{ Do Colonics Help With Weight Loss? }

Do Colonics Help With Weight Loss?

There are many different factors that can contribute to weight gain or difficulty with losing weight. For some people making dietary and lifestyle changes like eating a cleaner diet and moving more regularly can make a big impact on weight loss. But what about those people who make the changes, are consistent with them and still don’t see the results? The calories in calories out approach is becoming outdated as we have a better understanding of metabolic health. This is where it helps to dig a little deeper into understanding metabolic health and different factors that can contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight, that are not directly correlated with diet and movement. One key player here is the Gut Microbiome, which is vastly becoming a fundamental aspect of understanding human health. 

The Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome is home to a community of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes. The gut microbiome mostly resides within the large intestine (colon). The gut microbiome plays a host of different roles in the body: the production of neurotransmitters, the synthesis of some vitamins, the digestion of nutrients, regulating immune function (70% of the immune system resides within the gut microbiome) and helping to control metabolic health. So how does the gut microbiome influence metabolic health? One of the roles of the gut microbiome is to produce beneficial metabolites known as short chain fatty acids (SCFA). These metabolites regulate and influence immunity and inflammation within the body. If there is an imbalance within the gut microbiome (known as dysbiosis), this affects the production of SCFA’s. The reduction of SCFA can lead to inflammation and a reduction of nutrient  processing which has been linked to obesity/weight gain (2). 

Can Colonics Improve Gut Microbiome Health for Weight Loss? 

Whilst there is currently no studies showing that colonics directly cause fat loss or long-term weight reduction, Colonic hydrotherapy can offer support for dysbiosis which can indirectly support weight management:  

1. Support for gut microbiome balance:

Colonics can help address dysbiosis, which is an imbalance of the gut microbiome. Research shows that certain microbiome profiles are linked with metabolism and body weight regulation. By supporting a healthier microbial community, colonics may promote a gut environment more favourable to metabolic function in certain individuals.  Recent human studies have proposed that the baseline gut microbiota composition may predict diet-induced weight loss-responses (2).  Furthermore, the shifts in the microbiome acutely and in later stages post-colonic will be influenced by a person’s baseline microbiome diversity 

2. Improved digestion, reduction in abdominal discomfort and nutrient absorption: 

By clearing accumulated waste and reducing gut congestion, colonics may help improve bowel regularity and digestive efficiency, which can support better nutrient absorption and reduce bloating. In practice, many people notice an improved sense of wellbeing and increased energy or stamina. This heightened vitality often motivates individuals to make healthier choices around eating and physical activity, which can indirectly support sustainable, healthy weight management.(3). 

3. Synergy with dietary changes:
When combined with a high-fibre, Mediterranean-style diet, colonics may support gut health more effectively. This diet provides prebiotics and fibre that feed beneficial gut bacteria, complementing any microbiome shifts achieved through colonics (4). 

How often Should I have a Colonic to Support weight Loss? 

We recommend having 2-3 sessions over 2-3 weeks to kick start the process. Ideally the first session would be our Deluxe session, allowing for more time to get things moving. After this we could recommend continuing  sessions monthly for 3-4 months. After this time many people choose to do 1-2 maintenance sessions quarterly or seasonally to maintain digestive health and reduce the accumulation of built up waste. 

Do I need to follow a special diet whilst receiving treatment? 

To get the most out of your treatment we recommend your top priority being water. Water assists with the removal of waste and will make your colonic sessions more effective. The ideal diet to follow during treatment, especially if weight loss is your goal, is the Mediterranean diet which focuses on vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, nuts, seeds and regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil as a healthy fat source. Proteins like tofu, chicken and eggs are consumed in moderation and fish is included twice per week. This diet limits intake of red meat refined carbohydrates and sugar. This diet is high in fibre which supports a healthy microbiome (fibre feeds good bacteria) and also helps to assist with waste removal. 

Takeaways 

Improving the health of the gut microbiome and shifting away from a state of dysbiosis has an overall positive effect on metabolic health which can improve metabolism and positively affect body composition. 

1.Rowland, I., Gibson, G., Heinken, A., Scott, K., Swann, J., Thiele, I., & Tuohy, K. (2017). Gut microbiota functions: metabolism of nutrients and other food components. European Journal of Nutrition, 57(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-017-1445-8

2. Roager, H. M., & Christensen, L. H. (2022). Personal diet–microbiota interactions and weight loss. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 81(3), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665122000805

3. Hsu, H.-H. ., Leung, W.-H. ., & Hu, G.-C. . (2016). Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with a novel colonic irrigation system: a pilot study. Techniques in Coloproctology, 20(8), 551–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-016-1491-x

4. Dominguez, L. J., Veronese, N., Di Bella, G., Cusumano, C., Parisi, A., Tagliaferri, F., Ciriminna, S., & Barbagallo, M. (2023). Mediterranean diet in the management and prevention of obesity. Experimental Gerontology, 174(112121), 112121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2023.112121