In part three of a new four part series on cleansing, Nutritionist Belinda Rennie focuses on the importance of colon cleansing.

If you were going to do anything to improve your overall health and wellbeing, cleansing the colon is the first priority. Many health practitioners see the colon or large intestine, as the seat of all disease. If the major organ of elimination cannot rid the body of wastes regularly, toxins can be reabsorbed into the body producing disease.

The poor colon has a bad image these days and rarely do we discuss bowel habits. In the past parents would check their children’s stool as an indication of health and adjust their diet accordingly. In our busy lives this is often neglected. The colon is not just a tube that propels waste but is responsible for eighty percent of the immune action that occurs in the body. It provides an effective barrier to infection by concentrating beneficial bacteria and immune cells in the area. The beneficial bacteria  produce B group vitamins, primarily folic acid and vitamin B12 plus Vitamin K and break down fibre into useable sugars for food. The colon also absorbs water and other water-soluble nutrients.

Symptoms that the colon is not working well include constipation, diarrhea, bloating and excess gas, headaches and joint pains. Irritable bowel, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and ulcerative colitis are all names given to conditions of a malfunctioning colon. Within the colon are reflex points that relate to every part of the body, making the connection between the colon and the rest of the body not only physical but emotional. The colon is very susceptible to stress, affecting the muscles and nerves, the balance of beneficial bacteria and the whole process of absorption and elimination.

Transit time, or the time it takes for food to be eaten and to pass through the digestive system and be eliminated is approximately18 hours. So a healthy colon is one where a bowel movement occurs at least once a day. Healthy stool are mid-brown, from secretion of bile, quite bulky and soft and pass easily without discomfort. Constipation – that is absence of a comfortable bowel movement every day - is the classic sign that the colon needs cleansing.

Colon cleansing is a 3-6 month process that has five major cornerstones:

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1.      Increase moisture and lubrication.

The colon loves water and foods containing water as they are lubricating and help the passage of stool. Cut back on diuretics like tea and coffee which dry out the bowel, drink two litres of water per day plus herbal teas. Eat fruits and vegetables that have a high water content (gradually increasing raw food as digestive strength increases) and soak dried fruits in water. Cooked or soaked cereals and grains are better than dry ones.

2.      Increase fibre.

Fibre decreases transit time, helps absorb toxins and bile salts and makes stool bulkier. Soluble fibre in oats, rice, millet, pulses and fruits and vegetables is ideal as it absorbs water.

3.      Decrease mucous-forming foods.

Mucous is produced in cells which line the colon in response to damage or irritation. Any food which is incompletely digested can produce mucous, the common foods being wheat and dairy products. Checking for food intolerance is critical in any colon care program. Excess protein, highly processed foods and animal fats are also mucous-forming (see food sensitivity ).

4.     Introducing beneficial bacteria.

The delicate balance of bacteria can easily be disrupted due to antibiotics, stress and poor diet. Taking a supplement containing the “probiotics” Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidus and bulgaricus can improve the frequency of bowel movements as well as their moisture and bulk. The good time to take friendly bacteria in a supplement is with yoghurt at night time (see probiotics)

5.      Develop a routine that encourages a daily bowel movement.

Hot water and lemon in the morning is a good start to the day because it has a cleansing action on the colon, whilst exercise stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract. Specific yoga postures can stimulate the colon. Squatting, where the knees are higher than hips, is a healthier and natural way to pass stool.

Enemas and other healthy routines like skin brushing and oil massage can be useful adjuncts to a program that is based around dietary changes and should be supervised by your health practitioner. Once you feel the lightness and comfort that a healthy colon produces you will want to make the effort to incorporate some of the above suggestions into your daily schedule.

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