Colon Problems and How To Prevent Them

The normal length of the colon, or the large intestine, is 5 feet. The primary function of the colon is to absorb water and other essential substances from digestive products after it has passed the small intestine. Colon health is essential to maintain the normal digestive flow of the body. However, many individuals has problems with the colon. Usually it is known as spastic colon.

Food does not just go inside the mouth and out of the anus. The whole digestive system is composed of body organs that perform specific functions in order to change food into absorbable substances for the body to use and eventually, to sustain life. The large intestine, or the colon, is part of this digestive system. Succeeding the small intestines in the digestive tract, the colon performs the task of absorbing water and nutrients out of the digestive product, which later on, is formed into that foul-smelling substance called stool.

Colon problems may arise due to man's lifestyle abuse and eating habits, although some problems may also be congenital like intussusceptions and Hirschsprung's disease. But most colon problems are really greatly influenced by man-made factors especially diseases like: hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticulitis, abnormal growths, and colon cancer.

Colon problems can indeed, be a grave predicament, because if one's colon is not performing well, the whole digestive system is also affected and it compromises one's nutrition. Although without a colon, one can live, still - the loss of a colon can make a lot of changes in one's life that requires a lot of adaptations. That is why; preventing colon problems must be taken seriously by everyone. A healthy lifestyle and diet is the first step of the prevention process. Here are some points to remember on how to prevent colon problems:

Eat the right stuff. Eating fruits and vegetables and foods rich in fiber is one good way to keep the colon healthy. Avoiding too much meat, processed foods, fats, and carcinogenic substances can help one in preventing colon cancer. Eating carrots, whole wheat, barley, cabbage, and citrus fruits are good-food for the colon.

Chug up. Drink 8 or more glasses per day as water will help cleanse the body. There is no such thing as drinking too much water. If one's excretory system works flawlessly, excess water would just be eliminated from the body. What is important is to keep the body well-hydrated.

Avoid GI irritants. Substances that contain alcohol, caffeine, and some medicines are potent GI stimulants. Having too much of these can later on lead to serious GI problems.
Exercise regularly and moderately. The human body reacts positively to moderate but regular exercises. Since exercise contributes to the normal circulation of blood throughout the body system, the colon also benefits from it.

Stop smoking. Yes, don't just avoid it - stop it. Smoking has been linked as a major disease-causing factor to most cancers.
Check bowel movements and stool. A change in bowel movement is one of the early signs of cancer. Plus, the consistency and appearance of stools can be very helpful in detecting colon problems.

Consult the doctor. A regular check-up, even in the absence of any illness, is compulsory for everyone. Having regular check-ups can help in the early detection of a developing disease, especially colon problems.
As the popular saying goes, "Prevention is always better then cure," avoiding colon problems can spare a person from all the possible undesired medical circumstances that may come his/her way. If colon problems are left untreated, it may cause grave consequences such as the loss of this body part or worse, death.

By Robert_N._Perry