Is Colonic Irrigation Safe?

Over the course of time, the colon has a tendency to get backed up with fecal matter and mucoid plaque that is often the result of poor eating habits, regular exposure to chemicals from foods and the use of medications. When this matter collects it is also called an impacted colon. One thing people do to eliminate this problem is get a colonic irrigation. The procedure comes with pros and cons.

Process

Colonic irrigation, also called high colonics and colon hydrotherapy, has a few steps involved. A device called a speculum, and an attached hose, is inserted into the rectum. Warm water that has a mixture of nutrients, electrolytes and probiotics is then flushed into the colon. The flow of water is then reversed and a suction effect takes place allowing the backed up fecal matter to be eliminated from the body.

Incontinence

There are two types of incontinence: urinary and fecal. Sometimes fecal incontinence is the result of constipation. Watery stool ends up going around the impacted fecal matter causing incontinence. Colonic irrigation is used to help reverse this problem. It is also used for general constipation even without the presence of incontinence.

Surgery

There are certain surgeries performed in the stomach that require the colon to be empty. Surgeons will often do colonic irrigation during or before the procedure to speed the healing process and cleanse the colon.

Theories/Speculation

There are many proposed benefits to colonic irrigation. One of the most common is a boosted immune system. This theory suggests that the bacteria and waste material that are backed up in the colon compromise the body's immunity, which can cause diseases and conditions to occur outside the colon. When the colon is cleansed, overall health is allegedly improved. Note: There are no specific studies that prove this to be true.

Effects

When having the irrigation done, there are various factors that should be taken into consideration. The equipment being used needs to be sterile. If it is not, then infections can develop. Another thing that can cause infections is when too much good bacteria are flushed out of the colon and bad bacteria overgrow. In the worst cases, septic shock can occur from damage to the colon wall when the tube is inserted. An overabundance of water absorption can also take place, leading to nausea, vomiting, irregular heart rhythms and fluid in the lungs.

Considerations

There are certain people who should not get colon irrigation done. If any of the following conditions are present, then colonics are not safe: hemorrhoids, rectal tumors, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease or anyone who has had bowel surgery recently and they is still recovering. Anyone with kidney or heart disease should also avoid getting treatments done regularly.

Expert Insight

According to Johns Hopkins University, experts in the medical community--including their own doctors--claim that colonic irrigation is a risky procedure and advise against them because of the possible side effects.