Colon cleansing supplement claims of improving overall health “have no basis in science,” expert says

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Colon cleansing supplement claims of improving overall health “have no basis in science,” expert says

The Los Angeles Times  “Healthy Skeptic” column reports that “NuAge Colon Cleanse and Oxy-Powder makers say their products rid the body of toxins and help people lose weight.”
According to the “NuAge website … the product contains ‘muciligenic fibers,’ but it doesn’t provide any other information about ingredients or directions for use,” while “Oxy-Powder, a supplement from Global Healing Center, takes a low-fiber approach to colon health.”
Indeed, the “lower digestive tract really does set a foundation for health and well-being, says Dr. John Inadomi, chairman of gastrointestinal medicine at UC San Francisco and chairman of the Clinical Practice and Quality Management Committee for the American Gastroenterological” Association.
“But claims that colon cleansing supplements can somehow detoxify the colon and improve overall health ‘have no basis in science,’ he says.”
In my best-selling book, Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook, in the chapter on “Colonics,” co-author Donal O’Mathuna, PhD, and I conclude:

We could find no studies to prove that colonics enhance health.

No medical evidence supports the use of colonics other than for constipation and pre- or postoperative reasons.

Adverse effects appear to be relatively infrequent. Yet when there is no evidence that something is effective, any risk is too large to take.

We are also concerned that those who promote colonics do not place enough importance on having evidence to support their recommendations.

There is no scientific basis for using or recommending colonics for general health.

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