Information about your colon
The large colon is about 150cm long. The three main functions it performs are: absorbing water and electrolytes, producing and absorbing vitamins, and forming and propelling feces towards the rectum for elimination. The colon is home to billions of microflora (bacteria) that make up approximately 70 percent of the dry weight of feces. Besides forming stool, the various beneficial bacterial organisms living within the colon and digestive tract are important for proper nutrient absorption, maintaining the correct pH balance, controlling hunger, and counteracting potentially dangerous bacteria. Therefore, a well-functioning colon is important for overall well-being.
Colonic hydrotherapy
Colon cleansing has been used throughout history to improve the body’s natural detoxification processes, restore digestive health and improve overall quality of life. The use of water to cleanse tissue throughout the colon, called “colon lavage,” has been practiced since as early as 1500 B.C. in ancient Egypt. The goal of a colon cleanse is to help the digestive organs effectively do their job. An enema or colonic hydrotherapy is a means to do this. Colon cleanses aren’t necessarily needed by every person, but some people can benefit from eliminating waste, bacterial matter and toxic material that’s stored in their bodies that will get them to their desired goal of physical health.
What’s the purpose of cleansing your colon?
To flush out built-up waste stored by rehydrating old stool that’s become impacted. Most colon cleanses use water to infiltrate hardened stool and loosen it up so it can be passed more easily. Constipation (fecal impaction) causes a sluggish digestive response. This leaves waste in the system causing fermentation. This increases symptoms of gas, bloated stomach, heartburn, indigestion, and irritability. Foods that cause colon blockages are acid-forming – particularly high-protein diets without sufficient fibre. The colon’s tissue becomes inflamed, reducing its ability to do its job. If yeasts, molds, fungus, bacteria, parasites and worms or fecal material enter the bloodstream and connective tissue, the body’s pH will be out of balance. The build- up of mucous and toxins in your colon can inhibit the absorption of nutrients even if you eat a consistently healthy diet. All the toxins that you eat, drink, breathe, and absorb through your skin are processed by your gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and liver. By releasing stagnant body waste, you support all the body systems. Experiencing constipation is not the only indication your bowel system is not functioning effectively. More symptoms include: liver and gall bladder problems, skin issues, bladder problems and fluctuating emotional well-being. Your physical well-being is dependent on the health of your colon.
How does colon cleansing help improve your body’s well-being?
- Makes the digestive system more effective
- Maintains regularity and prevents constipation
- Increases energy – better blood circulation
- Increases the body’s absorption of vitamins and nutrients
- Improves concentration
- Kick-starts weight loss
- Decreases risk of colon cancer
- Increases fertility
- Maintains pH balance in the bloodstream
- Improves whole-body well-being
- Assists in removing parasites and worms from the colon
- Assists the liver function
How does colonic hydrotherapy work?
Hydrotherapy is the term for “the use of water to treat a disease or to maintain health.” The idea behind hydrotherapy is that water itself has healing abilities, and when combined with other substances like coffee or salt, it also supplies essential nutrients like various antioxidants or trace minerals.
Colonics are done by hygienists or colon hydro-therapists. These treatments are called “colon irrigation”.
Colonics use a high quantity of water to flush the colon by using a pressurized machine. Of all colon cleanses, they’re thought to be one of the most productive and thorough since they target the entire colon.
During a colonic you lay on a table and the professional inserts a lubricated speculum into your colon, which is attached to two tubes that control the release of water in and out. There is a viewing pipe where you can view what’s coming out if you. Once the colonic is over, you can use the bathroom until you’re comfortable.
Pressurized colonics are different than gravity-controlled ones because the flow is controlled by a machine and the therapist guiding the treatment.
Are colon cleanses safe?
In the U.K, where practitioners carry out over 5,600 colon irrigations each month, no serious side effects have been reported. Naturally cleaning the colon with water is safe for most people, but it’s not for everyone. Read through the list of contra-indicators of colon hydrotherapy treatments.
What are the emotional benefits of a colon cleanse?
Anyone that has an unhappy bowel function will tell you that their quality of life is limited. Starting the day with a flat tummy and by mid-morning the bloated tummy begins and by the afternoon feeling like one is 6 months pregnant, does not make for a happy, feeling day. Most people have come to think that it is normal to have a bowel movement every 3 to 5 days. The result is having a bloated, gassy day. Your clothes do not fit comfortably. Your body feels toxic, and your inflammation levels make you feel irritable and out of sorts. Your health and quality of life is greatly diminished by having a poor bowel system.
How to get the best from your colon hydrotherapy treatments
Start by cleaning up your diet. Remove the packaged foods, fast foods, processed snacks and artificial ingredients (high fructose syrups, hydrogenated oils, dangerous food dyes, fake seasonings, MSG or preservatives) which make it harder for the digestive system to work properly and raise inflammation in the colon. Are you gluten intolerant? If you suspect that you are, eliminate gluten and see how your health improves. Are you dairy intolerant? Dairy can create mucus and phlegm and deposit it into the organs and tissue of your body. Are you consuming to many sugar-based products? These affect your brain function and nervous system.
The kinds of foods you want to eat for optimal colon health
Whole foods, fruit and veggies, leafy greens, fermented foods that contain probiotics (yogurt, cultured veggies like kimchi or sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha), bone broth, healthy fats like coconut or extra virgin olive oil, plus avocados (very high in electrolytes and fiber) veggie-based soups, smoothies and salads are high in fiber and water, plus easy to digest.
Limit your caffeine-based beverages and include herbal teas, lemon and ginger tea and filtered water.
Colon Cleanse Takeaways
- The goal of a colon cleanse is to help the digestive organs do their job in the best way possible, managing things that get in the way and interfere with normal bowel functions.
- You have cleaned up your colon and now you have a foundation to grow your healthy body.
- Implement healthy habits example; always begin your day with hot water and lemon.
- You must be having at least one bowel movement every day. Take at least 10 minutes each morning to sit on the loo in a relaxed, calm manner.
- You want to feel that your bowels are eliminating properly which means not rushing the process.
- Your medical health cupboard will have a good liquid probiotic, digestive enzymes, tissue salts, mineral salts and magnesium sulphate.
- Keep the connection with you gut/ brain health with a massage oil of lavender essential oils. Massage your tummy clockwise on a daily basis