The Colon Cleanse

To better understand the mechanics of colon disease, lets take a quick look at this organ and how it works: the colon (or large intestine) is the body's main channel for getting rid of solid waste matter. Food passes from the mouth (1st stage of digestion) into the esophagus to the stomach (where stomach acids help break down proteins, complex carbs and fats) - then into the small intestine (where most of the digestion is completed) and finally into the large intestine or colon.

Foods containing a lot of roughage is easier for the colon to grip and therefore is eliminated faster. Processed, overcooked and fastfoods do not have the necessary roughage - making it harder for the colon to do its work.

This is where the problems begin.

Problems with the colon show themselves in two ways - disease of the colon, or disease of another body system directly caused by the colon. Here are a few of the most common illnesses:

ADHESIONS: as the colon's mucous membrane breaks down, the exposed, sticky bowel wall starts to stick to itself, forming tight tunnels which make the passage of feces very difficult.

BALLOONING: backed up feces create "balloons" in sections of the colon, causing painful, sometimes severe constipation.

COLITIS: inflammation of the colon, often compounded by stress.

DIVERTICULITIS: small sacs protruding from the bowel wall where the wall is weak (hernia). These small sacs trap feces and become a source of infection and inflammation.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: diarrhea, alternating with constipation, and gas. Compounded by stress.

MUCOSAL DYSFUNCTION: many forms, generally causing mucous build-up, pain, infection, and inflammation.

PROLAPSUS: when the transverse (middle section) of the colon literally falls (especially found in women who have had a hysterectomy) creating constipation and physical stress on other organs. It is especially dangerous for the uterus because a prolapsed colon blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus, disrupting menstrual cycles, and causing infertility.

SPASTIC BOWEL: spasm of the bowel muscle when it gets overworked, manifested in alternating constipation and loose stools, often induced by stress.

STRICTURES: bowel becomes very narrow in certain places, or it becomes stretched - making it difficult to pass feces through.

ULCERATION: irritation, abrasion and infection settle on colon muscle tissue causing open sores, bleeding and pain.

In order to prevent such problems, it is recommended that one regularly cleanses the colon.