Colonic irrigation: Why it is particularly useful in old age – and which methods really help

Introduction

Have you ever felt like your digestion is sluggish, you feel bloated, or simply "full" inside? Many people experience exactly that as they age – a difficult-to-describe, yet clearly noticeable imbalance in the abdominal area. It's no wonder that terms like "colon cleansing" or "detox" are becoming increasingly popular. But what's behind the concept of colon cleansing – and is it more than just a trend?

In this article, you'll learn why the intestine is considered the central control organ of our health, how age and lifestyle affect its function, and which types of colonic irrigation are actually beneficial. We'll also show you the risks and how you can use this tool specifically in your daily life or during reset days.

Table of contents

1. What exactly is a colonic irrigation?

2. How does the intestine change with age?

3. Biochemical background: Why does flushing help?

4. Symptoms of constipation

5. Areas of application & target groups

6. Variants of colonic irrigation: home remedies & professional methods

7. Prevention & long-term intestinal care

8. Study situation & scientific evaluation

9. Conclusion: Consciously promote intestinal health

10. Sources

    
    

What exactly is a colonic irrigation?

Colonic irrigation involves the introduction of fluid into the colon to flush out old stool, mucus, gas, and potentially harmful substances. This procedure can be performed once for relief or regularly as part of a treatment or dietary change.

The main goals:

• Emptying of the lower digestive tract

• Reactivation of intestinal movement (peristalsis)

• Reduction of toxins and putrefactive bacteria

• Preparation for fasting days or intestinal cleansing

How does the intestine change with age?

As we age, several changes occur in the digestive system:

• Reduced intestinal motility: Peristalsis slows down, leading to constipation.

• Lack of fluids: Older people often drink too little, and their stools become harder.

• Microbiome depletion: The diversity of beneficial intestinal bacteria decreases.

• Reduction of abdominal muscles: This reduces the mechanical pressure during bowel movements.

These factors lead to incomplete emptying, which in the long term promotes the reabsorption of toxins and puts a strain on the immune system.

Biochemical background: Why does flushing help?

The intestine contributes approximately 70–80% to immune regulation. When putrefactive bacteria and fermentation residues accumulate there, ammonia, indoles, skatole, and other toxins are produced. These pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream (the so-called "leaky gut effect") and burden the liver and brain.

An enema or professional douching can break this cycle:

• Reduction of inflammatory messengers

• Reducing ammonia pollution

• Support of bile excretion (with coffee enemas)

• Promoting autophagy while simultaneously restricting calories

Symptoms of constipation

People with impaired bowel function often report:

• Chronic fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)

• Bloated stomach, feeling of pressure, incomplete emptying

• Skin problems (e.g. acne, eczema)

• Headaches or migraines

• Mood swings

These symptoms are non-specific – but often improve noticeably after targeted bowel cleansing.

Areas of application & target groups

Those who can particularly benefit:

• People over 40 years of age with slow digestion

• People with irritable bowel symptoms or bloating

• Users of detox, fasting or reset days

• People with histamine intolerance or skin problems

• Frequent travelers with irregular meal times

Variants of colonic irrigation: home remedies & professional methods

1. Classic enema (with irrigator)

• Capacity: 0.5–1.5 liters of lukewarm water or chamomile tea

• Application: at home in lateral position, exposure time 10–20 minutes

2. Coffee enema

• Organic coffee stimulates bile production

• Detoxifies the liver and intestinal system

3. Epsom salt (oral)

• Strong osmotic effect – bowel emptying in 1–3 hours

• Ideal for preparing for fasting days or for “reset”

4. Colon hydrotherapy (professional)

• Multiple rinsing cycles with up to 30 liters of water

• Accompanied by therapists, often with abdominal massage

5. Additives & combination methods

• Psyllium husks, apple cider vinegar, bentonite or probiotics

• Goal: Cleansing + mucous membrane care + microbiome building

Prevention & long-term intestinal care

Not only douching, but also everyday habits promote long-term intestinal health:

• 30 g of fiber daily (e.g. psyllium husks, flaxseed)

• Bitter substances & fermented foods

• Exercise & targeted abdominal massages

• Relaxation techniques (stress reduces intestinal motility)

• 1–2 liters of still water daily

Study situation & scientific evaluation

The research on colon hydrotherapy is limited but promising:

• A systematic review (Schemmel et al., 2021, Journal of Integrative Medicine ) shows that colonic irrigation can improve symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, and skin problems – but more research is needed.

• A pilot study from Korea (Lee et al., 2020) observed a significant reduction in headaches and fatigue after weekly use.

• The German Society for Naturopathy recommends enemas as part of fasting cures or liver relief.

Important: Not everyone benefits from colonic irrigation – and it is not a substitute for a balanced diet.

Conclusion: Consciously promote intestinal health

Colonic irrigation isn't a cure-all—but it's a valuable tool, especially for chronic fatigue, constipation, and to support fasting and reset days. In old age, when peristalsis declines, gentle, regular use can help get the bowels moving again.

Those who want to permanently relieve their digestive system should pay attention to fiber , exercise , hydration , and a microbiome-friendly diet . Colonic irrigation is the icing on the cake—used selectively, not excessively.

Tips for everyday life

• Start a reset day with a mild enema & broth

• Use psyllium husks in the evening for gentle emptying

• Combine enemas with probiotic nutrition (e.g. sauerkraut, yogurt)

• Pay attention to your gut feeling – in the truest sense of the word

If you'd like to learn more about how to optimize your digestion in your daily life, please contact us for a free initial consultation. Together, we'll find your individual intestinal solution.

Sources

1. Schemmel, J. et al.

   Colon Hydrotherapy in Complementary Medicine. Abstract: Systematic review of the use and efficacy of colon hydrotherapy for functional bowel disorders and as a complementary measure in detoxification programs.

   Publication year: 2021🔗 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2021.04.007

2. Lee, YH et al.

   Effects of colon hydrotherapy on headaches and fatigue: A pilot study. Abstract: Small observational study from Korea focusing on subjective improvement of fatigue and headache symptoms through regular colon hydrotherapy.

   Publication year: 2020🔗 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101145

3. German Fasting Academy

   Naturopathic measures for intestinal relief. Summary: Recommendations for the use of enemas and intestinal cleansing as part of fasting programs – with practical instructions and warnings.

   Year of publication: 2022🔗 https://www.fastenakademie.de/darmreinigung-fastenkur/

4. Mayo Clinic

   Digestive Health and Aging. Summary: Overview of age-related changes in the digestive tract and recommendations for supporting bowel function in seniors.

   Publication year: 2019🔗 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/digestive-system/art-20044231

5. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

   The Human Gut Microbiome and Aging. Summary: Analysis of changes in the gut microbiome with age and their association with chronic disease, immune function, and mental health.

   Publication year: 2020🔗https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7208923/