Pure Cleanse Side Effects

Pure Cleanse is an internal cleanser that claims to detoxify your colon and help you lose weight. It is available in capsule form and you take one several times each day. The ingredients are listed on the website where Pure Cleanse is sold and include psyllium husk, ginger root, rhubarb root, senna leaf and apple fiber. All five have either laxative or digestive properties that are targeted to clean your body.

A woman is holding a capsule. (Image: Goxi/iStock/Getty Images)

There are side effects associated with colon cleansers such as Pure Cleanse that are promoted to detoxify your body. To date there is no scientific evidence that shows benefits of colon cleansing to remove toxins from your body. You should use a body cleansing product such as Pure Cleanse under the supervision of your health care provider.

Dehydration

Many health professionals feel that it is not necessary to detoxify your body with colon cleansers. They say that your body will naturally get rid of bacteria and other waste material through your digestive system. Doctors are worried that colon cleansers can make your body dehydrated since these products alter your electrolyte balance. This is more serious if you have existing conditions like kidney or heart problems.

Drug Interaction

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center there are known interactions between some medications you may be taking and high fiber products such as Pure Cleanse. They can affect absorption of the medications or change a drug's effectiveness in treating conditions like seizures, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart problems. Fiber from food that is part of your daily diet helps your digestive system function properly. Most people don't get enough of the recommended 25 to 30g per day in their diet but should try to get it through food sources.

Absorption

The Mayo Clinic says that laxative products such as Pure Cleanse can interfere with absorption of both your food and your medications, and that with extended use it may effect the electrolyte levels in your body. Electrolytes affect your muscles, heart, nerves and other body processes. Laxative ingredients can also produce side effects such as cramps, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat and even feelings of faintness. There is no scientific proof that using laxative products will "detoxify" your colon.

Metabolism

When you use a cleansing product like Pure Cleanse, especially if you use it to help with weight loss, you may be feel hungry for a short period because your body takes time to adjust. The length of time you experience feelings of hunger will vary from person to person. You may also feel tired and need to sleep more than usual because you may experience lower energy levels. Your metabolism may be slowed down if you consume less food and that can contribute to feelings of fatigue. Colon cleansing programs for weight loss have been studied although scientists have not yet found proof that they will work.

Other Side Effects

Proponents of colon cleansers for detoxifying say that your body needs cleansing because it is exposed to so many chemicals and toxins every day. They believe that cleansing with products like Pure Cleanse will remove these toxins and improve your overall health. To date, there is no scientific proof through research or clinical studies that this is true. Although Pure Cleanse does not discuss side effects of their product, there are reports that you may experience symptoms like headaches, blemishes, bad breath and an increase in body odor.