Intestine Cleanse
Intestine Cleanse
Intestine Structure
The intestine (or bowel) is the segment of the alimentary canal extending from the
mouth via stomach to the anus and consists of two segments, the small intestine and
the large intestine. In humans, the small intestine is further subdivided into the
duodenum, jejunum and ileum while the large intestine is subdivided into the cecum and
colon.
Food from the stomach is allowed into the duodenum by a muscle called the pylorusor
pyloric sphincter and is then pushed through the small intestine by a process of
muscular-wavelike contractions called peristalsis. The major functions of the small
intestine are as follows:
The small intestine is where most chemical digestion takes place. Most of the
digestive enzymes that act in the small intestine are secreted by the pancreas and
enter the small intestine via the pancreatic duct. The enzymes enter the small
intestine in response to the hormone cholecystokinin, which is produced in the small
intestine in response to the presence of nutrients. The hormone secretin also causes
bicarbonate to be released into the small intestine from the pancreas in order to
neutralize the potentially harmful acid coming from the stomach.
The three major classes of nutrients that undergo digestion are proteins, lipids (fats)
and carbohydrates:
• Proteins and peptides are degraded into amino acids. Chemical breakdown
begins in the stomach and continues in the small intestine. Proteolytic enzymes,
including trypsin and chymotrypsin, are secreted by the pancreas and cleave
proteins into smaller peptides. Carboxypeptidase, which is a pancreatic brush
border enzyme, splits one amino acid at a time. Aminopeptidase and dipeptidase
free the end amino acid products.
• Lipids (fats) are degraded into fatty acids and glycerol. Pancreatic lipase breaks
down triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides. Pancreatic lipase
works with the help of the salts from the bile secreted by the liver and the gall
bladder. Bile salts attach to triglycerides to help emulsify them, which aids access
by pancreatic lipase. This occurs because the lipase is water-soluble but the fatty
triglycerides are hydrophobic and tend to orient towards each other and away
from the watery intestinal surroundings. The bile salts are the "middle man" that
holds the triglycerides in the watery surroundings until the lipase can break them
into the smaller components that are able to enter the villi for absorption.
b) Absorption
The small intestine is the site where most of the nutrients from ingested food are
absorbed. The inner wallor mucosa, of the small intestine is lined with simple
columnar epithelial tissue. Structurally, the mucosa is covered in wrinkles or folds
called plicae circulares, which are considered permanent features in the wall of the
organ. They are distinct from rugae which are considered non-permanent or
temporary allowing for distention and contraction. From the plicae circulares project
microscopic finger-like pieces of tissue called villi (Latin for "shaggy hair"). The
individual epithelial cells also have finger-like projections known as microvilli. The
function of the plicae circulares, the villi and the microvilli is to increase the amount
of surface area available for the absorption of nutrients.
Each villus has a network of capillaries and fine lymphatic vessels called lacteals
close to its surface. The epithelial cells of the villi transport nutrients from the lumen
of the intestine into these capillaries (amino acids and carbohydrates) and lacteals
(lipids). The absorbed substances are transported via the blood vessels to different
organs of the body where they are used to build complex substances such as the
proteins required by our body. This is called diffusion. The food that remains
undigested and unabsorbed passes into the large intestine.
Absorption of the majority of nutrients takes place in the jejunum, with the following
notable exceptions:
• Vitamin B12 and bile salts are absorbed in the terminal ileum.
• Water and lipids are absorbed by passive diffusion throughout the small intestine.
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• Sodium is absorbed by active transport and glucose and amino acid co-transport.
Intestinal problems
• Bleeding
• Celiac disease
• Crohn's disease
• Infections
• Intestinal cancer
• Intestinal obstruction
• Constipation etc.
However, the most common of these problems is constipation and Irritable Bowel
Syndrome. Brief information about them is as follows:
a) Constipation
Chronic constipation and irregularity have become a major problem here in the India.
Our diets often consist of highly processed, nutrient and fiber deficient foods. Many
of these foods are not conducive to a healthy digestive system.
Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply
means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard stools,
difficulty passing stools (straining)or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel
movement.
The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent
of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per weekand this
would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a
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daybut this pattern is seen in less than 50% of people. Moreover, most people are
irregular and do not have bowel movements every day or the same number of bowel
movements each day.
Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part
of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation
spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and
prevents the passage of any stool.
People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, the two most common inflammatory
bowel diseases, complain of abdominal pain and diarrhea and sometimes
experience anemia, rectal bleeding, weight lossor other symptoms. No definitive test
exists for either disease and patients endure two initial misdiagnoses on average.
With Crohn's, appendicitis, irritable bowel syndrome, an ulcer or an infection is often
wrongly suspected.
Both disorders may arise from a wayward immune system that leads the body to
attack the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn's involves ulcers that may burrow deep
into the tissue lining at any portion of the GI tract, leading to infection and thickening
of the intestinal wall and blockages that need surgery. Ulcerative colitis, by contrast,
afflicts only the colon and rectum, where it also causes ulcers; colitis is characterized
by bleeding and pus.
Everybody is not lucky enough to have regular defecation in the morning. Often, people
may have difficult and infrequent passage of small hard stools. A low fibre diet is a risk
factor in this case.
