Adapted by:
Alejandro Alcolea
WriterWriter at Xataka. I studied education and music, but since 2014 I've been writing about my passion: video games and technology. I specialize in product analysis, photography, and video. My body is 70% coffee.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Coffee has many health benefits. However, administering it rectally isn’t among the most recommended methods to make the most of its properties. Scientists advise against this practice, whether for a more direct intake of caffeine or for treating cancer.
In other words, coffee enemas can often do more harm than good.
Alternative wellness? The trend of coffee enemas gained popularity a few years ago, largely due to actress and wellness entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow. Through her lifestyle brand Goop, she has marketed several cosmetic and wellness products. Some them are quite controversial, including jade eggs and vaginal vapors aimed at intimate health.
Goop also sells the Implant O’Rama, costly coffee enemas priced at $150. Scientists have openly criticized these products due to a lack of evidence supporting their efficacy. The concern isn’t only about potential health risks but also that individuals may choose these pseudoscientific practices over proven medical treatments.
The enemas sold by Paltrow come with testimonials from individuals who claim their cancer has improved thanks to them.
Popular among royals. In February 2024, King Charles III of England announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. While the specific type of cancer wasn’t disclosed, he confirmed that he had begun conventional treatment while continuing to fulfill his royal duties. However, reports recently surfaced indicating that he’s ended chemotherapy and shifted to alternative treatments.
Specifically, the monarch has chosen Gerson therapy. Physician Max Gerson devised this alternative treatment in the 1930s to address cancer and other degenerative diseases. The therapy is built on a foundation of a vegetarian and low-sodium diet and a large intake of natural juices. Supplements such as vitamins and enzymes are also important, while the surprising central component are coffee enemas.
Detox. The Gerson therapy posits that cancer results from the body’s metabolic deterioration, manifesting as a tumor. Proponents believe that cancer can be cured by restoring metabolic balance through the elimination of toxins and strengthening the immune system. However, scientific evidence supporting this method is limited. In fact, there have been no controlled clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy in curing cancer or improving patients’ quality of life.
Studies from the National Cancer Institute conclude the reported cases don’t provide objective evidence of therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the treatment is extremely expensive. When he was still Prince of Wales, Charles III praised Gerson therapy in a speech about complementary therapies for people with cancer at London’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
The Gerson therapy claims that coffee enemas can detoxify the body by stimulating the liver and bile ducts. Advocates suggest that caffeine absorbed through the rectum dilates these ducts, facilitating the expulsion of toxins produced by cellular metabolism. They also say coffee enemas can relieve pain and enhance immune function. Some proponents even argue that doctors used this practice during World War II and the Crimean War to alleviate soldiers’ pain.
A portable device for administering enemas. Historically, several substances, including tobacco smoke, were introduced into the body rectally.
What scientists say. The National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK say that there’s no scientific evidence supporting these claims. Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved these practices for treating any disease. The medical community largely dismisses these theories due to the absence of evidence. Scientists also explain that the human body possesses natural detoxification organs, such as the liver and kidneys.
Potential risks. Some alternative theories can be beneficial when used alongside evidence-based medicine. However, the problem with coffee enemas is that their negative effects may outweigh any potential benefits.
Digestive specialists warn that this practice can be dangerous, even for healthy people, due to a range of adverse effects. Risks associated with coffee enemas include colonic or rectal inflammation, infections like septicemia, electrolyte imbalances, rectal burns, and intestinal perforations.
Not all enemas. Despite extensive scientific evidence, there are still advocates for alternative practices that go against conventional medicine. Some public figures even promote and participate in these harmful practices.
However, enemas can be necessary in certain situations. The procedure involves inserting a liquid into the rectum to empty the bowel, often required before surgeries. Patients with severe cases of constipation or intestinal inflammation can also benefit from enemas.
In the end, it seems that the best way to enjoy coffee remains the same as it’s always been: by drinking it.
Image | charlesdeluvio
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