Wonders of the intestine not often tell

Wonders of the intestine not often tell

Lic. Nut. Diana Garnica

Did you know that your large intestine is an organ that runs from the cecum (where it connects with small intestine) to anus (cecum, colon

and rectum), and has a length of approximately five feet? Incredible no? The colon takes the remaining food (chyme) of the small intestine

and finish the process of absorption.

Colon's main function is to convert this chyme to be excreted in feces, although this may seem simple and routine, your gut has more stories to tell. During this process, the colon absorbs water from the chyme, changing its state from liquid to solid. The main characters in the history of the colon are billions of bacteria within this that produce vitamins K and B, as well as hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and methane.

Fiber foods, as another of the essential elements for the colon,have a very important function in the large intestine because it helps retain water. The water is used for make stools softer and more formed causing the muscles of the colon to move stool to the rectum. If the feces are not being defecated, when necessary, the colon continues to absorb water, making them hard and causing constipation. Bacteria in the large intestine are also able to degrade some fibers.

The food usually spends more time in the colon than in any other part of the digestive tract this time may vary depending on the type of food and every person. In the colon spends about 9 hours, days or accumulate in the walls causing a chronic toxicity. Hence the importance of proper movement and disposal.

The thick intestine is not only related to digestion. You'd be surprised to learn that plays a FUNDAMENTAL role on the immune system. Furthermore, the intestinal microflora is essential for the operation of both systems.

A large percentage of the body's defenses are in the mucosa of the large and thick intestine. Cleaning the intestinal lymph nodes regulates the immune system detoxifies and reduces allergic processes.

There are several hundred different bacterial species, mainly located in the colon. The gastrointestinal tract is sterile at birth, but quickly develops intestinal microflora that varies depending on factors such as the circumstances of birth, child feeding, antibiotic use and diet.

MICROFLORA AND DIGESTION

The main function of the intestine is to absorb water and produce some nutrients. The specific work that colonic microflora does during digestion is fermenting substances provided by the food (eg. dietary fiber), which can not be digested in the small intestine. This fermentation produces, among other molecules, lactic acid and short chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric). Butyric provides energy to the coating the wall of the colon, improves the absorption of minerals and helps metabolism of glucose and lipids in the liver.

INTESTINAL FLORA AND IMMUNE FUNCTION

There are three main ways through which the gut acts as a system defense. The first is through the intestinal flora, which protects against bacterial invasion. Mechanisms that are in dispute for nutrients and receptors in the wall intestine and creating an adverse environment for pathogens (eg. low pH).

Second, the intestinal wall cells not only absorb nutrients, but also provide a protective barrier that keeps out harmful substances.

Third, the intestine has an immune system composed of specialized cells (lymphocytes). Lymphocytes are able to generate their own innate response and also trigger the production of antibodies, proteins that attack other proteins called antigens (in this case, the invading pathogen) to deactivate and eliminate them from the body.

Our intestinal flora communicates with the gastrointestinal immune system cells and liver to present a coordinated response to food antigens and harmful microorganisms. Therefore, the intestinal microflora is essential for the protective mechanism function properly. In fact, not having a good bacterial balance in the gut is associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal inflammation, colon cancer, gastroenteritis and to other pathologies that do not seem directly related dermatitis and neural diseases.

Endogenous intestinal bacteria supports the detoxifying function of the liver, they facilitate digestion of lactose, optimize immune function, regulate metabolism cholesterol, enhance inflammatory processes and produce niacin, folic acid, biotin and pyridoxine.

Also the intestinal bacteria kill or inactivate pathogenic bacteria, detoxify carcinogens (which is of vital importance), protect against radiation and deactivate many contaminants, also prevent the invasion of the mucous membranes of the organism by yeasts and fungi.

So the role of our gut goes far beyond what we know, is a organ that deals with the disposal to the defense of our body and production of important nutrients. Keep your bowels in perfect condition make true wonders for your health.