3 reasons to avoid coffee enemas
Coffee enemas are the latest rage among health nuts. They supposedly remove harmful toxins from the body, cleanse the liver, flush out heavy metals, relieve digestive issues, regenerate cells and even improve your mood. However, scientific research doesn’t support these claims. If you haven’t heard of coffee enemas, they consist of pouring freshly-brewed lukewarm coffee into an enema bag. The nozzle is inserted into your rectum as you lay down on your side. You then hold the coffee inside your rectum for 15 minutes until you need to use the bathroom. Sounds fun, right?
In actuality, coffee enemas can be incredibly harmful. Here are the top three hidden dangers of coffee enemas, and why you should avoid them:
1. Coffee enemas can cause serious injuries
Using enemas of any kind can result in serious rectal injuries — you can tear your rectum. The use of coffee can also lead to internal burns. What’s more, reusing enema bags can cause widespread infections.
2. Coffee enemas result in dehydration
Coffee enemas, especially when used on a consistent basis, can lead to dehydration. This is because coffee is a natural diuretic. Using coffee enemas regularly can also disrupt your body’s electrolyte balance. In rare cases, this can be deadly.
3. Coffee enemas can mess up your bowel function
Repeatedly using coffee enemas actually decreases bowel function. This leads to bloating, nausea, constipation, and incontinence.
Tips for safely detoxifying your body
You don’t need coffee enemas to detoxify your body. You can safely stay in tip-top shape by following these simple tips:
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Drink more water
Water, and other liquids, naturally detoxify your body. This is because H2O helps your organs, such as your kidneys and liver, eliminate waste products from your body. Your urine should be clear — this means you’re drinking enough water. You should aim to drink at least two quarts of water per day. Try adding some lemon to your water for extra detoxifying effects.
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Always eat a healthy breakfast
It’s true what they say — breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast aids the detoxification process by revving up your metabolism. Begin your day with a healthy protein-rich breakfast, such as Greek yogurt with fruit or scrambled eggs with vegetables.
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Get moving
Exercise is one of the main ways your body detoxifies itself. This is because cardio increases blood flow, which flushes out toxins. If that isn’t reason enough, exercising regularly will also help to enhance digestion, reduce tension, lubricate joints, and strengthen your body. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio every day.
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Ditch the sugar
Sugar promotes inflammation in your body, causing excess weight gain and fatigue. Long-term sugar consumption also leads to chronic health issues, such as diabetes. Naturally detoxify your body by eliminating all forms of sugar, including honey and artificial sweeteners. Instead, use all-natural sugar alternatives, such as stevia, to sweeten foods.
Say no to that cup of Jo
The latest coffee enema craze is just that — a craze. Not only is there no scientific evidence to support the health benefits of coffee enemas, but they can also actually be harmful. To naturally detoxify your body and maintain optimal health, all you need to do is stay hydrated, exercise, and follow a healthy diet.
References:
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“8 Simple Ways to Detox Your Body, “ Shape, n.d.
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“5 Ways to Cleanse Your Body in One Day,” Today, December 29, 2016.
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“How to do a Detox Diet (without Starving Yourself),” Cosmopolitan, November 22, 2012.
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“Top Ten Dangers of the Coffee Enema,” I Need Coffee, June 1, 2007.
