What is the colon and how does it work?
The colon, or the large intestine, is a tubular organ approximately 5 ½ – 6 feet in length and 2 ½ – 3 inches in diameter. Although most absorption occurs in the small intestine, the ascending colon also absorbs some minerals, nutrients and excess water from the digested residue of the food that you have eaten. The contents of digestion (chyme) are moved along by mass muscular movements (peristalsis), which are initiated by the nerve supply to the colon. Toxins and waste materials are then discharged through the rectum and anus. The process of digestion and elimination normally takes between 12 and 24 hours. A large portion of the immune system resides in the large intestine. When the colon is healthy, you will experience a feeling of well-being because you are assimilating and eliminating properly. To ensure a healthy colon, we have observed that sufficient water, good nerve tone, and the proper biochemical nutrients and intestinal flora are needed.
