Why consider probiotic colonic infusions?
By introducing billions of live probiotics (live microorganisms) locally into the large bowel, it assists the gut’s natural micro-biome balance by increasing the good bacteria through a simple process of colonisation, (dominating the “real estate”) keeping the bad bacteria (clostridium difficile) in check.
The colon is home to trillions of bacteria that perform complex roles such as producing specific bacteriocins which inhibit and kill other potentially bad (pathogenic) bacteria as well as producing Vitamins such as Vitamin K, thiamine, folate, biotin, riboflavin, and Vit B5 (panthothenic acid). To say they only protect and feed you, is an understatement as they also play a crucial role in chronic inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis as well as fungal infections such as candida albicans.
The diversity of bacteria that colonise your bowl largely depends on your eating habits and lifestyle. With high stress combined with poor food choices and the use of prescribed antibiotics can often disturb this crucial balance.
What are the therapeutic benefits of probiotics?
When people think of bacteria, negative connotations mostly come to mind but the facts are, the human body has over 100 trillion microscopic life forms living in it and our human cells only make up 43% of the total cells in our body, the rest is bacteria. Its an incredible realisation that the dominating life form within us all, is in fact bacteria. So when the balance is off, its no wonder the impact to our health is widespread leaving health experts perplexed largely due to its immense and unique complexities (1000 different species of bacteria) as no two micro-biomes are the same as it is recognised as one of the most diverse habitats in the world.
Most human microbes are acquired after birth by coming into contact with the environment gradually becoming more and more diverse until the age of 3 when adult microbes are established. Generally the gut micro-biome are stable however studies indicate that extreme forces such as antibiotics can alter the microbes causing significant havoc.
The research surrounding probiotics is promising but still in its infancy as experts are still trying to fully understand how probiotics affect the body. A new emerging form of treatment for the more chronically affected, is called faecal transplant, but this is another story for another day but mentioned to help you understand the potential healing powers of probiotics as a whole. Essentially the goal of a probiotic is to put back what is lost. One of the benefits of receiving probiotics directly via the colon as opposed to orally, is it bypasses the stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) which is a major advantage when consuming live bacteria.
- reduces inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome
- reduces candida albicans
- neutralises bad bacterial toxins
- reduces cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity, type-2 diabetes (blood glucose levels) and body mass index (weight loss)
- improves the absorption of nutrients
- reduces gas and bloating
- plays an important and complex role in digestion, immune function, and many other bodily processes
What are some good natural oral probiotics?
Consider introducing the following foods in your diet, but remember, a poor diet rich in sugar and processed foods will always compete with probiotic friendly foods. If you’re serious about balancing your micro-biome, replace junk food with these foods to provide the right environment for them to thrive.
- yogurt containing live cultures
- kefir
- fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut or kimchi
- fermented soybeans such as miso or tempeh
- apple cider vinegar (use in your salad dressing or drink a teaspoon in half a glass of water 20 mins before eating)
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are essentially indigestible ingredients found naturally in foods which stimulate the growth and activity of certain bacterial species. The types of foods we consume feeds the diverse bacterial species living in our digestive system. Good prebiotic foods to incorporate in our diet are:
|
Garlic |
Asparagus | Bananas |
|
Onions |
Artichokes | Apples |
|
Leeks |
Tomatoes | Plums |
| Wheat Bran/Oat/Barley | Nuts | Seaweed |
Can I have a probiotic infusion during my first colonic session?
For best results, we do not recommend starting with probiotic infusions on your 1st visit. Many clients come to see us initially with fairly “chronic issues”, that is, things that have been building for years and often colonics are the last hope in a long line of failed therapies, diets and medications. For many clients, the first 2-3 sessions are still at the very start of breaking down the build-up of faecal matter (the “dam wall” if you like) and it’s important we clear out a good chunk of the cumulated waste in order for the probiotic infusion to be of a greater therapeutic benefit. Also, commonly in the first couple of sessions, there is a lot of information to understand in addition to becoming familiar with the“mechanics” of the colonic session so there is less apprehension and more relaxation during the procedure. We know the tenser a person is, the more they “hold onto” things and bowel action is generally “switched off” when stress or nervousness is apparent. Equally important is getting to know your therapist and your therapist getting to know your bowel mobility, making important tweaks and changes to improve bowel health. This usually involves dietary and hydration recommendations, +/- supplements to boost results.
Prepping and doing the groundwork is incredibly important to getting the most out of any colonic session especially prior to introducing the next level of care such as infusions.
For clients new to colonics we would only introduce a colonic infusion from the 3rd session onwards. Probiotic infusions would be an added inclusion within the standard treatment time allotted, receiving a normal treatment for the 1st 15-20 mins, then the probiotic infusion introduced and held for ideally 10 mins before the final flush.
For experienced colonic clients who haven’t had a colonic treatment for longer than 3 months, in order for you to get the most from the addition, we recommend one session before any probiotic infusions or possibly two. This would be discussed with your therapist in session depending on what has been happening health-wise combined with the results of that 1st colonic session.
For our regular colonic clients who have recently attended within the last 3 months, this option can be booked but always best to chat with your colonic hydrotherapist which infusion would serve you best as we offer 4 different types: Organic Coffee, Turmeric, Probiotics & Alkalising Greens.
All colonic infusions must be pre-booked as there are preparations involved on the day so short notice cannot be accepted. We only prepare and store the infusions (in thermos flasks for temperature & hygiene control) for quantities used on the day so nothing “old” is ever infused. When booking your appointment you must specify if you want to add an infusion to your colonic session as additional fees apply.
What other colonic infusions do you offer?
At Brunswick Health our Colonic Hydrotherapists and Naturopaths have created several colonic infusion packages after much research and diligently sourcing the best infusion products on the market.
To view more information on additional infusions, click on the links provided below:
How do I book for a colonic infusion?
To book a colonic infusion you must first discuss which infusion type would benefit you with your colonic hydrotherapist. This will be based on your medical history and any current signs or symptoms you may be displaying.
Once the colonic infusion type is determined, when making your next appointment you must book the infusion at reception so preparations can be made in advance. Infusions cannot be provided at short notice as all infusions are prepared at start of day by your colonic hydrotherapist (who is usually fully booked on the day). If you are unable to attend your colonic infusion appointment, notice must be provided the day before otherwise the infusion will be charged once it is prepared. As we only use fresh ingredients any unused infusions will be discarded by end of day and any wastage must be reimbursed by the intended user.
To make an appointment, you can call reception on 9380 8099, email or book online.
What are the fees for colonic infusions?
As all the infusions are an added inclusion, the normal fee for a standard colonic session applies plus small additional fee to cover the cost and preparation of the infusion.
