The Intestinal System
Our Waste Disposal System!
Remember last month I said we are what we eat,
what we assimilate, and what we do not eliminate!
Our modern lifestyle has lead us into creating some bad habits. Most of us eat more sugar and
processed foods than we should and most of us tend to abuse our bodies with stimulants and sedatives. Our bodies
are also over exposed to hundreds of toxins daily through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products
we use. Normally our bodies are very effective in getting rid of toxins but with the hectic lifestyles we lead and
the mounting stress we are under, most of us aren't getting rid of those toxins effectively.
Our intestinal system (which is the lower part of our digestive tract) is responsible for
reabsorbing water and electrolytes and eliminating cellular waste and digestive by-products. Sounds simple, but it
really is one of the most important functions of the body.
The colon or large intestine consists of the following:
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Cecum which is located at the beginning of the ascending colon where the small intestine joins the
large intestine.
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Ascending Colon is found on the right side of the body.
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Transverse Colon goes across the body.
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Descending Colon is found on the left side of the body.
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Sigmoid is where the colon is connected to the rectum.
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Rectum is the exit.
The cecum is where the water, fiber, and foods go that the body isn't able to break down in the
small intestine. This last part of the small intestine is known as the ileum and it is through the ileocecal valve
that these waste products enter the cecum or the beginning of the large intestine or colon. Each time this valve
opens, contents are pushed from the ileum into the cecum. The wastes then move to the ascending colon and begin
their journey to the rectum. The colon or large intestine is capable of absorbing 90% of the water, sending it back
into the bloodstream. The nerves and muscles of the colon regulate our transit time. The response our bodies have
to stress can directly or indirectly affect the function of the gut through its unique system of nerves within the
bowel wall.
Transit time is key.
Stress and lack of muscle tone can seriously disturb the function of our colon. If waste remains in
the colon too long, too much water is absorbed and the waste remains leading to constipation. Constipation leads
the way to an accumulation of toxins that build in the intestines which can later lead to the lymphatic system and
our bloodstream. The longer the transmit time, the longer the toxic waste sits there, putrefies and gives the
potential to be reabsorbed. If this putrefication process continues it can actually lead to a condition known as
autointoxification. The longer we expose our bodies to putrefied food in our intestines, the
greater the risk we have of developing this condition. Slow transit time can be caused by a variety of factors such
as stress medication, poor dietary habits, inadequate fiber, dehydration and lack of exercise.
If your transit time is too quick, the fluids aren't sufficiently reabsorbed and this can cause too
much liquid which results in diarrhea. Diarrhea can be casued by a variety of factors such as viruses, antibiotic
medications, harmful bacteria, parasites, emotional stress, and inflammatory bowel disorders.
The Main Problem of the Intestinal System
Polyps are an abnormal growth of tissue in the colon and are a major concern for many of us. Take a
look at some of the following statistics.
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95% of colorectal cancers develop from polyps.
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More than 130,000 new cases of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in the US each year.
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The National Cancer Institute states that colorectal cancer is the 3rd occurrence and cause of cancer
deaths.
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Over 50,000 people in the US die annually as a result of colorectal cancer.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include alcohol and tobacco use, a sedentary lifestyle, eating a
diet rich in detrimental fats and low in fiber. Research studies show that the composition of a diet does influence
the diversity of the microbes in the gut and provides the link between diet and colonic disease and colon
cancer.
Some conditions related to an unhealthy colon:
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Hemorrhoids
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Diverticulitis
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Constipation / Diarrhea
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Polyps
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Cancer
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Ulcerative Colitis
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Crohn's Disease
Eating a diet too high in red meat, cheese, refined breads and cereal, fried foods, and foods high
in sugar and salt can rob your body of critical electrolytes and lack the fiber needed for proper digestion. A diet
rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dietary fiber along with exercise can improve your ability to move
food through your digestive system completely and easily.
Things We Can Do
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Increase your fiber intake. Some researchers say 35 grams per day are needed and
make sure you are getting your fiber from soluble and insoluble sources
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Water is the best tool for cleansing. Makes sure you drink a 1/2 ounce per lb of
body weight per day. If you are doing a colon cleanse you need to drink more water. A 200 lb individual
should drink 100 oz of water per day.
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Chew your food. Undigested meat and other foods cause a mucus buildup in the
colon which produces toxins that can enter the bloodstream.
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Take time to have a bowel movement. Do not resist the urge to go to the bathroom.
This can cause waste material to build up and become compacted leading to constipation.
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Travel. When traveling make sure you take measure to make sure you do not become
constipated. Use a natural stool softener f if you have to.
Written By: Brenda Montrella - All Rights Reserved.
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