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You¡¯ve probably heard that flushing out your colon can improve your health.

Ads for colon cleansing claim health benefits such as weight loss, energy boosts, improvements to the immune system and removal of toxins. Some even claim the practice reduces your risk for colon cancer.

But there¡¯s little scientific proof to support these claims.

So, before you consider any type of colon cleanse, here¡¯s what you should know.

Your colon already keeps you healthy

Your colon, or large intestine, is a long, muscular tube, and it is a key part of your digestive system. It removes water, salt and nutrients from the food you eat. The remaining solid waste forms stool.

Your colon then moves the stool along its walls to be expelled. This process rids the body of food waste and toxins. It also helps your colon maintain a healthy bacterial composition, known as your microbiome. Your microbiome plays a crucial role in protecting your body from infections, and it may even protect against colon cancer.

Types of colon cleanses

There are many ways to clean your colon.

Supplements

Taken orally, supplements to clean your colon are usually in capsules or powder forms. They can be purchased online or over the counter at the store. They are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Laxatives

There are two common types of laxatives for colon cleansing.

• Osmotic laxatives draw water into the colon. This softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.
• Stimulant laxatives stimulate the colon to secrete fluid and electrolytes. In other words, it helps push your stool along.

Enemas

An enema is an injection of fluid into the colon to stimulate a bowel movement.

Herbal teas

Herbal teas are usually made from dried herbs, spices or flowers infused in hot water. They are often marketed to promote healthy digestion and relieve constipation.

Colon irrigation (colonic) or colon hydrotherapy

You need to see a doctor to have this procedure done. The doctor will insert a tube into your rectum and inject a large volume of water into the colon to flush it out.

Colon cleansing has been around for a long time, but there¡¯s no proof that it prevents disease or improves health.

It¡¯s best to see your doctor if you have concerns about your bowel habits or health.

Colon cleanses may be harmful

The idea behind colon cleansing is that you can flush out toxins and other ¡°bad stuff¡± from your body or change your gut microbiome. But experts don¡¯t consider that to be effective. You may think you¡¯re getting rid of toxins, but instead, you¡¯re removing the bacteria that keep you healthy. In fact, if you regularly cleanse your colon, you could cause serious harm.

Potential side effects include:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Dizziness
• Dehydration
• Bowel perforation
• Infection
• Depletion of probiotics, sodium and potassium
• Kidney damage

Some people think a colon cleanse can help with bloating or constipation. These are common symptoms, and they could be signs of an underlying health issue. So, it¡¯s best to see a doctor first and follow their recommendations to treat the symptoms.

The only time you should clean your colon is to prepare for a colonoscopy. A clean colon helps your doctor detect polyps that can become cancer. Polyps are small growths on the lining of your colon.

The colon cleansing you must do for a colonoscopy won¡¯t cause harm. It¡¯s a necessary preparation step. Other than colonoscopy prep, colon cleansing is not necessary. The colon is quite remarkable because it can care for itself and keep you healthy.   

How to improve your colon health

There are proven steps you can take to improve your health and reduce your risk for colon cancer.

• Eat a healthy diet. Ditch the fried and processed foods, and fill at least two-thirds of your plate with vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Focus on lean protein like chicken, fish and beans.
• Limit red meat. Eat no more than 18 ounces of cooked red meat a week. Red meat includes beef, pork and lamb.
• Avoid processed meats. Skip bacon, sausage, deli meats, hot dogs and other processed meats. Cancer-causing substances called carcinogens form when meats are preserved.
• Get screened. Regular screening exams for colorectal cancer should start at age 45 for adults at average risk. These exams can find cancer at an early stage when the chances for successful treatment are highest.
• Maintain a healthy weight. What matters about your weight is the amount of body fat you¡¯re carrying around and where. A higher percentage of body fat puts you at greater risk for colon cancer.
• Stay active. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy body weight, regulate your hormones and support healthy digestion. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.
• Limit alcohol. For cancer prevention, it¡¯s best not to drink alcohol. If you choose to drink, be aware of the risks, aim to drink less often and have fewer drinks.
• Don¡¯t smoke. Never use tobacco products, and if you smoke, there are resources to help you quit.

, is a gastroenterologist at MD Anderson.

or call 1-877-632-6789.