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This probiotic retention enema, which I originally learned and adapted from Jini Patel Thompson, delivers probiotics directly to your colon. This is not a cleansing or flushing enema, but rather an implant or retention enema, where the goal is to hold the mixture in your colon until the liquid is completely absorbed.
Supplies you will need:
- Fleet enema bottle—you will empty the contents and wash with soap and warm water (remove safety valve, if necessary, to improve flow)
- Coconut oil for lubrication
- 3 strains of probiotics, described below
Protren Probiotics (15% discount code: SARFD001)
- 1 tsp. Bifidobacterium infantis
- 1 tsp. Bifidobacterium bifidum
- 1/2 tsp. Lactobacillus acidophilus
- You may also choose to take this high-potency probiotic orally, (which contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum & Lactobacillus bulgaricus) once per day, while you are doing the enemas
Natren Probiotics (15% discount code: SARFD001)
- 1 tsp. Bifidobacterium infantis
- 1 tsp. Bifidobacterium bifidum
- 1/2 tsp. Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Alternately, some people may simply buy this probiotic three-strain starter kit instead of the above three strains. This kit contains the same Lactobacillus acidophilus & Bifidobacterium bifidum- but Lactobacillus bulgaricus instead of the Bifidobacterium infantis strain)
- You may also choose to take this high-potency probiotic orally, (which contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum & Lactobacillus bulgaricus) once per day, while you are doing the enemas
Method:
- To make the probiotic solution, add 2-3 oz warm water into a bowl and add the probiotics. The water should be distilled or filtered if possible.
- Insert enema in whatever way is most comfortable for your body. Here is an article that offers a few suggestions.
- Retain enema for approximately 60 minutes. Start on your right side for 10 minutes, then lay on your back for 10 minutes, then on your left side for 10 minutes. If any of these positions (usually the left side) gives you the urge to use the bathroom, just skip that position.
- You can gently massage your abdomen in a counterclockwise direction (up your left side, across the top of your abdomen and then down your right side) to move the enema contents up your colon. For some, all the water will be absorbed at this point and you can then get up and walk around again or just go to bed for the evening.
How often do you suggest doing these enemas during your healing process?
It would really depend on your specific symptoms, but if tolerated, possibly once a week for several weeks.
Hello doctor. How can I contact with you? I need your consultation.
Karina,
Our contact info is on the bottom of each website page: https://mindfulfamilymedicine.com/
What do you think about a prebiotic enema, for someone with SIBO, to bypass the small intestine and help to feed the bacteria in the colon? And now they are talking about post biotics…
My wife has MS. She was walking until a Nurse Practitioner gave her antibiotics for her UTI. After that antibiotics, she could not walk. I think it killed all the good bacteria.
Do you think Probiotic retention enemas will help get her to walk? What are the best strains, and what strength?
Thank you
Michael, I am sorry to hear about the worsening of your wife’s MS. The blog post has links to the strains of probiotics that you can use in this enema (as well as links to one your wife can take orally). Please discuss this with her NP if you have any questions or concerns.
Is there any downside to using alternative probiotic strains (or more diverse mixtures) that differ from the (Protren/Natren) products being suggested?
I had planned on doing the same protocol but via my daily oral probiotic (bio-kult), simply by emptying the contents of the capsules into the solution.
Is this a wise approach?
(I appreciate your help in the matter!)
I would also like to know the answer to Tanner’s question. Is there a specific reason we should only use the probiotic strains you mentioned? My daughter has been really sick and we were planning on having her do probiotic enemas. We just want to make sure we use the right/most beneficial strains. Thank you.