Good Colon Maintenance Can Improve Overall Health

If we could look at individual organs or systems to show overall body health, a study of the colon would be a good start. The last portion of the gastrointestinal tract, the colon finishes the job that the digestive process starts: to get all of the body’s necessary nutrients from the foods we eat. Diseases of the colon range from the mild and easily treatable to more serious – simple dietary habits can prevent most, if not all, colon ailments. Usually, a well-maintained, healthy colon will reflect a healthy body in general. The colon absorbs water, nutrients, and electrolytes, which in turn benefit all organ systems.

The colon is a U-shaped organ that begins at the cecum, where the small and large intestines meet. At the colon’s first turn at the right lower abdomen, the appendix juts from the exterior wall. This mysterious organ, generally accepted as a vestigial (no longer vital to body function) and troublesome spectator to the digestive process, is commonly removed due to infection, inflammation, or rupture. Just past the appendix, the colon turns due north towards the liver, then makes a right-angle turn across the top of the abdomen. Near the pancreas, the colon again makes a 90-degree turn to head due south to the rectum. The food we eat travels this path before it leaves the body; it is important to maintain a smooth, regular timeline for the movement of waste through the ascending, transverse, and descending colon. Delays, impaction at turns, and detours can cause a buildup of toxins and negatively affect the health of other organ systems. Just as the colon absorbs water and electrolytes to balance the body's fluid levels, it can also absorb toxins and distribute them, as well.

The mischievous appendix, as previously mentioned, is a hot-spot for infection and inflammation. If waste does not move through the cecum past the appendix effectively, bacteria can collect in its pouch-like cul-de-sac and cause pain, fever, vomiting, and, in severe cases, rupture. A ruptured appendix can be life-threatening if not treated immediately by a surgeon. Akin to the appendix, yet perhaps not as notorious, are diverticula, or small swellings or bulges in the colon wall. These are caused by pressure exerted on weak spots within the colon. The formation of these bulges is called diverticulosis. If these bulges become inflamed, it is called diverticulitis. With diverticulosis, most patients do not show symptoms. Over time, however, infections can develop and cause abdominal pain and fever.

Another unwelcome addition to the colon wall is the polyp, or a small cluster of cells that forms on the colon lining. Polyps can be rather common, as up to 30% of middle-aged adults have them. Most polyps are harmless, but they can become cancerous over a period of time. Poor diet, obesity, smoking, or family history of colon cancer can increase this risk. If they are found in their early stages, polyps can be removed easily. A colonoscopy is the best way to check for polyps. The colonoscopy is also valuable for detecting diverticula or other colon problems.

Colon health can be at its best if a good dietary and exercise plan is maintained. Plenty of fiber from whole grains and fruits will keep the colon running smoothly. Bacteria in the colon feed on dietary fiber, which breaks nutrients down to be absorbed by cells in the intestinal lining. Adequate fiber will also make waste move easily through the colon walls, “cleansing” them and eliminating pressure points that cause weak spots.

Exercise is also a great way to keep the colon running smoothly. Activities that exercise the body’s core muscles also benefit peristaltic action, or the smooth-muscle process that contracts the colon walls to move waste through. It is estimated that regular exercise can cut colon cancer risk as much as 40%.

Some individuals choose a “colon cleansing” regimen to flush out any impacted waste that may have gathered in the colon’s walls. High-fiber foods, which provide 20-30 grams of fiber per day, are a mainstay. Sufficient water is also needed; a good goal is to drink 1/2 of one’s body weight in ounces of water per day (i.e. 75 ounces, or 9 cups of water for a 150-pound person). This will both provide beneficial bacterial action in the colon while flushing toxins from the body.

Good colon maintenance is not only beneficial to the whole body – it is essential for continued overall health over the years. The prevention of colon ailments, through simple dietary and exercise plans, can prevent more serious diseases. It also helps us get the most out of life!