Guardian

I HAD been feeling bloated and craving sugar—yes, even I am not perfect.

On Monday, a friend who was feeling the same way suggested we start off our detoxification with a “Colonic”. Though I had never had one done before, I had heard a lot about it and so agreed to try it out.

After my sessions (I had 2), I was tired and hungry, had some steamed vegetables for dinner and slept like a baby. The next day, I woke up really energized for my morning workout sessions.

So, what is a colonic? Colonic irrigation or Colon hydrotherapy as the name implies, is water therapy for the colon. The main functions of the colon (large intestine, rectum and anus) are

The absorption of water and minerals

The formation and elimination of feces

The colon contains nearly 60 varieties of good bacteria, which aid digestion, promote vital nutrient production, maintain pH (acid-base) balance, and prevent proliferation of harmful bacteria.

Colon hydrotherapy is actually not a new treatment. In fact, ancient Egyptians are said to have used it and it was also used medically until recent times when it was replaced by strong purgatives, which are used for emptying the bowel before surgical procedures.

Basically, 6 litres of water is feed into your body via a tube inserted in your rectum (yes, your rectum).  As the water goes in, any solidified waste in your colon is flushed out.

Why do you need one? Well the large intestine is long (5.5 feet) and folded up. Solid waste on its way out of your body sometimes gets stuck in corners or slows down on its journey, especially if you don’t have enough fiber in your meals to help the momentum. This will accumulate and harden in the colon and in turn may:

Prevent the absorption of water and nutrients

Lead to constipation and being bloated

Allow harmful colon bacteria and yeast to grow

Cause stagnant toxins to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the colon wall (called autointoxication)

Lack of fiber, excess sugar, and a diet high in red meat are believed to contribute to the problem.

What are the benefits?

It helps the digestive system be more effective and increases the body’s absorption of vitamins and nutrients

As the colon is cleansed, undigested waste is pushed through the system, clearing the way for good nutrient absorption. If waste remains in the body for too long, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and illness.

Maintains regularity and prevents constipation

Constipation — especially when it’s chronic — encourages a sluggish digestive response, which in turn leaves waste in the system longer. This increases the likelihood that toxins will be released into the bloodstream. It is also a cause of other illnesses and irritations, such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Increases energy

Releasing the toxins from your body refocuses the energy usually used for forcing waste through your intestines to other parts of your body.

Improves concentration

Poor diet and ineffective vitamin absorption can cause you to become distracted and lose your concentration. The buildup of mucous and toxins in your colon can keep your body from getting what it needs to function, even if you eat a consistently healthy diet. Cleansing the colon with a detoxification diet can be the difference between feeling alert and not being able to focus. This has far-reaching ramifications for work, your relationships and your overall health.

Decreases risk of colon cancer

All the toxins that you eat, drink, breathe in and absorb through your skin end up being processed by your gastrointestinal system and liver. If they are not cleared out of your colon and liver as quickly as possible, they can wreak havoc on your body’s systems. By releasing stagnant body waste, you reduce the causes and the risk of polyps, cysts and cancerous growths in your colon and gastrointestinal tract.

Maintains pH balance in the bloodstream

Foods that cause colon blockages are acid-forming, particularly high-protein diets without enough fiber. This leads to general malaise in the body. The tissue of the colon eventually becomes diseased and inflamed, reducing the colon’s ability to do its job, which is to allow only water, minerals and vitamins to pass into the bloodstream. If yeasts, molds, fungus, bacteria, parasites or fecal material enter the bloodstream and connected tissue, the body’s pH will be thrown out of balance.

Like everything else in life, there are risks involved like risk of bowel infection because, the good bacteria in your system is also flushed out during the procedure. However, taking a probiotic or yogurt will help restore that.

Another risk is dehydration; this can be averted through drinking a lot of water after the procedure.

If you have any existing medical condition please, check with your doctor first. Where can you get one done? Check out a spa close to you and only proceed if you feel comfortable with the environment and the therapist.

I definitely felt unclogged and lighter. And as much as I would like you to try it, it shouldn’t replace a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Love your body…and it will love you back!