Colon cancer is one of the more common types of cancer and kills thousands of people each year. Hundreds of thousands of people suffer from other colon disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulosis, colitis, and other gastro-intestinal complications. Most of us have experienced some type of bowel disorder, namely constipation. The fact that thousands of tons of laxatives are sold all over the Western world each year only confirms this.

LOSING NATURAL TONE

Over the counter laxatives are not only habit forming, but cause the bowel to lose its natural tone due to the repeated forcing of waste out of the bowel. The gastro-intestinal tract is made of muscle tissue, and when this tissue contracts and relaxes naturally, it is called peristalsis. There are many ways that we abuse the peristaltic wave of the bowel, mainly by ignoring the feeling of an oncoming bowel movement.

WHY ARE WE CONSTIPATED?

There are many reasons why we are becoming more and more constipated, the first being ignorance of proper bowel function. No bodily function is more subject to external influence than defecation. We tend to suppress the urge to move our bowels and have done so for so many generations that as a society we no longer know what is normal. In primitive cultures where people live in harmony with nature, eat natural foods in season, get plenty of exercise and generally live less stressful lives, bowel problems are far less common.

IS MOVING OUR BOWELS DIRTY?

One of the inhibitions of civilized culture is the thought that moving our bowels is somehow dirty. Among most civilized cultures the anus, rectum and bowel are only second to the sexual organs as dirty, nasty, sinful parts of the body. Whether it be conscious or subconscious, most of us feel some embarrassment or guilt or difficulty about our bowels. Most of our cities are lacking in public toilet facilities. Where there are public toilets, these are often filthy or are centers for other unsavoury activities. Banks, post offices and other businesses refuse to supply public toilets. Many restaurants, gas stations and shops demand that you buy something before they let you use their facilities. The problem of finding a toilet when you need it is, it seems, universal. I find the best way around this is to use hotels and act as though you are staying there.

3 BOWEL MOVEMENTS A DAY

Modern lifestyles have wreaked havoc in our colons. It is, in fact, perfectly normal and healthy to have a bowel movement for every meal you eat, so that if you eat three meals a day you should be having three bowel movements a day. Research indicates that populations with a high instance of colon rectal cancer consume diets containing less fiber, grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, and more animal and protein fat and refined carbohydrates, than populations with a low incidence of the disease. A sluggish bowel retains pounds of old toxic and poisonous fecal matter and often it is the stubborn retention and re-absorption of this toxic waste that is the cause of illness.

WHEN FEARFUL, WE HOLD OUR BREATH

Together with the food we eat and our exercise programs, our emotions dramatically affect our bowel's ability to perform. Fear is linked with constipation. Imagine for a second, something scary or upsetting and notice the retention that the body goes through. We tend to hold our breath and hold the reflexive action of the anus. Exercise, particularly movements that stretch and build the abdominal area will help move the bowels more efficiently.

RESTORE PROPER BOWEL FUNCTION

Holistic therapies to restore proper bowel function include colonic irrigations, home enemas, exercise counseling, herbal or homeopathic remedies and lifestyle changes which include the emotional, structural and nutritional components.

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