Enema: types, benefits and harms, dangers
Enemas are rectal injections of liquid designed to cleanse or stimulate bowel movements.
They have been used for hundreds of years to treat chronic constipation and prepare people for certain medical tests and surgeries (1).
Enemas can be prescribed by a doctor or independently.
This article examines the different types of enemas and their potential benefits and harms.
Recipes for the simplest but most effective enema solutions
In every home you can find many ingredients with which douching is made. For these purposes, herbs, soda, and lemon juice are used.
To become the owner of an ideal figure, you only need to start with cleansing. And only then can you start changing your diet and start eating right.
- Soda. Sodium bicarbonate has become increasingly used in cosmetology and medicine. This product has truly incredible properties, but at the same time its price remains negligible. Read about other beneficial properties of baking soda in this article. The recipe for an enema with soda is very simple. You just need to dilute 1.5 tbsp. l of the substance in 1.5 l of boiled warm water.
- Saline. Restores alkaline balance, improves intestinal function. To clean with salt, you need to dilute 2 tbsp. l of product in 1 liter of water.
- Herbal. Depending on the collection of herbs, it can have various effects: antiseptic, soothing, irritating, nourishing. What to add to the enema: yarrow, mint, sage, chamomile and many other herbs. Regardless of the plant you choose, you need to brew the herb in boiling water. Leave for 15 minutes to bring the volume to 1.5 liters. In addition to this enema, it would be nice to use the recipes for the Tibetan cleansing mixture, which I recently told you about.
Laxative enemas
- Based on vegetable juices. To prepare, mix 5 tbsp. l freshly squeezed beet and spinach juice. Bring the volume to 1.5 liters.
- Oil enema. The most popular and easiest way to relieve constipation. This method can be used even by a child. Douching is effective for 5 hours. Oils make stool softer. They also have an irritating effect on the anus, which helps to empty the bowels faster.
- Coffee enema. Brew 3 tbsp. l natural coffee. After this, cool the liquid and strain. The product will help empty not only the intestines, but also cleanse the kidneys, adrenal glands, as well as the liver and gallbladder.
- Honey. The topic of the beneficial effects of honey has been raised by me more than once on the pages of the forum. In the case of intestines, this natural remedy can help out again. [note style=”download” show_icon=”true”] To do this, dissolve 2 tbsp in 2 liters of water. l honey. To enhance the effect, add another 1 tbsp. l freshly squeezed lemon juice. The combination of ingredients will gently remove toxins and improve your overall condition.
Only a doctor can establish a schedule and tell you how many enemas you need. If cleaning is being carried out for the first time and the situation has started, then the following option is possible:
- Days 1–7: daily enemas;
- 8–14: every other day;
- 15–21: enema every 2 days;
- 22–28: after 3 days;
- 29–35: 1 final cleaning.
What are enemas?
Constipation is a condition in which the natural movement of your stool is slowed down, making it hard, dry and difficult to pass. For many people, this can be a chronic problem that requires intervention such as an enema or a rectal laxative.
Enemas may also be prescribed to flush out the colon before certain diagnostic tests or surgeries. Before these procedures, your bowels should be empty to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the passage of stool.
According to some enema proponents, when waste builds up in your colon over time, it leads to conditions such as depression, fatigue, headaches, allergies and irritability, and using enemas can help.
While it is true that many people with chronic constipation experience depression and other psychological symptoms, there is no evidence that waste accumulation directly leads to the other aforementioned effects (2, 3).
There are two main types of enemas - cleansing and retention.
Cleansing enemas
Cleansing enemas are water-based and are designed to hold liquid inside for a short period of time to cleanse the colon. After the injection, the liquid is retained for a few minutes until your body gets rid of it, as well as loose materials and feces in your intestines.
Here are some of the most common cleansing enemas (3, 4):
- Water or saline solution . The least irritating of all the options, water or saline—salt water that mimics the concentration of sodium in your body—is used primarily for its ability to dilate the colon and mechanically promote bowel movements.
- Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) . This is similar to a water or saline enema, but magnesium-rich Epsom salts are said to be more effective at relaxing the intestinal muscles and relieving constipation.
- Sodium phosphate . This is a simple enema that works by irritating your rectum, causing it to expand and release waste.
- Lemon juice . Lemon juice mixed with warm, filtered water is said to balance your body's pH while cleansing your colon.
- Apple vinegar . Proponents say mixing apple cider vinegar with warm, filtered water can quickly cleanse the colon and provide other antiviral healing effects on your digestive system.
- Soap foam . Adding castile soap or other mild soap with minimal additives to water slightly irritates the intestines, which helps to quickly eliminate stool.
Retention enemas
Retention enemas are designed to be retained in the intestines for an extended period - usually at least 15 minutes - before being eliminated. Retention enemas can be water- or oil-based, which softens the stool and makes bowel movements easier.
