What Is Colon Therapy?

Getting to the bottom of whether colon cleanses are helpful or just hype

Spend any amount of time browsing wellness trends and you’ll likely come across information on colon therapy. You might even hear ads claiming it’s the secret to better health.

Colon therapy, sometimes called colon cleansing, flushes stool from the large intestine. Wellness spas and clinics promote the practice as a way to improve digestion, support weight loss, boost energy and “detox” the body.

But is there any scientific truth to these widespread claims?

Advocates point to a wide range of health benefits, but Geisinger gastroenterologist Amitpal Johal, MD, says it’s not medically necessary — and can actually lead to harmful side effects. So before considering any type of colon therapy, here’s what to know.

What is colon therapy?

Colon therapy flushes stool from the colon and large intestine to remove stool and “built-up” waste. Also known as a colonic, colon cleansing has been around for thousands of years, practiced with the belief it improves overall health.

“In truth, your colon, liver and kidneys already work around the clock to eliminate waste efficiently to naturally detoxify the body,” says Dr. Johal. “And there’s limited scientific evidence that routine cleanses improve energy, support weight loss or remove ‘toxins.’”

What does a colon cleanse do?

There are 2 main types of colon cleanses — in-office procedures and at-home methods.

In-office colon therapy typically takes place at a spa or wellness center. During your appointment, you’ll lie on a table while a technician inserts a thin tube into your rectum to send water (and sometimes herbal solutions) into your colon and large intestine. The therapist may massage your abdomen while the fluid is in your colon.

Then, you release the solution like a regular bowel movement to flush out fluids and waste. The process, also known as colon hydrotherapy, may be repeated several times during your appointment.

Colon therapy at home can involve:

Enema kits, which empty the colon by injecting a small amount of water
Laxatives to increase bowel movements
Herbal or “detox” tea with laxative effects

But despite its popularity, colon therapy is generally not recommended due to lack of evidence and potential risks.

“If you have persistent bloating or constipation, these common symptoms may be attributed to an underlying condition,” says Dr. Johal. “A better approach is to talk to your doctor first and follow their recommendations to treat the symptoms.”

Colon therapy side effects and risks

Colon therapy claims to remove toxins from the body. But what’s not mentioned? The process of “cleansing” the colon also removes healthy gut bacteria — which can actually be harmful to your health.

These healthy microbes play an integral role in your overall health, impacting everything from your immune system to cholesterol levels. They may even protect against colon cancer.

And removing good bacteria during colon therapy can lead to a variety of side effects, including:

Nausea
Vomiting
Gas and bloating
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea

“Colon therapy also can shift the body’s fluid levels,” says Dr. Johal. “This can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, which can be dangerous.”

Who is a candidate for colon therapy?

For most people, colon therapy isn’t medically necessary — and it can introduce more risk than benefits. Your body’s built-in systems, along with regular bowel movements, are typically enough.

So, there’s really only 1 evidence-based scenario in which you should get a colon cleanse: preparing for a colonoscopy.

“Colon cleansing for a colonoscopy is essential so clinicians have a clearer view to examine your colon for screening and polyp removal,” says Dr. Johal.

But this isn’t something you’ll need to manage on your own. If you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, your provider will guide you on the right way to prep for it. Typically, this involves following a liquid-only diet and taking prescribed laxatives to fully clear the colon and rectum the day before the procedure.

“Before your colonoscopy, your doctor will be there to walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible,” says Dr. Johal.

Tips to achieve a healthy colon

If a colonoscopy isn’t in your immediate future, you can skip the cleanse. Instead, follow these healthy habits for a safer, more effective way to support colon health:

Stop smoking and limit alcohol: Avoiding harmful substances lowers your risk of colorectal cancer and other digestive issues. If you do drink, stick to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 for men.
Cut back on red meat and processed foods. Diets high in red and processed meats increase the risk of colon cancer. Try to eat no more than 18 ounces of red meat per week (about 4 servings) and swap in lean proteins like chicken or fish. Cutting back on ultra-processed foods — often high in sugar and additives — can improve your gut microbiome.
Eat a balanced diet and increase fiber. Fill your plate with fruits and veggies, whole grains, fermented foods and lean proteins. Fiber is essential because it feeds your healthy gut bacteria and keeps you regular. Just increase it gradually to reduce gas and bloating.
Exercise more: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity 4 to 5 times per week, plus 2 or more days of strength training. Choose moderate exercise such as walking, running, swimming or lifting weights. “Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, which can lower your risk of colon cancer,” Dr. Johal says.
Try a fiber supplement: Know you’re one of the many who don’t get enough fiber in our diets? A fiber supplement can help. Supplements are available in a variety of forms, including:
- Probiotic capsules
- Drinkable powder
- Gummies
- Chewable tablets

“Besides making lifestyle changes, getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is one of the most important steps you can take,” Dr. Johal says.

Importance of regular colon cancer screenings

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States — and on the rise in younger adults. Thankfully, it’s also one of the few types of cancers that’s often preventable and treatable, especially when caught early.

In its early stages, colon cancer usually doesn’t have any symptoms, which is why routine screenings are so important.

“Most colorectal cancers start as an abnormal growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, called a polyp,” says Dr. Johal. “Regular screenings can help detect polyps. If your screening reveals any, they can be removed before they turn into cancer.”

The American Cancer Society recommends all men and women with an average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screenings at age 45. If you have a family history or other risk factors, you may need to start earlier or screen more often.

There are several types of screening tests for colorectal cancer, including colonoscopy and at-home screening tests. Talk with your provider about which one is right for you.

“If you’re worried about your risk, talk to your healthcare provider,” says Dr. Johal. “We can help you build a personalized care plan tailored to your needs and personal history to improve your colon health — and find peace of mind.”