Searches for coffee enemas have increased by 116% in the past year, and with alternative treatments for health problems on the rise, a GP warns that this trend should be avoided due to its major risks.
Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is spreading awareness about the dangers of coffee enemas and why they do more harm than good.
Coffee enemas are a form of colon cleansing that involves injecting room-temperature coffee into the anus and colon. They were popularised by Max Gerson, a doctor who believed the body could be completely healed by following an organic plant-based juice diet and having up to five enemas a day.
A fictionalised version of Gerson therapy was also a large part of Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ series earlier this year, based on the true story of two wellness influencers, one lying about her diagnosis, who promote alternative therapies to treat cancer. In it, coffee enemas are administered countless times with no success.
Dr Rupa Parmar said, “Followers of the treatment claim it can boost the immune system, detoxify the liver and intestines, and even treat cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this and spreading medical misinformation, especially about cancer, can be incredibly dangerous.
“The common side effects of coffee enemas include infections, seizures, mineral imbalances, bowel inflammation, weakened bowels, and dehydration. It can also be very risky to self-administer a coffee enema, as it’s possible to puncture your colon or rectum, cause burns, and lead to general irritation.
“Coffee enemas remove potassium from the body, which causes diarrhoea, aches, fever, weakness, heart and lung problems, and electrolyte imbalances. This may cause further fatigue and illness. In some cases, coffee enemas have been fatal.
“The biggest risk of coffee enemas is the rise in people rejecting traditional, proven therapies to follow an alternative treatment plan to treat their cancer. A study found that patients who used alternative medicine were twice as likely to die from their disease as those who used chemotherapy, surgery, and other recommended methods. With alternative medicine once again becoming more popular, medical misinformation can quickly spread. So, it’s important to follow the advice of medical professionals and consult your GP first.
“Not to mention, people online are sharing how enemas can be used to relieve constipation. But before injecting anything into your colon, there are safer alternatives. Increasing your fibre intake, drinking lots of water, and using over-the-counter laxatives can help. Coffee can also help alleviate constipation due to its stimulating effects on the digestive system, but drink it instead of using an enema.
“Only have an enema if recommended by your GP, and never use coffee. At-home enemas can be unsafe, so if you do need one, they’re likely to be performed in a medical setting. Coffee enemas aren’t backed by science, and there’s no proof that they have positive health benefits.
“Following unproven alternative medical advice can be dangerous, and, as always, it’s best to talk to your GP first before following any trend you see online.”
