The landscape of complementary and alternative medicine is a seething a deluge of both well founded and pseudoscientific medical practices situated outside the realm of medical standards of practice. The use of colonics, laxatives, and other methods of bowel evacuation to detoxify the body has garnered considerable interest from the public as stated in the August issue of the The Journal of Family Practice. The inherent social impact of this burgeoning interest necessitates an examination of the ramifications of these practices.
The use of colonics is based on the precept that an over accumulation of fecal matter seeps destructive toxins into the body’s tissues. Colon cleansing is purported to remove these toxins, alleviating their destructive effects. Manufacturer claims vary, but cures range from the treatment of headache, fatigue, and weight loss to the general promotion of a healthy lifestyle. A cornerstone of these marketing campaigns lies in their devotion to the use of “natural” and “herbal” remedies. In addition to the wealth of product lines available, hydrotherapists or colon hygienists provide colon irrigation practices professing similar health claims, as noted by the International Society of Colon Hydrotherapy.
Keel Irwin manufacturer of Dual Action Cleanse presented his evidence for the benefits of colon cleansing in a 2006 interview “, John Wayne, when he died of colon cancer, was autopsied and the doctor who did his autopsy commented that he had found 44 pounds of undigested fecal matter stuck in his colon and digestive system. And the doctor actually made a comment at this time that the Duke would have lived years longer if he would have had a magic bullet or some sort of pill to clear out all the compacted gunk from his digestive system.” This statement is problematic for two reasons; John Wayne never had an autopsy and there is no scientific evidence for Mr. Irwin’s claims.
Nearly a century ago, the American Medical Association argued against the merits of colon irrigation, condemning their use. Currently, no study has provided support for the multitude of claims professed by colon cleansing practitioners and manufacturers. The FDA currently classifies colonic irrigation systems used by hydrotherapists as class III devices that cannot be marketed as promoters of general health or advocated for routine use. As for colon cleansing pills, the FDA only allows them to be marketed as dietary supplements, giving companies free reign to make unscientific claims without FDA preapproval.
Even more disconcerting than the lack of scientific evidence in support of colon cleanse claims are the possible negative consequences of their use. Mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain can develop from moderate use. However, frequent use can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney failure. Visits to hydrotherapists and colonic hygienists are of even greater concern with risk of colonic perforation, which that can precipitate in severe infection and death.
The evidence provided calls into question the continued use of colonics for the promotion of health. The claims of manufacturers and practitioners remain unfounded. Although some homeopathic remedies may be effective, the dietary supplement market should always be approached with apprehension. Conventional pharmaceuticals are subjected to rigorous FDA review, but dietary supplement manufacturers are not required to provide evidence based on peer reviewed studies. Although, the quest for a healthy lifestyle is noble, a measured approach should be adopted to prevent bodily harm.
