The colonic irrigation does it risky?

Canadians increasingly use colonic irrigation despite its cost up to $ 100 per treatment. They are seeking relief from chronic constipation and other digestive problems such as gas and bloating, but also a general feeling of cleanliness , believing that this process should ensure the health of their colon .Moreover, a long list of stars including Madonna and Jennifer Aniston , had only praise for this therapy.
However, no medical testimony to support any benefit of colonic irrigation (also called colon hydrotherapy) health . "The vast majority of health professionals do not support, for any reason whatsoever, colon hydrotherapy," says Dr. David Armstrong, a gastroenterologist and associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine at McMaster University . According to him, the process can be extremely painful. There is risk of loss of electrolytes and consequently suffer from seizures and fainting; people with a history of heart disease or kidney disease and those taking drugs against hypertension even run the risk of dying.
Most colon irrigation clinical examine the risks of new customers in this regard, adding hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and ask them to sign a legal disclaimer. However, many patients still accept to submit to treatment.

Why we choose colonic irrigation

Lisa Keith, specializing in colon hydrotherapy, opened in Vancouver three years ago a clinic called Inside-Out Wellness . "The colonic irrigation is much known for a few years, she said. I hear people say that they are now subject to a course of purification and not to a diet as before . However, colonic irrigation is part of such a cure. "At least half of its customers has already submitted to this treatment, while most people who consult seeking remedy against constipation . Although Lisa Keith recognizes that colonic irrigation does not lose weight permanently, it noted that many of his clients hope to release gas and bloating and feel more "light". " It is a complete mind-body relationship , "she believes.
Since opening in Toronto in June 2010, Colon Hydro Care attracted 300 customers 60% women and 40% men, according Marleta Roe, co-owner and graduated in colon hydrotherapy. " Constipation, fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome are the three main reasons why people come to us . "

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The concerns of certain health professionals regarding this craze especially like to one factor: although hydrotherapists can obtain training and qualification, the industry is self-regulating - anyone can display his badge and practice . Health Canada approved the equipment used; However, no one ensures that therapists faithfully follow the manufacturers recommendations regarding, for example, cleaning and sterilization of reusable equipment. "The risk of infection [from colonic irrigations] are rare if we submit to adequate cleansing and sterilization, but it remains that this intervention can cause problems," notes Dr. David Armstrong.

How colonic irrigation

The colon is the most important portion of the intestine (flat, it measures about 1.5 meters or five feet long) and it's the last place through which the bolus before being evacuated through the rectum . The colon's function is to extract water, salt and potassium feces before their expulsion. (The small intestine, placed in the center of the abdomen, is to assimilate nutrients from food. ) According to Dr. Gabor Kandel, gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto , irrigation affects only the lower colon. " Although there is no conclusive scientific documentation that stool retention causes serious problems or life-threatening to a patient, it can make her life very unpleasant , "he explains. It does not give much for its adherence to colonic irrigations, yet recognizes that many people with chronic constipation to find relief (to the extent that they correct their diet). It recommends that they talk to their doctor before undergoing. solid food Applicants are asked not to eat immediately before the exam: it is the only constraint. Irrigation is done in closed or open system. In both cases, a cannula connected to the tubes is inserted to a depth of about 2.5 cm (one inch) into the rectum; filtered water fills the colon; normal peristalsis of the body (or contraction waves pushing the material out of the rectum) and the person is evacuated feces and water . The session lasts 40 to 60 minutes.Depending on the person's condition, it may take several sessions a few days apart.Closed system : In older models, less expensive, the person is on its side. The therapist inserts into the rectum a cannula (about 2.5 cm or 1 inch of width) connected to two tubes. It controls the amount of water (at most two to three inches square), which, through a tube, into the colon, sometimes massaging the abdomen. When the evacuation begins, the liquid exits through the other tube that empties into a vase sewer, unless the patient has to rush to the toilet. Open System : In newer models, the patient sits on a device equipped with a toilet. It introduces the cannula (the size of a pencil) into the rectum and adjusts the amount of water which enters the colon (the pressure is limited to a square inch by the machine). It then expels water by adjusting its evacuation on the peristalsis of the colon; water and feces passing through the cannula.