I'm 44 and have ulcerative colitis. Is colon hydrotherapy safe, or should I speak to a specialist first?
The question, asked by a woman aged 30 to 44
I've been living with ulcerative colitis and still have periods where my gut feels quite unsettled. Someone recently suggested colon hydrotherapy to help 'clean out' the gut, but I'm not sure if that's actually a good idea with UC. I don't want to try something that could make things worse, especially during a flare. Should I speak to a gastroenterologist or another specialist before considering it?
With Ulcerative colitis, colon hydrotherapy is generally recommended, usually during a flare.
In UC, the lining of your large intestine is inflamed and delicate. It’s like a wound on the inside. So now flushing water through it can cause:
- Irritate the inflamed lining or trigger a flare.
- Increase the risk of bleeding or injury to the bowel wall.
- Wash away good gut bacteria.
- Cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
There is no strong evidence that colon hydrotherapy can help with UC. The discomfort you are facing is due to either inflammation, stress or some imbalance in the gut. These need to be detected and treated, not flushed.
So the first thing is to see your gastroenterologist to find out if your colitis is still active.
Suggested Tests
- Faecal calprotectin, to check whether the colitis is currently active
- Stool culture and C. difficile toxin test, to rule out infection during unsettled periods
- CBC, ESR and CRP
- Serum albumin, to assess inflammation and nutrition
- Ferritin and iron studies, as ongoing bleeding can lead to low iron
- Vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D
- Liver function tests, including ALP and GGT, as ulcerative colitis can sometimes affect the bile ducts
- Kidney function and electrolytes
- Surveillance colonoscopy, at the interval advised by the gastroenterologist, typically from around eight years after diagnosis
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
At CLP, we don’t recommend colon hydrotherapy for UC. We work with your gastroenterologist to calm the inflammation in your gut.
We do a thorough diagnosis and check for Faecal calprotectin, as this helps check if the inflammation is still active, and your nutrients like iron and B12.
We coordinate with your gastroenterologist, so your treatment and plan go hand in hand.
A gut-friendly nutrition plan to help with remission.
Nutrition and hydration support through IVs to replenish iron, and vitamins, if gut is not absorbing well.
Our mental wellness team can help with suggestions and tips on managing stress, to avoid any flare ups..
A gentle and consistent approach does far more than a quick clean-out, which is not necessary.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
- Take a gastroenterologist’s opinion on whether you are suitable for colon hydrotherapy.
- Eat a diet that is rich in fiber and whole grains, and prepare them in a softer, easy-to-eat and digestible way.Keep yourself hydrated.
- With UC, the appetite can take a hit, so ensure you intake good and digestible protein to avoid any nutrient deficiency.
- Keep a check on symptoms instead of cutting down foods completely unless advised by your gastroenterologist or nutritionist.
What to Do Next
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