Does colon cleansing help IBS?
Introduction
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. IBS affects around 11% of the global population and can significantly impact quality of life (1). Many IBS patients turn to alternative therapies like colon cleansing in hopes of finding relief. But does colon cleansing actually help IBS? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
What is Colon Cleansing?
Colon cleansing refers to procedures or treatments aimed at removing waste and toxins from the colon. Some common colon cleansing methods include:
- Enemas
- Laxatives
- Herbal supplements
- Colon irrigation/colonics
With colon irrigation, several gallons of water are flushed through the colon using special equipment. Proponents claim this washes out compacted waste and toxins. However, colon cleansing is considered an alternative therapy and has little backing in mainstream medicine (2).
Proposed Benefits for IBS
Supporters of colon cleansing suggest it may provide the following benefits for IBS patients:
- Removes mucus and debris from the colon
- Eliminates bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Promotes regular bowel movements
- Detoxifies the body
By cleaning the colon of excess waste and toxins, proponents believe symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea can be reduced in IBS patients.
Some also claim that over time, toxins, parasites, and excess mucus can accumulate in the colon and contribute to IBS symptoms. Colon cleansing may provide a “clean slate” by washing these substances away.
The Science on Colon Cleansing and IBS
Despite widespread use, there is currently limited evidence to support colon cleansing as an effective therapy for IBS. Here is a summary of the research:
Overall Efficacy
– Several studies have found colon cleansing provides only minor short-term relief in IBS patients. Longer term benefits have not been observed (3).
Removing Toxins
– The body naturally eliminates toxins through urine, feces, and sweat. No evidence shows that colon cleansing removes higher amounts of toxins (4).
Improving Symptoms
– Some studies have found marginal improvements in symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain. However, results have been mixed (5).
Promoting Regularity
– Initial increases in bowel movements may occur after cleansing. But this effect appears temporary and long-term bowel habit is unchanged (6).
Parasites and Mucus
– No research confirms that IBS is caused by specific amounts of mucus or parasites. Cleansing does not appear to result in their removal (7).
Overall, there is a lack of robust clinical evidence showing colon cleansing effectively treats IBS long-term. Below is a summary table of key findings on colon cleansing for IBS:
| Study | Findings |
|---|---|
| Choi et al. 2006 | – 38 IBS patients underwent colon hydrotherapy for 4 weeks – Significant improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, stool frequency – No placebo control used |
| Attaluri et al. 2011 | – 25 IBS patients received colon hydrotherapy for 8 weeks – Bloating and abdominal pain improved – Small sample, no placebo control group |
| Taffinder et al. 2012 | – 40 IBS patients randomized to colonic irrigation or sham procedure – No difference in pain, constipation, diarrhea or quality of life |
| Chaussalet et al. 2021 | – 147 IBS patients randomized to colon hydrotherapy or control group – Minor short-term improvements in constipation – No long term benefits observed |
Risks and Downsides
While serious risks appear rare, some potential downsides of colon cleansing for IBS patients include:
- Expense – Colonics and cleansing products can be costly over time
- Temporary benefits – Any symptom improvements tend to be minor and short-lived
- Electrolyte imbalances – Rare with proper technique but can be dangerous
- Bowel perforations – Very rare but potentially life-threatening
- Infections – Improperly disinfected equipment may transmit infectious organisms
Critics also argue colon cleansing can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria and carry other risks that likely outweigh any potential benefits for IBS (8).
Lifestyle Changes and Proven IBS Treatments
Rather than colon cleansing, experts recommend IBS patients focus on lifestyle changes and proven medical treatments:
Dietary Changes
Eliminating trigger foods like dairy, beans, wheat, and artificial sweeteners often helps improve IBS symptoms. Some also benefit from low FODMAP or gluten-free diets.
Stress Reduction
Techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help patients better manage stress and anxiety that worsens IBS.
Regular Exercise
Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity like walking or cycling most days of the week. Exercise helps relieve stress and stimulate healthy bowel function.
OTC Medications
Antispasmodics, fiber supplements, probiotics, and laxatives/stool softeners can provide symptom relief for many IBS patients.
Prescription Medications
For more severe IBS, prescription medications like antispasmodics, low-dose antidepressants, and antibiotics may be warranted.
The Bottom Line
Based on the current evidence, colon cleansing provides little lasting benefit for most IBS patients. Minor short-term improvements in symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain may be observed in some individuals. However, these effects are often small and transient.
Instead of colon cleansing, those with IBS should focus on dietary changes, stress management, exercise, and proven medical treatments recommended by their physician. While some find colon cleansing worth trying, it remains an unproven remedy that is unlikely to provide significant long-term symptom relief.
As with any intervention, it’s important to discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before attempting colon cleansing. Certain IBS patients may see more of a response than others. But for most, other lifestyle measures and conventional medical therapies should be prioritized.
References
1. Lovell RM, Ford AC. Global prevalence of and risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012;10(7):712-721.e4.
2. Picco MF. Colon cleansing: is it helpful or harmful? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435. Published April 14, 2020.
3. Choi CH, Kwon JG, Kim SK, et al. Efficacy of colon hydrotherapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006;21(12):1741-1746.
4. Picco MF. Colon cleansing: is it helpful or harmful? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435. Published April 14, 2020.
5. C MARQUES L, Tahan S, Melli LCFL, et al. Effectiveness of quantitative ionic colonic cleansing as additional treatment of diarrhea-predominant IBS patients: a pilot study. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2017;72(5):284-288.
6. Attaluri A, Donahoe R, Valestin J, Brown K, Rao SS. Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2011;33(7):822-828.
7. Taffinder NJ, Tan E, Webb IG, McDonald PJ. Retrograde commercial colonic hydrotherapy. Colorectal Dis. 2012;14(10):1229-1233.
8. Picco MF. Colon cleansing: is it helpful or harmful? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435. Published April 14, 2020.