What is a colon cleanse? 

A colon cleanse can also be called a colon therapy or colonic irrigation. The idea is that you'll "flush out your colon" with fluids to remove waste, toxins, parasites (that you likely do not have), etc. This process is believed to improve digestion and "detox your body."

Why should you not do a colon cleanse? 

Colon cleansing is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Here are some reasons why it may not be a good idea:

1. Disruption of Natural Balance: Colon cleansing can disrupt the internal natural balance of bacteria.
2. Dehydration: The process of colon cleansing can lead to dehydration, as it involves flushing out fluids from the body.
3. Electrolyte Imbalance: Colon cleansing may cause an imbalance in electrolytes, which are vital for various bodily functions.
4. Risk of Infection: There is a risk of infection especially depending on where you are doing the cleanse and who is doing it for you.
5. No Scientific Evidence: There is limited scientific evidence to support the purported benefits.
6. Potential Side Effects: Side effects such as cramping, bloating, nausea, and vomiting are common.
7. Risk of perforation, which is a tear or hole in the colon wall. If your cleanse is done improperly or too forcefully, it could damage the delicate tissues of the colon, resulting in perforation. Perforation of the colon is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention and treatment. 

What should you do instead of a colon cleanse?

Your liver and gut are capable of cleansing themselves! You don’t need to help them. Think before you click to buy that influencer’s gut cleanse that is on sale for today only... 

Seriously, your gut, specifically the large intestine, helps to eliminate waste and toxins from your body. The colon is populated by a diverse community of beneficial bacteria aka your gut microbiota. These bacteria help ferment undigested food, produce essential nutrients, and metabolize certain substances. Your gut lining contains cells that actively transport nutrients while forming a barrier against harmful pathogens and toxins. This barrier function prevents unwanted substances from entering the bloodstream.

Your liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxifying various substances. It achieves this through a process called biotransformation, where harmful compounds are chemically altered to make them easier to eliminate. The liver contains enzymes. These help break down toxins, drugs, and metabolic byproducts. Additionally, your liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats while also serving as a route for excreting waste products.

Want to help your gut? Eat more fiber. Want to help your liver? Drink less alcohol.

How can you get parasites safely out of your body?

While the presence of parasites is a legitimate concern in certain situations, it's important to note that the likelihood of having parasites in developed countries with good sanitation and hygiene practices is relatively low. Here are some reasons why it's likely that you don't have parasites:

1. Sanitation Practices: In developed countries like the USA, strict sanitation practices, clean water supply, and proper waste disposal systems help minimize the risk of parasitic infections.
2. Food Safety Regulations: Strict food safety regulations and practices reduce the chances of consuming contaminated food or water that may harbor parasites.
3. Healthcare Standards: Access to healthcare facilities and regular medical check-ups allow for early detection and treatment of any potential parasitic infections.
4. Personal Hygiene: Good personal hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and maintaining cleanliness, help prevent the spread of parasites.
5. Low Prevalence: Parasitic infections are less common in developed nations compared to regions with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare.

I ACTUALLY send samples off for stool testing and have only had a handful come back parasitic in my entire career. You do not need to get rid of them naturally. You actually don't even need to worry about them. Now that you know that you don't need to do a colon cleanse or worry about parasites, I do recommend you check in with your medical provider if you have digestive issues or unusual symptoms.