“Clean 15 Kilograms of Waste From Your Colon in One Night” — What’s Actually True?
This headline is misleading. A healthy colon does not normally contain 15 kilograms of trapped “waste” that needs to be flushed out overnight. Your digestive system continuously moves stool through the bowel, and there is no good evidence that routine “colon detoxes” remove toxins or improve health.
What happens during a real bowel cleanse?
There is a legitimate situation where doctors intentionally empty most of the colon: preparation for a colonoscopy.
Medical bowel preparations use specific laxatives that cause repeated watery bowel movements. Depending on the preparation, they may be taken the evening before and/or the morning of the procedure. The goal is to leave very little stool so the doctor can see the colon lining clearly.
This is very different from a DIY “detox.”
Why you shouldn’t try an aggressive overnight cleanse
Colon cleanses can cause:
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Bleeding or, rarely, intestinal injury
- Complications that can be particularly dangerous for people with kidney or heart problems
Some preparations containing magnesium, for example, aren’t appropriate for everyone, particularly people with certain kidney, heart, or fluid-balance problems.
If you’re constipated
A safer approach is usually to address the constipation rather than trying to “empty” the entire colon overnight.
Helpful measures can include:
- Adequate fluids
- Gradually increasing dietary fiber
- Regular physical activity
- Responding when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement
- Using an appropriate over-the-counter laxative when recommended by a healthcare professional
