Concerns With Health Protocol

[dugdeep]

Hello, all. I was hoping to get a bit of guidance on some health protocols I've been attempting. I started to do a liver cleanse about a month ago, but ended up aborting it part way through (details below). As part of the protocol I was doing coffee enemas, which is partly what I wanted to address.

I have a few concerns about the coffee enemas. Admittedly, I've only just started Detoxify or Die, which I believe may be the original source of the coffee enema recommendation, but I have done a significant amount of outside research, most of which was recommended by forum members. The only reason I say this is that I don't want people to think I was just going rogue and following my own protocol or one that wasn't recommended. The protocol I followed was pretty much step by step taken from here - http://coffee-enemas.blogspot.com/ which was pointed out on the forum.

My first concern is that I was getting pretty buzzed from these enemas. Most reports say that you're not supposed to actually feel the effects of caffeine when doing these enemas, but I definitely was. Although this wasn't the same as drinking coffee, no gut-rot or digestive distress like I get from coffee, I definitely had the jittery symptoms, increased energy and racing mind I associated with caffeine consumption. Should I be concerned about this?

My second and more major concern is that doing these coffee enemas appears to have given me a hemorrhoid (part of the reason I didn't post this sooner was that it's a little embarrassing ). It's possible that this is not a direct result of the coffee enemas because I also started some liver cleansing supplements at the same time (Flor Essence and AOR's Ortho Liver II), however, I've continued the supplements and the hemorrhoid is slowly going away. Everything else in my diet was being minimized as I was following the advice of nutritionist Donna Gates who recommend cutting animal protein and all fat sources for 4-10 days during a spring liver cleanse. Part of the problem might have been that I was doing the CEs daily.

As a result of this I immediately stopped the protocol except for the liver cleansing herbs - no more CEs and I resumed my usual diet (basically the UltraSimple diet with the newest modifications).

Anyway, I've done a little research on this but haven't come up with much. I know from my holistic nutrition studies that hemorrhoids are a result of portal vein congestion, so this is one of the main areas of my research.

From the "Coffee Enema Blog"

The caffeine in coffee administered as an enema detoxifies the liver. While the coffee enema is being retained in the gut (for an optimum period ranging from 12 -15 minutes), all of the body's blood passes through the liver every three minutes. The hemorrhoidal blood vessels dilate from exposure to the caffeine, in turn, the liver's portal veins dilate too. Simultaneously, the bile ducts expand with blood, the bile flow increases, and the smooth muscles of these internal organs relax. The blood serum and its many components are detoxified as this vital fluid passes through the individual's caffeinated liver. The quart of water being retained in the bowel stimulates the visceral nervous system, promoting peristalsis. The water delivered through the bowel dilutes the bile and causes an even greater increase in bile flow. There is a flushing of toxic bile which is further affected by the body's enzymatic catalyst known to physiologists as glutathion S-transferase (GST).

I'm wondering if maybe I just overwhelmed my system with toxic bile being evacuated from the liver in large amounts and perhaps didn't have a colon in good enough shape to evacuate it all, and thus it was reabsorbed, causing congestion of the portal vein system.

As a result of this I've started taking a colon cleansing formulation in the hopes that it will clear out any backed up material although I'm not sure it's working (I've been on it for a few weeks I seem to have become mildly constipated). Also, I've started taking rutin and the herb butchers broom, both of which are recommended for hemorrhoids as they strengthen the blood vessels.

Are there any other recommendations here? I'm thinking that I should start a more aggressive colon cleansing program. I'd like to do something that doesn't involve spending $100 on a packaged cleanse. From the research I've done on those products, a lot of what is included in them I'm already taking (multivitamin, digestive enzymes, etc.). I'm thinking of maybe attempting a juice fast accompanied by psyllium and bentonite shakes and maybe doing a laxative tea to make sure everything is moving. I also thought I would do simply plain enemas, leaving the coffee for the time being. Does this sound like a good protocol?

Also, I'm wondering if DMSO should be done with a colon cleanse protocol. My thinking is that a powerful antioxidant during a cleanse like this would be a good idea. I bought some DMSO after read this thread and fearing it would soon become unavailable. Now it's sitting in my closet, .

