Colon Health

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text woodmart_inline=”no” text_larger=”no”]The colon is also known as the large bowel or large intestine. It is an organ that is part of the digestive system (also called the digestive tract) in the human body. The digestive system is the group of organs that allow us to eat and to use the food we eat to fuel our bodies.

Functions of colon

The colon plays a very important role in how our bodies use the food we eat. Here is how food travels through the body.

1. Food begins in the mouth where it is chewed by the teeth into smaller pieces. Once swallowed the food travels into the esophagus which connects to the stomach.
2. In the stomach food is further broken down to liquid and passed on to the small bowel (intestine).
3. In the small bowel, the food breakdown continues with the assistance of the pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Here is where all the important vitamins and nutrients in food are absorbed.
4. What is left over, which is mostly liquid, then moves into the colon. The water is absorbed in the colon. Bacteria in the colon break down the remaining material. Then the colon moves the leftover material into the rectum.
5. The rectum is like a storage-holder for this waste. Muscles in the rectum move the waste, called stool, out of the body through the anus.

Healthy eating is good for your overall health, but having a low-calorie, high-fiber diet that includes mostly fruits and vegetables is important to a healthy colon. Exercise and healthy habits like avoiding excess alcohol and smoking is also important to good colon health. If your colon isn’t working the way it should, you may experience problems such as bloating, gas, pain, constipation or diarrhea.

Talk with your health care provider about colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is preventable, and is easy to treat and often curable when detected early. Ask your health care provider what kind of screening test you should have and when.

The colon (large intestine) is a long, muscular tube about four to five feet long. The colon removes water and nutrients from partially digested food. Then it turns the rest into stool (waste). The stool goes through the rectum and then leaves the body through the anus.

Different Parts of Colon

Cecum: This is the beginning of the colon. It is located in the lower right side of the abdomen.

Ascending colon (right colon): This is the first part of the colon.

Transverse colon: This is the middle part of the colon.

Descending colon (left colon): This is the third part of the colon.

Sigmoid colon: This is the last part of the colon.

Rectum: The stool goes through the rectum. The rectum ends at the anus.

Anus: This is the opening at the end of the colon. Stool leaves the body through this opening.

The rectum and anus have muscles and nerves that control bowel movements.

There are three main arteries that supply (give) blood to the colon.

• The ileocolic artery supplies blood to the first part of the colon.
• The middle colic artery supplies blood to second part of the colon.
• The inferior mesenteric artery supplies blood to the third part of the colon.

There are also veins that go with each of these arteries.

Role of Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes act like filters that remove dead cells, bacteria (germs) and even cancer cells from the body and keep them out of the bloodstream. They are found near the arteries and veins of the colon.

You may need to have lymph nodes removed. If cancer is found in the colon, the lymph nodes can be tested for cancer cells. This will help decide the stage of cancer and if more treatment is needed.

Colon Diseases

Polyps and cancer

Cancer of the colon and rectum is a major health problem in America today. It occurs when the cells in the lining of the large bowel grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. Many factors contribute to this loss of control, including the environment, our diet, and genetics (what we inherit from our parents).

The first abnormality in the bowel in colon cancer is a polyp, a small growth that may look like a mushroom protruding from the lining tissue of the large bowel. There are many types of polyps, and not all are the type that turn into cancer. However, removing these polyps before they develop severe changes and grow can prevent the progression to cancer.

Polyps are small abnormal growths that protrude from the tissue lining the colon or rectum.

When cancer develops, it must be removed by surgery. Chemotherapy may be recommended for cancer of the colon or rectum. Certain cancers of the rectum may require radiation treatment.

With prompt, expert treatment, most people can be cured of colorectal cancer. Although people may worry about having to wear a colostomy bag on the abdomen to collect stool, very few people need a permanent colostomy bag.

Because colorectal cancer comes from polyps, a colonoscopy procedure can prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps. People at greater risk for colorectal cancer include those who have had polyps or cancers in the past, or those who have a family history of colorectal cancer.

Diverticular disease

Colonic diverticula are little out-pouchings or sacs in the bowel lining that occur when the lining gets pushed through weak spots in the muscle of the bowel wall. They usually appear in the sigmoid colon, where the large bowel exerts the highest pressure.

Colonic diverticula are small out-pouchings or sacs that push through weak spots in the muscle layers of the colon wall.

Diverticular disease is very common in Western societies and may be due to low-fiber Western diets. Diverticula rarely cause symptoms unless one of the sacs gets blocked and infected. This is called diverticulitis and occurs in about 10% of people with diverticula. There is occasionally bleeding in this area.

About half the patients who have complications of their diverticula will need surgery.

Colitis

Colitis is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the large bowel.

Colitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the colon.

