Your colon, commonly referred to as your large intestine, is an important part of your digestive system. The colon is a hollow organ situated at the end of your digestive tract, and it is responsible for making and storing stool prior to defecation. Certain dietary supplements may improve the health of your colon or treat colon-related disorders. However, you should only use supplements if you are under the care of a licensed health care practitioner.
Colon Problems
Numerous Americans experience colon problems each year, and colon problems range from mild and annoying to severe and life-threatening. Diet and activity levels may play a significant role in colon problems, although many health conditions may also affect the health of your colon. According to the Cleveland Clinic, possible colon-related health problems include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, polyps, cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding are common indications of a colon problem.
Colon Care Supplements
Dietary supplements have long been used in treating colon problems. Marshmallow, goldenseal, geranium, turmeric, slippery elm and echinacea may help treat your gastrointestinal irritation caused by parasites or infections, ulcers and other inflammatory colon conditions, notes Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth." Lactobacilli, N-A-G, and calcium and magnesium may also be helpful. Not all dietary supplements used in treating or preventing your colon problems have been extensively studied in clinical research trials.
A Helpful Supplement
Slippery elm may be a helpful supplement in treating your colon problems or improving your colon health. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree, notes naturopathic doctor and herb expert William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," helps soothe the irritated intestinal lining associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases. Slippery elm bark, states Mitchell, has also been used to treat enteritis -- inflammation of the small intestine -- caused by irritating substances and foods.
Warning
Because there are many possible causes of colon problems, it is wise to meet with your doctor when you experience colon-related symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. A qualified health care professional can assess your colon health and refer you to a specialist, if necessary. Your doctor can also counsel you on what dietary supplements may be helpful for your colon condition and what supplements you should avoid. Not all dietary supplements may be right for you or your colon condition.
References
- MedlinePlus: Colonic Diseases
- Cleveland Clinic: Detecting and Treating Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
