Coffee Enema: Pros & Cons

What is a Coffee Enema? 

A coffee enema is a “colon cleanse” that involves inserting water and coffee into the rectum and colon. Coffee enemas have been used since the late 1800’s and were first made famous by the Gerson Institute in the 1950’s. The Gerson Institute used coffee enemas as part of natural cancer treatments. Many other people now use coffee enemas for a variety of ailments.

How Do Coffee Enemas Work? Does It Really Work?

According to the Gerson Institute, “coffee enemas are a vital part of the detoxification process.” They then go on to say, “ the purpose of the enemas is to remove toxins accumulated in the liver and to remove free radicals from the bloodstream.” Through the hemorrhoidal vein and portal system, caffeine is delivered to the liver. By doing this, it is believed bile ducts are opened and toxin containing bile is able to be released from the liver. (1) In addition, it is thought that the cafestol palmitate in coffee increases an enzyme named glutathione S-transferase (GSH) activity, which stimulates bile excretion. GSH is also a major detoxification enzyme, having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and natural blood cleansing effects. (2,3) Coffee also helps to relax smooth muscles and open up (dilate) blood vessels, therefore helping to produce bowel movements. (4)

When ingested, orally or directly through the colon, coffee behaves as a cathartic, causing the colon muscles to contract. These contractions help move stool along, making it easier to go to the restroom, and easing constipation. As you likely know, regular bowel movements are important for removing waste and toxins from the body.

Health Benefits of Coffee Enema

You may enjoy tasting your coffee, rather than inserting it rectally, but there are health benefits in receiving coffee enemas. Coffee enemas are used by many to manage conditions such as IBS, candida overgrowth, overdose, constipation, cancer, parasites, liver dysfunction, and an array of digestive disorders.

Supporters of coffee enemas claim they help boost immunity, increase energy, improve mental clarity, treat depression, decrease insomnia, restore bowel function, and remove heavy metals from the body.

Improve Detoxification

Regular bowel movements are essential in keeping the body healthy and removing waste. Through bowel movements and coffee enemas, increased detoxification of unwanted material can occur. Enemas mechanically work to flush out the colon, removing potentially harmful bacteria, heavy metals, yeast, and parasites. Food residues, toxins, and impacted feces can also be released in the process.

Relieve Constipation

Many people suffer from constipation. It is not uncommon for people to use various laxatives to ameliorate the associated discomfort and side effects of constipation. Coffee enemas work to relieve constipation by increasing the amount of water in the colon. This helps to stimulate peristalsis (involuntary contractions and relaxations of the muscles) in the intestinal tract and move stool along.

Improve Antioxidant Activity

Coffee helps increase glutathione S-transferase (GSH) activity. Glutathione is an antioxidant they helps your body combat toxic compounds you get exposed to on a daily basis. Many people pay a lot of money for glutathione IV’s and also dietary supplements. Compounds like cafestol and kahweol in coffee, let you create glutathione naturally!

Fight Cancer

While controversial, cancer specialist Dr. Max Greson successfully used coffee enemas to treat thousands of cancer patients. He combined organic, vegetarian, anti-inflammatory diets, with nutritional supplements and daily enemas to improve and accelerate detoxification. His goal was to detoxify the body while simultaneously building up a patient's immune system. (5)

Dangers and Side Effects of Coffee Enemas

It is best to talk with a health care professional before you perform a coffee enema, especially if you have had complications with enemas in the past. A doctor can help supervise and direct you through the process for your first time.

The reason behind this is to make sure the coffee enema recipe is made correctly and performed safely. Pregnant woman and children may be particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine and therefore it is not recommended.

• Tears in the colon or rectum
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Infection
• Burns and irritation
• Death - While rare, according to Mayo Clinic and the U.S National Cancer Institute some deaths have been attributed to coffee enemas. In particular, they can be most dangerous to those who are allergic to coffee.

Connection Between Coffee Enemas and Weight Loss

Do coffee enemas help you lose weight? Coffee enemas do not directly help you to loose weight, however they can help with bloating, water retention, and inflammation. It is important to note that enemas are not a substitute for eating a healthy diet, exercising, and drinking plenty of water. For best results, remove inflammatory foods from your diet and avoid processed goods. I encourage whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.

Best Coffee for Enema

The best coffee for enema is certified organic regular (not decaf) coffee. Non- organic coffee is loaded with toxic chemicals and pesticides and will deter from the detoxification benefits. This is why it is important to perform an organic coffee enema. In addition, while the caffeine received from a coffee enema is 3.5 times less than consuming it orally, the caffeine component plays a roll in the effectiveness of the procedure. (6)

How to Do a Coffee Enema

You may be wondering what you will need to perform a coffee enema. To do one at home you will need an enema kit, lubricant, along with coffee beans. There are several kits on the market but look for one that has a bag or bucket that can hang above you while you lie down.

It is best to perform an enema directly after a bowel movement. This makes the experience more comfortable and easier to retain for longer. However, you can still perform an enema if you have not had a bowel movement for a while or are constipated.

Coffee Enema Instructions

Servings: Makes one coffee enema

Step 1

Using a small pot, add 2 tablespoons of organic coffee beans to 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Allow mixture to cool to a little warmer than room temperature. This step is critical to prevent injury and burns. Strain coffee beans from solution.

Step 3

Choose a comfortable location to perform your enema. You will be lying down in this location for approximately 15 minutes. Consider your bathroom floor or being near a toilet. Have extra towels on hand for clean up. Using your enema kit, making sure the valve is closed, pour coffee solution into the enema bag and hold the tube and nozzle shut. Situate the bag so that it hangs above you. For example from a towel rack. Lubricate the enema nozzle. Laying on your right side in the fetal position, insert the nozzle approximately 1 inch into your rectum. Open the valve and allow the liquid to slowly enter your body, until the bag is empty. Once empty, remove the nozzle from your rectum and sit in a position that helps you keep the coffee inside for about 12-15 minutes. You might have to squeeze a little to help keep it in. Do not exceed 15 minutes. At this point you can stop holding it in and use the restroom.

At the end of the day, it is important to take into account coffee enema pros and cons. They may aid in digestion and detoxification but can also have side effects such as tears in the colon, dehydration, and pose the risk of an allergic reaction. If you are considering performing a coffee enema, make sure to discuss it with your doctor to see if one is right for you. They may also have alternatives to coffee enemas to better help you achieve your goals.