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Gwyneth Paltrow’s ‘Goop’ promotes potentially harmful coffee enema kit

Detox colon cleanses have been deemed unnecessary by medical professionals

Sabrina Barr
Tuesday 09 January 2018 12:44 GMT
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Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle website Goop is promoting a DIY coffee enema kit, which may prove harmful to people’s health.

A coffee enema is a type of colon cleanse that involves inserting a mixture of brewed coffee and water into the colon via the rectum.

This particular coffee enema being shared on Goop in "The Beauty & Wellness Detox Guide" is being sold by a company called Implant O’Rama for $135 (£100).

A number of medical professionals have advised against unnecessary detoxes, as your body already has the tools it needs to rid itself of toxins.

“If you have a liver, your body is already getting rid of toxins,” Roberta Anding, a dietitian and sports nutritionist told CBS News.

“You don’t need to do any cleanses.”

Undergoing colon cleanses could lead to potentially harmful consequences.

(Coffee enema kit sold by Implant O'Rama)

According to the Mayo Clinic, colon cleanses are common practice when preparing to undergo a procedure such as a colonoscopy.

However, colon cleanses in other circumstances are not only unwarranted, but they can be detrimental to your health.

“Proponents of colon cleansing believe that toxins from your gastrointestinal tract can cause a variety of health problems, such as arthritis, allergies and asthma,” Dr Michael F. Picco writes.

“They believe that colon cleansing improves health by removing toxins, boosting your energy and enhancing your immune system.

“However, there’s no evidence that colon cleansing produces these effects.”

Picco goes on to detail the specific impact of coffee enemas, mentioning that they have been linked to several deaths in the past.

“Colon cleansing can also cause less serious side effects, such as cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting,” he explains.

This isn’t the first time Goop has promoted questionable products.

Last year, the website published a post about the benefits of using vaginal jade eggs, which was quickly debunked by gynecologists.

The Implant O’Rama website makes a point of stating that the information provided in regard to their products shouldn’t replace advice given by a medical doctor.

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