Colon

The colon is the major waste-removal organ in our body. Colon cleansing will help the colon to function at its optimum level.

Anatomy of the colon (large intestine)

The large intestine is a 6-foot tube about the diameter of a vacuum cleaner hose, with several different sections. The last 7 inches is the rectum leading to the anus, which is guarded by two sphincter muscles. It takes about twenty-four hours for food residue to reach the colon and up to seventy-two hours for the consumed food to be excreted in a process called defecation.

Many factors influence the time it takes from ingestion of food to excretion. This is known as transit time.

The transit time is affected by many factors including the type of food we consume, water intake, physical activity and prescribed medication.

Food which are partially digested in the stomach will move into the small intestines where nutrients are absorbed.

The residues of undigested food then move from the small intestines into the colon. Regular colon cleansing and colon cleaning will help improve this transit time.

The main function of the colon is to absorb water, gases and electrolytes (minerals such as sodium and potassium) from these matters. There is very little nutritional absorption within the colon. The longer these matters are left inside the colon, the more water it absorbs.

This results in the matter which we call stools or feces to become hardened as it becomes dry and compacted. When we have a bowel movement, contractions within the colon pushes the stools en mass into the rectum for expulsion through the anus.

Autointoxication

Autointoxication, as the name suggests, is the condition whereby the body literally poisons itself by its inability to eradicate bacteria and decaying matter within the colon. The longer these decaying matter are allowed to remain in the colon, the higher the levels of harmful bacteria that reside within our system.

These bacteria will release toxins and the toxins get reabsorbed into our body. The colon performs a major role for waste disposal. One of the known causes of autointoxication is putrefaction of undigested food within the colon. This decaying process causes a toxic buildup of gases causing foul odor and other substances.

If bowel movements are regular, there is hardly any foul odor from gases emitted from our body.

On the other hand, the presence of putrefaction odor indicates that wastes are being stored in the body for too long a time and will ultimately cause autointoxication.

The prolonged exposure to these toxins in the colon can cause a number of health problems.

An unhealthy colon will put a great strain on your liver and kidneys. It can cause skin problems halitosis, and chronic fatigue. The toxins exact a toll on our natural immune system thereby allowing the opportunity for malignant cells to proliferate within our body.

Serious diseases will then evolve. A colon cleanse done at regular intervals can avoid autointoxication.

Causes of an unhealthy colon

The regular consumption of food containing high saturated fats, excess proteins, refined and processed foods, drugs, artificial additives and chemicals all combine to create an unhealthy colon. There is clearly a lacking of dietary fiber in our diet today.

Dietary fiber helps increase the weight and size of your stool and softens it. Bulky stool are easier to pass which decreases the chance of constipation. Fiber may also help to solidify the stool should you have loose, watery stools because it absorbs water and adds bulk to stool. A proper colon cleansing diet can usually help to improve the situation.

Signs and symptoms of an unhealthy colon

1. Constipation

Constipation refers to the condition where there is difficulty in the passing of stool. Usually, these stools are very dry, hard and compacted. There is a great deal of straining involved in order to pass out the stool.

2. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease but represents itself as a functional disorder of the colon. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and discomfort, abdominal bloating and gas buildup.

3. Skin Problems

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It helps the main organs such as the liver, kidneys and intestines to get rid of waste buildup. If there are too much toxins within the body, the appearance of acne, pimples and other skin ailments such as eczema could indicate an unhealthy state of the colon.

Some medical conditions commonly mistaken as constipation

Benign and malignant growths

Any obstruction can slow down the process of defecation and may appear as constipation. Benign and malignant growth also comes along with abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloody stools, rectal bleeding and painful stools.

Intestinal parasites

Some worms and parasites, because of their shape and large size, can physically obstruct the intestines. Heavy worm infections can block the colon, making fecal elimination infrequent and difficult.

The need for colon cleansing

Since the colon performs a major function in removing waste from our human body, it is necessary to ensure that it remains healthy throughout our life. The most effective way to maintain a healthy colon is through a process known as colon cleansing. Regular colon cleansing can be in the form of colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy or through the consumption of various natural food or herbs known for its colon cleansing properties.