Have you ever noticed when
you get constipated that in addition to the physical discomfort, you
feel cranky and irritable? This illustrates in the most basic way
that our colon health impacts us, but it is much more complex than
that. A proper functioning colon is necessary for physical and
emotional health.
Constipation and diarrhea are a frequent occurrence in our population
and often considered by mainstream to be a part of life. If you
have
constipation
or diarrhea this is a symptom that your colon is not
functioning optimally. A healthy bowel movement should occur at
least once every 24 hours. If your colon health continues to
decline, it can develop into more serious problems such as Crohns and
even Cancer.
The colon is responsible for storing and transporting our waste
material. When waste remains in the colon too long, the toxins
being released overburden the liver and then these toxins are absorbed
into your blood stream and circulated into the whole body, which can
create a host of symptoms in any area of the body. The colon is
also the place where water and electrolytes are absorbed from Chyme
(the waste material). Therefore, keeping the colon functioning
adequately is of utmost importance.
Some of the most common
contributors to poor colon health are the following:
- Insufficient water intake
- Poor diet, like sugar, white flour, refined foods
- Lack of exercise
- Prescription drugs
- Coffee and tea
- Refined foods
- Thyroid imbalances
- Magnesium deficiency
- Essential fatty acid deficiency
- Too much cheese or milk
- Food allergies such as (wheat and dairy)
- Bacteria, viruses or parasites
Symptoms that can be
associated with poor colon health:
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pains
- Skin problems
- Colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Backache
- PMS
- Bad breath
- Hemorrhoids
- Gas and bloating
- Sore throat
- Impaired sexual response
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety and worry
- Loss of memory and concentration
- Sinus and lung conditions
- Heart disease and cancer
Steps to take to improve
colon health:
- Lots of fiber from non-starchy vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds
- Sufficient pure water intake
- Healthy whole foods diet free of refined foods, chemicals and
preservatives
- Exercise
- Reduce stress
- Replace healthy bacteria with acidophilus supplements and
yogurt
- Colon Cleansing
Many colon difficulties such as constipation can be corrected with
something as simple as 8-10 glasses of water and by adding fiber.
Water keeps the stool soft which will keep it moving through the colon
with ease and it keeps the mucus lining slick for movement.
Exercise stimulates the colon and helps the peristalsis muscles work
properly. Peristalsis is the process by which contractions of the
smooth muscles in the colon wall move the waste material out.
Fiber absorbs fats and toxins and also helps the peristalsis process
run smoother. It also provides the colon with bulk, which helps
waste material move smoothly.
Friendly/healthy bacteria are necessary to help break down material
that wasn’t digested properly and it helps keep bad bacteria such as
candida in check. One of the most important steps you can
take to keep your colon healthy is to take acidophilus daily.
Refined foods clog up the colon and provide a breeding ground for
unhealthy bacteria and parasites.
Magnesium is essential to good colon health. Many people are
deficient in magnesium.
Enemas or colonics physically remove the waste and toxins, thereby
cleansing the colon and colon wall.
Do you suspect your colon may be contributing to your health problems
or do you need additional information on building optimal colon
health? If so, you may find Cynthia's
holistic health counseling to be helpful.
Regardless of your health condition, any treatment approach should
always address colon health, because any treatment is futile without a
proper functioning colon. The body must be able to eliminate
waste and toxins effectively in order for any treatment option to be
beneficial.
