Digestive and Colon Health
Digestion is necessary to facilitate metabolism of food. The food that we eat contains various nutrients like proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, etc. that provide energy, immunity, serve as building blocks, and nourishes the body. In the food that we eat, nutrients are in the form of large molecules that are physically and chemically bound together. Digestion breaks down this bond of complex molecules into simple nutrient molecules that can be absorbed by the body to support its day-to-day functions. For example the complex protein molecules are broken down into simple molecules of amino acids, which can be easily absorbed by the intestinal walls, and then can be diffused into the blood.The colon in our digestive system needs to undergo a major cleaning operation every once in a while, to eliminate the presence of harmful wastes that are deposited in the colon. It works better when it is clean, and is rid of all that makes it hinder our digestive system from managing the digestion process. It prevents constipation above all, from taking place and curbs health problems like muscle and joint pain, fatigue, depression, skin problems and even making your nails shinier and less brittle.
Your colon, also known as your large intestine, plays an essential role in your health. As part of your digestive system, your colon helps to remove water, salt and certain nutrients from indigestible food matter, and helps to form and eliminate solid waste from your body.
When your colon is healthy, you will have regular bowel movements that are well shaped (like a torpedo), soft and easy to pass; subsequently, this means toxins and waste are being effectively eliminated from your system. However, your digestive system, including your colon, is easily impacted by a number of factors, from your diet to environmental chemicals, and as a result can easily become imbalanced.
For instance, if the walls of your colon become damaged, toxins from your food can be absorbed into your bloodstream instead of eliminated. It’s also common for disease-causing bacteria and yeast to proliferate in an unhealthy colon, leading to an extensive array of mental and physical conditions. While constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating are the most common symptoms of trouble in your colon, small growths known as polyps can also develop.
What Is the Function of the Colon?
Responsible for the final stages of the digestive process, the colon's function is threefold: to absorb the remaining water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter; to accept and stores food remains that were not digested in the small intestine; and to eliminate solid waste (feces) from the body.
The colon works to maintain the body's fluid balance. It absorbs certain vitamins, and processes indigestible material (such as fiber), and stores waste before it is eliminated. Within the colon, the mixture of fiber, small amounts of water, and vitamins, etc., mix with mucus and the bacteria that live in the large intestine, beginning the formation of feces.
As the feces makes its way through the colon, the lining absorbs most of the water as well as some of the vitamins and minerals present. Bacteria within the colon feed on the fiber, breaking it down in order to produce nutrients that will nourish the cells that line the colon. This is why fiber is such a vital part of a diet geared toward the colon's long-term health.
Feces is moved along until the walls of the sigmoid colon contract, causing waste to move into the rectum. Known as peristaltic action, this wave-like motion encourages feces to move closer to the rectum and, finally, be expelled through the anus.
A Delicate Balance
The specialized cells of the colon and microorganisms (bacteria) in the gut exist in a delicate balance that can easily be upset by food, stress, chemicals in the environment, and diseases such as parasites, candida, and others.
If digestion and colon function are not working well, the body operates in a state known as auto-intoxication. This means the body is working hard to get rid of toxins, but it cannot keep up because the toxins are being recycled, rather than expelled.
An out of balance colon may be at the root of chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even heart disease, or cancer. To avoid long-term health problems, it is essential to maintain proper colon function.
Tips For Healthy Digestion
* Eat lots of fibre rich foods: Fibre promotes healthy digestion by helping to remove waste from your body. It may also help lower your risk of colon cancer, help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar and help manage your body weight.
* Get your body moving: Regular physical activity helps keep food moving through your digestive system. Try taking short walks during the day and use the stairs instead of the elevator to stay active. Adults need at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.
* Eat regularly: Eat light, regular meals and snacks throughout the day to help move food through your digestive system. Take time to eat, even if you are having a busy day.
* Avoid foods that may upset your stomach: You may find that some foods are more likely to upset your stomach than others. If you have heartburn, gas, celiac disease, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome, you may find that specific foods trigger your symptoms, though this is different for everyone.
7 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Colon
1. Fiber: Fiber-rich food is a great choice for a healthy colon. Eating a good amount (about 25-35 grams daily) of high-fiber foods like raspberries, bananas, prunes, peas, broccoli, beans, celery and whole-wheat pasta is a great start to cleanse the body. Other fiber-rich whole grains include brown rice, whole-wheat and whole-wheat breakfast cereals. Fiber keeps food waste moving along your digestive track, which helps your intestines stay squeaky clean and can decrease your risk for diverticular disease.
2. Vitamin D: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says that a steady intake of Vitamin D is advantageous when trying to prevent colon cancer and maintain a healthy colon. You can get Vitamin D from a variety of sources including the sun (15-20 minutes of daily exposure is sufficient) and foods like bread, fatty fish, milk and cereal. If your foods do not supply enough Vitamin D, taking a supplement may be warranted. Vitamin D may also help prevent osteoporosis.
3. Don't hold it: If you feel a bowel movement coming, head for the bathroom and let it go. If you try to hold it in, built-up fecal matter can release toxins into your body, which has the potential to cause diverticulosis and IBS. Regular bowel movements is one of the ways your colon keeps itself clean and healthy.
4. Water: Inadequate hydration can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body. As those toxins accumulate, the risk for constipation, bloating, gas, IBS and fatigue increases. If you're trying to keep your colon healthy, try to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water in a day to cleanse your body.
5. Exercise: When you're trying to keep your colon healthy, exercise is a huge part of the equation. By increasing blood flow and circulation through exercise, your colon (and entire gastrointestinal system) gets more oxygen. This may help ward off colon cancer and other diseases. Your fitness routine doesn't need to be extreme. Stretching, doing yoga or walking for 10-15 minutes a day is sufficient to help keep your colon healthy.
6. Colonoscopies: Although a colonoscopy is by no means a fun experience, it's essential in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer. For individuals over age 50, a colonoscopy is a necessary step in maintaining colon health. Also, ask your doctor about a colonoscopy if you are experiencing on-going diarrhea or constipation, as these can be signs of colon and intestinal problems. A colonoscopy can aid in proper diagnosis of your condition.
Cleansing Your colon
There are also natural ways to keep your colon clean. Pay a visit to your local alternative medicine center to learn about the colon-cleansing treatments they have to offer.
Colon flushes are a popular procedure, and are believed to wash out toxins and waste material that have become trapped in your colon. If you suffer from constipation, a colon flush can be the best way to regain regular bowel movements and restore your colon to health. With a variety of special herb and mineral infusions available, colon flushes can be tailored to suit your unique needs. Although self-administered colon cleansing kits are available, you should seek advice from a health professional before attempting your first treatment.
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