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The Colon's Effect on Your Health - Part II
Last issue we discussed how the colon works and how we can address some of the health issues which may occur from colon problems. We mentioned that the two primary things that happen in the colon are: (1) colon stasis: which is lack of good movement of material through the bowel and (2) putrefaction and abnormal bacteria in the bowel. Colon stasis may develop as a result of too little roughage or fibrous material in the diet. Putrefaction and abnormal bacteria result primarily from too much refined carbohydrate in the diet, in the form of white sugar and refined white flour.
Some of the other health issues we need to address are:
Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis:
The colon works best when waste material is mushy and soft, since it moves rapidly through the bowel and is eliminated within a day and a half. Today’s common diet takes approximately three to four days for elimination. When there is too little roughage, the stool becomes smaller. To move this compacted waste material, great efforts are required of the colon’s circular muscles. Pressure develops along the colon. If infection develops in these pockets, diverticulitis occurs. This condition includes possible bleeding and tissue breakdown, and is very serious indeed.
In the past, the proper diet for this condition was considered a bland one, supposedly non-irritating to the bowel. Unfortunately, this diet simply made the condition worse, because it continued to promote the hard, compacted stool and abnormal colon function.
It is absolutely imperative that, under a doctor’s control, an individual with diverticulitis and/or diverticulosis resume a natural diet so that improved colon function can be obtained.
Hemorrhoids, Varicosities and Phlebitis:
It has long been known that constipation causes and worsens hemorrhoids, generally called piles. Inmost cases, the mechanism for a hemorrhoid problem is the same as that for varicosities. A dry, hard, compacted stool causes considerable strain for evacuation. This strain causes increased pressure in the veins, resulting in a ballooning and breakdown of the vein wall, whether it be the hemorrhoid plexus or the veins of the legs.
There is an additional factor in varicosities of the legs. The bowel lies across the veins going down to the leg, causing a back pressure against the return of blood to the heart. This back pressure causes a ballooning of the blood vessel wall, especially if the one way valves in the veins have been damaged by straining at the stool with constipation. The abnormal vein function that develops is inflammation of the vein that can be very serious, in fact, it can cause death.
Infections:
High use of refined carbohydrates, such as sugar and white flour, causes an imbalance of bacteria, and abnormal bacteria develop in the colon. This bacterial involvement can be responsible for infections in the urinary tract, gallbladder, appendix, and diverticula. The answer to these infections, especially if recurrent, is to regain normal colon function.
Treatment:
Since prevention is the best treatment, a doctor trained in Applied Kinesiology will evaluate you for colon function and examine the nerve and other energy control patterns of your colon. He/she will possibly suggest dietary changes and nutritional supplements to restore normal colon function.
The danger signs indicating that you need to improve colon function are tendency toward diarrhea, constipation, and a foul smelling stool or gas that may be passed. A normal stool has minimal offensive odor.
Dr. Susan Bobak is director of the Healing Arts Center of Covina and a Chiropractor since 1982. (626) 859-6480 ? 646 East Eremland • Covina • CA (Just south of Rowland, between Citrus & Barranca)
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