Colonics -- also known as colonic irrigation, colon cleansing or colon hydrotherapy -- are an alternative medical therapy that involve flushing the colon with water through the rectum to cleanse the intestinal tract. The aim of a colonic is to remove fecal matter and toxins from the colon, and a colonic can sometimes involve the use of special herbs or liquids. Colonics can be used to relieve constipation, cleanse the intestinal tract and improve overall health.

Colonics are performed by trained professionals, called a colon hydrotherapist. During a colonic treatment, warm water is flushed into the colon through the anus, causing peristalsis, a contraction of the colon muscles. This contraction forces fecal matter out of the intestinal tract, into a closed waste collection system. The process can feel slightly uncomfortable and typically lasts between 45 minutes and an hour. Possible side effects include nausea and fatigue. Some medical professionals feel colonic cleansing is unecessary but many alternative health practitioners advocate it as a healthy way to reduce harmful waste in the body.

Learn more about Alternative Health and Medicine from That's Fit.

Want to look and feel great? Make sure you're drinking lots of water.

Photo: Photodisc

We know water's great for weight-loss, appearance and overall mental and physical performance. But can this simple beverage also make you sick? This week, AOL Health takes a look at what's lurking in your tap and what you can do to discover the quality of water -- and what, if any, changes in regulation we can help make happen. Plus, discover the 10 dirtiest tap-water states.

Photo: JupiterImages

"There are certain key nutrients that make a huge difference in not just how healthy you feel on the inside, but how healthy you look on the outside," says Tara Gidus, team dietitian for the Orlando Magic and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Check out her "No-Effort Guide" to looking great this week on AOL Health. One tip? Do this simple detox: Drink enough water. This liquid flushes out toxins and transports oxygen to your cells, which can not only boost skin clarity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but water also affects how defined your muscles look and how much power they provide you when you need them for other purposes -- say working out. So what are you waiting for? Start looking better today.

Liz Neporent is a diet and fitness expert and co-author of "The Fat-Free Truth." She regularly appears on national TV programs and is the president of Wellness 360, a New-York based wellness provider. You can also follow her on Twitter @lizzyfit.

Photo: zmtomako, Flickr

Will switching from soft drinks to energy drinks help me lose weight?

I know plenty of people who guzzle soft drinks and plenty of people who don't like drinking water. They are constantly looking for a tasty alternative to help them quench their thirst. So, are energy drinks the answer?

Perhaps. If you're a soda addict, each 8-ounce can you knock back without giving it a second thought will set you back about 100 to 120 empty calories. There is no calorie savings with some of the newer energy drinks, like Red Bull, plus they pack crazy amounts of caffeine and may not be great for your teeth. The same amount of the classic sugary energy drinks like Gatorade deliver just 50 calories. True, that's just half the damage of soda and may contain a few essential vitamins and minerals, but it's still a fairly significant slug of calories. Plus, who drinks just 8 ounces of anything, especially when you're parched? As a recent Columbia University study shows, most people easily chug their way through nearly 250 extra calories a day. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health also found that liquid calories had a stronger impact on weight loss than calories from solid foods.

CamelBak Annadel Hydration Pack Photo: CamelBak.com

If you're not a member at the gym or just really like the outdoors, chances are good that, now and again, you go for a run/walk/hike/bike ride that requires you to bring more water than just a little bottle. Or, you might just want to keep your hands free -- I know I have a really hard time reaching for a water bottle while on a bike without eating dirt.

There's a simple (and affordable) solution to all of these -- a hydration pack. CamelBak has been making a wide range of hydration packs over the years to suit a variety of needs. They have options for an expanding array of sports and sizes. The latest women's design is the Annadel, which I just tried out.

The Annadel ($45) is fairly compact, holding one to two hours of hydration (50 oz) and not a whole lot else. There's a pocket for keys, phone and a few other basics. My husband went with the Rogue ($55), which is also fairly streamlined but holds over two hours of hydration (70 oz) and a little more cargo than mine.

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Photo: kurisurokku, Flickr

You've just finished a tough workout. You're hot and sweaty so you reach for ... celery? It's long been known that water-rich fruits and vegetables can contribute to your hydration needs. But recent research shows that beyond contributing to hydration, some fruits and vegetables may hydrate your body twice as effectively as a glass of water.

Water is cool, refreshing and calorie-free, but certain types of produce have a leg up on H2O. Why? Because they provide nutrients like mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins as well as hydration.