My basic plan is to start with the colon cleanse, move on to coffee enemas to clean out the liver, parasite cleanse and then move on to DMSA for metals. I'm reading Detoxify or Die now and Detoxification and Healing is on order, but is there any general advice people can give here?

I know I've asked a lot of scattered questions here, but any insight or advice would be appreciated.

 

[Nathan]

My first concern is that I was getting pretty buzzed from these enemas. Most reports say that you're not supposed to actually feel the effects of caffeine when doing these enemas, but I definitely was. Although this wasn't the same as drinking coffee, no gut-rot or digestive distress like I get from coffee, I definitely had the jittery symptoms, increased energy and racing mind I associated with caffeine consumption. Should I be concerned about this?

Sounds like you're using too much coffee. Not to say you're following the directions wrong, but that it's too much for your body. You can try half or quarter of the amount and build your way up to a dosage that does not give the buzz.

 

[Gimpy]

My first concern is that I was getting pretty buzzed from these enemas. Most reports say that you're not supposed to actually feel the effects of caffeine when doing these enemas, but I definitely was. Although this wasn't the same as drinking coffee, no gut-rot or digestive distress like I get from coffee, I definitely had the jittery symptoms, increased energy and racing mind I associated with caffeine consumption. Should I be concerned about this?

Sounds like you're using too much coffee. Not to say you're following the directions wrong, but that it's too much for your body. You can try half or quarter of the amount and build your way up to a dosage that does not give the buzz.

One thing I've read about for a coffee enema is to take 15 caps of activated charcoal about 15 minutes before you take the enema. The charcoal absorbs the bad bile and keeps it from re absorbing into the system. I'm also wondering if you're drinking enough water? When taking anything to help sweep out the colon you need to drink alot to make sure the body has enough water to scoot things through.

Reducing the amt of coffee you use is also a good idea.

 

[theos]

Aside from reducing the amount of coffee you use you can cut down from doing the enemas daily to maybe once or twice a week as part of your ongoing detox routine.

I hope your crappucino experience improves. :D

 

[Gaby]

I second the advice, I think that decreasing the frequency and the concentration of the coffee enema will be easier on your system. There isn't a fixed recipe for the coffee enema, as it it can variate according to each individual. The recipe in the blog calls for 3 TBSP but suggests 1 and a half TBSP for people who are sensitive.

It should be a good experience, not a bad one, although at the beginning there can be some die-off symptoms. I had cramps and flu like symptoms for some days before I started to feel good after coffee enemas.

Another important thing is to lubricate your kit very well. Those veins are very fragile and very low pressure vessels, which is why hemorrhoids can happen when there is constipation and "exertion". It is just too much pressure. In general, hemorrhoids develop over a period of time of high pressure conditions. The vessels get "enlarged" because their walls are not made to handle high pressures.

I hope you are feeling better

 

[dugdeep]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I've done two CEs since I last posted with only 1Tbsp of coffee and you were right - no buzzing on caffeine or any negative effects. I guess I was going too hardcore with it. I think maybe once or twice a week is enough for me and I don't plan on going too much higher on the coffee.

Gimpy, I don't think I'll do the activated charcoal, especially that much. I've found in the past that AC tends to constipate me. I find the same thing with psyllium, so I usually stick with flax seed.

Thanks again for the advice. :D

 

[Gertrudes]

I thought I'd use dugdeep's thread to post this since it concerns enemas as well.

I have just done my first enema but had a very scary experience. I did a plain warm water enema just to clean my colon and alleviate some IBS symptoms of being very bloated over the past months due to poor bowel movement. I'm putting this down to my attempts to kill candida over the past months and possibly withdrawal symptoms due to lack of carbohydrates and fiber in my diet (having changed it recently) that, if the authors from "Life without bread" and "Fiber Menace" are correct, were just acting as laxatives.

