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 why good colon health is important and how it impacts us on many levels, but it is much more complex than that. A proper functioning colon is necessary for our physical and mental health.
Constipation and diarrhea are frequent occurrences in our population and are often considered by the 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 Crohn’s 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 bloodstream 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, promoting good colon health is of the utmost importance.
Common Contributors to Poor Colon Function
- 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, fungi, viruses, or parasites
Symptoms 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 Achieve Good Colon Health
- Consume adequate fiber from non-starchy vegetables, but don’t overdo it
- Sufficient pure water intake
- Eat healthy whole foods that are free of refined foods, chemicals, and preservatives
- Mild to moderate exercise
- Reduce stress
- Address microbial overgrowth
- Balance neurotransmitters
- Colon Cleansing
Some colon difficulties such as constipation can be corrected with something as simple as staying hydrated. 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.
Refined foods clog up the colon and provide a breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria, fungi, 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 assessing the health of your colon? If so, you may find Cynthia’s holistic health coaching to be helpful.
Regardless of your health condition, 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. So promoting good colon health should be a component of all self-care plans.