There are several types of colitis, including:

• Infectious colitis (due to an infection that attacks the large bowel)
• Ischemic colitis (caused by not enough blood going to the colon)
• Radiation colitis (after radiation therapy, usually for prostate, rectal, or gynecological cancer)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease

Colitis causes diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and urgency (increased need to go to the bathroom). Treatment depends on the diagnosis, which is made by colonoscopy and biopsy (removal of cells or tissue for examination under a microscope).

Useful foods for Colon

Eating certain types of foods can help move waste through your colon and out of your body. If you’re in need of a colon cleanse, you might want to try incorporating the following five foods into your daily diet:

Broccoli

There are so many different ways to add broccoli to your diet. Try stir-frying it and tossing it with teriyaki chicken. You can also try this broccoli and cauliflower casserole.

Greens

Eating dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard is a great way to cleanse your colon. Add green to your dinner with these black bean and spinach enchiladas. This colorful Southwestern kale power salad makes a great lunch. You can add chard to your weeknight meals with this simple Swiss chard pasta.

Milk

You can use milk for more than just your morning cereal. This cheddar cheese soup will help you get your daily servings of both vegetables and dairy. You can also try homemade strawberry milk for a sweet treat.

Raspberries

Raspberries are always a delicious addition to dessert. But consider adding them to a salad, like this raspberry mozzarella salad. Or make them into a sauce and drizzle it over lamb chops.

Oatmeal

If you find packaged instant oatmeal boring, turn to some of the many creative oatmeal recipes out there! This recipe for Elvis oatmeal will satisfy your morning sweet tooth. Or switch things up with savory cheddar and fried-egg oatmeal. As you prepare your oatmeal, start with the whole-grain type, such as old-fashioned or steel-cut oats. They take longer to cook but provide more fiber.

All of these foods contain high amounts of fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, which are great at keeping your digestive system working properly and preventing constipation. But if you’re not used to a diet rich in fiber or calcium, introducing lots of these types of foods at once can lead to gastrointestinal distress in the form of diarrhea, bloating, or constipation. If you’re planning on a dietary colon cleanse, add more of these foods to your diet little by little over time instead of all at once.

More Diets to use and avoid

Diets high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains and low in red and processed meats have been associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer, according to the ACS. To help promote good colon health, follow these five diet recommendations:

Use plant based meals

“First and foremost, eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils — basically, a plant-based diet,” says Manella. “Of course, plant-based does not mean eating only plants. But at least half of your plate should comprise plant foods, which provide many beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and are packed with fiber — our natural cancer-fighting compounds.”

Use less sugar

Studies have found that people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease often have diets high in sugar and low in fiber.

While sugar has not been directly associated with the progression of colon cancer, foods high in sugar are often high in calories and can lead to weight gain and obesity.

“Naturally occurring sugars in fruit and dairy are OK and provide a number of beneficial vitamins and minerals,” says Manella. “But we recommend limiting added sugar to less than 35 grams a day.”

She also recommends taking a closer look at beverages. “Look for sugar-free alternatives like sparkling water, unsweetened teas or coffees, or fun natural flavor combinations like blueberry and cucumber or lemon and ginger.”

Reduce meat consumption

According to the ACS, the risk of colon cancer increases by 15% to 20% if you consume 100 grams of red meat (the equivalent of a small hamburger) or 50 grams (equivalent of one hot dog) of processed meats, like sausage, bacon or hot dogs, per day.

“We recommend prioritizing chicken, turkey and fish over beef, pork and lamb,” says Manella. “However, if you choose to eat red meant, we recommend no more than 18 ounces of red meat per week (about three small servings the size of a deck of cards).”

The way you cook your red meat can also add to your risk. “We recommend limiting cooking red meats at very high temperatures that cause charring,” she says. “This causes the meat to form chemicals called heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are linked to increased cancer risk.”

Increase fiber intake

Eating a high-fiber diet is good for overall intestinal and colon health.

“The American Institute for Cancer Research and ACS recommends aiming for at least 30 grams of fiber from food sources each day,” says Manella. “Fiber naturally occurs in plant-based foods. Focus on incorporating a variety of whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans into your diet. If you can’t meet your needs with fiber foods alone, a fiber supplement like Metamucil can be a helpful tool to reach your fiber goal.”

Fiber aids colon health by helping to keep you regular and prevent constipation by moving foods through your gastrointestinal tract. This may then lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids and small pouches in your colon that can lead to diverticular disease.

Grains (choose wisely)

Whole grains are grain products that have not been stripped of their nutrient and fiber-packed exterior. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that all adults eat at least half of their daily grains as whole grains, about three to five servings.

Some readily available whole grains include barley, quinoa, whole wheat flour, wild and brown rice and oatmeal. These foods contain more colon-friendly vitamins, minerals, fiber, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and phytochemicals (natural compounds in plants that have a beneficial effect on the body) than their refined grain counterparts, such as white flour and white rice.

Manella notes that an easy way to determine if the food is a whole grain is to check the label. “If the first ingredient on a grain product says ‘enriched,’ it is not a whole grain,” she says.

