November 4, 2009

The Colon Function And Why We Should Keep It Clean

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The colon is a muscular organ in your body, located at the end of your small intestine and ending at your anus. This very important organ has three main functions: 1....

The colon is a muscular organ in your body, located at the end of your small intestine and ending at your anus. This very important organ has three main functions:

1. To concentrate fecal material by absorbing fluid and electrolytes

2. To store and control the flow of fecal material

3. To absorb and aid in the digestion of nutrients extracted from food

The colon works in a very systemic way by organizing how it functions – the right side of the colon absorbs water and electrolytes and the left side stores and evacuates the stool.

The American Council on Science and Health explains the function of the colon quite nicely:

"The body empties its waste once it has absorbed the required food and calories it needs for energy through the small intestine."

The function of the colon is very important in not only evacuating the waste products that are left over from the food we eat but it also aids in absorbing the nutrients from the food which are transported to the bloodstream.

Individuals can tamper with the natural rhythm of how their colon functions by using laxatives on a daily basis. This daily use of laxatives causes the body to lose much needed nutrients and fluids, which then make it, fall out of the natural rhythm of evacuating the waste products. Overuse of "internal cleansing products", can lead to bloating, cramping, dehydration, and disturbances in the natural balance of electrolytes. It is important to ask for the advice of your healthcare professional before using laxatives, enemas or cleansing products.

The best way to keep your colon clean is to watch what you put into it. Just like there are foods to keep your heart healthy, there are foods to keep your colon clean and healthy. There are colon-friendly foods that can keep the colon healthy.

The best choices for protein to keep your colon healthy are those that are non-red, and non-processed meat sources or other non-meat sources of protein. Good choices for protein that fit these choices are:

Poultry
Fish
Eggs
Soy Products
Beans
Whole Grains
Limit Red Meat

Vegetables and Fruits are your Colon's friends because they are loaded with anti-cancer, immune-ststem-strengthening properties.

Fiber as many people know is excellent for many reasons, but really good for your colon health. There are many ways to find fiber in foods:

Plant foods

Whole-grain Breads, Cereals, Pasta and Rice

Add Beans, Peas and Lentils to Salads

Increase Your Water Intake As You Increase Your fiber Intake

Calcium reduces your risk for colorectal cancer, so make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet.

Calcium can be found in many food sources:

Low-fat Dairy Products

dark Green Vegetables

Soy and Tofu Products

Canned Salmon and Sardines

Fortified Orange Juice

Almonds

Ask Your Doctor About Using A Calcium Supplement

Vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption by the body and helps to keep the colon healthy.

Vitamin D can be found in:

Salmon
Mackerel
Sardines
Fortified Milk
Eggs

Vitamin D Supplement can be used with a doctor's advice.

Healthy individuals need at least 1 to 2 liters of plain water each day to keep their body functioning properly, including the colon.

Exercise is another way of keeping your colon healthy. Just 30 minutes each day of moderate to vigorous exercise will keep your body, including your colon fit. Your doctor can guide you on which exercise program is right for you.