The importance of Colon Health

(And What You Can Do To Promote A Healthy Colon)

 

Though the role it plays is not the most glamorous, the colon is extremely important for our overall health and well-being. This hollow tube shaped organ, which comprises the last five feet of the digestive tract, is made up of muscles that move digested food via a process known as peristalsis. The most important functions of the colon are absorbing water, electrolytes, and vitamins from our food—as well as preparing and storing fecal waste matter.

 

Common Colon Ailments

Why is colon health so important? The colon facilitates both nutrition and the removal of dangerous toxins from the body. When the colon is unable to perform these functions effectively—or when the colon itself is ill—a number of serious health issues can arise. This includes colitis, ileitis, diverticulitis and—of course—colon cancer.

 

Simple Steps Towards Better Health

            So what can you do in order to improve your colon health and avoid the problems discussed above? Here are a few easy measures you can take:

 

• Ensure Adequate Fluid intake. Dehydration can lead to a number of colon issues by causing beginning constipation—which, over extended periods of time, can lead to even greater problems. Though the recent health fad that encourages people to drink as much liquid as possible is perhaps rather exaggerated, it is important to make an effort to drink at least a couple glasses of water per day. It is also helpful to consume water rich fruits and vegetables—which also tend to be rich in fiber. This brings us to our next point…
• Get Lots of Fiber. Fiber—both soluble and insoluble—helps the body maintain a regular digestive function by aiding the movement of waste products and improving the absorption of nutrients.
• Chewing Food Well. It sounds almost silly, but many people simply do not chew their food as well as they should. This leads us to eat more (because we get less satisfaction out of what we eat) and it causes the entire digestive system to work harder.
• Get regular colonoscopies. It might not sound fun but it´s important. Read on to learn more.

 

Colorectal Cancer By The Numbers

            Colorectal cancer presents a sad paradox. It is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths, yet it is also one of the most curable forms of cancer. Here are a few of the most important statistics regarding colorectal cancer.

 

• Excluding skin cancers colorectal cancer is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US.
• 1 in every 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at some point in their lives.
• Only 50% of the people who should be getting regular screenings for colon cancer are receiving the exams they need.
• When colorectal cancer is detected early the survival rate is over 90%. This number drops dramatically the later the cancer is detected.
• Polyps (the preliminary clump of cells that can eventually develop into cancer) can exist in the colon for over a decade before causing harm. Regular colonoscopies can allow for the detection and removal of polyps before they cause problems.

 

For more important health information visit the Surgical Specialist of Long island Blog!