What's with Probiotic Enemas?

Probiotics are simply live bacteria which are good for your health. Man’s colon contains billions of good bacteria that contribute to a huge role in the immune system, digestive system and many others. Numerous studies prove that the balance or imbalance of bacteria in the digestive system is connected with overall health and numerous diseases.

Overall, probiotics are able to keep your body healthy as they restore the good and bad gut bacterial balance. A healthy gut microbiome is able to assist in the reduction of inflammation and prevention of digestive disorders, like bloating and gas. Additionally, it may also provide better absorption of nutrients.

An enema is basically a method used to eliminate the stool from the colon. It consists of inserting a fluid through the rectum to unstiffen the stools and expell them easily. This process helps in successfully treating constipation. It also helps in giving the digestive tract a quick cleanse.

Yogurt EnemaDo you want to know more about Probiotic Enemas? Read on to know more about its health benefits.

Probiotic Enemas: What are its Potential Health Benefits?

A lot of people are claiming how effective probiotic enemas were in treating their conditions. Some people claim a successful elimination of harmful bacteria in their system after a probiotic enema treatment. Aside from that, the good bacteria in their colon also increased.

Oral probiotic consumption is great and effective. However, probiotic enemas are even more effective because they are placed directly into the colon. This process avoids the possibility of probiotics being killed by stomach acids that they come in contact with. Stomach acids are able to destroy about 60% of your consumed probiotics.

On the other hand, most oral probiotic supplements available happen to hold strains, like Lactobacillus, which are more resilient to stomach acid. In addition, oral probiotics that come with a unique delivery system designed to withstand stomach acid are being manufactured today. These types of probiotics are able to distribute more amounts of probiotics in your digestive tract.

If you choose to use probiotic enemas, here are some of the health benefits that its supporters claim:

  • Boosted function of the immune system
  • Improved metabolism
  • Weight loss

Probiotic enemas may also work in dealing with digestive disorders, like UC (ulcerative colitis) or IBS (also known as irritable bowel syndrome).

If you do not suffer from these two disorders, you will still reap other health benefits from probiotic enemas. The usual digestive issues can also be treated, such as:

  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

Probiotic Enemas: What Do Researchers Say?

As to this day, the whole idea of Probiotics is a developing area of research. The different ways to use them and the benefits they offer still require more research.

There are studies that produced promising results. However, majority of the studies are inconclusive.

The same is true with Probiotic enemas. There is very minimal research on its uses and benefits. Nevertheless, significant studies produced amazing findings.

One study was conducted to show the effect that probiotic enemas offer in treating UC. In 2011, one study discovered that the administration of enema using certain Probiotic strains produced amazing benefits for children with UC. Aside from oral medication, enemas were able to help with their condition.

One study was conducted to show the effect of probiotic enemas in treating UC. In 2011, one study discovered that administering certain Probiotic strains with an enema produced amazing benefits for kids suffering from UC. Aside from oral medication, enemas were able to help with their condition.

Be aware, however, that there are different types of probiotic strains and not all of them produce the same results.

Moreover, every person’s body consists of a distinct microbiota—a group of microorganisms. With that being said, people will probably respond to probiotics in a different way. It all depends on the composition of their body.

When it comes to probiotic enemas’ connection with metabolism and weight loss, there are still more studies that have to be conducted.

Probiotic Enemas: Who Should Try It?

Patients suffering from digestive disorders, like IBS or UC, might benefit from probiotic enemas. However, it is best to consult a medical professional first.

Experts can assist you by recommending certain strains that will work best for your particular health issue and based on current research.

Keep in mind that this medical issue is an area of growing research. Consulting an expert may provide you with more information regarding up-to-date developments.

If you do not have any digestive orders, there are no reasons to try probiotic enemas. Furthermore, probiotic supplements are not FDA-regulated which makes it difficult to understand what you are getting. Caution is advised.

If you want to try probiotics, it is best to begin by consuming food sources. Here are some best options:

  • yogurt that contains live cultures
  • pickled vegetables
  • kefir
  • kimchi
  • miso
  • tempeh
  • sauerkraut

    Probiotic Enemas: What are the Health Risks?

    If a medical professional is the one who administers an enema treatment, there would be no risks to worry about. However, performing it at the comfort of your home must be done with caution. Improper administration of enemas may cause:

    • infection
    • rectal damage
    • diarrhea
    • intestinal discomfort
    • kidney failure (especially in old patients)
    • embolism(though this case is very rare)

    If you have a weak immune system, probiotic enemas come with more risks. Despite the fact that bacteria are commonly beneficial, they may result in infections in some people.

    Probiotic Enemas: How to Administer it Safely?

    If you are determined to try administering probiotic enemas, call your doctor first and ask about his advice. He may inform you about the best type of probiotic and even the type of enema bucket kit that you could use.

    Aside from that, you also need to be educated regarding the proper way of administering an enema to avoid any negative outcomes.

    If it is your first time to try an enema, it is best to have someone knowledgeable to guide you in the process.

    First, you will have to prepare a powdered-form probiotic through probiotic capsules. As mentioned earlier, probiotics are not FDA-regulated, that’s why it is very important to search for a well-known and trustworthy brand. 

    Now, you can begin preparing all the supplies you will need. These include:

    • Enema bagwith tubing
    • Warm filtered water
    • Probiotic capsule supplement
    • A big measuring cup
    • Lubricant (water-soluble)
    • A body towel

    One important tip is to administering an enema solution in the morning, right after your initial bowel movement. This is the best time to do it.

    Also, things might get messy so it’s recommended to administer the enema inside the bathroom. Wherever you choose to do it, make sure that you are comfortable. It’s also better if you have someone to help you in the process.

    Before preparing your enema kit, see to it that you have read the instructions carefully.

    Once you assembled all the necessary supplies, here is a step-by-step guide that you may follow:

    • Prepare your probiotic enema solution by using lukewarm water (37-40C or 98-104F).
    • Pour the probiotic mixture in the bucket or bag you are using. Make sure that the clamp is closed and secure before you pour.
    • Hold the enema bag or bucket higher than your body. You may hang the bag from the shower rod if you are in the bathroom. At all times, keep the end of the tube down as you hold the bag or bucket.
    • Make sure that you lubricate the tip of the tube very well. This will make the administration smoother and easier.
    • As you hold up the enema bag, lie on your right side in a fetal position.
    • Gently insert the tip 2 inches inside the rectum. Pulling your knees to your chest continually will also help.
    • Now, loosen the tube’s clamp carefully to let the mixture flow inside your rectum. Take a few deep breathes in the process. Start out slow especially if this is your first time.
    • Detach the tube from your rectum slowly and carefully.
    • If you feel that you want to release immediately, this is completely normal. Remain sitting on the toilet. Just wait patiently for a smooth bowel release.

    Speak to your doctor immediately once you observed any of these:

    • Severe pain that doesn’t go away
    • Water bowel movements that last for two days or more
    • Blood in stool

    Conclusion

    These days, probiotic enemas have gained popularity. Many believe that it’s an easy and effective way of reaping probiotics’ health benefits. But take note that there are minimal studies that back up this technique. As a matter of fact, up to this day, experts are in the process of fully understanding how probiotics impact and benefit the human body.

    Pay your doctor a visit if you find yourself curious about trying probiotic enemas. The safest way is to have a professional do it for you. Otherwise, just stick with supplements or food sources rich in probiotics.