Bikini Body?
BY SOPHIE PELHAM-BURN NMEDSCI, ANUTR
MYTH-BUSTING #3 COFFEE ENEMA Ok, so when I first heard that this was actually a ‘thing’ to say I was shocked was an understatement. But it is a thing, and it’s being fairly heavily promoted in certain alternative medicine circles, so here we go! A coffee enema is a type of colon cleanse, during which brewed, caffeinated coffee is poured down a tube into the colon via the rectum. Proponents of the coffee enema like to think that it helps relieve constipation, remove toxins from the body, and increase energy among other things. So do those claims stack up? Yes! Caffeine can be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the colon, so by having a coffee enema you’ve basically just had the equivalent of a quadruple shot, Venti, from Starbucks, except, through a rather less traditional route. So do you feel energised, raring to go, and in desperate need of a poop? Well yeah, no shit Sherlock (if you’ll pardon the pun). Essentially, the effects of rapid and ongoing bowel emptying, removal of ‘toxins’ (ie, poop), and feeling energised are due to a not inconsiderable caffeine overdose. Your body is perfectly capable of eliminating waste without any help, and if it does need a little boost every now and again, stick to drinking your coffee, make sure you’re properly hydrated, and maybe increase your fiber intake. Any claims related to improving immunity, treating cancer, depression, removing parasites from the digestive tract, etc. are unfounded nonsense. Coffee enemas can be extremely dangerous, causing perforated bowels, heart palpitations, electrolyte imbalances and extreme dehydration, and so on. I could carry on busting myths for days as there are so many out there, but you get a general idea. As you begin on your sober journey you may feel that you want to do something to help quickly repair your body from the damage done by previous alcohol consumption, but any kind of detox tea or cleanse is not the answer. Your body is incredible and perfectly capable of regenerating and recovering with the one magic ingredient that really does have an effect: Patience. There are no miracle superfoods or cures, and nothing can replace the benefits of proper medical care where necessary, a balanced diet, regular movement, and good sleep has been done consistently. Lots of love Sophie x
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