People use enemas to cleanse the rectum and lower colon, treat constipation, detoxify the body and diagnose various types of gastrointestinal diseases. There are many types of enemas, some of which can be used at home, while others are performed under the direction of a health professional.
In his book "Colon Health", Dr. Norman Walker claims that constipation is the body’s greatest enemy and that maintaining a healthy colon by washing it out periodically is a lifetime procedure. Many people use warm water enemas as a remedy for constipation. Water is also used as the primary base for enemas with other added ingredients such as soap for cleansing, coffee for cleansing and detoxification, yogurt for cleansing and replenishing the colon with friendly bacteria, and green vegetable juice for cleansing and rejuvenation.
Saline or Sodium Phosphate Enema
Saline laxative is a popular type of enema available at most pharmacies. Saline is a solution of sodium phosphate in sterile water. It works to relieve constipation by drawing water from the body into the rectum and lower colon to cause a bowel movement and cleanse the bowel prior to a rectal examination. The enema usually comes in a small disposable squeeze bottle with a prelubricated syringe for rectal insertion. Although sodium phosphate enemas are generally safe, water and electrolyte disturbances can occur particularly among people younger than 18 or older than 65 years with gastrointestinal motility disorders, heart disease, and/or renal failure, according to research published in "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics" in July 2007.
Mineral Oil Enema
People who need to avoid or minimize straining when having a bowel movement use mineral oil, liquid petroleum or castor oil enemas. Women recovering from childbirth or people recovering from surgery or injury can benefit from mineral oil enemas. The oil attaches to the fecal matter and retains the water content in the stool so it more easily passes through the rectum and out of the body.
Barium Enema
Barium is a metal used as a contrast for X-ray imaging of the intestines. Gastroenterologists prescribe a barium enema to diagnose diseases and conditions associated with the large and small intestines. According to research published in "Clinical Radiology" in January 1993, small bowel barium enemas are routine for suspected small intestine disorders.
References
- "Colon Health"; Norman Walker, DSc, PD; 1979
- "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Adverse Effects of Sodium Phosphate Enema; J. Mendoza; July 2007
- "Clinical Radiology"; The Small Bowel Enema: A Ten Year Review; P.M. Dixon; January 1993
