Colonic irrigation has often been praised as an excellent way to keep your body in top physical condition. It has been described as a cure for irritability, headache, fatigue and loss of appetite. But it is important to know what some of the potential side effects can be so that you can make the decision which is best for you and your body.
If you have ever had an enema, you should know that the process is similar. Water or other liquids are introduced into the intestinal tract and this liquid causes the body to expel waste thoroughly and easily. An enema has often been used not only as a treatment for constipation but also as a way to prepare for certain medical procedures such as a colonoscopy. The theory behind colonic irrigation however is to remove accumulated fecal matter before it can break down and release toxins in to the body.
The belief that food enters the intestine and rots has been around since the time of the Egyptians, and was expanded on by the ancient Greeks, and again in the 19th century. The belief was that the toxins which are released can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects including irritability and loss of appetite and could ultimately shorten a person’s lifespan.
It is true that both enemas and colonic irrigation use liquids to clear the intestinal tract, but a colonic irrigation uses a much larger quantity of liquid to clear the intestinal tract. Liquids can help to soften fecal matter and make it easier to expel, and the cramps from the introduction of the liquids can often cause the body to expel the waste much more forcefully. Different types of colonic irrigation can use different fluids and additives. These can include coffee, wheat grass extracts, alcohol or herbs to achieve specific results. This can actually be one of the main problems with colonic irrigation.
There has been a lot of discussion about the possible side effects that can occur as a result of specific substances being used. Since drugs and alcohol can pass quickly into the bloodstream through the walls of the anus, you should be very careful when using anything as part of a colonic irrigation. As well, there is a concern that if the person performing the colonic irrigation has not been properly trained, the apparatus can actually perforate the bowel and cause serious medical complications.
You should do your research and find out exactly what will be added to your colonic irrigation fluid. Herbs can cause problems when they are used at the same time as some prescription medications. IT does not matter if you ingest the herbs orally or anally. Either way, if they end up your bloodstream they can cause bad interactions with medication. Even baking soda can lead to electrolyte imbalances and can cause cardiovascular problems.
The body naturally eliminates wastes from the system and unless you are going to undergo a medical procedure that requires your intestinal tract to be clear, you should ultimately let your body do the work itself. Repeated CIs can often cause the body to become unable to eliminate waste on its own. This can lead to a dependence on laxatives or other methods to assist with defecation.
If you are considering colonic irrigation you should research the process fully to make sure that you have all the facts. Keeping them in mind can help you make the decisions which are best for you, and keep you in optimal health.
April Kerr writes for Leo’s Salons which has information on body wraps for weight loss and other low cost beauty treatments.