Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: thedoc on 01/02/2016 19:50:02
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Shrikant Shrinivas asked the Naked Scientists:
Is it possible to give a Water Enema "orally" by first ingesting something that would inhibit the absorption of water in the small intestine...
The idea I am desperate for is, that if there is something like Castor Oil, or Simethicone/Dimethicone...; Something I can use as a temporary barrier to inhibit the absorption of water in the small intestine...
Thus I would be able to send all the water I drink, as a flushing liquid to flush out my colon top-down...
Could you help me; Could you tell me if any research has been made into this possibility.
Thanks so much..
What do you think?
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There are orally administered laxatives that are predominantly high molecular weight polyethylene glycols* (like Miralax), that when taken with large amounts of water will effectively "clean out the pipes..." (NOTE: only do this if you want to spend a few hours on the toilet)
Of course, don't do anything recommended on this website or any other, if it contradicts what your doctor recommends.
*Only ingest polyethylene glycols that are intended for medicinal use. Other grades and forms of polyethylene glycol can be toxic and even fatal if swallowed!
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The mechanism you describe is the means by which some purgatives work. Osmotic laxatives, like magnesium salts, increase the osmotic potential of the bowel content, preventing the net absorption of water through the bowel wall and leading to water retention in the lumen. Some pathogens, on the other hand, also interfere with the water handling of the bowel wall. Cholera, for example, boosts the levels of a signal called cAMP. The increase in cAMP leads to a powerful secretory diarrhoea as the enterocytes (bowel lining cells) actively pump water into the bowel lumen, producing profuse "rice water" diarrhoea in litre quantities. Untreated, patients can fatally dehydrate within hours.
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Shrikant Shrinivas asked the Naked Scientists:
Thus I would be able to send all the water I drink, as a flushing liquid to flush out my colon top-down...
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Why do you think this would be a good thing?
The colon is perfectly capable of emptying itself in healthy people; if you are not healthy go and see a doctor- in particular, don't rely on stuff you see on the 'web.