Colon cleansing has been of interest since the days of ancient Egypt. It's mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, the oldest existing medical text. Ancient physicians Hippocrates and Galen prescribed the use of enemas. The natural way to safely, inexpensively and noninvasively practice optimum colon health is to eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, drink adequate amounts of water, eat probiotic foods or supplements and maintain an active lifestyle.
Anatomy
The large intestine or colon begins at the cecum located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The colon then ascends upward to the level of the liver, where it then runs transversely across the inner abdomen until it reaches the left upper quadrant in the region of the stomach. The colon then descends along the left side of the abdomen, ending in the sigmoid colon located in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Food passes from the stomach and small intestines into the colon carrying digested food and fluid that have been ingested and secreted by the mouth, stomach, pancreas and small intestines. The colon absorbs fluids and nutrients. Bacterial activity generates gas. At the end of the digestive process, fecal matter from the sigmoid colon is passed into the rectum to be expelled.
What Causes Constipation?
Michael Picco, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic states the transit time for food in the gastrointestinal tract is 24 to 72 hours. Yet the average person's colon contains 10 to 20 pounds of impacted fecal matter. The super refined modern diet slows transit time. Failure to ingest adequate fluids combined with prolonged transit time creates stools that are dry, hard and difficult to pass. Exposure to antibiotics and failure to use probiotic foods or agents to repopulate the colon's normal bacterial flora further impairs timely expulsion of waste. Sedentary lifestyle aggravates the problem. These factors create chronic constipation.
Water, Water, Water
The approach to cheap effective colon cleansing is to start off by supplying your diet with those aids known to promote proper digestion and elimination. Adequate water intake is essential. Drink amounts of water that can be tolerated by your overall health. If you have a medical problem such as heart disease or kidney failure, talk with you doctor about the optimum amount of water you are allowed. An adult can lose over a liter of water through the lungs, bladder and skin. This water should be replaced. Some health practitioners recommend using distilled water because it is mineral free.
Fruits, Veggies and Fiber
The exact daily amount of fruits and veggies you need varies by age, sex, and activity level. Use the CDC calculator link at the end of this article to find out what your daily requirements of fruits and vegetables are.
Dietary fiber helps to propel digestive matter throughout the GI tract. Fiber also helps to contain water, which aids in elimination. Non brand psyllium seeds and husks are inexpensive fiber. Discuss use of psyllium with your doctor.
Fat and Exercise
Fat should be less than 30 percent of your diet. Too much dietary fat slows down the digestive process. A sedentary lifestyle promotes obesity and delays digestion. When you move, your gut moves. So get moving.
Healthy Bacteria
Eat yogurt or use probiotic supplements during and after antibiotic therapy. When taking antibiotics, ask your doctor to recommend a probiotic agent. Bacteria are necessary elements of natural elimination and contribute to retention of water in stools. A balanced bacterial population is an essential element of colon health.
References
- “A Brief History of Colon Therapy.” The Guild of Colon Hydrotherapists. 2007.
- “Colon Cancer Prevention Guide.” 2010
- “Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables Every Day.” CDC. 2010.
- “Digestion: How Long Does It Take?” Michael Picco, M.D. Mayo Clinic. 2010.
- "The Fit or Fat Target Diet: Recommended Daily Calories and Fat." Covert Bailey.1984.
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