Today's diet comprising refined, processed foods, high in saturated fats and low in natural fibre, results in many constipation problems. Waste material allowed to remain too long in the digestive system, results in fermentation and putrefaction of these substances and the subsequent proliferation of bacteria and their toxins.

Colon hydrotherapy effectively removes stagnant faecal matter from the colon walls, preventing the build up of these toxins in the the portal and lymphatic system, resulting in a reduced load on the liver. In addition, the treatment removes mucous, gas, parasites and cellular debris, cacilitating peristaltic action and better absorption of nutrients.

Colon bacteria will ferment starches, releasing hydrogen and methane gasses, which are absorbed and released through the lungs. Thus, halitiosis may be a symptom of a stagnant fermenting colon. Intestinal toxaemia may further result in headaches, allergies, irritability, malnutrition and potentially lead to an overall lowering of an individual's immunological defence mechanism.

Prolonged retention of food residues, bile, etc., results in increased numbers of parasitic bacteria in the colon. For example streptococcus and staphylococcus, part of the normal flora of the large intestine, could in these conditions, enter the systemic circulation and be a potential source of disease.