Herbal Medicine Center

Archive for June 5th, 2010

The colon plays an important part in maintaining a healthy body. In the last decade, public awareness of colon diseases and cancer has led to an improvement in medical diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Dietary research, natural remedies and development of colonic hydrotherapy techniques now mean we have the necessary knowledge and tools at our disposal to look after this very important part of our body.

As the colon is the final part of our digestive system, it carries waste materials that can be toxic. These materials can become trapped or impacted and cause disease within the colon itself, or release toxins back into the blood causing disease elsewhere in the body. The colon provides nutrients and water to other parts of the body so it’s important for it to function properly and flush out the waste. There are a number of things we can do to aid this vital process.

Diet is one of the easiest things to address and change to have a healthy colon. Try to eat plenty of fruit and fibre. You should aim for around 30g of fibre a day. Wholegrain cereals, pulses, lentils and vegetables can provide the necessary nutrients. Avoid too much wheat, dairy products and caffeine and foods that are high in fat. Diets high in saturated fats have been attributed to cases of colon cancer. It is advisable to maintain a healthy weight too as obesity has been linked with colon disease and cancer.

If you find you suffer with constipation, there are natural laxatives you can try. Linseed tea taken ten minutes before eating has proved to aid digestion and colon function as has Blackstrap molasses taken three times a day. For a healthy gut, Probiotic yoghurts and fermented milk products that contain ‘friendly bacteria’ are also recommended and can improve and maintain colon function.

Too much alcohol and smoking have proved a combination that increases the risks of colon disease so quitting the cigarettes and moderating your alcohol intake is advised. Also try to take regular exercise at least three or four times during a week. This could be as simple as a daily walk. For those people over 50, a regular colon screening is recommended and anyone with a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or other digestive disorders should consult with their GP about colon screening. This can be beneficial even before reaching the age of 50.

One of the most beneficial procedures for your colon is colonic hydrotherapy (sometimes called colonic irrigation). This therapy involves flushing out the colon with specially filtered water. A colonic hydrotherapist will insert a small tube into the rectum and water is then circulated around the colon to flush out any waste materials that have become trapped. As the water passes through, the colon muscles are exercised and the colon itself returns to its proper shape. The procedure is painless and there is no odour or mess and you can be assured that your dignity is maintained at all times.

Colonic hydrotherapy is fast becoming a popular method of maintaining a healthy colon with many people preferring to visit a colonic hydrotherapist rather than taking over-the-counter laxatives or prescription drugs. Its benefits are widely recognised and the results are immediate with people coming away feeling relaxed and lighter than they did before.

Shaun Parker is an expert on therapy and alternative medicine. He helps people that are looking for colonic hydrotherapy.