Refresh Your Soul | Gut Health & Colon Hydrotherapy in Sacramento

Refresh Your Soul Team

Frequently Asked Questions About Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon hydrotherapy can be safe for appropriately screened individuals when performed by trained professionals using FDA-cleared equipment and established safety protocols. At Refresh Your Soul, every client completes a health history before treatment to help determine whether the procedure is appropriate for their individual needs.

References

  • Gajera A, et al. High-Volume Colonic Lavage Is a Safe and Preferred Colonoscopy Preparation for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Crohn’s & Colitis 360. 2022.
  • Hogan RB II, et al. Open-System Colon Irrigation Bowel Prep for Colonoscopy Is a Safe and Effective Alternative. 2021.
  • Sportes A, et al. Randomized Trial Comparing High Volume Rectal Water Irrigation with Standard PEG Preparation Before Colonoscopy. 2016.
Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle cleansing procedure that uses warm, filtered water to help flush waste from the large intestine through an FDA-cleared, closed plumbing system. At Refresh Your Soul, treatments are performed by trained Colon Hydrotherapists using sterile, single-use disposable supplies while prioritizing your comfort, privacy, and safety.
During a colon hydrotherapy session, warm, filtered water is introduced into the colon in a slow, controlled manner while waste is naturally released through a closed system. Gentle filling and emptying cycles help support the body’s normal elimination process, and your practitioner monitors the treatment throughout the session.
Most clients find colon hydrotherapy to be comfortable and relaxing. Some people may experience temporary fullness, mild cramping, or increased bowel activity as the colon responds to the water, but these sensations typically resolve quickly during or after the session.

Your first appointment typically lasts 75–90 minutes to allow time for your health history, consultation, treatment, and post-session recommendations. Follow-up sessions generally take about 60 minutes.

Drink plenty of water before your appointment and eat light, nourishing meals throughout the day. We recommend avoiding heavy meals, excessive alcohol, and highly processed foods immediately before your session. Your practitioner will provide additional preparation instructions if needed.
What Should I Eat After Colon Hydrotherapy?

After your session, focus on staying well hydrated and choosing nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest foods such as vegetables, fruit, lean proteins, and whole grains. Eating a balanced diet and following your personalized recommendations can help support healthy digestion after treatment.

The ideal frequency depends on your health goals, digestive concerns, and overall wellness plan. Some clients benefit from occasional maintenance sessions, while others may be advised to follow a more structured program as part of their personalized care plan.

Colon hydrotherapy is not appropriate for everyone. Certain medical conditions—including active inflammatory bowel disease flares, bowel perforation, severe diverticulitis, recent colorectal surgery, severe hemorrhoids with active bleeding, certain heart or kidney conditions, and pregnancy in some circumstances—may make treatment inappropriate. Every client is carefully screened before treatment to help determine whether colon hydrotherapy is appropriate for their individual health history.

References

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Information on FDA-cleared colonic irrigation devices.
  • Manufacturer contraindications for the FDA-cleared colonic irrigation system used at Refresh Your Soul.

Constipation can have many causes, including diet, hydration, medications, stress, pelvic floor dysfunction, and certain medical conditions. Some published studies have found that colonic irrigation or transanal irrigation may improve symptoms in selected patients with chronic constipation or evacuation disorders, although results vary and treatment should be individualized.

References

  • Koch SMP, et al. Prospective Study of Colonic Irrigation for the Treatment of Defaecation Disorders.
  • Bazzocchi G, et al. Position Paper on Transanal Irrigation in Chronic Non-Organic Constipation. 2024.
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms and Causes of Constipation.

Current research does not show that colon hydrotherapy permanently removes the beneficial bacteria that naturally live in the colon. The gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem that is continuously influenced by diet, lifestyle, medications, and other factors. Supporting a healthy microbiome through nutrition and lifestyle remains an important part of digestive health.

References

  • Valdes AM, et al. Role of the Gut Microbiota in Nutrition and Health. BMJ. 2018.
  • National Institutes of Health. Human Microbiome Project.

Yes. Refresh Your Soul uses an FDA-cleared colonic irrigation system that is designed and manufactured to meet federal medical device standards. FDA clearance means the device has been reviewed for its intended use and may be legally marketed in the United States. It does not mean the FDA has approved claims that the procedure treats or cures medical conditions.

References

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database.
  • Manufacturer documentation for the FDA-cleared colonic irrigation system used at Refresh Your Soul.

No. While both use water to support bowel emptying, they are different procedures. An enema introduces a small amount of liquid into the lower rectum and is typically performed at home. Colon hydrotherapy uses warm, filtered water delivered through an FDA-cleared device to gently cleanse the entire colon under the supervision of a trained practitioner.

References

  • American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Information on bowel preparation and enemas.
  • FDA information on colonic irrigation devices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Nutrition

What Is Functional Nutrition?