Here are some of the most common retention enemas (5, 6, 7):
- Coffee . Coffee enemas are a mixture of brewed caffeinated coffee and water that are believed to help remove bile from the colon. This type of enema was popularized by Max Gerson, a doctor who used them to treat cancer patients.
- Mineral oil . This type of enema works primarily by lubricating stool inside the colon, sealing it with water, and promoting its removal.
- Probiotic . Mixing probiotics with water can cleanse your gut while helping colonize beneficial gut bacteria. Lactobacillus reuteri enemas have been shown to reduce inflammation in children with ulcerative colitis.
- Herbal . Some people use garlic, catnip infusion, or red raspberry leaf to prepare herbal enemas with supposed infection-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion:
Enemas are rectal injections of liquid that are intended to cleanse the intestines or treat chronic constipation. The two main types - cleansing and retention enemas - can be performed using different solutions and can be administered at home.
Indications and contraindications for
Like other medical measures, there are certain indications for prescribing an enema:
- frequent constipation;
- irregular bowel movements;
- bloating, severe gas or flatulence;
- fatigue and drowsiness;
- oily skin, the appearance of acne and pimples;
- headache;
- causeless weakness;
- an unpleasant and putrid odor heard from the mouth or the whole body;
- the appearance of excess weight;
- profuse sweating.
An enema to cleanse the intestines is given when the body is intoxicated due to poisoning, before an upcoming medical examination or surgery.
There are a number of contraindications in which the procedure of cleaning the intestines with enemas is strictly prohibited.
These include the following diseases:
- heart failure;
- diabetes;
- oncological diseases;
- viral or respiratory diseases occurring against the background of elevated body temperature;
- depressive or stressful conditions;
- haemorrhoids;
- acute appendicitis;
- inflammatory processes or ulcerative lesions of the intestines;
- various chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which include ulcers, colitis, gastritis, pancreatitis;
- bleeding from the anus or the presence of blood in the stool;
- high blood pressure;
- weakness or fainting condition.
Enemas are not recommended for women a few days before and after menstruation, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Therefore, before the procedure, you should monitor your own health and undergo a medical examination.
Potential benefits of an enema
Enemas can treat constipation and cleanse the colon. However, many people choose to use enemas for other purported therapeutic effects (8, 9).
Some advocates claim that enemas can support weight loss, remove toxins and heavy metals from your body, and improve your skin health, immunity, blood pressure and energy levels.
However, there is limited evidence to suggest that enemas are effective for these purposes or that they benefit everyone who uses them. Most of the evidence supporting their effectiveness is anecdotal, despite their widespread use in modern medicine (10).
Enemas appear to be most effective in treating chronic constipation in a medical setting, although they come with many risks, especially when self-administered at home (11, 12).
Conclusion:
Enemas can be effective in cleansing the colon and treating chronic constipation, but most evidence for their benefits is anecdotal rather than scientifically sound.
Equipment for the procedure.
The cleansing enema procedure can be carried out in a medical facility or at home. To perform the procedure yourself, you need to purchase a so-called Esmarch mug. This is a special device that consists of a water container and a flexible hose with a plastic tip. The container can be made of metal, plastic, rubber. Most often, pharmacies offer Esmarch's rubber mug. When purchasing, check whether a clamp or tap is installed on the hose for regulated fluid supply. This mechanism greatly facilitates the comfortable procedure.
The device should be washed before use. To do this, a soap solution is diluted in a basin, and Esmarch’s mug is washed in it. The device is rinsed under running water and then dried.
Potential enema harms, side effects and dangers
Although enemas can cleanse your colon, you should consider their risks and take certain precautions before using them.
May disrupt your body's natural balance
Enemas can disrupt your intestinal flora and the electrolyte balance in your body.
Research shows that enemas used in preparation for medical procedures significantly disrupt intestinal microflora, although the effect is temporary. However, enemas that are divided and administered in two phases appear to have less of an impact on the microbiome (13, 14).
Electrolyte imbalances have been observed with various types of enemas, such as large-volume suds enemas and those containing minerals.
How does an enema affect the human body?
An enema is a cleansing procedure for the body, but its uncontrolled use leads to health problems. With the help of frequent cleansing, feces are removed, and along with them, beneficial microflora (lacto and bifidobacteria, E. coli and other microorganisms), which digest food at the final stage.
For this reason, the place of beneficial microflora is reduced and it is occupied by opportunistic microflora harmful to humans, which leads to dysbacteriosis. A person begins to experience bloating, pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation. To avoid this effect of an enema when losing weight, you need to know how often it should be done and what recipes the injected solution is prepared according to.
Pros of an enema for weight loss:
- Toxins are removed;
- The intestines are freed from constipation;
- The toxic load is reduced;
- Intestinal parasites are eliminated;
- Bloating and gas go away.