Anyway, I managed to hold everything in for about 4m which from what I read is pretty standard for a newbie, and then I started to empty my bowels. After a while, still while emptying everything, I started to feel very dizzy. The dizziness became worse and worse, I began to see everything unfocused as if in a blur, felt extremely week and slightly nauseated. I had cold sweats and began to tremble/shiver without control. I was about to pass out but got scared (I am home alone today and didn't want to just fall over with no one to help me) and made an effort to keep my eyes opened. On the on hand I could barely hold myself seating and just wanted to lie down, on the other hand I was too weak to move and I was still emptying my bowels. It got to a point where I just didn't care and threw myself into the floor before fainting. Lying down soon made me feel better, I got back into the toilet to finish emptying the bowels, felt dizzy and weak again and when finished emptying everything I had to lie down again for a while. I didn't even have the strength to clean myself up. After lying down I soon felt better again.

The sensation I described was exactly the sensation I had in the past during severe episodes of diarrhea. Interestingly, it is also the sensation I often had in bad period pain episodes, dizziness, cold sweats and all. Also, as I was emptying my bowels today I felt pain in my lower abdomen, I think that it was in the uterus, that is exactly the pain I get with my period.

It has been 1hr now and I still look a little pale with dark circles under my eyes, but feeling loads better. It's like it hasn't even happened!

I don't think what happened is normal and I never came across a description of a similar experience while doing an enema. But I have to say that right now I'm very scared of doing it again, although it did clean up my bowels nicely :(
Has anyone experienced anything similar so far? Any ideas of what could have caused this?
I have no idea whatsoever of why this has happened, any insights will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

 

[Oxajil]

Hi Gertrudes, I'm sorry you had to go through that. I think that it is necessary for you to take in enough water when you've been emptying your bowels. Perhaps taking a small unrefined rock salt could help as well. So what I'm thinking is that (partly?) it could be dehydration? I also think that when you do an enema you should try to keep yourself as warm as possible, as coldness (the evaporation of the sweat) can cause cramps and pains. Whenever I sweat and I don't keep myself as warm as I should have, I get pain in my abdominal area, especially in the uterus area as you described. I could be totally off here, though.

 

[Gertrudes]

I think that it is necessary for you to take in enough water when you've been emptying your bowels.

You mean through the enema itself, or by drinking? If through the enema, I took a fair amount of water (2l) and couldn't hold any more, however, I didn't drink much before and perhaps, as you suggested, I dehydrated.

I also think that when you do an enema you should try to keep yourself as warm as possible, as coldness (the evaporation of the sweat) can cause cramps and pains. Whenever I sweat and I don't keep myself as warm as I should have, I get pain in my abdominal area, especially in the uterus area as you described. I could be totally off here, though.

I was pretty warm though :( The type of sweat I had was not like normal sweat, it's that type of sweat you have when you are about to faint and it is always accompanied by strong trembling. At least this is how I felt in the past when feeling faint despite my body temperature. I noticed now that I wrote shivering in my previous post and that is related to feeling cold. Sorry, in reality it was only trembling, although it looked like a shivering movement without feeling cold (if that makes any sense!). It felt like a sudden drop in blood pressure/sugar.

I will look up dehydration and enemas on the net.
Thanks Oxajil!

 

[ana]

It seems the symptoms you describe are asociated after several enemas procedures or due to electrolyte imbalances:

_http://www.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/enemas

The rectal tube used for infusion of the enema solution should be smooth and flexible to decrease the possibility of damage to the mucous membrane that lines the rectum. Tap water is commonly used for adults but should not be used for infants because of the danger of electrolyte imbalance. (Electrolytes are substances that conduct electric current in the body fluids. Proper balance is essential for sustaining life.) The colon absorbs water, and repeated tap water enemas can cause cardiovascular overload and electrolyte imbalance. Similarly, repeated saline enemas can cause increased absorption of fluid and electrolytes into the bloodstream, resulting in overload. Individuals receiving frequent enemas should be observed for overload symptoms that include dizziness, sweating, or vomiting.

 

[Oxajil]

Sorry Gertrudes, seems I misunderstood you!

