The colon is the longest part of the large intestine, which is attached to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The role of the colon is to eliminate stool from the body that’s made up of a combination of bacteria, water, unused nutrients, unneeded electrolytes and digested food
There are many different methods for performing a colon cleanse, which sometimes go under the names colonic, colonic irrigation, colon therapy or colonic hydrotherapy. You can also effectively flush the colon doing something like a juice fast, salt water flush or performing an enema. Colon cleanses are split into two main categories: one type requires that a professional perform the cleanse, while the other involves using a solution or supplement at home.
While there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence, considering colon cleanses have been done since Ancient Greek times, according to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, there haven’t been many well-controlled studies done in humans to prove the benefits of a cleanse. (3) That being said, millions of people over the years have found relief from doing colon cleanses, and when done safely and correctly, they shouldn’t pose many risks. For people who haven’t found lasting relief from things like laxatives or prescriptions, a colon cleanse can finally help bring about regular bowel movements and decrease symptoms.
Studies show that bowel movements are important for removing bacteria, heavy metal detox or eliminating excess fatty acids from the body. A colon cleanse can also impact the nervous system positively, which is why it might help symptoms like anxiety and fatigue.
That’s right — your poop can affect your mood! That’s because nerves in the bowel communicate to the brain and affect chemical signals sent via the entire central nervous system throughout the body. (4) A well-functioning colon therefore is important for hormonal balance, appetite control, sleep and mental processing.
Certain enemas might also be able to help the body absorb nutrients better. When doing a colon cleanse using coffee, for example, antioxidants and caffeine travel via the hemorrhoidal vein to the liver. Together, they can help open up blood vessels, improve circulation, relax smooth muscles that control bowel movements, and increase production of bile that’s needed for proper digestion and excretion