, a colonic can upset the natural balance of flora in your gut. Healthy bacteria is also flushed away, and can possibly lead to microbiome disruption.

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Risks of colonics: infections -

If the equipment used isn't sterile, and the water contains microorganisms, the colonic could cause infection. Rectal injury can occur if the tube is inserted too forcefully, or the water is pumped at an incorrect pressure.

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Risks of colonics: bowel perforation -

Probably a rare side effect, but possible: bowel perforation occurs when a hole is made in the wall of the colon. It's very serious, and those who suffer from G.I. conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis are more at risk.

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Keep in mind -

If you have chosen to get a colonic, make sure to visit a doctor or doctor-approved location, where equipment is sterile and technicians are licensed. When in doubt, contact your doctor.

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At risk: those with G.I. issues -

People who suffer or have suffered with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or colorectal cancer should think twice before getting a colonic.

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At risk: those who've undergone abdominal surgery -

Those who've had abdominal surgery, such as an appendectomy (removal of the appendix), colectomy (removal of part of the colon), or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) are more at risk.

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At risk: a history of medical problems -

If you have a medical history of kidney disease, heart disease, or electrolyte disorders, you are more likely to be at risk during a colonic procedure.

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The bottom line -

According to the Harvard Gazette, your colon naturally sheds its lining every five to seven days. If you want to improve your gut health overall, there are some things you can do instead of getting colonics.

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The bottom line -

Eating fermented and probiotic foods, staying hydrated, eating plenty of fiber, exercising, and eliminating processed foods (as much as possible) from your diet will help keep your colon happy.

Sources: (Well+Good) (Mayo Clinic) (WebMD) (Goop) (The Guardian) (Lifespan) (Verywell Health) 

See also: Unexplained weight loss—should you be worried?

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