 

[Gertrudes]

It seems the symptoms you describe are asociated after several enemas procedures or due to electrolyte imbalances:

_http://www.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/enemas

The rectal tube used for infusion of the enema solution should be smooth and flexible to decrease the possibility of damage to the mucous membrane that lines the rectum. Tap water is commonly used for adults but should not be used for infants because of the danger of electrolyte imbalance. (Electrolytes are substances that conduct electric current in the body fluids. Proper balance is essential for sustaining life.) The colon absorbs water, and repeated tap water enemas can cause cardiovascular overload and electrolyte imbalance. Similarly, repeated saline enemas can cause increased absorption of fluid and electrolytes into the bloodstream, resulting in overload. Individuals receiving frequent enemas should be observed for overload symptoms that include dizziness, sweating, or vomiting.

It seems pretty close to what happened to me. Although this was my very first enema! I suppose I have to be very careful and do some good research, I definitely don't want to repeat the same experience.

Another example where electrolyte drinks are important is when infants/children have chronic vomiting or diarrhea, perhaps due to intestinal flu viruses. When children vomit or have diarrhea, they lose electrolytes. Again, these electrolytes and the fluids must be replaced to prevent dehydration and seizures. Therefore, drinks such as Pedialyte have sodium and potassium in them like the sports drinks do.

Maybe I lost electrolytes too fast without replacing. Ok, with this extra information about electrolytes that I wasn't aware of, I have something more to research. Thanks Ana.

Sorry Gertrudes, seems I misunderstood you!

That's ok, I misunderstand myself all the time :D

 

[Gertrudes]

Thinking of all this further, and considering that what happened resembled bad episodes of period pain, I wonder whether this episode didn't instead have to do with intestinal contractions that were just too strong? I don't know if that is possible, but it is one more thing I'll have to read on.

 

[RedFox]

From what I can tell there is also a parasympathetic responce involced which can lead to fainting (among other things). Perhaps psyche has more info on this?

Here's what I've found so far.

_http://www.hemorrhoid.net/anatomy.php

NEUROPHYSIOLOGY (Defecation Reflex)
Physiologically, Gorsch states that defecation is best explained on the basis of a modified somatic autonomic reflex, normally under cortical control, and in which the desire to defecate may be conveniently distinguished from the act of defecation. The so-called "trigger zones" at which the initial sensory stimuli arise and produce the desire to defecate, are probably in the rectal musculature as well as in the anorectal line, which is the more important trigger zone. Threshold stimuli arise normally from the anorectal junctional area and are conveyed by the spinal sensory nerves, to initiate the active phase of defecation. The distention of the rectal wall also gives rise to some extent, to the desire to defecate through the sympathetic afferent nerves. This results reflexly, in a relaxation of the anal sphincters, particularity the internal, and a contraction of the rectal musculature. The act may be inhibited by the will.

On the other hand, voluntary relaxation of the anal sphincters with voluntary contraction of the colon and its complimentary muscles, with the expulsion of the rectal contents, is the actual act of defecation.

In adult life, defecation is no longer a reflex, but normally becomes a voluntary act, once the summation of sensory stimuli is effected. It becomes a purely reflex act, however (sympathetico-parasympathetic), in the autonomic innervated rectum, following destruction of its cerebral connections.

The broad subject of constipation is directly related to the sensorimotor response of the entire gastrointestinal tract as well as those of the rectum.

"Trigger zones" may be entirely extrarectal and in pathologic conditions, provoke a constant tenesmus leading to rectal prolapse. Further, the sensory and motor dispersions, before, after, and during the act of defecation are complex and may be reflected throughout the entire nervous system, e.g., fainting, abdominal cramping, orgasms, and neurocirculatory phenomena, are common clinical observations.

Defecation may also be entirely a cortical response. Central stimulation of the Vagus produces the defecation reflex, a contraction of the rectum and a relaxation of the anal sphincters.

In this regard, it may be observed that the segmental movements of the intestines are considered myogenic in origin, and the intrinsic plexuses of Meissner and Auerbach control that peristalsis (Fig. 22). The autonomic system (sympathetic and parasympathetic) subserves a regulatory function. Diarrhea may be entirely an intrinsic myogenic basis.

