Colonics
Some celebrate its effectiveness, but are colonics too risky?
Featured Video
BACKGROUND
For most of us, a colonoscopy is a procedure that we start dreading as soon as we understand what one is. If you’re of this lot, then colonics may make you wince especially when you realize that many individuals have these water-enemas done to them voluntarily and on a regular basis. Enemas of all kinds have been used for hundreds of years as a way to clean out waste, rid someone of infection or illness or simply to promote proper digestion.
"Detox for Life: Your Bottom Line-It's Your Colon or Your Life" written by Loree Taylor Jordan is an unabashed but humorous look at our digestive system and colonics. Taylor claims that anyone who goes to the bathroom less than 3 times a day is constipated and promotes 7-day fasts combined with a colonic cleansing and herbal program to maintain a healthy body.
The popularity of colonics as a weight-loss procedure owes a big thank you to Hollywood who has put a celebrity face on this rather unspoken health intervention. Even though very little research supports the toted advantages of this procedure, some folks swear by it as a way to clean out the GI system, promote digestion, and relieve constipation. It is mandatory that you see an experienced and certified colonic hydrotherapist. And do consult your medical physician before having one.
PRO
- You can lose water weight
- You can feel lighter after a colonic procedure
- Long practiced approach to cleanse the body
- Promotes digestive health
CON
- There is no scientific or medical evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of having a colonic
- There is a risk of tearing the rectum resulting in permanent damage
- Colonics also run the risk of mineral deficiency as they wipe out nutrient stores in the GI system
- There is no scientific evidence that fasting or colonics rids your body of unnecessary toxins
- Most of the weight you lose will be regained as you start eating and drinking fluids again
PROCEDURE
A Colonic is a water enema that flushes the large intestine of toxins and fecal matter that lasts about one hour. A clear tube is placed in the large intestine via the rectum. Water will begin moving through the tube to irrigate and exit through a parallel tube with the waste. Some people maintain regularly scheduled colonics, about six weeks apart.
FOOD
It is recommended that you drink or eat very lightly for the two hours preceding your procedure. Afterwards, many people report feeling light and more energized while some have temporary cramping. It is best to eat a light fare like broths, soups, fruits and vegetables following the colonic.
EXPENSE
The book, Detox for Life, costs $19.95. A colonic procedure can range from $65 to $125.
CONCLUSION
A colonic is an alternative health procedure that has not been approved by the FDA therefore its effectiveness and safety cannot be validated. Most of the weight lost is simply water and waste. It is not fat but having a colonic will make you feel lighter.
Consult with your medical doctor before having a procedure and do seek out a certified hydrotherapist as the risks associated with this procedure are real and serious.
Common Misspellings
Colonc, Colonik, colanicsa
Lizzy: I took a day off work for this and I'm glad. I was feelign pretty worn after but feeling much better. I think I'm going to make it a regular thing.
holly: i've heard about a lot of the celebs doing this but been a little scared. this is good info tho and i didn't realize there was more to it that could really be healthy.
Anonymous: colonics are the most effective tool in relieving gas and bloating! thank you colon hydrotherapists around the world!
Anonymous: I have to put what...where???? I'll pass
Anonymous: Awesome!!! I had (2) on a fasting/cleanse retreat and I felt and feel amazing!!
Stacy: I get colonics 1x a month. They are wonderful. No, it doens't hurt. It gets rid of all the toxins out of your body. I would rec. a juice diets the next 2days & 2 days before to loosen up everything. Colonics does keep you clean & keeps your skin clear. I would rec. it to anyone
Anonymous: Im getting my first colonic tomorrow! Im a little nervous about it but really excited! im hoping everything flows nicely since I'm 100% raw now for 11 months =)
penny: I had my first colonic last week and I feel fantastic! yes eating light before helps alot. I would rec. to everyone!
