The intestines have two important roles: to complete the digestive process and to eliminate waste products. Both are critical for healthy living.
The combined length of the small and large intestines is approximately 25 feet. The large intestine is also known as the colon; however, the term has also been used to refer to both the small and large intestines.
The small intestine is the site where the broken down food from the stomach completes the digestive process along with the help of three ancillary organs: the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Undigested matter leaving the small intestine contains a high percentage of water, which is reabsorbed by the large intestine. What is left is a solid formed mass, which goes by many names: children call it poop or number two, while adults use more sophisticated terms like bowel movement, stool, and feces. The solid mass consists of waste material, and its removal from the body is critical to prevent the build-up of toxins. Evacuation of stool occurs when the stool reaches the rectum and then the urge to defecate triggers the event.
When the intestines work properly, we rarely give it a second thought. Nevertheless, when problems do arise it can wreck havoc on many facets of our life.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Two of the most common problems of the intestines are constipation and diarrhea. Common symptoms are:
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent gas
- Bloating
- Weight gain
When the small intestine lacks the right mix of bacteria and enzymes required to break down food, bad bacteria feed on the undigested food particles producing gas, which in turn produces bloating and an extended belly.
In general, many individuals live with and accept the occasional bouts of both conditions. However, neither are normal, and both point to an ongoing intestinal problem.
Constipation
The causes of constipation vary. It can be brought on from any of the following:
- Dehydration
- Inactivity
- Insufficient dietary fiber
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Untreated, the stool becomes very dry and hard, making evacuation extremely difficult and uncomfortable. Long-term straining weakens the rectal wall. This can cause hemorrhoids and, in women, the possibility of a rectal prolapse. Moreover, straining can cause very small cuts or fissures in the anus, which itch, burn, and make it very uncomfortable to pass stool.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea, the opposite problem of constipation, is the result of stool moving too quickly through the large intestine, making absorption of water impossible.
The causes are numerous. Diarrhea can result from:
- Allergic reaction
- Food poisoning
- Stomach flu or some other gastrointestinal infection
Untreated diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and even death.
Other Intestinal Problems
Other problems can be chronic in nature and triggered by a number of things, from an intestinal infection and allergies to a sluggish bowel or blockage. Examples of such chronic problems are:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic yeast infections
For many, the transition from a watery to a solid stool is problematic. Doctors have discovered that a small blockage can form at the juncture between the small intestine and the large intestine. When this occurs, the intestinal wall is unable to make contact with the liquidy stool to absorb the water. The partial absorption of water results in the final product appearing as partial liquid/partial solid. A vicious cycle begins with the over-zealous treatment of a false diarrhea resulting in constipation.
The best way to resolve this problem is to completely empty the bowels. A health care provider should be consulted to monitor the progress.
An accurate diagnosis of these disorders leads to early intervention and greater success in treatment. I have always told my clients that a doctor is only as good as his investigative skills. For him to make an accurate diagnosis the first time, he must take a complete medical history, do a thorough physical exam, and order sufficient laboratory and or diagnostic tests.
Natural Remedies
In general, a good bowel movement begins with a healthy dose of intestinal bacteria. Intestinal bacteria are the catalysts to vitamin K production and necessary for the completion of the digestive process.
Some antibiotics, viral infections, and diarrhea can easily disturb the natural balance in the intestines. It can take a week for the intestines to replenish the natural bacterial flora. A dietary intake of probiotics can help speed this process and assist in maintaining healthy bacterial flora.
Common probiotic strains are listed on the labels of specially marked dairy products. The most common strains are:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterim bifidum
- Bifidobacterim longum
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Check your local health food store for a variety of healthy products containing probiotics.
Staying Regular
We live in a fast-paced society with limited patience. When out and about, we may need to visit the bathroom. We may fight the urge because the timing is inconvenient. This will eventually result in an urge reflex that is very subtle or non-existent. The longer the stool stays in the large intestine, the dryer it becomes.
Daily stools are optimal, and for better bowel functioning slowly increase your fiber and water intake. High fiber foods include apples, pears, flaxseed, broccoli, whole grains, oatmeal and legumes. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and drink throughout the day because water helps with proper elimination.
You can train your bowels to empty by going to the bathroom about fifteen minutes after finishing a meal. You must be patient and relaxed; attempting the process by straining or pushing will not help. The process should be one of relaxed and gentle evacuation.
Tips of the Trade:
- Constipation and diarrhea are never normal. So if a doctor tells you it is OK to go a week without a bowel movement, I would suggest changing providers.
- Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water per day.
- Eat enough dietary fiber every day. Include fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as whole grains and beans.
- Get moving. Walking is a great activity to help with the process of peristalsis.
- Relax.
In conclusion, it can often be a difficult task to correct intestinal irregularities. If caught early, the problem becomes easier to manage.
