An enema is a procedure that involves emptying the bowels with liquid or gas. People can use them in a medical setting or at home. Learn more about…. Coffee enemas are a different way of ingesting coffee, and they are said to help digestion and amplify its health benefits.
But do they really work…. Eating foods such as yogurt, pulses, wheat bran, and…. How long does it take for an enema to work? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What is it? Time Types Safety Seeing a doctor Summary An enema is a treatment that people use to flush the contents of the bowel out of the body.
What is an enema, and how does it work? Share on Pinterest A barium enema helps doctors see the outline of the large intestine. How long does it take to work? Types of enema. How to use one. Are enemas safe? When to see a doctor.
Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What to know about enemas. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.
Would I benefit from a coffee enema? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Which foods are good for constipation? Don't try to put together an enema kit from things you have around the house. Using an enema at home always comes with certain risks.
Risks of a single enema include:. The repeated use of enemas can, over time, cause serious problems, such as:. One type of enema is called a high colonic or colon hydrotherapy. They're invasive and can lead to harmful effects if you use them to clear out stool on a regular basis.
If you have hemorrhoids, enemas may cause extra pain. If you have a rectal prolapse the end of the lower intestine protruding from your rectum , you should avoid using an enema.
In , the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA issued a warning against the repeated use of enemas containing sodium phosphate, such as the brand Fleet Enema and multiple store brands with the same ingredients. The sodium phosphate enema is especially dangerous for elderly people. It can lead to hyperphosphatemia—an electrolyte disorder that involves high phosphate levels and low calcium levels in the blood.
This can lead to pain, rash, muscle cramps, intermittent spasms, kidney and liver damage, and rarely death. A lot of people tout at-home enemas, often with "special" ingredients, for cleansing your bowel, improving digestive health, or other supposed benefits.
These uses of enemas are not recommended by the medical community. This includes enemas containing coffee, herbs, minerals such as Epsom salt, soap suds, acidic solutions, and basically anything your healthcare provider hasn't told you to use.
In addition to the regular risks of enemas, these fad enemas can cause:. Again, an enema should be a last resort for treating constipation. In most cases, constipation can be relieved with lifestyle changes, such as:. Over-the-counter laxatives may be an option for you, but they also come with risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about them, especially if you have regular constipation.
Constipation can be caused by a serious conditions, such as neurological problems or colon cancer. If you have constipation that it's hard to relieve, talk to your healthcare provider.
Constipation isn't pleasant and you probably want quick relief. If safe and recommended treatments don't offer that, seek medical help instead of trying home remedies that may do more harm than good. Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. Portalatin M, Winstead N.
Medical management of constipation. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. Colonoscopic enema as rescue for inadequate bowel preparation before colonoscopy: a prospective, observational study. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. Health Tools. By Madeline R. Reviewed: April 30, Medically Reviewed. Enemas for Digestive Health? There are also some practical reasons to forego an enema: Cost. Side effects.
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