Colonic
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Colonic usually refers to a preparation or procedure that removes waste products from the colon via purging. While the history of such procedures goes back thousands of years, current colonics are generally sold by non-physicians and make claims that are unproven or rest on bunk science.
Contents |
[edit] History
Since the beginning of human medicine, healers have induced diarrhea in an attempt to "purge" the body of "ill humors". Before the advent of modern medicine this was a standard treatment. One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Benjamin Rush, was the medical adviser to the Lewis and Clark expedition. He was one of the best known early American physicians, and popularly known for his "Rush's Pills" (aka Thunderclaps), which induced a rather violent and complete self-cleansing of the colon.
[edit] Modern Examples
Despite the lack of proof that these treatments have any benefit, they are still quite popular, with late-night television and internet advertising offering to separate the consumer from their stool and their money. The hallmark of these products is lack of proven efficacy and safety, and much higher cost than similar ingredients bought at the drug store.
[edit] "Dual-Action Cleanse"
Familiar to American insomniacs and shilled by a mustashioed Steve Buscemi look-alike, this product[1] purports to "tone and cleanse the colon while eliminating unnecessary toxic build-up." It contains such exotic ingredients as Psyllium fiber (Metamucil), Guar gum (used in many food products as an emulsifier, but here touted as "regulating glucose levels"), and Lactobacillus (the active culture in yogurt). It also contains Cascara sagrada, a bark-derived laxative first approved by the FDA in 1939, but that "is not generally recognized as safe and effective for OTC use...Any available OTC products containing cascara sagrada are to be considered misbranded. Many OTC products have already been discontinued by the manufacturers."[2]
[edit] Cost
In reviewing the list of ingredients, the two most likely to have a laxative effect are the psyllium fiber and the Cascara. The least expensive product offered by this company is $60.00, if you order it to be shipped monthly. As a comparison, generic psyllium capsules cost about $6.00 for 100 capsules, depending on the brand and formulation. [1], and generic senna extracts (the closest equivalent to cascara) cost about $8.00 for 200 pills.
[edit] Efficacy
These products rely on "testimonials" which tend to be vague. For instance, on their website, Dual-Action lists two separated customers as feeling "healthier and happier, wonderful".
The website does not seem to make the same claims of increased health as the TV infomercial. The spokesman for the product claims that toxins build up in the colon, as do food residues that reduce the caliber of the colon. These "facts" lead to all manner of illnesses. There are no studies showing any efficacy of colon purging.
[edit] Summary
This product is a very high-priced laxative and fiber supplement that perhaps could treat irritable bowel or constipation.
[edit] Colon Hydrotherapy
According to the "International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy [2], "the colon has been referred to as the sewer system of the body. It is the place where we store the waste material that most of us would rather not think about and most of us don't until our health becomes poor or we feel constipated or have diarrhea. It best benefits the body due to release of this accumulated congestion in the bowel."
Advocates of colonic hydrotherapy list many reasons for choosing to have colonics. According to one website [3] "parasites are man's deadliest enemy...they kill more people annually than cancers!" It is directly implied that colonics can help remedy this problem. They fail to mention that the parasites that kill so many people are not colonic parasites, but such diseases as malaria.
They also make the "vote with your feet" argument that many people subscribe to alternative therapies, therefore they must work.
According to the FDA, colonic irrigation systems are Class III devices that cannot be legally marketed except for medically indicated colon cleansing (such as before a radiologic or endocopic examination). No system has been approved for "routine" colon cleansing to promote the general well being of a patient.[4]
[edit] Cost
Colon hydrotherapy is essentially unregulated, so practitioners can charge whatever they wish. Insurance does not pay. A typical cost would be about $100.00 for a session, compared to $2.39 for Fleet's osmotic laxative solution. These therapies are often offered along with other unproven treatments, like "manual lymphatic drainage" and "iridology".[5][6] In fact, the waste passing through the colon has little to do with systemic disease. Most absorption of nutrients takes place in the small bowel, and what water is absorbed from the colon is essentially sterile.
[edit] Efficacy
Colon therapy has no benefits, and can cause harm. Colonic perforation and electrolyte imbalances can occur. Infection from improperly sterilized equipment (Giardia, C. difficle), and severe cramping can all occur.
[edit] Summary
Colonics are pure bunk.
[edit] See also
See also:
[edit] Outside Resources
- http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/gastro.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cleansing/AN00065
- http://www.oxypowder.com/articles/warning-herbal-cleanser.html
[edit] Footnotes
- ↑ http://www.officialdualactioncleanse.com/default.aspx?adid=ggl4001
- ↑ http://www.mdconsult.com/das/pharm/body/72789658-4/593521671/less/1234
- ↑ http://www.colonhealth.net/colon_hydrotherapy/chtvital.htm
- ↑ http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/gastro.html
- ↑ http://www.serendipitychic.com/cleanse-prices.html
- ↑ http://www.healthycleansing.com/fees.html
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