Colon Hydrotherapy

WHAT IS THE INDICAN TEST?

It is a urine test used to diagnose and monitor intestinal or digestive problems.

Indican is produced by bacterial action on an amino acid, Tryptophan, in the intestine. Most is excreted in the feces. The remainder is absorbed, metabolized and excreted in the urine.

In normal urine, the amount of indican excreted is small. It is increased with high protein diets or inefficient protein digestion. If not digested properly, or if the wrong type of proteins are ingested, bowel putrefaction can occur. Problems with protein digestion can be caused by overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, intestinal obstruction, stomach cancer, low stomach acid, parasitic infections, fungal infections, gluten intolerance, lack of digestive enzymes, or liver problems.

The inability to digest protein can have adverse affects on blood sugar, hormone balance and water balance.

PREPARING FOR THE INDICAN TEST

To prepare for the test it is best to eat 8 to 12 oz. of protein the day before the colonic.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink 64 ounces of water every day unless the doctor has instructed otherwise. Do NOT take laxatives, vitamin C, digestive enzymes, or hydrochloric acid.

The collection of the urine should be taken upon rising in the morning. Please store the collection container filled with the urine in a cool dry place before coming in for the appointment. Do NOT store the urine in the refrigerator or leave in extreme heat.

The urine collection container can be picked up prior to the session.

If you are unable to eat protein and/or the doctor has prescribed a restricted protein diet, do not do this test.

If it isn't possible to get a morning urine sample, either take the test upon arrival or take it home and bring back the sample at a later date.

The Urine Indican Test can be repeated on the third or fourth session to see improvement in protein malabsorption.