A viral image claims that you can “clean 15 kilograms of waste from your colon in one night.” It also shows a toilet-position diagram and suggests that a drink can help empty the bowel.
The claim sounds dramatic, but there is an important distinction between relieving constipation and “detoxing” the colon.
Your digestive system is already designed to move waste through the intestines and eliminate it. There is no established medical method that safely removes a supposed 15 kilograms of accumulated waste overnight in a healthy person. Mayo Clinic notes that colon cleansing is not needed to remove toxins, and there is no evidence that routine colon cleansing provides the health benefits often advertised online. Mayo Clinic
Is There Really 15 Kilograms of Waste Sitting in Your Colon?
No—not as a normal condition.
The amount of stool inside the digestive tract changes depending on what and how much you eat, hydration, bowel movements and whether you are constipated.
Constipation can cause stool to remain in the colon longer than usual. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), constipation can involve fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard or dry stools, difficult bowel movements, or the feeling that not all stool has passed. NIDDK
But that is very different from having 15 kilograms of “toxic waste” permanently stored in the colon.
What Happens During a Colon Cleanse?
Medical bowel cleansing is real—but it has a specific purpose.
For example, doctors sometimes prescribe strong laxative solutions before a colonoscopy. These preparations cause diarrhea and empty the bowel so that the physician can see the inside of the colon clearly. Mayo Clinic
That does not mean everyone needs to routinely cleanse their colon.
Mayo Clinic explains that colon cleansing for “detox” purposes has not been shown to provide the claimed benefits. Mayo Clinic
What About the Toilet Position Shown in the Image?
This part of the graphic has a more reasonable idea behind it.
Raising your feet on a small footstool while sitting on the toilet can make bowel movements more comfortable for some people. NIDDK specifically mentions using a footstool and relaxing the muscles as strategies that may make bowel movements easier. NIDDK
The important point is that this position doesn’t remove kilograms of waste from your colon.
It may simply help put your body in a position that makes passing stool easier.
How to Relieve Constipation Naturally
If constipation is the real problem, there are evidence-based approaches that are much more useful than a dramatic “overnight colon cleanse.”
1. Increase Fiber Gradually
Adults generally need around 22–34 grams of fiber per day, depending on age and sex.
Good sources include:
Oatmeal and whole grains
Lentils and beans
Chickpeas
Pears and apples
Berries
Vegetables
Nuts and seeds
NIDDK recommends increasing fiber gradually rather than making a sudden large increase. NIDDK
2. Drink Enough Fluids
Fluids help fiber work properly and can help make stools softer and easier to pass. Your individual fluid needs depend on factors such as your health, activity level and environment. NIDDK
3. Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity can help relieve and prevent constipation. NIDDK
Even regular walking can be part of a healthy routine.
4. Don’t Ignore the Urge
Repeatedly ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can contribute to constipation.
NIDDK also notes that trying to have a bowel movement 15–45 minutes after breakfast may help establish a regular bowel routine because eating can stimulate movement in the colon. NIDDK
5. Give Yourself Time
Rushing on the toilet can make things more difficult.
Sit comfortably, relax, and avoid excessive straining. A small footstool may help position your feet more comfortably. NIDDK
Be Careful With “Detox” Drinks and Colon Cleanses
This is where viral posts can become potentially dangerous.
Colon cleansing can cause cramping, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. More serious complications can include electrolyte disturbances, infection, digestive-tract bleeding and, in some circumstances, perforation of the rectum. Mayo Clinic
The risk may be greater for people with certain medical conditions, including kidney or heart disease.
So a homemade drink promoted online as a “colon flush” should not automatically be considered harmless simply because it contains natural ingredients.
When Constipation Needs Medical Attention
Constipation isn’t always just a dietary issue.
You should seek medical advice if it persists despite self-care. NIDDK recommends prompt medical attention when constipation occurs with symptoms such as:
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
Constant abdominal pain
Vomiting
Fever
Inability to pass gas
Unexplained weight loss
Significant or persistent changes in bowel habits NIDDK
These symptoms can indicate something that needs evaluation rather than a home “cleanse.”
The Bottom Line
The viral claim that you can remove 15 kilograms of waste from your colon overnight is not supported by medical evidence.
Your body already has systems for processing and eliminating waste. If you’re constipated, the goal isn’t to “detox” your colon—it is to restore comfortable, regular bowel movements through adequate fiber and fluids, physical activity, healthy toilet habits and, when appropriate, medically recommended treatments. Mayo Clinic
And while the footstool position shown in the image may help some people pass stool more comfortably, it isn’t a secret method for removing 15 kilograms of waste.
Have you ever tried using a small footstool while using the toilet? Did it make a difference for you? Tell us in the comments. 👇
