Colonic irrigation 'offers no health benefits' - Telegraph

According to a paper published in The Journal of Family Practice, the theory of “auto-intoxication” was largely debunked in the early 20th century but has made a comeback in recent decades as part of a general interest in alternative medicine procedures that are seen as more natural and traditional than taking drugs or undergoing surgery.

The supposed benefits of colonic irrigation are often trumpeted by pop stars and actors, and it is available at many health spas.

In 2003, a Channel Five television series called Celebrity Detox Camp featured the likes of Kim Wilde and Tamara Beckwith spending a week at a spa in Thailand where they self-administered coffee enemas to “purge their insides of years of bad living”.

But the new academic study looked at 20 previous papers published in the medical literature over the past decade on colon irrigation, and found little evidence of benefit.

However the authors warn: “There is an abundance of studies noting side effects following the use of cleansing products including cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance and renal failure.”

In addition, the paper notes that few “colon hygienists” have significant medical training.

via telegraph.co.uk

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