Complications and Risks
The human body naturally removes waste material, and colon cleansing is not necessary except preparatory to a colonoscopy. Colon cleansing may disrupt the balance between bacteria and natural chemicals in the bowel, and may interfere with the colon's ability to shed dead cells.
Other rare but serious complications include gastrointestinal perforation from improper insertion, and amoebic infection from poorly sterilised equipment. Some colon-cleansing regimens disrupt fluid and electrolyte balance, which may lead to dehydration and salt depletion, whilst repeated or excessive cleansing programs can lead to anemia and malnutrition. Excessive use of enemas has also been associated with cardiac problems, such as heart failure, and heart attacks related to electrolyte imbalances when performed as coffee enema. The frequent use of enemas or other colon-cleansing tools may lead to dependence and an inability to defecate without assistance or withdrawal symptoms.
Herbs that are consumed for colon cleansing and taken as oral preparations may also interfere with drug absorption and effectiveness of prescription drugs.
Read more about this topic: Colon Cleansing
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