Diarrhea & Constipation Remedies » Colon Health

Enema Equipment

Jane — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:02:13 +0000

A typical enema kit generally includes a cleansing bag, enema nozzles and clamps and a rubber hose or colon tube.

Enema Equipment

The enema bag is an essential part of the enema kit. Its purpose is to hold the water or solution as well as administer it. The enema bag will generally have a hook on one end to hang it as well as a hose on the other end. Enema bags come in many different sizes and varieties. The height above the ground at which the enema bag is hung determines the pressure of the water or solution. A recommended starting height is 2-3 feet above the ground.

There are three general types of enema bags. The most commonly used is the closed rubber bag, which can also be used as a hot water bag and can be purchased at any local pharmacy. It is extremely durable and usually lasts a lifetime. The open bag or fountain is collapsible and is often used when people are traveling, but it is warned that the open design can lead to spillage. The disposable bag is found in hospitals but can be purchased at most pharmacies. Some people prefer these bags because they are transparent allowing you to see the fluid level as it is being administered. Disposable bags are usually discarded after a few dozen uses.

Enema Nozzles and Clamps

The enema nozzle is another essential piece of enema equipment, as it is the part of the enema kit that is inserted into the rectum. There are many different kinds of enema nozzles on the market and some are specially made for people who have trouble with fissures and hemorrhoids. It is often recommended that a lubricant is used when inserting the nozzle, to prevent irritation and discomfort. When administering the water or fluid, the clamp on the nozzle helps control the flow.

Rubber Hose or Colon Tube

The enema tube is the device through which the contents of the enema bag are delivered to the colon through the rectum. Medium sized tubes are often recommended as smaller sizes can accidentally slide too deep inside the rectum.

Other Enema Accessories

An IV stand is sometimes used for home-administered enemas because of its ease of use. The hook on the enema bag can be attached to the IV stand and the height can be easily adjusted to control the rate of the fluid flow.

Colonic Cleansing

Jane — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:54:38 +0000

Colonic cleansing is an alternative medical procedure that aims to rid the body of its buildup of toxins through the colon and intestinal tract. This usually implies colon hydrotherapy, often called colonic irrigation, which most commonly involves the process of using enemas to inject water and sometimes herbs or other liquids into the colon using specialized equipment. However if you are not comfortable having this procedure done by someone else there are a range of colonic cleansing products suitable for home use.

Why the Need for Colonic Cleansing?

The body comes in contact with many harmful toxins through our increasingly unhealthy diets as well as our polluted environments. The colon is the part of the large intestine responsible for storing waste, reabsorbing water and maintaining electrolyte and water balance. Because the colon is an organ that is directly or indirectly linked to virtually all other systems in the body, it is believed that through cleansing the colon, the entire body becomes healthier. Some people report improvements in their moods, energy levels and digestive motility after this treatment.

It is believed that cleansing the colon of harmful toxins and waste materials can help restore the body’s optimal pH balance, improve immune functioning, smooth the passage of nutrients into the blood, prevent further absorption of toxins and promote healthy digestion and excretion.

What Does Colonic Cleansing Involve?

Colonic cleansing is frequently administered professionally by trained colonic therapists using state-of-the-art equipment. During this process, the specialist instructs the patient to lie on a table while a machine or pump flushes up to 20 gallons of water through a tube inserted into the patient’s rectum. Once the water is in the patient’s colon, the specialist often massages the patient’s abdomen before flushing out the fluids and waste by way of another tube. This procedure is often repeated for up to an hour. Sometimes the water pressure and temperatures are varied and often the water is combined with herbs or enzymes intended to aid in effective cleansing and waste removal.

In addition to seeing a specialist, many people self-administer their colonic cleansing using products that can be purchased online or at local drugstores, pharmacies and supermarkets. These products can take the form of enemas, laxatives, herbal teas, enzymes, powders or capsules. All colonic cleansing products are intended to force the colon to expel its contents including built up waste matter and toxins.

What Are the Risks of Colonic Cleansing?

Some believe that colon cleansing can lead to dehydration, so it is important to stay well hydrated before and after the procedure. Others believe that the use of laxatives containing sodium phosphate is linked to a rise in electrolyte levels. This can be dangerous for people with heart disease or kidney disease, so it is recommended to check with a doctor before proceeding.

Spastic Colon

Jane — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:45:38 +0000

Spastic colon, also called IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a common chronic condition that affects approximately 20% of people around the world. Spastic colon affects people differently and can range from annoying to devastating. Fortunately, while there is no known spastic colon cure, it can be managed effectively with a combination of diet, lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary.

So what is spastic colon? This condition often includes an increase in contractions of the muscles of the large and small intestines. These spasm-like contractions are the reason for this name; however, spastic colon can also include decreased contractions, so this name is not necessarily descriptive of everyone’s experience with spastic colon or IBS. When increased contractions and motility are present, this causes waste to be transported through the colon too quickly, which leads to diarrhea. When decreased contractions and motility are present, the result is most often constipation. Other spastic colon symptoms include cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, passing mucus, urgency and feeling like evacuation is not complete after stool passage.

