How to detoxify right

A detoxification program to keep the colon healthy proved costly for a patient and he ended up with an infection. He is now on a six-month treatment regimen. Such incidences are sadly occurring more often.

Colon therapy is advised only before a surgery or any other medical condition like excessive gas problems, bloating, haemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colitis, parasites and skin conditions like psoriasis, shingles, eczema, scar tissues or adhesions from surgery.

At times it is also prescribed for persons suffering from severe abdominal, back or shoulder pain; aching joints, gout and continuous headaches and migraines. Immune-compromised patients suffering from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, cancer and chronic fatigue are also given this therapy. It is also only recommended when oral medicines for cleaning do not work.

Why is colon therapy becoming popular?

Colon hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation or colon therapy is becoming popular as it detoxifies the body. The digestive system does not effectively eliminate all the waste from the body. The faecal matter which remains inside allows the growth of bad bacteria and also parasites. Left for too long inside, it results in bloating, gas, headaches and also skin diseases.

‘Colon therapy has it disadvantages’
The claim that colon therapy  removes toxins from the body is debatable. Dr Varughese Mathai, surgical gastroenterologist and colorectal surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, says, “The therapy has side-effects like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, perforation of the intestines and infections due to the contaminated equipment. In acute cases, it can also lead to heart failure. Hence people must truly verify whether they  require colon irrigation therapy.”

There are natural, home-remedies to keep the colon healthy. Apple juice, lemon juice, raw vegetable juice, yogurt and adequate water is sufficient to maintain good colon health. Despite that if there are problems like headaches, bloating and gas then changes in diet like ingesting foods rich in fibre can be opted for.

Dr Mathai says, “Fibre will help keep the stools soft and also improve bowel movements, encouraging the body to expel waste.”

‘Sterile tools a must’

The tubes used in the therapy must be sterile. If not, then microbial and fungal infections are transmitted from the equipment used for one patient to another patient. It is very important to use sterile, single use disposable rectal tubes. The machine must also be chemically cleaned in between treatments. But if it is not done then there are chances of infection and also subsequent complications.

Dr Aejaz Habeeb, senior gastroenterologist Apollo Hospitals, explained, “Patients must first check these aspects with the centres before undergoing colon therapy. Despite that if they have contracted an infection they must get it immediately treated. Stool tests have to be undertaken to detect the infection. Treatment with anti-microbial combinations has to be undertaken to prevent sepsis and multi-organ failure.”

If there are no severe illnesses then the colon can be managed by having a fibre-rich diet. Pelvic floor exercises to strengthen muscles will also help.

‘Know the Side-effects’

Colon irrigation is not advised for those patients who are suffering from gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or those who have a history of kidney disease, heart disease or severe haemorrhoids.

Dr D. Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, explained, “The Food and Drug Administration has issued many warning letters about the equipment as there have been complaints about inadequately disinfected machines leading to bacterial contamination."

"The equipment has a pre-requisite from the FDA but has not been approved by the agency. It is very important for the patients to check all this before going in for the therapy. Most of the times they are not aware of side-effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities and infection. They often report to hospitals with these complaints and it is then they realise that these are the side-effects of the therapy.”

Despite its popularity, medical literature does not support the acclaimed benefits of colon therapy.