Consuming animal products fed on a diet laced with antibiotics, along with gluten, unhealthy fat, sugar and processed foods with little fiber takes a 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. 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. 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.

Colon cleansing can be done with 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 brings about an automatic release response, reminding my colon how to do its job,” she says.

Watson suggests cleansing with a series of three colonic irrigation sessions at least twice a year. For individuals with chronic constipation, these might be done more frequently.

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 share referrals among its professional members.

Kelly Swan is a licensed massage therapist and colon hydrotherapist at Cape Coral Colonics, 4720 SE 15th Ave., Ste. 209, in Cape Coral. To make an appointment, call 239-549-7559 or visit CapeCoralColonics.com.