Autoimmune sufferers and health nuts swear by coffee enemas. When it come to coffee enemas, weight loss is not the only benefit. If the idea of pumping organic java up your rectum is off-putting to you, consider that this treatment has been around for a long time, and is one of the best ways to remove toxins.
In fact, the earliest known documentation of the treatment is in the Edwin Smith (circa 1600 B.C.) and Ebers (circa 1550 B.C.) papyri, ancient Egyptian medical texts. Since the coffee enema’s earliest days, many healthcare practitioners across the globe have considered the practice to be a staple treatment for their patients.
Coffee enemas have historically been used to treat ailments ranging from cancer to depression. They have also been cited to:
- Detoxify and improve glutathione levels
- Ease PMS symptoms, such as cramping and bloating
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve digestion
- Banish Candidia
- Boost energy
- Contribute to hormone regulation
- Improve mental clarity and focus
- Reduce chronic pain
- Improve skin health
Coffee Enemas & Weight Loss
Dr. Raymond Tolmos, a chiropractic internist at Frontier Spine and Health Care, often recommends coffee enemas to supplement other treatments for internal disorders, such as gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune conditions, and weight loss.
“Coffee enemas provide many health benefits that you cannot find anywhere else. For certain patients, they play an invaluable role in their healing.”
How Do Coffee Enemas Work?
Toxins are everywhere. They’re in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. As such, it’s crucial that we help our bodies detoxify. Fortunately, coffee enemas are among the most effective methods of detoxing.
When introduced to the colon, coffee is absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the liver, promoting a beneficial increase in the production of glutathione, which is an antioxidant enzyme that plays a major role in driving toxins from the body. Detoxification of the liver, however, is only beneficial if the toxins have somewhere to go.
Lindsea Burns, nutritional therapy practitioner at the Atlas Health Care Center, explains:
“Our liver is doing the most work and it has the least access to the outside world… We can support the liver all we want, but it’s only doing the cleaning. It’s not taking out the trash. It’s also important to support the gallbladder, which is basically how the liver takes out the trash.”
Burns continues: “The coffee enema can actually stimulate… the biliary ducts [causing them] to open [and] release toxins into the intestinal tract for excretion. So we’re able to support the body internally to do all the work in detox and then we also have a way to help the body eliminate those toxins.”
In short, a coffee enema is a great way to “take out the trash” and refresh your body.
How Are Coffee Enemas Performed?
Many coffee enema users purchase kits online and do them in the comfort (and privacy) of their homes. You can even get a bag for when you travel. The process is relatively simple and consists of:
- Preparation of the solution
- Delivery of the solution via the rectum
- Release of waste
- Repetition of steps 2-3
- Cleaning your kit with warm, soapy water
Coffee enemas are inexpensive. Anyone can purchase a kit and coffee for under $35, each. The bad news? Well, it could get a little messy. To ensure that your experience goes as seamlessly as possible, here are some tips from the experts:
- The Body May Not Follow Instructions
Dr. Tolmos explains: “One enema consists of two parts… You want to generally try to retain it for 15 minutes, if possible… But sometimes on the first one you just can’t do it like that.” He notes that, for the first half of the procedure, holding the liquid in can be a challenge beyond 3-4 minutes —and that’s perfectly normal.
- Cleanliness Is A Must
When choosing an enema kit, we recommend glass or stainless steel for home enema use. Glass and Stainless steel are unaffected by coffee acids compared to latex rubber bags. They also last longer and are easier to clean and keep clean. You don’t need to concern yourself with bacteria that can grow inside moist enema bags. Plastic can leech.
After every use, the kit should be washed thoroughly before going into storage. However, washing the kit is generally pretty easy. Burns says, “I wash mine with soap and water and I’ve never had a problem.”
- Avoid Coffee Enemas During Periods Of Constipation
While water enemas can be effective treatments for constipation, coffee enemas are intended for detoxification and won’t help much with irregular bowel movements. Burns recommends that, prior to a coffee enema, users should attempt to clear their bowels:
“If Saturday is your coffee enema day and you haven’t had a good bowel movement and you still really want to do that, I would maybe start with 8oz of a water enema to try to clear out the colon before you do the coffee enema.” And for people who are chronically constipated, Burns adds, “Even just taking some magnesium before you go to bed should help you have a smoother bowel movement in the morning, which then would allow your coffee enema to be a lot easier.”
- Let The Coffee Cool Before You Put It Up There
According to Burns, a steaming-hot coffee enema is not a pleasant experience. “Definitely make sure that, after you boil your coffee grounds and you strain it, you let it cool to body temperature. Because that’s not fun if you have hot coffee,” she says.
- Use A Dark Roast
Dr. Tolmos suggests that users choose dark coffee, which fosters the release of natural oils that promote glutathione production.
- Don’t Expect Caffeine Jitters
Despite the fact that coffee enemas contain caffeine, they actually have a calming effect on the body. Burns says: “I personally am someone who’s super sensitive to caffeine and a caffeine enema is not something that gives you a caffeine energy boost. Like I get super jittery when I drink caffeine but a coffee enema is actually super relaxing to me.”
With that said, you may feel jittery or buzzed or nauseous the first couple of times. That means you are detoxing quickly. In this case, you may want to do another coffee enema. Also consume electrolytes or minerals to replenish your body.
- Optimize The Process With Binders.
To optimize the release of toxins, many coffee enema aficionados recommend taking binders like activated charcoal and chlorella. You might try taking 15 caps of activated charcoal 15 minutes before you take the enema. The charcoal/chlorella absorbs the bad bile and keeps it from re absorbing into the system. Also, remember to drink a lot of water before, during, and after the process.
One Final Note
Dr. Tolmos warns that, although a coffee enema can be very beneficial, it isn’t a cure-all: “This is something to stimulate your process, not something to rely on solely.” Similarly, Burns notes, “Every person is so different… It’s a puzzle every time I meet with a client.” While coffee enemas work great for some, they may not be the best treatment for others. Individuals should pay attention to their bodies and adjust their detoxification plans accordingly.
Watch “Coffee Enema – The Missing Links” – Dr. Jay Davidson
Katie Young is a freelance lifestyle and wellness writer and digital marketer. In addition to writing, she loves being outside and active – whether she’s running, snowboarding or hiking.
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