Five Main Functions of One’S Colon
© 2012 Victoria Bowmann, PhD
When the estimates for colorectal cancer in the US for 2012 are over 100,000 new cases for colon cancer and 40,000+ for rectal cancer, one must became diligent in its function and care to reduce the possibility of being in the 5% (during their lifetime) who will be diagnosed. In fact, this is the third most common cancer, excluding skin cancers.
Lifestyle links between colorectal cancers are some of the strongest links for any type of cancer noted. These include diet, weight, and exercise, which include type-2 diabetes. Other factor that one can control is smoking and heavy alcohol use.
So if one takes care of their colon, perhaps their colon can take care of them. What does it do? While many think that the colon is simply a trash can holding wastes that are yet to be eliminated, it is far more than that.
Perhaps the most important contributing factor to a healthy functioning colon is the presence of multiple varieties of non-pathogenic bacteria called lactobacillus and bifidus. One should have more of these good bacteria in one's body than actual cells of our body. Amazing, isn't it.
When the environment of the organ is balanced there are 5 primary things that occur. First, is the manufacture of certain nutrients, including B12 and Vitamin K. Many people aren't aware of this function, which is vital to our energy level and well-being. A second function is absorbing nutrients that the small intestine might have missed. So one can look at the lower 5-feet of their digestive tract, as a means of getting even more nutrition, so they are nutrient dense. In this way one has more energy to do the things one enjoys.
The next function is the blocking of unwanted material such as pesticides that were on the food or other toxins one isn't aware they consumed. This can be in food, liquids or absorbed through the skin. When it is processed through the liver, the discards go through either the urine or the stool. It is the good bacteria that determine whether to dispose of it or allow it to be re-absorbed.
Next is the marvelous method of recycling. The colon has two primary substances it absorbs for reuse. One is bile. This is reused in the digestion of fats and oils. While the liver manufactures bile, the colon reabsorbs it for storage in the gall bladder or reuse as needed. The second recycled material is water. The last half of the colon is responsible for turning the mushy stuff into formed stool by removing much of the moisture and returning it for reuse. In this way one is protected from dehydration.
The last primary function of one's colon is the removal of fecal material as a bowel movement. Ideally, this should occur within 17-24 hours of eating. By keeping the transit time within this range, the value of our food is extracted and the wastes are removed efficiently. Some research is showing a strong association between constipation and colon cancer. While there is no consistent finding, the results suggest that constipation is an important risk factor for colon cancer.
With knowledge comes the ability to make better decisions. Caring for one's colon is important, necessary and easily attained. Holistic practitioners offer lifestyle adjustments that can have successful results.
When the estimates for colorectal cancer in the US for 2012 are over 100,000 new cases for colon cancer and 40,000+ for rectal cancer, one must became diligent in its function and care to reduce the possibility of being in the 5% (during their lifetime) who will be diagnosed. In fact, this is the third most common cancer, excluding skin cancers.
Lifestyle links between colorectal cancers are some of the strongest links for any type of cancer noted. These include diet, weight, and exercise, which include type-2 diabetes. Other factor that one can control is smoking and heavy alcohol use.
So if one takes care of their colon, perhaps their colon can take care of them. What does it do? While many think that the colon is simply a trash can holding wastes that are yet to be eliminated, it is far more than that.
Perhaps the most important contributing factor to a healthy functioning colon is the presence of multiple varieties of non-pathogenic bacteria called lactobacillus and bifidus. One should have more of these good bacteria in one's body than actual cells of our body. Amazing, isn't it.
When the environment of the organ is balanced there are 5 primary things that occur. First, is the manufacture of certain nutrients, including B12 and Vitamin K. Many people aren't aware of this function, which is vital to our energy level and well-being. A second function is absorbing nutrients that the small intestine might have missed. So one can look at the lower 5-feet of their digestive tract, as a means of getting even more nutrition, so they are nutrient dense. In this way one has more energy to do the things one enjoys.
The next function is the blocking of unwanted material such as pesticides that were on the food or other toxins one isn't aware they consumed. This can be in food, liquids or absorbed through the skin. When it is processed through the liver, the discards go through either the urine or the stool. It is the good bacteria that determine whether to dispose of it or allow it to be re-absorbed.
Next is the marvelous method of recycling. The colon has two primary substances it absorbs for reuse. One is bile. This is reused in the digestion of fats and oils. While the liver manufactures bile, the colon reabsorbs it for storage in the gall bladder or reuse as needed. The second recycled material is water. The last half of the colon is responsible for turning the mushy stuff into formed stool by removing much of the moisture and returning it for reuse. In this way one is protected from dehydration.
The last primary function of one's colon is the removal of fecal material as a bowel movement. Ideally, this should occur within 17-24 hours of eating. By keeping the transit time within this range, the value of our food is extracted and the wastes are removed efficiently. Some research is showing a strong association between constipation and colon cancer. While there is no consistent finding, the results suggest that constipation is an important risk factor for colon cancer.
With knowledge comes the ability to make better decisions. Caring for one's colon is important, necessary and easily attained. Holistic practitioners offer lifestyle adjustments that can have successful results.
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