Let’s face it, the colon is not sexy. Everyone tends to take their colon for granted, just ignoring it until problems develop, but the colon is actually a very important part of human anatomy performing a variety of very important jobs in the body. The colon is responsible for helping the body remove waste product, absorbing water from the waste, and it also helps absorb both vitamin K and potassium. The colon also creates an environment where good bacteria lives to help break down the waste materials. Like I said not sexy, but very necessary.
There are a lot of myths surrounding general colon health. Since the colon is possible for processing waste, it gets an undeserved reputation as a disease breeding ground when this is simply not the case. The colon is perfectly designed to handle the job for which it was designed and is not responsible for all the bad health claims for which it is blamed. Poorly functioning colons are blamed for everything from weight gain to colon cancer, to low energy. The health problems associated with a “slow” colon or a “dirty” colon are unsubstantiated and the health benefits that many people tout of colon cleaning are at best scientifically unproven and at worst unhealthy and dangerous.
There are several medical conditions associated with the colon including hemroids, colon cancer, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and polyps; however, it’s important to note that these diseases are not the result of a “dirty” colon. A lot of people can get hemorrhoid relief with a diet rich in fiber and diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome may also be helped with some dietary changes. The more serious colon conditions like colon cancer and polyps can be treated if caught early enough. The best way to manage and maintain excellent colon health is with regular colonoscopies once you get to be 50 years old or earlier if your family has a history of colon disease.
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