Yes, that's right. You may have been pumping water up your rectum in vain.

After reviewing 20 different studies on colon cleansers published over the last decade, scientists have found no evidence that they actually improve your health.

On the contrary, scientists found more evidence that they can actually be HARMFUL and associated with bloating, vomiting, cramping, renal failure and even death.

Yikes!

These popular procedures — whether undergone with the help of a professional or with some kind of a colon cleanse kit at home — are meant to clear your body of toxins that accumulate in the colon, which can spur a variety of ills.

However, the American Medical Association said that the "procedure was invalid" in the early 20th century and many modern concoctions don't require FDA approval.

Sources have reported that having a "colon hydrotherapist" pump water in and out of the rectum with a rubber tube has the potential to damage the colon tissue.

Regardless of the study's findings, there are still those who swear by the benefits of a good ol' colon cleanse and insist more studies are needed before people condemn it.

The choice is yours, but make sure you go to a licensed professional if you do decide to opt for a cleanse.

Tags: benefits, colon, cramping, death, harm, licensed professional, procedure, renal failure, scientific, tissue, vomitting