Imagine that stools have accumulated inside the intestines. They may be in the form of
a thin film as well, sticking to the walls of the colon. They hamper physical efficiency,
causing a lot of discomfort, irritability, lethargy, bloating, flatulence and even headaches
etc. Cleansing the intestines solves all these problems and greatly promotes well being.
Some of the techniques used for intestine cleansing are as under.
a) Enema – One option is to take enema, in which liquid is passed through a tube into
the rectum to stimulate bowel movements. Constipation linked to a painful anal
disorder and may be relieved with a soothing ointment. Enema can be taken by the
patient himself from the comfort of his/her home, preferably without any external
help.
b) Colon cleanse – Doctors observed that enemas do not have sufficient effect and
faecal matter inside the colon and large intestine is hardly cleaned. A colon cleanse
machine costing Rs. 50 lacs was invented. Many colonics were trained. We now
have about 10 such machines in India. One of them is installed at “The Centre of
Colon Therapy”, Mumbai Ph: 65854474/ 32571781. They charge Rs. 2500/- for one
colon cleanse session. It is beneficial.
Q: How many times or how often does one need this cleanse?
A: The number of sessions will depend on individual needs of each client. Most
people on a standard Indian diet may require a series of six sessions initially, for
a thorough cleansing of the colon. After that an individualised monthly
programme is recommended to keep the colon cleaned and toned. It is
recommended that one does not eat heavy foods two hours prior to the session.
ii. The colon cleanse administration fee of Rs. 2500/- per session is rather high.
I did the following experiment. I hold a pipe having running water near my anus. The
pipe is not inserted inside the anus but the pressure of the water is sufficient for it to
enter the large intestine. Soon it builds up pressure inside and most of the faecal matter,
I discussed this with a doctor who practices colon cleanse in Mumbai, after undergoing
his therapy. I asked him about the ramifications of my experiment. He had the
following observations to make about using a regular jet spray to do this at home (after
each of his observations, I have mentioned my response):
i. The water being sprayed inside is not at the same body temperature.
I confirmed that this is hardly inconvenient in view of the large benefits involved.
ii. He suggested that using regular tap water may transmit some infection, which may
damage the walls of the intestine.
I told him that we use tap water for rinsing our mouths after brushing teeth. We also
eat fresh or stale salads containing raw vegetables washed in regular water,
without suffering any ill effects.
I confirmed that I had, whereupon he admitted that doing this type of colon cleanse
at home is very good for everyone because it takes only 5 minutes, involves no
cost and is very convenient and safe. However, he asked me not to publicize it.
Fruits that are rich in fiber, easily bulk up and create extra volume or that act as a
natural lubricant are also good choices for colon health.
Organic apples, grapes, pineapples, papaya and kiwi are good for the entire digestive
system. These fruits not only contain fiber but some also contain valuable enzymes that
help maintain regularity.
It may be eaten fresh or dried but the fresh fruit is preferred for the higher mineral and
vitamin content. An unripe mango is especially helpful for those with constipation but it
may be a bit too tart on the tongue. The fruit may be cut in strips or planks and can be
eaten by itself as a sweet treat or dessert.
Another excellent food which helps restore regularity and "keeps things moving" is
natural, probiotic yogurt. It is important to choose a yogurt that is minimally processed,
as processed and multi-ingredient yogurts typically do not give the same benefit.
The majority of common mass marketed probiotic yogurts are pasteurized and contain
many stabilizers and sweetening agents. The abundance of sugars completely defeat
the purpose, since probiotics help reduce the unfriendly effects of sugar. The healthy
flora are many times not able to live through the pasteurization process.
Flax seed is also an easy way to get extra fiber and colon-friendly nutrients into your
diet. Ground flax seed can be added to smoothies or cereal and sprinkled on most
foods without intruding too much on the flavor.nFlax seed is a powerhouse of healthy
protein, essential fatty acids and fiber. It is easily digested and can keep you full for
hours. Flax seed is one of the best foods you can consume for colon and intestinal
health, as it acts as a natural, non-irritating laxative. The fibrous, grainy texture of flax
seed also acts as a natural scrubbing and cleansing agent for the walls of the colon and
intestines, helping to keep them free of debris. It is unique in the world of grains in that
is contains the highest concentration of lignans. Lignans are anti-fungal, anti-cancerand
anti-viral micronutrients.
• Clearing the colon of old hardened waste material and harmful toxins.
• Providing a favourable environment for bacteria and micro flora for digestion.
2) Some of the toxins that are present in the colon make the body unable to metabolise
food and fat, increasing food cravings, abdominal gas and chronic fatigue resulting
in obesity. Colon cleanse along with appropriate exercise and diet program helps us
to fight obesity and reduce weight. Colonics expel waste resulting in:
3) Colon cleanse rejuvenates our entire system by enhancing anti-oxidant activity in the
body thereby slowing the aging process considerably. It is therefore recommended
to go in for regular sessions of Colon Cleanse and maintain a nutritious diet in order
to eliminate all waste and toxins and have a healthy glowing skin. The secret to
beautiful skin is a healthy colon.