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 Intestinal System
(by Orlando Aguilar C.)

After food leaves the small intestine, it moves into the large intestine or colon, a muscular tube --about 5 or 6 feet in length and approximately 2 inches in diameter-- coiled into a frame around the convoluted small intestine. Waste material is forced through the colon by the action of the muscles. It then exits the body through the rectum.
The colon has three main parts: the ascending, the transverse and descending colons. Since much of the digestion process has already taken place, what enters the colon is mostly waste material in liquid form. As the colon contracts, this substance is pushed along its length. Most of the water and mineral salts in the liquid are absorbed back into the body. What remains is a semisolid waste: 60 to 70% water and 10 to 30% bacteria, plus indigestible cellulose material, dead cells and other waste materials.
The process of elimination takes anywhere from 12 to 24 hours or longer. Generally, the shorter the time, the better. Unfortunately, modern diets and health habits sometimes result in greatly increased transit times. As transit time increases, the stool becomes increasingly hardened and difficult to pass due to dehydration. Moreover, as the body reabsorbs the fluid content of the feces, it also absorbs many soluble toxins.

People whose diets are high in refined foods (including sugar and white flour) and low in fiber content (such as meat, eggs and dairy products) are specially susceptible to intestinal problems. In fact, colon and rectal disorders are much more common in America than Africa, where the average diet contains seven times as much fiber as in the U.S.

The colon works best when it is moderately full. Dietary fiber fills this need. Although it contains no nutrients, fiber helps promote good health by providing the necessary bulk to encourage timely movement of fecal material through the colon. As this happens, certain toxic materials are removed along with many times the fiber's weigh in water. This is important because it helps maintain bowel regularity and shortens the time toxic materials remain in the body.

Fiber
There are two basic types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber includes pectin, gums and some hemicellulose. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, brown rice, barley and oats are sources for soluble fiber. Soluble fiber works mainly by helping to produce a softer stool. It also chemically prevents or reduces the absorption of certain substances into the bloodstream. Insoluble fiber includes cellulose, some hemicellulose and lignin. Whole grains and the outside of seeds, fruits, legumes and other foods are the main sources for insoluble fiber, which works like a sponge, absorbing many times its weight in water and swelling up inside the intestines. The result is more efficient elimination.
When extra fiber is added to the diet, it is important that extra fluids also be added. If not, the beneficial effects can be diminished as the added fiber actually slows down or even blocks proper intestinal elimination. Spreading out fiber intake is also suggested to help ease any unpleasant side-effects that may occur at the start of a new, fiber-rich dietary regimen.
Exercise also plays a role in the health of the intestinal system. Without sufficient exercise, bowel action may be slowed down and the normal circulation within the digestive system reduced.

Benefitial bacteria
In addition to eating sufficient amounts of fiber, it is important to maintain a good supply of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophillus. Unlike bacteria that causes disease, Lactobacillus acidophillus is extremely helpful. It produces digestive enzymes and assists in the final processing of food. It also produces important vitamins such as vitamin K and the B vitamins (B12, thiamin and riboflavin), and helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, naturally occurring lactobacillus can be destroyed by a course of antibiotic treatment.

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