What is Your Colon?
The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus, twisting and turning through your abdomen (belly). The colon has 3 main functions.
- To digest and absorb nutrients from food
- To concentrate fecal material by absorbing fluid (and electrolytes) from it
- To store and control evacuation of fecal material
The right side of your colon absorbs water and electrolytes, while the left side is responsible for storage and evacuation of stool.
The colon is the last organ of your digestive system. It is here that food is “determined” to be either beneficial or harmful to the body. Colon health has become such an important topic these days.
Keeping Your Colon Healthy
Eating right and staying fit are instrumental to good colon health. Regular checkups with your physician are also important to general health and well being.
Healthy eating is vital for your overall well being. Having a balanced, nutrient rich diet that includes fruits and vegetables is very important to a healthy, well functioning digestive system. |
A healthy colon will eliminate fecal matters the body does not need. These fecal matters or stool are waste products of digestion, and contain various kinds of bacteria that need to be removed from the body. If these are not properly excreted, you may experience problems such as bloating, gas, and pain.
Colon Health is vital to your overall health and well-being. There are, however, conditions and diseases of the colon and the digestive system that are important you are aware of:
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