Doctor warns of dangerous consequences of “bowel cleansing” 03:02

On the Internet you can find dozens of ways to “cleanse the intestines from waste and toxins.” What health problems can they lead to, surgeon and coloproctologist Nina Zubova told socialbites.ca.

According to him, followers of evidence-based medicine have long agreed that the intestines do not need any “protective cleansing.” If a person is healthy, all metabolic products are processed and eliminated without outside help.

“Any way to somehow influence this process is just a marketing ploy, an attempt to cash in on the fears and greed of buyers. Such methods used in alternative medicine at best do not bring any benefit, at worst they can cause serious harm to health. Moreover, in any case, a person spends an impressive amount of time, effort and effort on procedures and “medical” products,” the doctor explained.

The methods of bowel cleansing offered by representatives of alternative medicine can be divided into enemas, deep cleansing and detox products (teas, smoothies, juices, special diets).

Enemas are used to cleanse the intestines before surgeries, diagnostic procedures (for example, before a colonoscopy) and for constipation. But this can only be done as prescribed by a doctor. Due to frequent enemas, the normal functioning of the intestines is disrupted, the microflora that protects the gastrointestinal tract from pathogenic bacteria, participates in metabolism and the synthesis of some vitamins and amino acids, and plays an important role in the formation of immunity.

“Often, herbal decoctions, vinegar, lemon juice, and even coffee are added to enema water. These components can cause diarrhea, spastic constipation, and burns to the mucous membranes. Regular enemas without indications do not heal, but on the contrary, worsen the condition of the intestines and harm human health. Moreover, you cannot try to treat chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, parasitosis, and other diseases with enemas and similar procedures. It is necessary to see a doctor who will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment,” he said.

Colon hydrotherapy – a procedure in which a large amount of water is injected into the intestines in several doses using a special device – can cause even more serious harm. This destroys the beneficial microflora, creates the risk of dehydration, infection and even perforation of the intestinal wall. And the procedure itself is extremely unpleasant.

Detox diets, nutritional supplements, juices and cocktails can also cause serious harm to health. They often contain diuretics and laxatives that dehydrate the body and disrupt the electrolyte balance necessary for the normal functioning of all organs.

Even drugs containing “only natural herbal ingredients” can be dangerous. Abusing them to “cleanse” the intestines, a person can seriously damage the liver, the organ responsible for the natural cleansing of the body from metabolic products, alcohol, drugs and much more. Of course, in most cases, “detox formulations” do not produce any effect or cause digestive upset, but lovers of such products are hospitalized with liver failure, poisoning, dehydration and other serious problems. emphasized the doctor.

Zubova noted that there is no magic pill or procedure that will give lightness, help get rid of excess weight and significantly improve health. She concluded that the main role is regular and high-quality nutrition, and regular exercise, walking and other physical activity are equally important, which contribute to normal intestinal motility.

Russians before warnedHe says the risk of food contamination with dangerous bacteria increases during the summer months.