Small Intestine & Colon Function Basics
The small intestinal system and the colon both play an important role in your digestive system. Take care of them and life is much more comfortable. The average American diet can wreak havoc on the intestinal system. And an unhealthy intestinal system can lead to a host of other problems.
Let’s start by learning about the small intestine and the colon.
What does the small intestinal system do?
- Reabsorbs water and electrolytes and sends them back into the blood stream.
- Eliminates cellular waste and toxins released from cells.
- Eliminates digestive by-products and indigestible substances.
Colon Function
Includes: large intestine, rectum, and anus
- Absorbs water and minerals
- Formation and elimination of waste
- Houses over 700 species of bacteria, some of which are considered friendly bacteria, that produce vitamin B12, Biotin, and K and protect us against harmful some bacteria, virus, and fungus.
You want to keep your colon and your intestines healthy. An unhealthy intestinal system can lead to:
- Fatigue
- Skin issues
- Occasional diarrhea
- Occasional constipation
- Bad breath
- Occasional gas and bloating
- Irritability
So, how do you know if your colon is healthy? Here are 14 questions that you can ask yourself:
Do you use tobacco?
Do you drink alcohol daily?
Do you exercise less than 3 times a week for 30 minutes?
Do you eat 4 oz (size of a deck of cards) of red meat more than 3 times per week?
Are you overweight?
Do you eat fried foods?
Do you eat processed meats? (i.e. hot dogs, lunch meat, etc.)
Do you have less than two bowel movements per day?
Is your stool hard and dry?
Can you have a bowel movement without straining?
Do you delay your bowel movements?
Do you eat less than 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily?
Do you consume less than 25 grams of fiber per day? (One apple contains 5 grams)
Do you have a stressful lifestyle?
Hopefully you answered “no” to most of those questions! If not, then you know what you can work on. There are several other things that you can do to help your colon. Here is a list:
Eat more whole grains
Avoid white bread, replace it with whole-grain breads with at least 4 grams of fiber per serving
As you increase your fiber intake, drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day
Fresh fruits and vegetables are the natural choice
Slowly increase your intake of healthful foods, allowing your digestive tract to adjust
In addition to everything that is listed above, nature has provided many ways to nourish your colon. Here are two: aloe vera and psyllium hulls.
Aloe Vera Liquid:
Nourishes the digestive and intestinal systems
Soothes internal tissues of the digestive and intestinal tracts
Contain vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients
Supports intestinal health
Psyllium Hulls:
Support the intestinal system
Is an excellent source of soluble fiber
Encourages regular bowel movements
Helps maintain cholesterol levels already in the normal range
