The large intestine, or colon, plays a significant role in your digestive system. Once the body absorbs nutrients, the colon eliminates water, bacteria and fiber. In "Digestive Wellness," Dr. Elizabeth Lipski says an inefficient colon can cause diarrhea, constipation, bacterial infections and colon cancer. Following a diet that naturally cleanses and detoxifies the colon helps your digestive system function properly.
Significance of Bowel Movements
The frequency of your bowel movements indicates the health status of your colon. According to "Healthy Digestion the Natural Way," you should have one to three bowel movements each day. If you are not having a bowel movement, this is an indication of poor diet, insufficient fluids and an inadequate amount of exercise. Stool that sits too long in the colon leads to constipation and the accumulation of bacteria.
Function of Detoxification
Your digestive system reacts negatively toward certain foods and products. Focus on eliminating foods that are nutrient and fiber-deficient. Common toxic substances include cigarettes, dairy products, caffeine, wheat, pork, beef, citrus fruits, fried and highly processed foods. Cut back on sweets such as soft drinks, cookies, pastries, donuts and other sugars. Lipski suggests that sugar ferments and contributes to digestive problems.
Solution for Constipation
In "Healthy Digestion the Natural Way, " author D. Lindsey Berkson says constipation affects 4 million Americans each year. Constipation occurs when you have hard stools, infrequent or incomplete bowel movements and discomfort. Symptoms include fatigue, aches, headaches and sluggishness. A diet high in fiber and fluids is the solution to the problem. Drink six to eight glasses of water every day. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, kale and cauliflower. Try whole grains such as oatmeal, millet, brown rice, quinoa and rye.
Solution for Diarrhea
Diarrhea occurs when you have a bowel movement too fast. According to Lipski, the feces does not sit long enough in the colon for water to be absorbed back in your body so your stool has a runny consistency. As a result, your body is not absorbing nutrients. The loss of fluids makes it important to increase the amount of fluids in your diet. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water every day, fruit juices, vegetable juices and broth to replenish your colon.
Function of Bacteria
Supplement your diet with beneficial bacteria to help normalize bowel function in your colon. In "Digestive Wellness," the author says acidophilus and bifidobacteria ferment fiber. The active bacteria strains help produce fatty acids and fuel the colonic tissue. Yogurt is the best source of active bacteria that aids in colon cleansing. Be aware that some people have lactose intolerance -- a common source of diarrhea. If you have trouble digesting lactose in yogurt, take probiotic supplements that supply active bacteria.
References
- "Digestive Wellness"; Elizabeth Lipski, PhD; 2005
- "Healthy Digestion the Natural Way"; D. Lindsey Berkson; 2000
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1998
Member Comments