Coffee enema
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Coffee enemas are the enema-related procedure of inserting coffee into the anus to cleanse the rectum and small intestines. This procedure, although well documented, it is still considered by most medical authorities to be rash and possibly dangerous.[1]
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[edit] History
While the idea of anal cleansing dates back to the Egyptians, the notion of caffeine as an enema-related substance is relatively new. It was conceived as early as 1917, and was even in the Merck Manual until 1972.[2] In 1920, German scientists looked into caffeines effect on the bile duct and small intestines. Dr. Max Gerson was a doctor whose findings proposed coffee enemas had a positive effect of the gastro-intestinal tract. He said that coffee enemas had positive effects on patients with tuberculosis, and later even cancer. He found the basic formula on how the coffee enema had the effect it did: unlike saline enemas the caffeine traveled through the smooth muscle of the small intestine, and into the liver. This, he found, cleared even more the gastro-intestinal tract and removed more toxins and bile than a normal enema. He told his patients often that the "coffee enemas are not given for the function of the intestines but for the stimulation of the liver."[2] In 1981, Dr. Lee Wattenberg found that two substances in coffee, kahweol and cafestol palmitate, promoted the activity in glutathione S-transferase, a key enzyme system that helps detoxify cancer cells when the body is under attack. Gar Hildenbrand of the Gerson Institute noted that this "must be regarded as an important mechanism for carcinogen detoxification." The system being enhanced specifically detoxifies free radicals, a now well know implication of cancer. In mice, for example, these systems were enhanced 600 percent in the liver and 700 percent in the bowel when coffee beans were added to the mice's diet.[2]
[edit] How it works
Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine stimulate the relaxation of smooth muscles in the anus and small intestine, which cause dilatation of blood vessels and bile ducts. This, combined with the close proximity of the anal walls and veins which make the caffeine enter the blood more quickly and in greater quantity, questionably have a better cleaning effect than a regular saline enema.
[edit] Benefits
Coffee contains an enzyme known as palmitates which helps the liver carry waste through the bile duct. The coffee is then absorbed hemorrhoidal vein which then transports it to the portal vein to the liver. This then dilates the bile duct, which then releases toxins from the gastro-intestinal tract. Additionally, the caffeine encourages peristaltic activity in the colon; this is caused by the flooding of the lower colon. Then when the colon is evacuated, the toxins and bile are released.[1]
[edit] Dangers
If overused, the coffee enemas could cause electrolyte imbalances. If the coffee is inserted too quickly or too hot, it could cause internal burning or tearing. Because of the close proximity between veins and anal walls, caffeine finds itself in the veins in much greater quantities, and may lead to caffeine addiction. Excessive enemas cause dehydration, and this is only amplified by the caffeine in the coffee.[3] Also, like all uses of coffee, it risks raising, though not by a lot, blood pressure.[4]
[edit] Cancer Treatment
Currently, coffee enemas are being studied for the possible treatment of pancreatic cancer.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Astakhov, Alexandra, "Coffee Enema" INeedCoffe.com. June 06, 2008.
- ^ a b c Moss, Ph.D., Ralph W. "The Cancer Chronicles" 2nd ed. Austin, Texas: 1994. (6-7)
- ^ Mossey, Tom, "Ten Dangers of Coffee Enemas" INeedCoffee.com. 1999. 6 Jun 2008
- ^ Pitcher, Matt . "Does Coffee Raise Blood Pressure?" INeedCoffee.com. 1999. 6 Jun 2008
- ^ http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=446111
