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| A coffee enema is exactly what it sounds like: injecting a mixture of brewed, caffeinated coffee and water into the colon through the rectum. Some people believe that coffee enemas can lead to health benefits by stimulating bile flow and the production of glutathione, a detoxifying antioxidant. |
| But is there any scientific evidence to back up these claims? Gastroenterologist Saurabh Sethi is here with his expert take. |
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Safety first,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Ginger Wojcik
July 10, 2025 • 3 min read |
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| Q: |
What’s up with coffee enemas? |
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| A: |
An enema is a medical procedure used in certain situations, such as to relieve severe constipation or clear the bowel before a procedure. Coffee enemas are touted by some as a detoxifying treatment that can cleanse the liver and improve digestion. Proponents believe the caffeine stimulates the liver and promotes the release of toxins through the bowel.
Despite the popularity of coffee enemas in alternative medicine, there’s very little robust scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in detoxifying the body or treating any medical condition. Some studies suggest that coffee enemas may increase bile production, but there’s no conclusive research showing long-term health benefits.
There are several risks associated with coffee enemas, including bowel perforation, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and infections. Additionally, repeated use can harm the rectal lining and lead to dependence on enemas for bowel movements.
The best way to support healthy digestion naturally is through these habits:
- Eat whole, minimally processed foods.
- Get plenty of fiber.
- Add healthy fats to your diet.
- Stay hydrated.
- Try to manage stress.
- Eat mindfully.
- Thoroughly chew your food.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Talk with your doctor about incorporating gut-supporting nutrients such as probiotics, l-glutamine, and zinc.
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| Saurabh Sethi, Gastroenterologist
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| Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)
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| Microbiome love |
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| Best Probiotic for Women: Dietitians’ Picks and Tester Reviews |
| With so many probiotic products on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. Here are our recommendations for the best probiotics for women, chosen by our registered dietitians and tried by our panel of testers. |
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| Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. |
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| What we’re digesting |
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