How Fiber is good for Colon health

The average American consumes about 13 grams of fiber per day, but experts say people should really be eating 25 to 35 grams for optimal colon health.

Fiber is plant material that can’t be broken down by enzymes in the human digestive system. It helps cleanse the colon because it encourages regular bowel movements and helps move food through the digestive system. Experts recommend eating some fiber at every meal to spread your intake throughout the day.

Types of fiber

There are two types of fiber: water-soluble and water-insoluble. Soluble fiber absorbs water during digestion, increasing stool size. Foods containing water-soluble fiber are sometimes called “roughage” and include:

• high-fiber fruits, such as pears, avocados, and blackberries
• vegetables
• legumes
• barley
• oats and oat bran

Insoluble fiber remains unchanged during digestion, helping move food through the intestines normally. This kind of fiber can be found in:

• fruits with edible skin or seeds
• vegetables
• whole-grain breads, pastas, and crackers
• bulgur wheat
• stone ground corn meal
• cereals
• bran
• rolled oats
• buckwheat
• brown rice

Research suggests that calcium and vitamin D, specifically D3, are helpful in preventing colon cancer. They help reduce inflammation in the colon and they limit the activity of certain chemicals that can fuel colon cancer growth.

Calcium and vitamin D are found in many dark, leafy vegetables as well as dairy products and fortified cereals.

Tips to keep your Colon Healthy

Eat fiber rich diet

Consuming 25-35 grams of fiber per day is an important part of maintaining a healthy colon, as fiber increases feelings of fullness and promotes regular bowel movements. By keeping things moving through the colon, you’ll reduce the chances of developing colon-related disease.

Some great sources of fiber include nuts, seeds, berries, lentils, beans, broccoli, carrots, apples, pears, and peas. Aim to incorporate these foods into your daily diet.

Reduce consumption of processed food

Red meat and highly processed foods are full of saturated fat, which has been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Oftentimes, the preparation of red meat is done in a way that produces carcinogens.

Drink more water

When you’re not properly hydrated, toxins can build up in your body. Drinking eight or more glasses of water a day can help move toxins and excrement through your colon more quickly.

Keeping track of how much water you’re drinking or setting water goals throughout the day can help you stay hydrated.

Exercise on daily basis

Regular exercise can encourage more consistent bowel movements. The increase in blood flow and circulation makes your GI system more effective overall. Studies have shown that exercise, especially more rigorous forms, can greatly reduce the risk of developing some digestive disturbances.

Consume fruit, grains and vegetables

Diets that incorporate ample fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been linked to a decreased risk of colon cancer.  This is in part due to the nutrients and antioxidants that are present in these foods, the high fiber content, as well as the correlation between diet and weight and colon-related illness.

Colonoscopies

It’s recommended that you start getting colonoscopies at 50 years old. The polyps and abnormalities that lead to colon cancer can be removed to stop the development or spread of the disease, making colon cancer a highly treatable disease if found early on.

For individuals whose immediate family member has been diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps, it is recommended that you start getting colonoscopies at age 40 or 10 years prior to the diagnosis of your family member.

Even though there are more options for screening for colon cancer, a colonoscopy is the gold standard because it not only detects colon cancer but also finds and removes polyps that are the precursors of colon cancer.

Colon Cleanse

A colon cleanse is the act of flushing out your large intestine.

The practice of natural colon cleansing, or colonic irrigation, dates back to ancient Greece. It became popular in the U.S. in the early 1900s. But theories behind it lost support, and it fell out of favor. Recently, though, colon cleansing — using teas, enzymes, or colon irrigation — has become more popular.

Colon cleansing good for you? Scientific research on colon cleansing is extremely limited. There’s no good evidence for most of the claims that its practitioners make. And the side effects can range from mild to serious.

Ways to Cleanse Your Colon

There are two main colon-cleansing methods. You can buy products or you can see a doctor to have a colon irrigation.

Colon cleansing with powdered or liquid supplements. You take some supplements used for colon cleansing by mouth. Others you take through the rectum. Either way, the idea is to help the colon to expel its contents. You can find these products on the internet or in health food stores, supermarkets, or pharmacies. They include:

• Enemas
• Laxatives– both stimulant and nonstimulant types
• Herbal teas
• Enzymes
• Magnesium

Colon cleansing with colon irrigation. The first modern colonic machine was invented about 100 years ago. Today, colonic hygienists or colon hydrotherapists perform colon irrigations. Colon irrigations work somewhat like an enema but they involve much more water. While you lie on a table, a low-pressure pump or a gravity-based reservoir flushes several gallons of water through a small tube inserted into your rectum.

After the water is in the colon, the therapist may massage your abdomen. Then you release the water like a regular bowel movement; the process flushes out the fluids and waste. The therapist may repeat the process, and a session may last up to an hour.

The practitioner may use a variety of water pressures and temperatures and may or may not combine water with enzymes, herbs, coffee, or probiotics. Probiotics are supplements containing beneficial bacteria.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]