While many individuals continue to work on revamping their diets to eat more fresh foods and organic produce, the results of consuming animals products fed on a diet laced with antibiotics, along with gluten, unhealthy fat, sugar and processed foods with little fiber take their toll on the colon. It is likely that for the 4.4 million Americans that suffer from constipation, the colon has become more of a sluggish repository of accumulated waste, toxins and an unhealthy microbiome than a healthy functioning organ of the body’s elimination system.

Even with five elimination channels—lungs, liver, kidneys, skin, lymph and colon—the body is challenged to deal with toxic materials that re-enter the blood stream from a constipated or sluggish colon. Ignoring it can leave us susceptible to leaky gut and autoimmune diseases.

According to Brenda Watson, a certified nutritional consultant and author of Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps, a healthy, well-functioning bowel is essential for the maintenance of optimal health. However, this vital organ remains the most neglected in the human body. Watson suggests that failing to regularly cleanse the colon not only affects natural processes, it also affects the body’s capacity to heal and maintain vibrancy.

Watson suggests cleansing the colon using herbal cleanses, colon hydrotherapy and a high-fiber, highly nutritious diet. “For centuries, every culture around the world has been using some form of colon cleansing for health,” observes Watson. This proponent of colon hydrotherapy, which detoxifies the large intestine through a gentle infusion of purified water at a safely controlled temperature with gentle, continuous pressure, used it to overcome her own issue of constipation related to a lazy colon. “Hydrating the colon causes the muscles to contract, and that brought about an automatic release response, which my body needed to remind my colon how to do its job,” she says.

Colon hydrotherapy made into mainstream medicine when Dr. Joseph Fiorito, Danbury Hospital’s chief of gastroenterology in Danbury, Connecticut, conducted a study of colon hydrotherapy as a successful substitute for the traditional methods of large bowel preparation for a colonoscopy. Since 2008, as a result of Fiorito’s success rate in demonstrating how the quality of the colon cleansing and overall tolerance, comfort and convenience for the patient were significantly better with colon hydrotherapy, the hospital has been giving patients this option when preparing for their colonoscopy.

In preparation for a colonoscopy, a colonic is also much more convenient for the patient that arrives at the hospital two hours prior to their colonoscopy appointment. The prep procedure is completed in less than two hours from start to finish, with the actual colonic taking between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the patient.

Southwest Florida colonic experts applaud Watson’s advice for cleansing with a series of three colonic irrigation sessions at least twice a year. For individuals with chronic constipation, Kelly Swan, owner of Cape Coral Colonics, posits that these might be done more frequently. “The use of colonics is very individualized according to someone’s needs. To support a lifestyle change, integrate a colonic before, during,, and after a detox program,” advises Swan.

She believes that colon hydrotherapy can help a leaky gut, as well as the imbalance of good/bacteria such as yeast. “It changes the internal environment of the colon. Overall, colonics clean and exercise the walls of the colon, creating more efficient elimination,” explains Swan.

Roz Fusco, owner of Cleansing Springs, is a colon hydrotherapist and licensed massage therapist. She adds a twist to a colonic. “I am also a nurse. I add a lymphatic drainage massage to help open up one of the body’s important exit pathways. Having a colonic is like emptying the vacuum cleaning bag of the body's whole house vacuuming lymph system, so I think this addition is very important,” advises Fusco.

C. Robyn Berry, owner of RB Institute, in Fort Myers, who been performing colonics since 1994, agrees with Swan and Fusco, “Following the guidelines for regular detoxification of the colon is no different than adhering to a new car manual in order to have the warranty honored. The manufacturer knew what was required to keep the car running in top shape,” she quips.

In Florida, to become eligible for certification in colonic irrigation, an individual must hold a valid Florida massage license. More information on standard operating procedures is available from the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy, which works to heighten awareness, provide education and offer referrals among its professional members.

Cape Coral Colonics, 4720 SE 15th Ave., Ste. 209, Cape Coral. 239-549-7559. CapeCoralColonics.com.

Cleansing Springs, Walden Oaks Professional Center, 6714 Lone Oak Blvd., Naples. 239-596-110, 239-571-9816. CleansingSprings.com.

RB Institute, Inc., 13601 McGregor Blvd., Ste. 13, Fort Myers. RobynBerry.com.