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.