Our colons are possibly the most important organ in our body. The colon is responsible for good digestion, a sense of well being, healthy weight maintenance and good energy levels. Because of this, we must keep our colon health or run the risk of developing colon related illnesses like colitis Crohn’s disease, IBS, hemorrhoids, cancer of the colon and constipation

Colon Polyps

Most adults have polyps. Research indicates the figure at about 18%. They are abnormal growths that extend from your intestinal canal. The only way to find out if you have polyps is to have an endoscopy or x-ray.

In the case of non-cancerous polyps, your doctor will probably recommend you have them removed. This is done with a wire loop or an electric current. Other times, surgery is performed. Remember that removing colon polyps is essential to the prevention of cancer, so be sure to have regular checkups.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a fairly well known ailment. It affects the gastrointestinal tract and it is estimated that about 2 million people in the United States have the problem. In Crohn’s disease, the body mistakes good, healthy food for a harmful substance. The result is the body attacks itself and leads to serious inflammation. Some people with Crohn’s disease mistake it for IBS or even colitis. The only way to be sure of the diagnosis is to have a physical examination.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Bloating, weight loss
• Skin lesions

Medication is needed to treat Crohn’s disease. Surgery is often necessary as part of the treatment.

Ulcerative Colitis

When ulcers form on the lining of your colon, they create inflammation around the lower colon. This is ulcerative colitis; a disease that usually begins in people under the age of 30. The disorder can be caused by a number of reasons, including genetics, weakened immune system and the presence of harmful substances.

Symptoms of Colitis

You probably have Colitis if you experience:

• lots of rectal bleeding
• pain in your abdomen
• bloating, or fatigue.

Promoting Good Colon Health

1) Increase Fiber Intake

is essential for good health. Unless you have at least two bowel movements every day, you are probably not getting enough fiber. If your body isn’t eliminated its waste properly, the toxins simply re-circulate through the body. Even if you aren’t experiencing problems now, it’s a sure bet you will in the future.

Change your diet and add more fiber. There are actually two types of fiber - soluble and insoluble and our body needs plenty of both. Flaxseed, strawberries, citrus, oats and rice are some of the soluble fibers; carrots, Brussel sprouts, barley, whole wheat and fresh cabbage are examples of insoluble.

For people who just can’t get in enough fiber through their diet, there are supplements that can be taken. Consider a fiber shake, like Oxy-Powder everyday, or other fiber supplements. It’s best to get your fiber through fiber-rich foods in your diet, but supplements can be effective too.
2) Get Regular Check-Ups

it’s very important to get regular check ups from your physician. Though I am a practitioner of alternative medicine, I do not shun conventional medicine. Both have their faults and benefits.
Your physician will take a medical history to determine if you have any risk factors for colon problems or disease. A stool test will probably be ordered to check for blood and parasites. A sigmoidoscopy may be ordered to get a visual of your colon. A colonoscopy may be ordered; this is usually done under sedation and there is no discomfort during the procedure.