You should weigh the dangers and advantages of colon cleaning (also known as colonic hydrotherapy and colonics) before undertaking the operation.
Despite persistent concerns over their general safety, colonics have become more and more popular in recent years. This summary will assist you in balancing the benefits and drawbacks of this popular colon cleansing method.
What is Hydrotherapy for Colon Cleansing?
Colonic hydrotherapy, which is often referred to as a high colonic or colonic irrigation services, cleanses the colon. This is said to offer a number of health advantages.
Throughout the process:
The rectum is punctured using a tube.
The colon is pumped with water that has occasionally been infused with vitamins, probiotics, enzymes, or herbs.
While you wait, the therapist may massage your belly to help the fluid flow around.
Fecal waste (poop) and the liquid used during the operation are drained out of your body following the colonic. To finish this procedure, you will be led to a restroom. There is no scientific proof to support the procedure’s claims that it may assist cleanse your intestines of parasites, bacteria, and toxins.
From beginning to end, the full session usually takes around forty-five minutes.
Risks and Adverse Reactions to Colon Hydrotherapy
The scientific evidence for colon cleaning is not very strong. A colon perforation, infection, and electrolyte imbalance are just a few of the potentially dangerous side effects. This is particularly true if an unlicensed healthcare professional performs the operation.
Uncomfortable
In certain cases, colonic irrigation might result in:
mild discomfort in the abdomen
Feelings of fullness or bloating
discomfort in the anal region
Interference with Normal Colon Function
In addition to causing negative side effects including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, infection, and gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria in the intestines), colon cleaning may upset the normal equilibrium in your colon.
An imbalance in electrolytes
Transferring electrolytes—minerals that are essential to the organism—into the body is one of the colon’s roles. An electrolyte imbalance in the blood might lead to difficulties if electrolytes are flushed out of the body by colon cleaning.
The colon’s perforation
There is a chance that the colonic tube will tear, perforate, or rupture the colon wall when it is placed via the anus.
Introducing Foreign Content
There are dangers associated with introducing chemicals that are not typically found in the colon. This includes non-sterile tools, water, or anything that could contain pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria or infection-causing amoebas. Even modest quantities of these microbes can be hazardous since the tissues of the colon and rectum are so sensitive.
Another concern is that practitioners who are not licensed by a scientifically established institution frequently perform colonics. Compared to those who are not, you may be more sure that those who are licensed and accredited by groups like the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy will maintain sanitary procedures.
Takes Out “Good” Bacteria
The “good” bacteria that reside in the colon are also eliminated by cleaning it. Eliminating the colon’s natural flora might lead to diseases by allowing bad bacteria to flourish where beneficial bacteria aren’t present.
Naturally, the most important consideration is whether the practice is advantageous. According to the majority of the available data, the risks are not worth it.
Purported Advantages of Colon Hydrotherapy
One of the most well-liked alternative therapeutic methods worldwide is colon hydrotherapy. It is not to be confused with enemas, which are used to prepare for a colonoscopy or to treat severe constipation.
“Autointoxication,” the condition in which extended exposure to the chemicals in feces is thought to impair your immunological and digestive systems, is one of the fundamental ideas underlying the practice. Colics are said to improve gut flora and your general health by removing these chemicals from the body.
Colonic hydrotherapy proponents fervently believe that the process may treat a variety of physical conditions and maintain ideal colonic health. This is partially because colon and rectal tissues are more porous than oral tissues, making it easier for them to absorb medicinal chemicals.
Others assert that removing feces from the colon lowers the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals present in stool. Colonics are frequently advertised as an efficient way to cure inflammatory bowel disorders, normalize bowel function, aid in weight reduction, and detoxify.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you choose to have colonic hydrotherapy and encounter any of the following adverse effects, get in touch with your doctor right once.
Following colon hydrotherapy, the following are potential indicators of major health issues:
Throwing up
Feeling queasy
Pain in the abdomen
Lightheadedness
Dehydration
A fever
It is advised that you visit an emergency department if you are feeling very sick and are unable to get in touch with your doctor.
Additional Strategies to Advance Colon Health
Colon health may be promoted in a variety of natural methods. For instance, the condition of your colon and the general health of your digestive system are greatly influenced by your food.
Maintaining the flow of food and waste through your digestive tract and avoiding constipation can be achieved by eating a diet high in fiber. Sources of healthy fiber include: 8
Fruits
Veggies
Beans
Whole grains including quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat, and oats
Additionally, probiotics may improve intestinal health. Consuming fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, and kimchi, as well as taking probiotic pills, are two ways to obtain probiotics.9.
Maintaining the health of your digestive system may also be achieved through exercise. In addition to preventing constipation, research has indicated that it can also lessen inflammation and enhance the variety of gut microorganisms.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Both your general health and intestinal health depend on this.
In brief
An alternative therapeutic method called colonic hydrotherapy is washing the colon with water. Some physical illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease, may benefit from its use, according to supporters.
Risks associated with colon hydrotherapy include infection, electrolyte imbalance, and potential colon perforation. Following this operation, if you experience any symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or stomach discomfort, contact a healthcare professional right once.