When exercising, your body can lose electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing lost electrolytes is the whole premise behind sports drinks. But certain fresh fruits and veggies can replenish your body, too -- without all the artificial colors and flavors.

Lots of people get fit to look good in their swimsuits. But why not get in your swimsuit to get fit? CafeMom has a great post with some water workout suggestions such as:

Tick-tock hop. Jump from side to side with your feet together.

Squat jump. Extend your arms to shoulder height, then squat down; jump as high as possible while raising your arms overhead.

Bicycle. Lean back against the side of the pool with your arms resting on the edge for balance. Raise your legs and pedal at the surface.

Want some more ways to get fit at the pool? Check out these poolside workout tips.

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It seems like such a simple, small step: Drink more water. But it's often a difficult one for people -- people who might be kinda fond of their soda addiction, for instance. But being properly hydrated really is an important part of being fit.

For one, water quenches your thirst, making you less likely to reach for that soft drink. And as they're saying over at Livestrong, where more than 11,000 members have dared to sip more H2O, water also helps flush away toxins and replenish muscles. And since being even mildly dehydrated can make you tired and headache-y, drinking plenty of water can ensure you have enough energy for your workout every day.

For a lot of people, though, drinking plain water gets boring. But as the commenters over at Livestrong are quick to point out, adding natural flavors to water not only keeps things interesting, but fruits and veggies can boost nutrition too. Here are some quick and healthy ideas for putting some splash into your next glass of water.

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When it comes to health, there's really no better choice for hydration than water. Calorie-free, crisp and refreshing, water gives your body just what it needs without any of the artificial flavors, artificial colors or other additives it doesn't need. But when you reach for water, do you turn to the tap?

According to CafeMom, we spend about $15 million on bottled water. In addition to the high financial cost, bottled water also costs the environment -- with all that container waste, as well as the energy and fuel used to manufacture and distribute the bottles.

What do you think? Do you prefer bottled water? Or do you use tap (and/or filtered tap) water?

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Calorie-burning drink Enviga got burned this week when makers Coca-Cola and Nestle settled out of court for false advertising claims. Now Enviga will carry the very obvious claim that even if you drink it, you still have to diet and exercise to lose weight.

We all know belly fat is unhealthy, but do you know what your waist size should be? See how you size up with some famous celebs, and find out if your waist is stretching the healthy limit.

Squeezing that workout into a busy schedule? Try Oscar Blandi's new dry shampoo -- tried and true by Kristen -- when you just don't have time to primp after a workout.

Water and weight loss -- can it really help? Jonny thinks so. A recent study found that drinking 16 oz. of water before breakfast can cut down on calorie consumption.

Clothing stores use all kinds of tricks to make us feel fit and firm in their fitting rooms. With swimsuit season on the way, they're going to need all the help they can get.

Looking for a long-term fitness goal? Try a half-marathon. It's the fastest-growing road race right now.

Think diet fads are bad today? How about smoking yourself thin or that terrible cabbage soup diet? Maggie shares crazy diet trends through the decades.

Fast food -- is it getting healthier? If it is, I'd say it's about time. Bev dishes on the fish on Long John Silver's new Freshside Grille menu.

"Change your mind before you change your matter," says Laura. Reaching your goals requires the right mindset, so discover the seven secrets of champions.

It's hard to believe, but even super-fit celebs with great genes have trouble squeezing into their jeans some days. Charlize Theron admits that she has "fat days" when her pants just won't fit.

Trying to shed pounds? You're probably making a few sacrifices -- you know, cutting out ice cream and chips and trying to make up for them with fresh fruit and grilled veggies. Stuff like that. But one thing you shouldn't have to sacrifice is your social life. You still want to go out with your friends and have a few drinks, but you don't want to do too much damage to your diet.

So pints of beer are out. So are sugary cocktails. Wine is a good choice, but it might not be your thing. What's left? A gin and tonic is generally a standby drink for the low-cal lush. But how low-cal is it?

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Too busy to shower after your workout? Why not take a bath while you're on the treadmill? Okay, okay ... I jest. But the Hydro Physio does bear a striking resemblance to a treadmill at the bottom of a bathtub.

Though it may look odd, the concept is a good one. Water creates a natural resistance, which can improve the quality of your workout. In addition, when you work out in water, your buoyancy makes the movement less stressful on joints.

The Hydro Physio is currently used primarily for rehabilitation and athletes. But if you want to get the benefit of a water workout, consider water aerobics. You can also just ramp up your traditional treadmill workout.

[via Ruby Room]

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Want to prevent your waist from widening? Then here's a drink you simply must consume.

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