Living with spastic colon can be a day-to-day struggle that includes trying to determine which dietary and lifestyle changes will allow you to live your life as closely to normal as possible, and finding ways to work around this sometimes devastating condition. The frequent trips to the bathroom that many spastic colon sufferers must endure can be annoying and embarrassing, and can severely limit your ability to participate in regular daily activities. Depending on the severity of symptoms, it can be nearly impossible to take long car trips, participate in outdoor activities where there is no nearby restroom, or enjoy activities that most people take for granted, such as shopping, going out to eat or going on a date.

In fact, symptoms will often worsen during travel, social events or even simple changes in your regular routine, which makes meeting new people, dating and taking road trips even more difficult. Stress also has a strong influence on the severity of symptoms in most spastic colon sufferers, with symptoms becoming much more prevalent as stress increases. Because of this, learning to effectively manage stress and removing as many stressors as possible from your environment is a key component in managing spastic colon. Because depression is often an issue for spastic colon patients and stress can significantly worsen depression, learning to manage stress may assist you in improving both of these chronic ailments. Speaking to your healthcare provider about stress management may provide some insight on simple lifestyle changes or activities that will assist you, such as regular exercise, spending time with friends and partaking in favorite hobbies, which can all be effective stress management tools. Many people also find yoga, meditation and relaxation techniques helpful in managing stress.

Aside from managing stress, those learning to manage spastic colon may want to consider eating several small meals each day, rather than three larger ones, which sometimes prove helpful in controlling symptoms. Drinking plenty of water is also important, regardless of whether your specific spastic colon symptoms include constipation or diarrhea. In the case of spastic colon with constipation, the water can assist in improving motility, while those who have spastic colon with diarrhea need to ensure proper water consumption to avoid dehydration.

The most important thing to remember is that, while there is no cure, there is hope. There are a number of ways to manage spastic colon through diet, lifestyle changes, medication and stress management. The key to controlling your spastic colon is to find the right combination of tips and techniques that works for you.

Stool Softeners

Jane — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:56:47 +0000

When your colon and digestive tract is healthy, your colon absorbs water from fecal matter, and allows the remaining substance (stools) to pass through and out of your body. Constipation occurs when your colon absorbs too much water, causing your stools to become hard and difficult to pass. There are plenty of good ways to treat constipation, including diet and lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and medication such as laxatives. Increasing your fluid intake and getting more fiber in your diet is always a good first step if you are constipated. Laxatives are usually the last resort to treat constipation, but stool softeners are a milder option that can be tried before a harsher laxative. Stool softeners might also be the preferred option – such as when a pre-existing medical condition like heart disease means you should avoid straining during a bowel movement.

Stool softener

Stool softeners, also called saline laxatives, work by holding more liquid inside the colon so that fecal matter doesn’t become dry as it passes through. Stool softeners have a very different mechanism than other laxatives, which work by forcing your body to expel waste. As such, treating constipation with stool softeners is generally considered safer than with other constipation medication – however they should be avoided by people on low sodium diets, or with kidney failure. Follow the directions of your health professional when using a stool softener and as with any other constipation treatment, a doctor should be consulted if symptoms are serious or persistent. One alternative for treating constipation is Senna. Although Senna is described as a natural stool softener, it is really a laxative and should be treated as such, and overuse avoided. Senna works by irritating your colon and forcing the expulsion of it’s contents.

Stool softeners come in several forms – capsules, tablets, or liquid. They are usually taken before bed, with water or other liquid – Colace stool softener is an example of a common brand, and comes in a liquid form. Some people prefer taking it with something with flavor to mask the taste, which can be bitter. The medication should take effect fairly quickly, improving bowel function within a few days. Don’t continue use for more than a week unless directed by a doctor. A gentler alternative, which is also safe for long term use, are phsyllium husks or Metamucil. It is important to drink extra water when taking a stool softener as it assists in flushing out the toxins and, in the case of phsyllium husks, they absorb fluid in the intestines to make a bulk which is then needed to be flushed out, scrubbing the bowels as it does so to remove all waste.

Side effects of stool softeners

Side effects can include cramps or nausea, and you might experience some irritation if taking a liquid form of the medication. If you experience pain, vomiting or swelling of the throat or airways, you should consult a doctor straight away. However the medication is effective for the vast majority of people.

Colon Health

Jane — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:07:51 +0000

Your colon, also called your large intestine, is the lower part of your digestive tract. The role of the digestive tract as a whole is to break down food and to absorb the nutrients in food that your body needs, as well as to absorb fluid, and produce and hold waste before it is expelled when you go to the toilet. The colon is a long tube, surrounded by muscles. Healthy bacteria in your colon help to maintain colon health by keeping it clean, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Stools are formed as the muscles surrounding the colon work liquid fecal matter that has passed through your upper digestive system, extracting fluids so that the stool forms and becomes harder. If stools remain in the colon for too long, water will continue to be extracted and the stool can become too dry, leading to constipation.