_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syncope_(medicine)

Vasovagal

Main article: Vasovagal syncope

Vasovagal (situational) syncope—one of the most common types—may occur in scary, embarrassing or uneasy situations, or during blood drawing, coughing, urination or defecation. Other types include postural syncope (caused by a changing in body posture), cardiac syncope (due to heart-related conditions), and neurological syncope (due to neurological conditions). There are many other causes of syncope, including low blood-sugar levels and lung disease such as emphysema and a pulmonary embolus. The cause of the fainting can be determined by a doctor using a complete history, physical, and various diagnostic tests.

The vasovagal type can be considered in two forms:
Isolated episodes of loss of consciousness, unheralded by any warning symptoms for more than a few moments. These tend to occur in the adolescent age group, and may be associated with fasting, exercise, abdominal straining, or circumstances promoting vaso-dilation (e.g., heat, alcohol). The subject is invariably upright. The tilt-table test, if performed, is generally negative.
Recurrent syncope with complex associated symptoms. This is so-called Neurally Mediated Syncope (NMS). It is associated with any of the following: preceding or succeeding sleepiness, preceding visual disturbance ("spots before the eyes"), sweating, light-headedness. The subject is usually but not always upright. The tilt-table test, if performed, is generally positive.

A pattern of background factors contributes to the attacks. There is typically an unsuspected relatively low blood volume, for instance, from taking a low-salt diet in the absence of any salt-retaining tendency. Heat causes vaso-dilatation and worsens the effect of the relatively insufficient blood volume. That sets the scene, but the next stage is the adrenergic response. If there is underlying fear or anxiety (e.g., social circumstances), or acute fear (e.g., acute threat, needle phobia), the vaso-motor centre demands an increased pumping action by the heart (flight or fight response). This is set in motion via the adrenergic (sympathetic) outflow from the brain, but the heart is unable to meet requirement because of the low blood volume, or decreased return. The high (ineffective) sympathetic activity is always modulated by vagal outflow, in these cases leading to excessive slowing of heart rate. The abnormality lies in this excessive vagal response. The tilt-table test typically evokes the attack.

Much of this pathway was discovered in animal experiments by Bezold (Vienna) in the 1860s. In animals, it may represent a defence mechanism when confronted by danger ("playing possum"). This reflex occurs in only some people and may be similar to that described in other animals.

The mechanism described here suggests that a practical way to prevent attacks would be, what might seem to be counterintuitive, to block the adrenergic signal with a beta-blocker. A simpler plan might be to explain the mechanism, discuss causes of fear, and optimise salt as well as water intake.

 

[Gertrudes]

Redfox, many thanks for that information. I would hardly have found it and am really glad you posted it.

The vasovagal syncope hit home for me, and it would also explain the similarity of symptoms when I have bad diarrhea or period pain. I found a testimonial on the net where a woman describes how a vasovagal response is responsible for her diarrhea and period pain symptoms that were also very, very similar to mine.

Adding to that, from _http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/print/sec03/ch023/ch023b.html

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Fainting may occur if the vagus nerve, which supplies the neck, chest, and intestine, is stimulated. When stimulated, the vagus nerve slows the heart. Such stimulation also causes nausea and cool, clammy skin. This type of fainting is called vasovagal (vasomotor) syncope. The vagus nerve is stimulated by pain, fear, other distress (such as that due to the sight of blood), vomiting, a large bowel movement, and urination. Fainting during or immediately after urination is called micturition syncope. Rarely, vigorous swallowing causes fainting due to stimulation of the vagus nerve.

The above seems to describe an over stimulation of the vagus nerve.

I don't know if my symptoms to an enema will get better with practice. I will try it again in a few weeks, next time with less water.


On a different note, something bothered me on my post yesterday an I think I nailed it down today to having been impulsive. Yesterday I had a bad experience with an enema and whilst my emotions were all over the place I wrote my post. Looking back today, it was a half an hour bad episode that wouldn't necessarily need so much excruciating detail from my part to convey it. It's like I blew it out of proportion and I apologize for that.
Interestingly, the day before I did something that had a similar flavor to it, I reacted to something on a impulse only to find out hours later that had I looked carefully, I would have had my answers. No need to react so impulsively when my emotions are at their pick, it is very unlikely for it to bring out good results.
I'll have to work on that.