Many people say that colon cleansing with coffee or water can help eliminate toxins accumulated from overeating during Tet (Lunar New Year). Is this true or false? (Hung, 34 years old, Ho Chi Minh City).
Reply:
The human body already has mechanisms for detoxification through sweating, urination, breathing, personal hygiene, and exercise. Colon cleansing, however, is actually a medical procedure that must be performed in a hospital by a doctor.
Home colon cleansing essentially involves pumping water into a section of the colon and cannot clean the entire bowel as advertised. This is an unscientific method that does not detoxify the body as claimed. This action also causes minerals, good and bad bacteria to be flushed out, disrupting electrolyte balance. Enemas administered from the anus can lead to many complications such as mucosal damage, abrasions, perforations, and ruptures of the colon and rectum, and bacterial infections.
Other detoxification methods, such as using patches or detox drinks, are also ineffective. Furthermore, excessive sauna use can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and even impair the metabolic and excretory functions of various organs.
For a healthy gut, people need to drink more than two liters of water per day, eat plenty of fiber, whole grains, legumes, fish, and fruits. Reduce sugar intake and consume enough healthy fats found in avocados, almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, fatty fish, olive oil, and coconut oil.
Limit red meat, fried foods, and greasy foods. Avoid smoking and stimulants. Refrain from drinking alcohol after Tet and limit consumption of leftover food such as sticky rice cakes, fried spring rolls, and bamboo shoot soup.
After the Lunar New Year, you should maintain regular exercise to break up sweat, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and get enough sleep to keep your body healthy.
Doctor Tran Ngoc Luu Phuong
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)
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