Cleaning Your Colon

Colonic irrigation is a method of colonic cleansing, practiced for removing toxic substances and waste material that is accumulated in the linings of the colon. In this procedure, a large volume of liquid is introduced into the colon (a quart at a time). Colonic irrigation differs from an enema method, as the latter involves injecting lesser amounts of water into the rectum, but not in the colon. In recent times, colonic irrigation is more popularly known as colonic hydrotherapy.

Prior to the colonic irrigation procedure, the candidate is restricted from consuming a heavy meal or gulping down large amounts of beverages. During the session, a small rubber tube (speculum) is introduced in the rectum and a small amount of warm water is regularly pumped in and out, so as to loosen the accumulated wastes. A colonic irrigation session may last for about 40-45 minutes. The impact of colonic irrigation on the health is still debatable. Some people claim it to be a beneficial procedure for body detoxification, while others are concerned about certain colonic irrigation side effects.

Benefits of Colonic Irrigation

According to the proponents of colonic irrigation, most of the medical problems are originated from the bowel, either from the impacted wastes or the microbes harbored in the colon. They promote colonic irrigation for its effectiveness in getting rid of dead tissues, impacted feces, disease causing microbes and improving digestive health. Some of the health conditions that are believed to be treated by colonic irrigation include bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, irregular bowel movements, and allergies. Read more on colonic irrigation benefits.

Side Effects of Colonic Irrigation

As of date, there is no clinical trial that supports the safety as well as the benefits of colonic cleansing, as claimed by the proponents of this procedure. Hence, colonic irrigation is often referred to as complementary therapy. Possible side effects of colonic irrigation method are as follows:

Colon Perforation
Perforation of the colonic walls is an adverse effect of colonic irrigation. The colonic and rectal linings are very sensitive to stimuli. Hence, insertion of device in the rectum and infusing a large of warm water may cause damage and injury to the walls. In case of a high water pressure, perforation of the colon walls occur, which in turn can lead to infections.

Electrolyte Imbalances
During the colonic irrigation procedure, the infused water is pumped out and this cycle is continued for several times. While doing so, electrolytes like sodium, potassium present in the bowel are expelled out. Also, after the session is completed, a large amount of body fluid is passed out, resulting in electrolyte imbalance.

Infections
Another commonly observed colonic irrigation side effect is an infection, which is resulted due to usage of contaminated devices and tools. Considering this, the equipment utilized during colonic irrigation should be sterilized properly. Infections can also be resulted due to loss of beneficial microbes from the body.