The colon, large intestine or bowel is situated in the abdomen and is the end portion of the human digestive tract. An extremely important organ in it’s own right, it is approximately 1.5 meters (5 ft) long and 65mm (21/211) in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water and synthesize certain nutrients such as vitamin (K) and portions of vitamin (B) complex.
The colon is a major part of the excretory system, and is responsible for eliminating food and other body wastes, as well as protecting us from infection and disease. In a normal functioning colon, all this is achieved with the help of billions of friendly bacteria that inhabit the colon and make up some 70% of the dry weight of our faecal waste. However, the delicate balance of this internal ecosystem can very easily be disturbed by a number of factors including stress, pollution, poor food and drink choices, certain drugs, smoking and exposure to toxic substances.
The healthy transit time of food through our bodies is less than 24 hours. On average in the U.K. it is now 60 hours for men and 70 hours for women. Waste material, especially that which has remained in the colon for some time, (i.e. impacted faeces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc.) pose several problems. First this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These poisons can re-enter and circulate in the blood stream making us feel ill, tired or weak.
Second, impacted materials impair the colon’s ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria-produced vitamins.
Finally, a buildup of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, constipation, and the result of these are disorders. The United Kingdom is the most constipated nation in the world and has the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the world with 20,000 new cases per year. Bowel disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Diverticulitis and yeast infections (Candida) are now widespread. The repercussions of a toxic bowel may be seen throughout the body system in a wide range of health problems.