The Intestinal System
The Body's Waste Disposal Plant
The intestinal
system is like a city's waste disposal plant. While the digestive system breaks
down nutrients so they can be distributed throughout the body, the intestinal
system generally absorbs waste products out of the body so that they can be
excreted with indigestible food fiber.
The colon may be divided into three parts: ascending, transverse and descending.
It is only five feet long, but it has a 2-1/2 inch diameter, three times the
diameter of the small intestine. The colon forms a frame for the convoluted
shape of the small intestine.
The Elimination Process
Undigested food - in liquid form - flows from the small intestine into the large
intestine. Once there, most of the water and mineral salts are absorbed into the
body. The remaining semi-solid water is about 60-70 percent water and 10-30
percent bacteria combined with indigestible cellulose material, dead cells and
other waste materials. The smooth muscular walls of the colon contract (called
peristalsis) to move waste through the colon. This takes anywhere from 12-24
hours or longer, depending upon the amount of roughage present.
Factors in Colon Health
Much like the teeth, the colon is adversely affected by the types of food we
eat. People with diets high in refined foods (sugar and white flour, for
example) and low-fiber foods (meat, eggs and dairy products) and low in
high-fiber foods (fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains) are especially
susceptible to intestinal problems. Colon and rectal disorders are much more
common in America than in Africa or Asia, due to the difference in diets. For
example, in parts of Africa, the diet contains seven times more fiber than that
of the average Western diet.
The colon works best when moderately full, and dietary fiber fills this
requirement. Fiber provides no nutrients to the body, but it does promote good
health because it is very absorbent. Fiber can absorb many times its weight in
water. This aids in maintaining proper bowel elimination (regularity).
Insufficient roughage leads to constipation and diarrhea. These conditions can
also be caused by nervous stress. Intestinal problems common to Western culture
may be helped by the addition of fiber to the diet. High-fiber foods include
bran, prunes, Psyllium seed or hulls and other mucilaginous herbs. For
information on a popular fiber formula called
LocLo. Another factor in colon health is maintaining a good supply of
the beneficial bacteria,
Bifidophilus Flora Force, which performs a number of beneficial tasks in
the colon.
When the colon is nutritionally supported with a diet high in natural fiber,
other nutritional components and healthy bacteria, it is able to function at
peak efficiency.
Your stools can tell you a lot about your health. If you don't have a weak
stomach, you may want to read this
information on stools to learn what different types of stools indicate.
Cleansing Your Way to a
Healthy Intestinal System
The function of the intestinal system is to absorb waste products in the
body so they can be excreted and not reabsorbed. The colon helps to eliminate:
*remnants of food that can't be digested *remnants of food that are normally digested, but were not *byproducts of fermentation and bacterial reactions that break down food *secretions from the intestines (mucus and salts) *bacteria, parasites and waste products of blood and tissue cells
Problems with the colon are
frequently due to a poor diet. Two things can be done to strengthen the colon:
improve the diet and periodically cleanse the colon. Though many
may discount the importance of colon cleansing for good health, good elimination
is just as important for health as assimilating the right nutrients.
Study more about colon cleansing.
Constipation is a common problem characterized by sluggish colon action.
It may be caused by eating highly refined foods, eating too quickly, having a
stressful lifestyle or failing to exercise adequately.
LBS II is a mild, non-habit forming herbal formula for constipation and
mild colon cleansing.
Mucus-forming foods, such as dairy products, are especially prone to contribute
to constipation. These foods may form a sticky matter that adheres to the colon
wall. This attracts further buildup, blocks absorption of minerals and traps
toxins. A stagnant bowel may lead to the stagnant condition of constipation,
allowing toxins to spread throughout the body.
One way to alleviate constipation and other colon problems is to add fiber to
the daily diet. Bowel activity is affected by the amount of fiber, as well as
water, present in the colon. In general, fiber includes such foods as whole
grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. Fruits and vegetables are known as
cleansing foods. Scientists are finding that cultures who forage for vegetables
and whole grains don't have problems with constipation, colon cancer,
diverticulitis or other associated health problems. Why? The high fiber content
of these diets aids in the proper elimination of body waste.
There are two main types of fiber - each performs a different role.
Soluble fiber forms a gel with water, creating a laxative effect. Soluble fiber
traps sugar and binds cholesterol. Pectin, gum and mucilage are examples of
soluble fibers and can be found in wheat, corn bran and cereal grains.
Sponge-like insoluble fiber contributes to regular bowel function by adding
bulk. Fruits, vegetables, beans and oats contain insoluble fibers such as
cellulose, hemi cellulose and lignin. Fiber also helps to absorb and thus
eliminate toxic substances. Sometimes, people who have an irritated bowel,
cannot use the 'scrubbing' fibers like Psyllium hulls since their intestinal
lining is already inflamed and/or ulcerated.
Intestinal Soothe and Build is an excellent formula of herbs to work
with this condition.
Of course, bran is an excellent source of dietary fiber. When adding bran to
your diet, begin with a small amount, such as one teaspoon per day. As the body
becomes accustomed to the bran/ increase the amount of your daily intake.
Yogurt and acidophilus bacteria also contribute to a healthy colon by supplying
friendly bacteria that assist in normal, healthy colon function. Yogurt sources
of acidophilus should be carefully selected, since pasteurization may destroy
bacteria.
Simply changing eating habits may not be enough to achieve a healthy colon. The
colon must also be fully cleansed. Colon cleansing is a very popular subject
among those interested in natural health. They understand that after years of
improper eating, the body needs foods that tone, rebuild and strengthen the
colon. (While many rely on laxatives, most laxatives merely irritate the colon.)
Begin with a slow, basic cleansing program that includes herbs that
nutritionally act as loosening, bulking and absorbing agents. In addition, herbs
that act as peristaltic agents, flora regulators, nervines and
anti-gas/anti-odor agents may be added as desired.
Cleansing
programs may be easily designed according to individual needs. Here's a
basic recipe for a cleanse. The four ingredients may be mixed in a glass of
juice and taken with the LBS II capsules every night.
1 Tbsp.
Psyllium Hulls
2 Tbsp.
Liquid Chlorophyll
6 oz. Aloe Vera
2 Tbsp. Hydrated Bentonite
2 LBS II
capsules
A basic cleansing program may last for three to six months and provides gentle
cleansing action. If you are miserable while cleansing, you're probably
cleansing too fast and should decrease the amounts of the most active
ingredients in your cleansing program.
Two pre-packaged cleanses to choose from, are the 14-day
CleanStart and the 10-day Chinese
Para-Cleanse for parasites. These were designed so you could cleanse and
work at the same time. More rapid cleansing action may be achieved by fasting
while cleansing. When food intake is temporarily stopped, whatever is least
essential to the body (mucus, fat, unhealthy cells and tissues) is eliminated
first. When ending a fast, gradually build up to solid foods.
As you improve your dietary habits and undertake a cleansing program, desired
results may not, and usually don't, happen immediately. Positive changes in
intestinal health require patience and diligence. However, by committing
yourself to these beneficial lifestyle changes, you will experience increased
well-being and vitality as you maintain a healthy intestinal system.
A key product for the intestinal system is
Bowel Detox. It provides enzymes, bile salts, fiber, chlorophyll and
other nutrients that feed and nourish the bowel and bring balance back over a
period of time.
Go to my personal
NATURE'S SUNSHINE site for your Personal "Health Analysis".
You may
also check on product information, ordering and become a member for FREE.
Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail:
Karen