Alternatives to enema
If you're primarily considering an enema for bowel stimulation and cleansing, there are other, less invasive options available.
Some potential alternatives to enemas that may help eliminate waste and normalize bowel function include (20, 21, 22, 23):
- drinking caffeinated coffee, which is known to stimulate bowel movements
- drinking enough liquid
- regular exercise such as walking, running, cycling or aerobics
- over-the-counter oral laxatives, such as magnesium sulfate
- increasing your fiber intake by eating whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds
If you have severe constipation or other health problems, talk to your doctor to determine whether an enema is a safe and appropriate treatment option.
Conclusion:
Less risky alternatives to enemas that may help stimulate bowel movements include drinking enough fluids, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy, high-fiber diet.
Summarize
- Enemas are used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. To remove waste, water- or oil-based solutions are injected into the intestines through the rectum.
- Light enemas, such as water or saline, carry the least risk, but you should consult your doctor before using them at home. In addition, the correct use of sterile injection equipment is very important for safety.
- Many people claim the benefits of using enemas to improve bowel function and prevent constipation, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited.
- Other, less risky alternatives may be a better option in most cases.
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What is an enema
An enema is a medical procedure during which a liquid (water, medications, etc.) is poured into a person’s intestines through the anus.
Types of enemas
By purpose of use:
- Cleansing - used to cleanse the large intestine of feces before childbirth and in case of poisoning.
- Medicinal (medicinal) - involve the administration of medicinal substances (herbal decoctions, suspensions, solutions, etc.) through the anus. Used for intestinal dysbiosis and inflammatory processes in the intestines.
- Microclysters ( 10-100 ml ) - intended for administering medications.
- Cleansing ( 1-2 l ).
- Siphon ( 15-20 l ) - used for deep cleansing of the intestines in case of poisoning and diseases associated with intestinal obstruction.
- Aquatic.
- Medicinal.
- Soapy (glycerin) - used to stimulate the intestines for constipation.
- Oily - designed to protect the intestinal mucosa.
- Acidic - citric or acetic acid is added to the water, which stimulates intestinal motility and improves the movement of feces.
- Sodas - normalize acidity levels, treat dyspepsia and diarrhea, and reduce irritation.
The mechanism of action of a cleansing enema.
Practice shows the high effectiveness of cleansing procedures using an enema. There are cases when a person lost up to two kilograms at a time. On the first day of the procedure, this occurs due to the removal of food processing products. How can enemas help you lose weight?
An enema does not directly remove fat cells from the body. Its action manifests itself indirectly. Entering the human intestine, the contents of the enema washes feces out of it. Sometimes they are compressed so that several procedures are required to remove them. The intestinal walls, covered with decaying masses, lose their ability to function normally. With the help of an enema, the walls are not only cleaned, but damaged areas are restored and begin to work in the correct mode. The intestines again begin to pass nutrients into the body, remove waste and harmful toxins. The weight loss effect is ensured by the normalization of the functioning of the intestines and the other digestive organs associated with it. The body stops creating fat reserves from excess food.
Benefit
- Clears the intestines of stagnant feces and supplies it with water , which is important for the regular and complete removal of waste from the human body.
- Stimulates intestinal peristalsis - by stimulating the walls of the organ with liquid, their contraction is enhanced and natural bowel movements are improved.
- Helps to lose weight - stagnant feces cause bloating, increase in body volume and weight. After the procedure, the patient loses from 1 to 5 kg of weight due to the release of feces, lightness appears in the body, bloating and flatulence are eliminated.
- Gets rid of parasites - many parasites live in the intestines, and an enema can remove them from the body. Most parasitic organisms have special suction cups that are firmly attached to the walls of the organ, so ordinary water will not help to detach them and remove them. For this procedure, an acid enema is usually used, since helminths do not tolerate an acidic environment. Helps improve the health of the body - it has been proven that many diseases arise due to the fact that the intestines are full of feces, toxins, waste and other substances that poison the body from the inside. Such diseases include colds, flu, allergic reactions, frequent headaches, etc. With the help of the procedure, you can increase immunity and cleanse the body of harmful substances that cause many diseases.
- Medicinal enemas heal the intestinal microflora , help protect its mucous membrane, and stop inflammatory processes on the walls of the organ.
Harm
An enema is not such a harmless procedure; if used incorrectly and excessively, it can only harm the body. Here's what might happen:
- “Lazy gut” syndrome - with this phenomenon, intestinal motility is weakened due to frequent artificial stimulation of the organ walls with liquid. This can lead to chronic constipation and the fact that natural bowel movements will be impossible, and you will need to constantly use an enema.
- Disturbance of the microflora of the intestinal tract - you need to remember that during the procedure, not only feces and harmful substances are washed away, but also vitamins, minerals, beneficial bacteria, etc. Too frequent enemas will lead to digestive disorders and deterioration of well-being.
