Role of the Colon

The colon, large intestine or bowel is situated in the abdomen and forms the final part of the digestive tract. It is approximately 5 ft long and 2.5 inches in diameter. The colon is responsible for a number of vital functions, such as:

a) it reabsorbs 90% of water,

b) the absorption of water-soluble nutrients and

c) the synthesis of certain vitamins.

Not only does colonic hydrotherapy directly clear out the colon, it also creates a healthy environment in your body. Your skin becomes clearer, eyes brighter, you have sweeter breath, reduction of flatulence, a general increase in energy, improved mental clarity and it can also help with circulatory, immune and weight problems.

The colon is a major part of the excretory system, and is responsible for eliminating food and other body wastes, as well as protecting us from infection and disease. In a normal functioning colon, all this is achieved with the help of billions of friendly bacteria which inhabit the colon and make up some 70% of the dry weight of our faecal waste. However, the delicate balance of this internal ecosystem can very easily be disturbed by a number of factors including stress, pollution, poor food and drink choices, certain drugs, smoking and exposure to toxic substances.

The results of this imbalance:

• The healthy transit time (the time a meal takes to pass from mouth to rectum) of food through our bodies is less than 24 hours.
• On average in the U.K. it is now 60 hours for men and 70 hours for women.
• The United Kingdom is the most constipated nation in the world.
• The U.K. has the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the world with 20,000 new cases per year.
• One in three people consulting G.P.s have a bowel problem.

Bowel disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis and yeast infections (Candida) are now widespread. Colonics may help reduce the majority of symptoms caused by these disorders