Problems with constipation and the Colon

There are many kinds of laxatives available to the millions of Americans that suffer from some form of constipation. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year. Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults ages 65 and older. Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery. It is not limited to just those groups, though. Constipation is also prevalent in younger Americans that consume fast foods that are heavy in fat content and also anyone who consumes some of the many prescription drugs that are available on the market today. Regardless to say constipation is an issue that creates extreme discomfort and can lead to more serious issues if it is not addressed.  

 Dr. Bernard Jensen, D.C., Ph. D., Nutritionalist once wrote; "In the 50 years I've spent helping people to overcome illness, disability and disease, it has become crystal clear that poor bowel management lies at the root of most people's problems. In treating over 300,000 patients, it is the bowel that invariably has to be cared for before any healing can take place." There are many studies and statements concerning the role of the bowel or colon in our overall health and in the metabolism of the food consumed from day to day. In order to understand what makes Dr. Bernard's statement so correct, it is important to understand what the colon is and what functions it performs.
   The colon is an important part of the digestive tract. In adult humans, the colon is about five feet long and connects the small intestine to the rectum. The major function of the colon is to extract water, nutrients and salts/ minerals from the partially digested food that enters from the small intestine. Approximately 2 pints of partially digested liquid matter enters the colon each day and about 1/3 of a pint of a solid stool leaves the colon each day. The difference in the volume is due to the colon's absorption of useful and/ or valuable portions of the partially digested food such as water nutrients and minerals. This is to say that the lion's share of everything that enters the colon is extracted from the partially digested food and introduced into the body through the colon.
   Colon motility (the contraction of the muscles surrounding the colon [the peristaltic muscles] and the movement of its contents) is controlled by nerves, hormones and impulses in the colon. These rhythmic contractions slowly move the contents inside the colon toward the rectum. During this passage, the water and nutrients are absorbed into the body and what is left over is fecal matter or the stool that is to be eliminated through the rectum. A few times each day, the contractions push the stool down to the end of the colon resulting in a bowel movement. A normal bowel movement is firm but not hard, contains no blood and is completely passed without cramps or pain. If the peristaltic muscles do not contract the right way then the contents inside the colon do not move correctly, they move too quickly or too slowly. This coupled with the types of food recently consumed can create overly watery or very hard stools. As a result abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, diarrhea and a sense of incomplete stool movement can occur.
   One of the most important functions to pay attention to is the absorption of water, nutrients and salts/ minerals. It is in this function that the logic of a toxic colon is a major contributor to illness and disease. When a colon is functioning properly and the colon walls are clean we receive all of the beneficial elements that remain in the partially digested food. The colon contributes to our overall health and well being. We receive those elements that give us energy, help us to fortify ourselves against attacks on our immune system. One might even say that because of this our outlook on life might be more positive so it is even good for us psychologically. However when the colon wall is spackled with a semi hard paste comprised of plaque, hardened fecal matter and uneliminated toxins not only do we fail to receive all of those beneficial elements from the partially digested matter, but as the colon attempts to do its job it will absorb the toxins that remain close to the colon walls. This becomes a tax on our immune system as the toxins that our body worked so hard to eliminate are reintroduced into our body. This perpetuates itself because, when fecal matter gathers on the colon wall the colon's performance is hindered. The more the colon's performance is hindered the more toxic fecal matter can gather on the colon wall. This process grows and our health and energy levels suffer. The result is a negative effect on our physical and psychological well being. It is of the utmost importance that we maintain a healthy colon. Keeping the colon walls clean and the peristaltic muscles working properly will aid in a healthier colon. One way to accomplish this is with a good laxative that cleanses the colon walls, stimulates the peristaltic muscles and does not withhold precious water from our bodies.
   There are some important issues in regards to products that I would like to discuss as they relate to healthy colon functions. These products should be able to cleanse the colon walls as well as maintain a healthy colon function. First, I feel that there should a well established source of fiber. Remember fiber is one of the laxatives that are safe for regular use. Second, since one of the functions is to absorb water back into the body it would be important not to use a product that uses the much needed water to move the stool, soften the stool or enlarge the stool to create a bowel movement. This would include the docusate, hyperosmotic and saline cathartic laxatives. This leaves only 2 logical choices for laxative types, which are bulk producing and stimulant type laxatives. It would be important to note that a stimulant should be mild and completely natural, not derivatives or extracts that increase the strength and produce possible adverse side effects. There are many herbal products that are good when used by themselves but even better when used in combination with each other. They produce consistently great results and have minimal side effects. Here is a short list:

• Cascara Sagrada - known as a stimulant, also known for restoring tone to the colon walls.
• Senna Pods - known as a mild stimulant, it is also known as a soothing mucilage (produces a jelly like substance to line the mucous membranes/ digestive tract).
• Psyllium Seeds - creates bulk and lubricates the colon wall.
• Turkey Rhubarb - known as a fiber, creates bulk and cleanses digestive tract.

   There are other issues that need addressing as we cleanse our colons. It is important to consume water, not soda pop or other sugary liquids. With that being said we should also take a close look at our diet. Eating fatty fast foods accompanied with large amounts of breads and pasta's will not help when trying to maintain a healthy digestive system. This is generally what creates the problem in the first place. Lastly it is important to know that when we cleanse our colon we will peel away layers of fecal matter and expose some potentially raw spots on our colon wall. This creates a need for healing agents like aloe and other herbs that promote rapid healing.

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