Colon cleansing is heard everywhere. Ads on television, on the Internet and in newspapers tout the virtues of colon cleansing supplements as a way to prevent colorectal cancer. Some of them even have graphic pictures of the "results" produced by taking these alternative remedies. Do colon cleansing products and processes reduce one's cancer risk?

In a word, no. "It's all nonsense," says Bernard Levin, M.D., vice president for cancer prevention at M. D. Anderson. "It's all about selling products for an exorbitant amount of money that you can buy over the counter for very little - if you even need them at all."

Among the claims made by colon cleansing products are:

A typical person has anywhere from a few ounces to several pounds of undigested red meat in their colon, which causes mucous buildup on the colon walls.

This mucous buildup produces toxins that may increase the colon cancer risk or lead to other diseases if not removed.

Regular bowel movements are not enough to clear out the colon.

A "dirty" colon can adversely affect the body's lymphatic system.

Using a colon cleanser is the only way to remove mucous buildup and reduce cancer risk

There are at least two colon cleansing methods being advertised by dozens of manufacturers. Powdered or liquid supplements irritate the colon wall, forcing it to slough off hardened mucous, which is eliminated through a series of bowel movements. Colonic irrigation, also known as high colonics, works much like an enema by flushing large amounts of water through the colon to loosen and remove buildup.

"We don't even know the long-term effects of constant purging with colonic irrigation and supplements," Levin says. "If these people have a safe, effective product as they claim, they need to prove it. Do a research trial - don't go on the Internet and sell sweatshirts."

Levin, an internationally recognized colorectal cancer expert, says the colon is a complex, dynamic organ that is constantly shedding old cells - a process that rarely needs any help. He concedes that laxatives can help ease constipation, if used properly. "Chronic use of laxatives to cleanse the colon is not a good idea, since some drugs can alter the colon lining or upset the intricate balance of chemicals and bacteria."

When striving for a healthy colon, it's all about what goes into your body. "There's no doubt that diet has a lot to do with what's in the colon," Levin says. "If you're eating a lot of red meat and fat, it's not as good for you in general. The way to avoid or mitigate the effects of an unhealthy diet is not to change what's in the colon, but to change what comes in the front end."

The bottom line is that colon cleansers don't do anything to lower your risk of colon cancer. "A healthy diet (low in red meat and fat and high in fruits, vegetables, fiber and calcium), exercise, drinking in moderation and avoiding tobacco are the known elements that reduce colon cancer risk, " Levin says. "Know your family history, and get screened earlier than age 50 if colon cancer runs in your family." For the rest of us, he emphasizes, "begin screening at age 50 by any of the recommended methods. Please do not die of embarrassment."

A colon cleansing is a procedure done to remove impacted and accumulated waste materials trapped in the colon. The typical diet of fats, oils, and animal meats that we consume coupled with a sedentary lifestyle is one reason why waste material often becomes hard to expel. In cases of constipation waste needs to help out, so to speak, in order to prevent the buildup of harmful toxins which the colon might reabsorb back into the body.

Colon cleansing is done using temperature-regulated water which is flushed in and out of the colon to break down any impacted and accumulated fecal matter for easier expulsion. Some of the benefits of a colon cleansing include:

A feeling of airiness or being lighter than previously experienced
Relief from colds, water retention, cellulite, hemorrhoids, bloating
Reduced risk for diverticulosis, a condition which arises when the walls of the colon form pouches or lose tone and are subsequently infected by trapped fecal matter
Improved digestive processes and improved food absorption
Improved energy levels and concentration
Clearer skin and healthier hair

A colon cleansing is a good way to rid your body of potential harmful toxins. It is important to note, though, that not all colon cleansing techniques will suit one individual and some may present with side effects if not done correctly. Make sure that you have an expert at colon cleansing treatments handling your procedure for the best results.

Understanding Colon Cleansing Recommended Resources:

NYU Langone Medical Center

UT Southwestern Medical Center