'Coffee enemas' may have adverse health effects

'Coffee enemas' are popular as a detox treatment, with actor Gwyneth Paltrow selling coffee enema kits and King Charles of the United Kingdom endorsing a daily coffee enema therapy when he was still the crown prince. Despite the risks pointed out by experts, Deepa Kamdar, a senior lecturer at Kingston University, has compiled information on whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Coffee enemas probably won't detox your system – they're more likely to cause you serious damage
https://theconversation.com/coffee-enemas-probably-wont-detox-your-system-theyre-more-likely-to-cause-you-serious-damage-252412

An enema typically involves inserting a bag of liquid with a nozzle attached into the rectum and squeezing the liquid out to expel stool from there. It is used to cleanse the intestines as part of bowel management, for example when you are constipated, before surgery, or have inflammatory bowel disease.

Coffee enemas are one of the 'Gerson Therapy' created by Max Gerson, a doctor who was active from the early 20th century to after World War II. The Gerson Institute claims that coffee enemas 'help expel toxins from the liver and intestines and relieve pain.' The compounds kahweol and cafestol contained in coffee enhance the activity of enzymes that excrete toxins. In addition, caffeine stimulates the liver, widens the bile ducts, and improves bile flow, which also helps expel toxins.

But Kamdar said multiple studies have shown there is no evidence to prove the therapy works to treat cancer , and it doesn't have the backing of any established cancer organizations.

Although it is possible that some patients feel better due to the placebo effect , there are more reported side effects of coffee enemas than benefits, including reports of proctitis and rectal burns.

Kamdar points out that coffee enemas flush potassium out of the body, disrupting the electrolyte balance and potentially causing dehydration, muscle weakness, nausea, etc. He also said that long-term coffee enemas can weaken the intestinal muscles, leading to constipation and intestinal inflammation, and in some cases disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the intestines, leading to cramps, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and an increased risk of infection.

According to Kamdar, enemas aren't necessary because the intestines are naturally self-cleaning, and a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber is enough to keep your digestive system healthy and may even lower your risk of cancer.

However, most adults only consume an average of 19 grams of fiber per day, so it is recommended that people consume at least 30 grams of fiber each day.

Also, when it comes to coffee, drinking coffee is more likely to be beneficial to your health than having a coffee enema.