Most people assume that if their bowel movements are normal, their colon is doing fine too. But gastrointestinal issues like chronic constipation, irritable bowel symptoms or constant bloatedness indicate otherwise, says Dr. Michael J. Coyle, a urogynecologist and president and CEO of the Coyle Institute, in Pensacola. 

Colon health is linked to overall health, Coyle says, and a healthy colon has numerous benefits beyond the obvious. That includes improved immunity—a critical issue especially now, during the pandemic.

“It’s been known for thousands of years that the colon is an important aspect of our immune system,” he says. “It’s been reported that 70 to 80 percent of our immune system is housed within our gut.”

While many of us take supplements to try to protect ourselves from common illness, colon hydrotherapy (CHT)—a process for cleaning out the entire colon—is a natural way boost our immune system by 70 to 80 percent, and to improve our lives in general, Coyle says.

“CHT has been around for thousands of years and is extremely safe and effective,” he says. “Of course, the procedure itself has significantly improved in recent years; it’s extremely clean and comfortable, with no downtime.” 

The importance of liver health

At the Coyle Institute, CHT sessions are performed by nationally certified colon hydrotherapists. A liver detox at the same time is also recommended. As with the colon, most people don’t understand the impact of the liver on immune function, Coyle says.

“The liver plays a massive role in the body’s natural production of antioxidants,” he says. “Glutathione, the most powerful antioxidant in our bodies, is primarily produced in the liver. So one of the best ways to boost our natural glutathione levels is to optimize our liver function. It’s amazing when you realize that we actually have more stones in our liver than we do in our gallbladder. If we do a liver detox at the same time as CHT, all those stones can be excreted out of the body through the colon.”

Therefore, while colon hydrotherapy is frequently used to ease constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and similar issues, the main purpose for cleaning out the colon is to provide that major immune boost, Coyle says. 

He recommends a series of three CHT sessions, with a 10-day liver detox between the second and third sessions. 

“This series of three sessions is absolutely fantastic for boosting the immune system, cleaning out the colon, and increasing the production of our most powerful antioxidant, glutathione,” he says. “Colon hydrotherapy is a time-tested therapy that is fantastic for people who are struggling with decreased immunity or bowel issues, and also for anyone interested in maintaining a healthy immune system.” 

The Coyle Institute is located at 9295 Scenic Hwy., Pensacola, FL. For appointments or more information, call 850-983-3528 or visit CoyleInstitute.com.