Alternative Preparation for Colonoscopies

Colon Hydrotherapy offers a more tolerable and convenient alternative for many people

A thorough exam of the colon is necessary to detect cancer, pre-cancerous growths, or other abnormalities. In Canada, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer, and yet early detection of colorectal cancer can increase the odds of survival significantly. However, in 2008, only 40% of Canadians over 50 years old reported they had been tested for colorectal cancer.

Some people resist having a colonoscopy because they do not want to take over-the-counter laxatives required to prepare for the exam. Others find the side effects of these drugs, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting to be so unpleasant that they won’t return for a follow-up.

A successful colonoscopy depends on having a clear colon to allow for an unobstructed view of the colon wall. Without proper cleansing, the results won’t be accurate. Fortunately, there is an alternative to harsh chemical laxatives. Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonics, is an effective, convenient, and gentle process that removes wastes from the entire length of the colon.

Colonoscopy Prep using Colon Hydrotherapy

  • Receive a minimum of two colon hydrotherapy sessions on consecutive days just prior to colonoscopy.
  • Consume only a clear liquid diet the day before the colonoscopy. (No milk or pasteurized juice). You can have herbal tea (no sugar), Clear soup broths or pureed soups & organic apple juice (no pulp), if you use a juicer you can also juice fruits or vegetables to drink during the day. You must consume 2-3 L of filtered water (not tap) throughout the day – warm or room temperature (not cold). If you have a very active job you may mix an electrolyte powder into your water, we recommend Vega Sport (not Gatorade or Powerade). Organic coconut water is also recommended.
  • For people that are frequently or acutely constipated (have less than one bowel movement a day) a third colon hydrotherapy session prior to the colonoscopy is required for a thorough preparation.
  • The Morning of the Colonoscopy:Nothing to eat or drink before your colonoscopy. If it is later in the afternoon you can have a small amount of warm water upon rising but nothing afterwards.

The above protocol, using Colon Hydrotherapy as a preparation for colonoscopy, may be considered after consulting your physician.

Effectiveness of Colon Hydrotherapy for Colonoscopy Preps

A presentation at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in 2006 reported on the results of a study showing that hydrotherapy worked better than laxatives in clearing the colon(3). The patients also rated hydrotherapy higher on ease, convenience, and comfort.

Some people will not or cannot take the over-the-counter preparations for colon cleansing, and colon hydrotherapy offers a more tolerable and convenient alternative for many people.

References:

1. Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. Colorectal cancer statistics, 2009. Available at: www.colorectal-cancer.ca/en/just-the-facts/colorectal

2. Wilkins K, Shields M. Statistics Canada. Colorectal cancer testing in Canada, 2008. Available at:www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2009003/article/10874-eng.htm

3. Fiorito J, Culpepper-Morgan JA, Estabrook SG, et al. Hydrotherapy compared with PEG-ES lavage and aqueous sodium phosphate as bowel preparation for elective colonoscopy: A prospective, randomized, single blinded trial. Presentation at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting, Las Vegas (NV); October 20–25, 2006.