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The colon, large intestine or bowel is situated in the abdomen and is the end portion of the human
digestive tract. An extremely important organ in it's own right, it is approximately 1.5 meters (5 ft) long
and 65mm (21/211) in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water and
synthesize certain nutrients such as vitamin (K) and portions of vitamin (B) complex.
The colon is a major
part of the excretory system, and is responsible for eliminating food and other body wastes, as well as
protecting us from infection and disease. In a normal functioning colon, all this is achieved with the help of
billions of friendly bacteria which inhabit the colon and make up some 70% of the dry weight of our
faecal waste. However, the delicate balance of this internal ecosystem can very easily be disturbed
by a number of factors including stress, pollution, poor food and drink choices, certain drugs, smoking and
exposure to toxic substances.
The healthy transit time of food through our bodies is less than 24 hours. On
average in the U.K. it is now 60 hours for men and 70 hours for women. Waste material, especially that
which has remained in the colon for some time, (i.e. impacted faeces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated
mucous, parasites, worms, etc.) pose several problems. First this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These
poisons can re-enter and circulate in the blood stream making us feel ill, tired or weak.
Second, impacted
materials impair the colon's ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria-produced
vitamins.
Finally, a
buildup of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements,
constipation, and the result of these are disorders. The United Kingdom is the most constipated nation in the
world and has the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the world with 20,000 new cases per year. Bowel
disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis and yeast infections
(Candida) are now widespread. The repercussions of a toxic bowel may be seen throughout the body system
in a wide range of health problems.
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