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Doctor insights on: Safe Colon Cleansers

Best to get checked: If you're looking for powerful laxatives, i assume you feel very constipated or are looking to "cleanse." if the latter, please reconsider ; check out numerous healthtap answers that point to problems with colon cleansers--don't use them! if constipation however is new or has significantly worsened, or is accompanied by distension, vomiting, fever, pain then don't self-medicate but get checked. ...Read more

Avoid to be safe: There is no evidence as to safety here, so i would avoi it/both, until more inforamtion is available. ...Read more

Colon cleanse: The colon does not require "cleansing." The process of having a bowel movement takes care of that nicely. There is no buildup of toxins or other materials in the colon. Just eat a lot of fiber, drink plenty of liquids, and if constipated, consider an actual fiber supplement. See your gastroenterologist at age 50, or sooner if you're having problems. Those are the keys to good colon health. ...Read more

Colin cleansing : Colin cleansing in general is an unnecessary procedure and is occasionally harmful. The body rids itself of stool and toxins, with no need to intervene. The best thing to do is to increase fiber in the diet. Even taking a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, can be helpful to have regular bowel movements. If you do, increase your fluid intake also. Good luck. ...Read more

It depends.: In reality, colon cleansers do not work for anyone, since they are unnecessary. The colon does a fine job of cleaning itself out, just in the process of having bowel movements. There is not an accumulation of toxins in the colon, so colon cleansers or unnecessary. If you are actually referring to the need for laxatives, send us another note or use HealthTap Prime. Hope that helps. ...Read more

Colon cleanse: The colon does not require "cleansing." The process of having a bowel movement takes care of that nicely. There is no buildup of toxins or other materials in the colon. Just eat a lot of fiber, drink plenty of liquids, and if constipated, consider an actual fiber supplement. See your gastroenterologist at age 50, or sooner if you're having problems. Those are the keys to good colon health. ...Read more

You don't: You don't need a colon cleanser! if your colon is damaged or sick, this needs to be treated. Otherwise, there is nothing to cleanse your colon from. I've been present at colonoscopies and believe me there are no deposits in the colon that colon cleanse sales people claim to remove with their products! ...Read more

Be careful: There is no evidence that a 'colon cleanse' improves digestive health. In fact, some colon cleanse techniques can cause dehydration and other problems requiring hospitalization. Companies that sell these products may use misleading advertising to suggest that the colon collects toxic residue or build-up. A balanced diet, fiber, and keeping hydrated are better ways to maintain digestive health. ...Read more

Fiber: No such thing as colon cleanser ndver needed . Get a colonoscopy. ...Read more

Yes, don't!: Healthtap physicians have repeatedly addressed colon "cleansers" with a clear "no" answer. There is virtually no value to colon flushes, cleansers, enemas, irrigation machines when the technique is accomplished to "detox" or eliminate "accumulated waste." the "no" response also applies to liver detoxes! there are few real health benefits, but sigificant unjustified risk, as you've questioned. ...Read more

Don't do it!: Healthtap physicians have repeatedly addressed this subject with a clear "no" to your question. There is virtually no value to colon flushes, cleansers, enemas, irrigation machines when the technique is accomplished to "detox" or eliminate "accumulated waste" or for weight loss. There are few real health benefits, but significant unjustified risk. Don't use cleansers please unless prescribed. ...Read more

For what purpose?: If you're looking for powerful laxatives, i assume you feel very constipated or are looking to "cleanse." if the latter, please reconsider ; check out numerous healthtap answers that point to problems with colon cleansers--don't use them! if constipation however is new or has significantly worsened, or is accompanied by distension, vomiting, fever, pain then don't self-medicate but get checked. ...Read more

Need poop clean out?: Each person with constipation needs to be sure there is no other disease causing it. If constipation is just due to slow movement of the food and poop through the gut, then the things to try are vegetables, water, prune juice, prunes, fiber+water, miralax, (polyethylene glycol) senokot or other senna, milk of magnesia, other laxatives... A doctor can evaluate and prescribe helpful meds too. Exercise also helps. ...Read more

For what purpose?: If you're looking for powerful laxatives, i assume you feel very constipated or are looking to "cleanse." if the latter, please reconsider ; check out numerous Healthtap answers that point to problems with colon cleansers--don't use them! if constipation however is new or has significantly worsened, or is accompanied by distension, vomiting, fever, pain then don't self-medicate but get checked. ...Read more

Stop! Don't cleanse: Healthtap physicians have repeatedly addressed this subject with a clear "no" answer to your question.There is virtually no value to colon flushes, cleansers, enemas, irrigation machines when the technique is accomplished to "detox" or eliminate "accumulated waste" or for weight loss. There are few real health benefits, but sigificant unjustified risk. Don't use cleansers please unless prescribed. ...Read more

Underlying cause: This is because your are not treating the underlying cause of your constipation. Try increasing your fiber and water intake, you can try adding Miralax (polyethylene glycol) every morning as an alternative if you can't increase your fiber intake enough. If you are using any opiate medications this can contribute ro recurrent constipation. See your doc if fiber and trying over the counter stool softeners isn't working. ...Read more

Nothing significant: According to scientifically conducted trials, nothing significant. ...Read more

Don't continue: Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of colon cleansing. The literature debates both its usefulness and safety. You probably should work on recolonizing your colon with good bacteria found in yogurts and probiotics. ...Read more

No: See short answer.