Colonic Irrigation(Why you can't flush your troubles away)Introduction Having "regular" bowel movements has been claimed to be very important health and well being for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians associated feces with decay and used enemas and laxatives liberally. [1] Ancient egyptians also thought the brain was an unimportant organ and did not bother to save it in the mummification process. "Autointoxication", a theory disproved early in the 20th century, stated that stagnation of feces in the colon (large intestine) produced toxins that were absorbed by the body. There are still persons promoting the use of far out enema and laxative remedies using autointoxication as justification. There is currently no shortage of advertisements for laxatives and other products promoting bowel regularity. What are normal bowel movements The bowel habits of healthy individuals can vary greatly from several times a day to several times a week with no ill effects. Despite these facts, some chiropractors, naturopaths, and assorted food faddists claim that "death begins in the colon" and that "90 percent of all diseases are caused by improperly working bowels." [1] Although laxative ads warn against "irregularity," constipation should be defined not by the frequency of movements but by the hardness of the stool. How does digestion occur? Digestion starts in the mouth with chewing and amylase (an enzyme breaking down starches) proceeding to the stomach where food is further chemically and mechanically digested. Most digestion occurs in the small intestine, a coiled hose shaped organ that is 18 to 30 feet in total length. The small intestine actually has more mass (weight) than the large intestine- it is called "small" because it is not as wide across as the large intestine. It is here that a number of enzymes digest food into simple sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids that are then absorbed through the intestine into the blood and lymphatic system. The large intestine (colon), which is about 3 to 4 feet in length, receives the remaining digestive waste products from the small intestine and reabsorbs water and minerals from food waste. Feces are formed in the colon and propelled to the rectum for elimination. The colon does not contain digestive enzymes and is not involved in absorption of food. There are many bacteria present in the colon- they are actually needed for normal health and digestion. Nature has created a marvelously efficient system and except in rare circumstances (such as preparation for bowel surgery or colonoscopy) the colon does not need to be "cleansed". How can constipation be prevented naturally? The vast majority of persons suffering from constipation (painful hard bowel movements) can correct the problem without resorting to laxatives or enemas. Ordinary constipation usually can be remedied by increasing the fiber content of the diet, drinking adequate amounts of water, and engaging in regular exercise. If the bowel is normal, dietary fiber increases the bulk of the stool, softens it, and speeds up elimination time. Defecating soon after the urge is felt also can be helpful because the rectum may over time stop signaling when defecation is needed if the urges are ignored. Bulk fiber products, such as Metamucil™ and other similar agents, are appropriate and safe for those still having a problem. What are the dangers of stimulant laxatives? Stimulant laxatives, such as cascara or castor oil, actually stimulate the intestines to contract more forcefully and frequently. However, frequent use can damage nerve cells in the colon wall, decreasing the force of contractions. Thus, people who take strong laxatives whenever they "miss a movement" may wind up unable to move their bowels without them. Frequent enemas can also lead to dependence. A physician should be consulted if constipation persists or represents a significant change in bowel pattern. Colonic irrigation, cleansing & fasting Some chiropractors, naturopaths, and assorted food faddists claim that most diseases are caused by improperly working bowels. [1] The practices they recommend include fasting, periodic "cleansing" of the intestines, and colonic irrigation. Fasting is said to "purify" the body. Short fasts (not longer than a day or two) are unlikely to be harmful to most persons as long as water intake is adequate. There is often an enhanced self awareness and sense of well being found with short fasts. This is likely due to increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone made by the adrenal glands. This is a temporary phenomenon. "Cleansing" can be accomplished with a variety of "natural" laxative products. It is unlikely to be physically harmful (if not used regularly), but the products involved can be expensive. Colonic irrigation is performed by passing a rubber tube through the rectum for a distance of up to 20 or even 30 inches (ouch!). Warm water, often 20 gallons or more , is pumped in and out through the tube, a quart at a time, to wash out the contents of the large intestine. An ordinary enema uses about a quart of fluid. Some practitioners add herbs, coffee, enzymes, wheat or grass extract, or other substances to the enema solution. We believe that if a person wants to consume herbs, coffee and other substances this is the wrong orifice to use! Why is colonic irrigation dangerous? Colonic irrigation is an invasive procedure and not allowed to be performed by nonphysicians in some states, including California. This procedure is very painful for many people. Significant dangers include:
Deaths have been reported from both perforation and infection. Nobody should allow a fringe practitioner with little training stick a hose up their rectum and colon and pump lots of water in and out. When physicians perform colonoscopy (looking at the inside of the colon with a fiberoptic flexible scope) a patient must sign a consent form that has explained the risks and benefits of the procedure before it is done. Patients are often sedated and always monitored during colonoscopy.
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