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The "colon cleanser business" must have become more profitable lately as not a week goes by that I don't see full page newspaper ads or a paid radio or TV infomercial praising the benefits of one herbal colon cleanser or another. In fact, lately more and more patients are asking me how often they should cleanse their colon. I tell them they should NOT, and this month's newsletter explains why.

It would be nice if life was that simple, but you do NOT need to take colon cleansers. The same is true of colonic enema irrigations. Neither has any proven benefit and, in fact, may be harmful at times. Despite all the recent hype, there is not one true statement in the advertisement above. Let's take a look:

FALSE STATEMENT #1 The average person has 10-25 pounds of hardened waste and mucus plaque build up in their colon.

Sellers of colon cleansers or so-called "colonic" enemas often falsely state that hardened feces accumulates for months (or even years) on the walls of the large intestine and block it from absorbing or eliminating properly. There is even an urban legend going around that John Wayne was found to have 40 pounds of built-up crud in his colon when he died. All of this is totally false, as anyone who undergoes a laxative preparation for colonoscopy will attest. After the expected few pounds of waste is expelled, the rest of the elimination is just the laxative solution, not the claimed 10 - 25 pounds of waste. Indeed, direct observation of the colon during surgical procedures or autopsies has never found evidence that hardened feces accumulate on the intestinal walls. However, these false claims persist and help sell more product.

FALSE STATEMENT #2 Bacteria, toxins and parasites in the colon contaminate our system causing common sickness and disease.

The theory that a sluggish colon is a "toxic waste dump" that causes people to get sick was abandoned by the medical profession at least 70 years ago after scientific observations proved it wrong. The intestinal wall is a complex microecosytem of over at least 300 different species of bacteria and mucus that keep us healthy. There is no build up of toxins. It is true that intestinal parasites are widespread in some underdeveloped countries, but have never been shown to be a common occurence in the United States. Profit-seeking entrepreneurs have invented the idea of toxins because that gives them something to pretend they can fix and sell more product.

FALSE STATEMENT #3 Approximately 90% of all disease and discomfort is related to an unclean colon.

There is no reason to believe that waste within the colon causes any disease. Despite the exaggerated claims, none of these products will enhance digestion, improve the health of the hair, skin, and nails, "cleanse" vital organs, improve liver or kidney function, or increase the user's energy. However, these claims sell more product.

FALSE STATEMENT #4 Cleansing your colon prevents colon cancer.

While colorectal cancer is a common and serious disease in this country, there is no scientific evidence that any laxative or colon cleansing regimen significantly decreases one's personal risk of developing colorectal cancer. It's just not true, but that fear of cancer helps sell more product.

FALSE STATEMENT #5 Our product is totally natural and without side effects.

Most adults believe that if something is called natural, then it is harmless and free of potential side effects. They also assume that some govementment agency tests all natural products to be sure that they are safe and effective. This is not true. In 1994, in response to a tremendous lobbying effort on the part of supplement manufacturers, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which changed the way the industry was regulated. Now vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other "natural" substances you see on the shelves are not tested, reviewed or approved by the FDA. This includes colon cleansers. Most individuals don't realize that the regular use of such products can actually damage their colon. I see examples of this every month. (See photos below)

Summary
It is a mistake to believe that "natural" means safe. Always remember that most natural remedies are unregulated and have not been government tested and approved. Don't be so trusting of the manufacturer's claims.

Remember, you don't have 25 pounds of encrusted waste lining your colon and there is no such thing as toxins building up in your colon. Regular use of colon cleansers will not improve your general health or protect your digestive system from disease. If a so-called expert on the radio or infomercial ends by asking you to purchase such a product, be very suspicious. His wallet is more likely to benefit from the transaction than your colon. Eat right, drink plenty of fluids, and consume plenty of fiber. That's all you need to do. Nature will do the rest.

Colon Damage from A Colon Cleanser
This is a photo of a normal colon taken during a colonoscopy examination. Note the pink color and visible delicate blood vessels beneath the surface. These are all signs of normal healthy lining.	This photo was taken during a recent colonoscopy in a 46 year old woman who was seen for a routine screening exam. She stated that she had been seeing a chiropractor who suggested that she begin a program of regular colon cleansing with an herbal product called CleanseMore. She assumed that this "natural" product would be safe. This product has caused considerable permanent damage to the lining of her colon which can be seen by the darkened areas. Termed "melanosis coli" (black colon), this appearance is often seen in cases of chronic laxative abuse. She was advised to gradually taper off this product and add more fiber to her diet.