Undergo A Colonic in Singapore? Why You Should Instead Consider Colonoscopy For Colorectal Health

There seems to be no lack of interest in undergoing a colonic – Singapore-based google search analysis shows high volumes of searches each month for this service. Also known as colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, it is a procedure that purports to cleanse and detox the colon for health benefits. The article examines whether there is scientific evidence to support such claims, and whether people may be better served to instead undergo a colonoscopy if they are suitable candidates.

Colonic Singapore – A Quick Overview

During a colonic, the large intestine is flushed out with a liquid (e.g. water). In alternative or holistic medicine circles, it is believed to confer the benefit of removing harmful toxins from the body. Colonic service is offered in numerous health & wellness spas in Singapore.

What Is the Medical Evidence On The Benefits Of Colonic?

Colonics and colonic hydrotherapy are generally not recommended by medical professionals. According to renowned healthcare institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic:

• Colon cleansing is not recommended and should not be done regularly nor recreationally.
• There is no scientific evidence supporting the theory that removing faecal waste from the body can improve health.
• Colonic may disrupt the colon’s ability to maintain water balance in the body.
• Colonic may cause a perforation of the colon.

Who Should Avoid Getting A Colonic?

People with the following conditions should avoid getting a colonic: diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or ischemic colitis, history of colon surgery, kidney disease, heart disease.

Consider A Colonoscopy For Colorectal Health

People who are concerned about their colorectal health, e.g. colorectal cancer concerns, should consider instead getting a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure whereby the doctor examines the inside of your intestines with a camera fixed to one end of a thin, flexible tube. A colonoscopy also allows the doctor to remove polyps found in the intestine. This can prevent them from turning cancerous in the future, and the polyps may also be examined under biopsy to understand their cause.

In Singapore, colonoscopy once every 10 years is recommended by medical professionals for people aged 50 and above, who have an average risk profile for developing the disease. Patients with higher risks, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, may consider getting one at an earlier age and with greater frequency. Currently, colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer detection.

Bowel Cleansing Preparation For A Colonoscopy

People undergoing a colonoscopy are required to restrict their diet and perform bowel cleansing before the procedure. Bowel cleansing is done via taking laxatives (provided by the doctor) before the procedure. Taking the laxatives will cause the patient to pass motion several times, clearing the bowel of faeces and other debris.

Bowel Prep Vs Colonic

While the effects of a bowel prep may sound similar to a colonic, they are in fact not the same. A colonoscopy bowel prep uses laxatives to thorough clear the intestines, and is done with the objective of removing any obstructions which may hinder the doctor’s ability to see the insides of the intestines clearly during a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy Or Colonic In Singapore – Consult A Doctor First

You should consult a doctor first if you are considering a colonoscopy or even a colonic.

Learn More About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a top, silent killer cancer in Singapore that may have little or no symptoms in the early stages. Learn more about this disease on our colorectal cancer page.