Definition: Colon cleansing is removing stool from the colon through the use of laxatives, enemas, enzymes, herbal teas, or dietary supplements. The theory behind colon cleansing is that it helps remove toxins from the body (detoxification) and helps the "good" bacteria in the colon to flourish. It is not proven to be useful or effective in traditional medicine.
Colon cleansing is not the same as preparation for a colonoscopy, which is done under the guidance of a physician.
Colon cleansing is generally not recommended for people who have digestive disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) as it can lead to dehydration or other complications.
Pronunciation: KOH-luhn KLEN-zing