- Poisoning - if water with the addition of any substances is used for administration, they can decompose in the body and cause intoxication.
- Infection with helminths - if the device with which liquid is poured into the anus was not sufficiently disinfected and cleaned after the previous patient, then infection with parasites may occur.
The procedure is prohibited for chronic gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage, gastrointestinal bleeding, injuries and fissures of the rectum, rectal prolapse, acute viral diseases, poor health and malaise.
How to do it correctly at home
It is best to carry out the procedure in a hospital, under the supervision of doctors. But to lose weight and cleanse the body, many people do enemas at home, so it’s important to know how to do it correctly:
- Before starting, it is advisable to take a bath to relax.
- Immediately before inserting the device into the anus, drink a glass of water to improve the effect.
- The amount of liquid should be gradually increased, starting with small doses.
- Women during menstruation are not recommended to undergo the procedure.
It is necessary to prepare the instrument in advance - to cleanse the intestinal tract, use an Esmarch mug with a volume of 1-2 liters . Pour water at room temperature into it and dissolve 1-2 tbsp in it. spoons of salt. Lubricate the tip of the insertion tube with Vaseline or vegetable oil. Hang the mug at a convenient height. Take a pose - it is best to lie on your back, legs wide apart and anus open. Using gentle movements and slowly, you need to insert the tube into the anus. When the tube is inserted approximately 4-5 cm, you need to release the clamp so that the liquid flows into the rectum. When the container with liquid is empty, you need to smoothly pull out the tube.
You need to keep the liquid in the intestines for at least 5 minutes, ideally 15. After this time, you need to visit the toilet. If 2 enemas are planned, then there should be an interval of at least 60 minutes .
Experts advise giving an enema once every six months to a year. This procedure will help improve intestinal function and prevent many diseases. But all contraindications must be taken into account; if at least one of them is present, an enema cannot be performed. It is also not recommended to give an enema if there is doubt or unpleasant premonitions.
Nutrition during the main colon cleanse period
While carrying out the cleansing program, you must still adhere to regular and, if necessary, dietary nutrition. At the same time, if the condition of the gastrointestinal tract allows, the following simple “technological” solution is proposed to improve the process of removing “dirt” from the large intestine - “broom” salad.
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Enema for colon cleansing at home: benefits and harms
An enema helps cleanse the entire body of accumulated toxins, which are excreted along with feces. The procedure has many advantages. It significantly speeds up metabolism, strengthens the immune system, hair, skin, and nails will become healthier. After an enema, the body’s functioning improves significantly, a person feels a surge of strength and energy. After just a few procedures you can feel the effect.
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Anyone can do an enema at home, despite the fact that the procedure has a lot of contraindications. The procedure helps not only to cleanse the intestines, but also to get rid of extra pounds without expensive weight loss products . It gives a laxative effect that no medications can provide. But you can lose extra pounds with an enema only if during and after the sessions you completely give up fatty, fried, salty, spicy foods, alcohol and drink more plain water.
Benefits for the body:
- normalization of digestion;
- anthelmintic effect;
- decreased appetite;
- treatment of insomnia;
- improving the absorption of drugs into the blood without overloading the liver;
- eliminating constipation;
- increasing immunity, improving well-being;
- eliminating discomfort, heaviness and cramps in the stomach.
A procedure performed correctly at home can significantly improve the functioning of the entire body.
During the procedure, not only toxins are removed along with feces, but also valuable microelements and vitamins, which slows down metabolism and disrupts the functioning of internal organs. There is also a risk of poisoning from fecal breakdown products when they dissolve in water.
An enema can cause harm to the body due to the following problems:
- disturbance of intestinal microflora;
- violation of water-salt balance;
- injury to the anus, the presence of hemorrhoids.
If enemas are done too often, the body will get used to them and will no longer be able to function normally. So, in the future there will often be problems with natural bowel movements.
An enema cannot be done every day, as this procedure has contraindications.
It is useful to carry it out in the following cases:
- irregular bowel movements;
- preparation for surgery or childbirth, some diagnostic procedures;
- flatulence, frequent bloating;
- frequent constipation;
- bad breath, increased sweating;
- weakened immunity (frequent illnesses).
How often can you do an enema for weight loss?
People often have a question: how many times a week should they do a cleansing enema to lose weight? Doctors recommend using it every other day for two weeks, so that you don’t have to deal with problems with poor digestion and metabolism later. Cleansing enemas for weight loss at home are an emergency option that cannot be abused, so such procedures should not be carried out more than 2 times a year.
This method does not burn excess fat, but only accelerates peristalsis. By maintaining the habit of eating a lot and everything, a person will quickly return all the kilograms back to the intestines. An enema is only the first step to losing weight, and the remaining steps are to gradually change your lifestyle to proper nutrition and physical activity.