The gut plays a bigger role in our health than we often realise, with a strong connection between the gut and the brain. This relationship, known as the gut-brain axis, involves constant communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.
Interestingly, the gut has more nerve cells than any part of the body besides the brain, and more information flows between the gut and brain than any other system in the body.
The gut-brain axis is facilitated by the vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system. This nerve regulates essential functions like digestion, heart rate, and immune responses. Disorders linked to this axis include:
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Anxiety
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Chest pains
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Stress
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Chronic fatigue
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Obesity
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Neurodevelopment disorders
The Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve travels from the base of the brain to the major organs, serving as a communication pathway between the brain and the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and overall relaxation. Many people today are in sympathetic dominance, which is the "fight or flight" arm of the nervous system.
According to Dr. Datis Kharrazian,"activating the vagus nerve and hence the parasympathetic nervous system, enhances not only gut health but also the ability to relax and focus. Many people notice their bowel function improves over time and they can wean off the coffee enemas. This is because the enemas improved their vagal system pathways."
How Poor Brain Health Affects Gut Health
Poor brain health can significantly impact the vagus nerve's activity, preventing the digestive system from working properly. This can cause various gut-related issues such as digestion difficulties, constipation, irregular bowel movements, bloating, and discomfort after meals. It's crucial to understand that poor gut health can also worsen brain function, leading to symptoms like depression, brain fog, memory loss, and mood disorders.
Using Coffee Enemas to Support the Gut-Brain Axis
Regular use of coffee enemas can offer several benefits for those experiencing symptoms of poor gut and brain health. Some potential advantages include:
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Improved Digestion: By enhancing the vagus nerve's function, coffee enemas can help regulate bowel movements, reduce bloating, and alleviate constipation.
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Enhanced Brain Function: Improved gut health can lead to better brain function, potentially reducing brain fog, fatigue, and memory issues.
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Relaxation and Stress Relief: The parasympathetic activation from coffee enemas can promote relaxation, helping individuals feel more calm and clear-headed.
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Detoxification: Coffee contains compounds that can stimulate liver function, aiding in the detoxification process and overall health improvement.
Dr. Josh Redd recommends coffee enemas and says “I suggest the patient perform a coffee enema two or three times a week to help improve communication between the brain and the gut and alleviate symptoms. The idea of a coffee enema initially puts people off, but once they give it a try, many decide to make it a regular part of life.”
Other Ways to Improve Your Vagus Nerve
You can also help improve your vagus nerve through simple techniques that stimulate it:
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Gargling: Gargle water several times a day to activate the muscles at the back of your throat. This action contracts those muscles, stimulating the vagus nerve and enhancing gastrointestinal function.
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Singing Loudly: Singing at the top of your voice works the muscles in the back of the throat to activate the vagus nerve.
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Yoga or Meditation: These practices stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system by placing your body in a relaxed state, promoting healthy digestion and a calm nervous system.
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Diet: Focus on eating whole, plant-based foods as often as possible. A varied and healthy diet, free from additives and preservatives, supports both gut and vagal function.
How to Perform a Coffee Enema
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Prepare the coffee solution: Use organic coffee to avoid exposure to harmful pesticides, mold and mycotoxins. Boil 600-800ml of purified water and add to two scoops of coffee for about 10 minutes and let it cool to room temperature.
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Set up your enema equipment: Using your enema bag or Glass enema kit ensure the clamp is closed. Fill it with the cooled coffee solution.
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Find a comfortable space: Lay in the bathroom, bathtub or on a towel to avoid any spills.
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Insert the enema tip: Lubricate the tip and gently insert it into your rectum.
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Release the solution: Open the hose clamp to allow the coffee to flow in. If you experience cramping, you can pause and resume when comfortable.
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Hold the solution: Try to hold the coffee enema for 12 to 15 minutes to maximise vagus nerve activation. Dr Kharrazian says "I also tell my patients to hold the enema to the point where they have to work hard, like holding a plank, as this powerfully stimulates the vagus".
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Cleanup: After releasing the enema, clean the equipment and let it dry.
Why Happy Bum Co.
At Happy Bum Co we are all about biohacking your health and providing natural at-home health solutions. We believe gut health is the key to overall health and that detoxifying with coffee enemas play a crucial role.
Our coffee enema products are the highest quality and specifically designed for at home safety and efficacy so you too can discover the hidden benefits and maximise your detox experience at home.
Start your detox today with coffee enemas. We've created a Beginners Bundle with everything you need to get started.
Happy detoxing x