Functional nutrition is a personalized approach that looks at how food, digestion, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and other factors influence overall health. At Refresh Your Soul, we also review laboratory information—including functional and specialty lab testing, when appropriate . To help identify nutritional, metabolic, and physiologic patterns that may be contributing to your health concerns.

Reference

  • Chaudhary N, et al. Personalized Nutrition and -Omics. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2020.
Functional nutrition may benefit anyone experiencing ongoing digestive concerns, struggling to reach their health goals, or looking for a more personalized approach to nutrition and wellness. We work collaboratively with your healthcare team when appropriate to help support your overall health through individualized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
Functional lab testing provides additional information about digestion, nutrient status, metabolism, hormones, and other body systems that may not be evaluated through routine screening alone. These tests help guide personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations and are used alongside your health history and symptoms—not as a stand-alone diagnosis.
Specialty laboratory testing may be recommended when additional information could help explain persistent symptoms or support a more personalized nutrition plan. Not every client needs advanced testing, and recommendations are always based on your health history, symptoms, and goals.
Insurance coverage varies depending on your plan and the services provided. We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to determine your individual benefits, or our team can answer questions about our services and payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digestive Health

What Causes Bloating?

Bloating can result from many factors, including diet, constipation, food intolerances, changes in the gut microbiome, swallowing excess air, stress, or certain digestive conditions. Because the causes vary from person to person, identifying patterns is often the first step toward developing an effective plan.

Reference

  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gas in the Digestive Tract.

The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that naturally live in your digestive tract. These microbes play important roles in digestion, immune function, metabolism, and overall health, and they are influenced by diet, lifestyle, medications, and the environment.

References

  • Valdes AM, et al. Role of the Gut Microbiota in Nutrition and Health. BMJ. 2018.
  • NIH Human Microbiome Project.

The gut and brain communicate continuously through the gut-brain axis, a network involving the nervous system, hormones, immune signals, and the gut microbiome. This connection helps explain why stress can affect digestion and why digestive symptoms may also influence mood and overall well-being.

References

  • Foster JA, Rinaman L, Cryan JF. Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis. 2017.
  • Leigh SJ, Morris MJ. The Impact of Acute and Chronic Stress on Gastrointestinal Physiology and Function. 2023.

Yes. Stress can influence digestion by affecting intestinal movement, gut sensitivity, appetite, and the communication between the brain and digestive system. Managing stress is often an important part of supporting long-term digestive health.

References

  • Leigh SJ, Morris MJ. 2023.
  • NIDDK. Definition & Facts for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Digestive symptoms can have many causes, including diet, stress, medications, food intolerances, infections, changes in the gut microbiome, chronic health conditions, and lifestyle factors. Because no two people are alike, understanding your health history and symptoms is an important part of developing a personalized plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Discovery Consultation

What Is a Discovery Consultation?
A Discovery Consultation is your opportunity to meet with a practitioner, discuss your health concerns and goals, and learn about the services we offer. Together, we’ll determine whether Refresh Your Soul is the right fit for your needs and discuss the next steps in your personalized care plan.
Most new clients begin with a Discovery Consultation so we can better understand your health history, answer your questions, and recommend the most appropriate services. This helps ensure you receive care that is personalized to your individual needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About CLEAR™ Program

What Is the CLEAR™ Program?
The CLEAR™ Program is Refresh Your Soul’s comprehensive digestive health program that combines personalized nutrition, lifestyle coaching, education, and targeted recommendations to help support digestive wellness. Every plan is individualized based on your health history, symptoms, goals, and, when appropriate, laboratory findings.

The CLEAR™ Program is designed for individuals who are looking for a more comprehensive approach to digestive health and want ongoing guidance beyond a single appointment. It is ideal for those seeking personalized support to build sustainable nutrition and lifestyle habits.

The length of your program depends on your individual health goals and recommendations. We offer several program options that provide ongoing education, accountability, and support to help you make lasting lifestyle changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Topics

Do I Need a Referral?
No referral is required for most of our services. If you have questions about your health or are under the care of another healthcare provider, we are happy to work collaboratively as part of your healthcare team when appropriate.
Refresh Your Soul is a private-pay practice. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly if you have questions about reimbursement for any services you receive.
Refresh Your Soul is conveniently located in Sacramento, California, and proudly serves clients throughout the greater Sacramento region, including Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, Lincoln, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, and West Sacramento.

Our Commitment to Evidence-Informed Education

At Refresh Your Soul, we believe patients deserve clear, accurate, and trustworthy health information. Our educational content is developed using current scientific literature, professional guidelines, and clinical experience to help you make informed decisions about your digestive health.

Where appropriate, we include references to peer-reviewed research and authoritative resources. Because scientific knowledge continues to evolve, our content is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current evidence. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace personalized medical care.