The colon can be further separated into the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon.

Ascending colon – Water is absorbed from faeces as it moves upwards through the ascending colon, which is on the right side of your abdomen.

Transverse colon – The transverse colon runs horizontally across your stomach, below your belly button. Stools start to take shape here.

Descending colon / Sigmoid colon – Stools become more solid, and might be stored in the descending colon and sigmoid colon which run down the left side of your abdomen before connecting to the top of the rectum.

The Colon

Colon health

It is very important to maintain a healthy colon, and failure to do so can lead to several health conditions. The most serious of these is bowel cancer, which affects 6% of people. Studies have shown a definite link between lifestyle and bowel cancer, and diet and exercise play a big part in colon health. Regular exercise is important so that the muscles surrounding the bowel stay in shape. A short walk every day is generally enough exercise for this. A diet high in fiber is also particularly important, as is the need to drink enough fluids throughout the day. Both of these actions help to form stools that are quickly and easily passed. High fiber diets are linked with lower rates of bowel cancer. Fiber can be found in foods like whole grain bread and other whole grain products, fruit, vegetables, and pulses. It’s also important to listen to your body and go to the toilet when you feel the urge – otherwise the urge to go can become weakened and you might be more likely to become constipated. Keeping your colon healthy might also be achieved with colon health supplements like probiotics, which help to maintain or restore the good bacteria in your colon as well as fiber supplements like psyllium.

Maintenance of colon health is one of the reasons that laxatives should be avoided for long term treatment, although as a short term soloution a more natural solution is Senna. Over use of laxatives can harm the sensitive lining of your colon and cause the growth of harmful bacteria.

Colon cleansing (enemas) / colonic irrigation

Alternative health practitioners are increasingly performing high enemas, also called colonic irrigation. In colonic irrigation, liquid is introduced in such quantity that the whole colon is filled, from the rectum upwards. Sometimes massage is used to clean the colon while it is full of water, and herbal tea is sometimes used in addition to other herbs such as catnip. Proponents claim that this practice keeps your colon healthy helps to expel built up fecal matter which has resulted from poor diet, and can not be passed by the body alone. Critics of this procedure say that it can cause dehydration, and doesn’t have any real benefits for colonic health as the body naturally eliminates waste material as it is supposed to do. There is not much scientific evidence on either side of this debate. If you do choose to practice this, doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids before and after, consulting your GP about possible health risks, and using sanitary equipment such as a brand new enema kit especially designed for the purpose.

Colon Diet

Jane — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:28:02 +0000

While most people do not want to have extensive conversations about their colon, this major organ is essential to waste removal and our health. An unhealthy colon cannot function properly, which leads to negative effects on our overall health which can include sluggishness, depression, more frequent illnesses, weight gain, poor complexion and blemishes, abdominal discomfort, constipation, kidney or bladder infections as well as other ailments as a result of the poor immune function the condition can cause.

Stress, lack of exercise, environmental pollutants, diets high in meat and dairy, trans fats, processed foods, pesticides, low-fiber diets and chemicals found in many foods and beverages can all contribute to poor colon health, which inhibits the elimination of toxins and allows these pollutants to remain in the body negatively affecting our health. Fortunately, colon cleansing is an effective method for removing toxins from our waste elimination system and bringing the colon back to a place of health and proper function.

Most colon cleansing diets combine herbal supplements with dietary changes to enhance colon function and promote detoxification of the harmful pollutants inhabiting our waste elimination system. A central feature in any colon diet is to increase water intake. Dehydration can lead to higher levels of toxicity and constipation and since most people do not drink the amount of water their body needs to function properly, many people see a remarkable improvement in bowel movements, weight management and overall health simply by increasing their water intake to proper levels. Recommendations for proper water intake vary; however, a good rule of thumb is to divide your body weight in half and drink that many ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, it is recommended that you drink 75 ounces of water each day.

The herbs and natural supplements that are most commonly used in conjunction with a colon cleansing diet are senna, chickweed, slippery elm, psyllium, cascara sagrada and bentonite clay. There are a wide variety of prepackaged colon cleansing formulas available, such as evercleanse, that are convenient and easy to use, making herbal supplementation a simple addition to any colon cleanse diet.

Dietary changes that promote proper colon function and assist in cleansing the colon include eliminating or limiting soda, coffee, alcohol and other chemical-laden, sugary beverages, avoiding fast food, limiting processed food intake, increasing dietary fiber and reducing the consumption of meat and dairy. Eat organic foods whenever possible to limit your exposure to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens and produce with a high water content.
A diet that is based on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy protein sources and limited low-fat dairy is generally accepted as the best diet for proper colon function, disease prevention and overall health and wellness.

While eliminating or limiting cheeseburgers from your favorite fast food restaurant may not sound exciting, achieving a healthy colon will be well worth the sacrifice. A colon cleansing diet can improve your complexion, assist in losing excess weight, alleviate abdominal troubles, improve your overall health and leave you feeling refreshed and more energetic.