When’s the last time you thought about your colon health?
Your colon, a.k.a. the main part of your large intestine, is an essential part of your digestive system and a core component of what your body needs to thrive. And, like all hard workers, your colon needs some TLC to keep on truckin’ — and we’re going to show you how.
Let’s dive into what your colon does, what factors affect it, and how you can take better care of it.
What your colon does
First things first: let’s talk large intestine. Your large intestine is a tube-like organ, linked to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon is the longest part of the large intestine, and it’s responsible for:
- Receiving digested food waste from your small intestine;
- Removing water, nutrients, and electrolytes from that food waste;
- Transforming that food waste into stool;
- And moving that waste into your rectum for storage, before it exits the body through the anus.1
Did that sound like we just described an entire factory? You’re spot on! Your colon project manages the last few steps of removing waste from your body; acting as a trash sorter, compactor, and garbage truck driver all in one.
Your colon’s the ultimate waste worker. And that’s why you need to keep it running in tip-top shape.
What might be affecting your colon health
Your diet
How you nourish your body can have a major impact on the health of your colon (and digestive system, in general). According to digestive health experts, excess amounts of sugar, animal fats and highly processed red meats can cause inflammation — a leading cause of colorectal cancer.2
Do you have to bid these foods goodbye forever? Absolutely not. But ideally, you’re nourishing your body with as many whole, colorful, and fiber-rich foods as possible: think leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, and berries.
Looking for a quick way to support your gut health? Consider adding a prebiotic fiber supplement like this one [URO Prebiotic Fiber] to your daily routine and get some nutrients in a snap.
How much you move
Lace up those sneaks! Studies published in the National Library of Medicine and Journal of the American Cancer Society found that ongoing, regular physical activity can lead to decreased risk of colon cancer — and even improve survival in those that have had it.3, 4
We’re not surprised in the least: physical activity keeps the digestive system churning away, improving circulation and gut motility, or the speed at which food moves through your digestive tract.5 If you’ve been wanting to check out a Pilates class or head out for a hike, let’s call this a sign.
Your water intake
If your New Year’s resolution was to drink more water, here’s one more reason to keep at it: staying hydrated can improve your colon (and overall gut) health.
Remember how the colon removes water from your stool? Well, when your body’s severely dehydrated, the colon pulls out more water than necessary, hardening your poops and making them “difficult to pass.”6 In fact, dehydration can slow the entire digestive process down. The result? A one-way ticket to constipation station. And nooooobody wants to go there.
Your stress levels
We’re singin’ it til’ the cows come home: chronic stress affects the entire body, and your digestive system is no different.
When stressors ignite your body’s fight or flight response, hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood the body, disrupting your gut’s natural microbiome, halting or stalling digestive function, causing painful contractions in your gut, and more. In fact, ongoing psychological stress has been shown to cause “bowel dysfunction.”7 This is all bad news for the colon, our digestive MVP.
Dreading a demanding job? At the end of your rope with a relationship or friendship? These long-term stressors probably aren’t good for your gut — and you might want to make a change.
Your health conditions
If you’re living with a gastrointestinal disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Celiac disease, and GERD, you likely already know how your colon health and function are affected by these conditions — and that’s between you and your doctor. Just consider this your reminder to follow the lifestyle instructions your PCP has shared with you.
For example, if you’ve been advised to follow a low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Polyols) diet for a few weeks, you absolutely should.
And if you suspect you may have one of these conditions, this is your sign to connect with a medical professional. Though IBS affects nearly 10 to 15% of the population, research suggests that up to 75% of cases are undiagnosed.8 So if you’re experiencing inflammation, discomfort during digestion, acid reflux, or other symptoms, it’s time to get some help.
Your alcohol intake
A recent meta-study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer revealed that elevated alcohol consumption can increase the risk of colorectal cancer, a cancer that begins in the colon and rectum.9
No need to pour all your wine bottles down the drain — but if you are drinking heavily on the regular, you could be putting your colon (and overall) health at risk.
Your gut microbiome
So, you’ve got another brain—and it’s in your gut.
We’re not being literal, but your gut microbiome, a network of trillions of microorganisms that live in your gut, interacts with tons of other systems (immune, digestive, nervous, endocrine) in your body — and drives a lot of important processes there. And most of them live…drumroll, please…in your colon!
Just like any ecosystem, when the balance in your gut microbiome is off, the health of your colon and digestive system suffer. In situations like these, a hard reset might be your best bet to getting back on track.
If you’re looking for something fast-acting and herbal, look into an at-home treatment like the URO Colon Cleanse — your gut may just thank you.
