ABOUT THE "COLON" = VERY IMPORTANT PART of YOUR BODY

1 = Absorb any remaining water and electrolytes from the CHYME
(the semi-fluid material that passes from the small intestines
into the large intestine,

3 = To store this waste material until it is time for it to be evacuated.

The colon moves material through by contractions of the smooth muscles in
the colon wall, a process known as PERISTALSIS.

Along with fiber, water is necessary to keep the stool soft so it can move through easier. Also, when we don't drink enough water, the mucus lining in the colon changes in consistency failing to provide a slick surface for the movement of the material.

A proper diet should consist mostly of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and cereals. These supply us with fiber as well as he vitamins and minerals needed to keep the colon, and the rest of the body, healthy.

Exercise stimulates the colon and increases peristalsis. A sedentary lifestyle and improper diet are common causes of constipation and other colon problems.

When we are under excess stress, the entire digestive system tends to shut down. As a result peristalsis slows down.

Beneficial bacteria in our colons, or FLORA as they are sometimes called, perform some very important functions. These bacteria beak down some of the materials that we can't digest and produce some important vitamins (some of the B vitamins and vitamin K -- essential for blood clotting). We can then absorb these vitamins along with the water and electrolytes into our blood-streams. These beneficial bacteria are also necessary to keep the potentially harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli, in check and to prevent yeast or candida overgrowth.

The normal colon contains about 70 % or more of the beneficial bacteria, and about 30 % or less of the harmful bacteria.

Most of us have 70 % or more of the harmful bacteria and 30 % or less of the beneficial bacteria -- just the opposite of what
is required for optimal health. The chief reasons: a = Improper diet, and b = drug use -- especially antibiotics.

When we eat wrong kinds of food we set up an environment in the colon that makes it hard for the beneficial bacteria to survive. Such a diet is high in processed foods (such as white flour and sugar), high in meat and saturated fats, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Processed foods, such as white flour and sugar, have had nearly all the fiber removed. As a result they tend to be sticky and gooey. They stick to the inside of the colon and are difficult to move through unless there is enough fiber present from other sources. This provides a breeding ground for toxin-producing harmful bacteria.

The blood is only as clean as the bowel. The blood absorbs toxins from the bowel and carries them to the liver to be detoxified. When the liver is overloaded because of toxic colon, not only is the liver damaged but the toxins are released into the general circulation where they can effect every cell in the body. These can produce many symptoms that we might not associate with poor colon health -- headaches, chronic fatigue, joint pains, and skin problems to name a few. Also, when the bowel is dirty, it becomes a breeding ground for a variety of very harmful parasites -- from single-
celled amoebas to 20-foot-long tapeworms.

CONSTIPATION is caused primarily by insufficient dietary fiber. Contributing factors are lack of exercise and not drinking enough water. Laxatives are not a good solution. They work by irritating the colon and are habit-forming. A much better solution is to correct the cause of the constipation by following the keys to colon health we've mentioned above.

HEMORRHOIDS, also known as PILES, are dilated veins in the anus and rectum. They are caused by insufficient dietary fiber and straining at the stool (a habit that also results from in-
sufficient dietary fiber and is often difficult to break.)

APPENDICITIS refers to inflammation and infection of the appendix. This disease is a perfect example of the fact that drastic measures, like surgery, are sometimes necessary if preventive measures are not employed before symptoms occur. It is caused by low fiber intake and a lack of good bacteria. It usually occurs in childhood, which is why children should be given supplements providing good bacteria -- especially after having been on an antibiotic.

COLITIS, also known as irritable bowel or spastic colon, is when the inner lining of the colon becomes inflamed. It is the most frequently seen gastrointestinal disease and is highly related to stress. Ulcerative colitis is a more severe form of the disease win which ulcers, or open sores, appear in the mucosa of inner lining of the colon. Even though it is caused largely by stress, a healthy bowel including all of the factors mentioned above can help protect us from colitis.

DIVERTICULOSIS: An outward ballooning (diverticula) in the bowel wall caused by increased internal pressure and weakening of the bowel wall -- both of which are caused by chronic constipation which in turn is caused by lifetime of insufficient dietary fiber and poor bowel hygiene.

If a diverticula becomes inflamed it is called DIVERTICULOSIS.

PROLAPSED COLON (Synonyms: PTOSIS OF THE COLON, FALLEN COLON) a common condition that occurs when the colon "falls" from it normal position to a lower position. It is caused by a general deterioration of colon health as a result of poor colon hygiene. The real problem occurs when the abdominal organs, including he colon, exert pressure on the prostate in men and the uterus and ovaries in women.

Women may develop a "tilted" uterus. Exercises on a slant board (where the feet are above the head) are very helpful for this problem. Refer to the book by Dr., Jensen, in recommended reading -- seen below) for more details on these exercises.

DILATED BLOOD VESSELS such as varicose veins and spider veins are often caused -- like hemorrhoids -- by increased internal pressure resulting from straining at the stool because of insufficient dietary fiber.

Why do varicose and spider veins usually appear in the legs?
The veins in the legs have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure -- pressure that can overcome the strength of these one-way valves. The force of gravity, the pressure from body weight, and the task of carrying the blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make the legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins.

How can I prevent varicose and spider veins?

There are several easy things you can do to help prevent varicose and spider veins and to relieve discomfort from the ones you have:

Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen to limit spider veins on the face.

Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.

Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs.

Do not cross your legs when sitting. However, try to elevate your legs when resting.

Do not stand for long periods of time. If you have to stand for long periods of time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you have to sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk approximately every 30 minutes.

Wear elastic support stockings, but avoid clothing that is too tight or that will constrict your waist, groin, or legs.

Make sure to include high-fiber foods in your diet since constipation can contribute to varicose veins. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Control your salt-intake. Salt, or sodium, can cause you to retain water or swell.

Sclerotherapy - Of all available treatments, this one is most commonly used for both spider veins and varicose veins. It involves injecting a solution into the vein that causes the lining of the vein walls to swell, stick together, and eventually seal shut.

No one knows the exact cause of spider and varicose veins, but there are several factors that cause a person to be more likely to develop them. Heredity, or being born with weak vein valves, is the greatest factor. Hormones also play a role. The hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as taking estrogen, progesterone, and birth control pills can cause a woman to develop varicose veins or spider veins.

During pregnancy, besides the increases in hormone levels, there also is a great increase in the volume of blood in the body that can cause veins to enlarge. The enlarged uterus also puts more pressure on the veins. (Within 3 months after delivery, varicose veins usually improve. However, more abnormal veins are likely to develop and remain after additional pregnancies.)

SKIN PROBLEMS are often the result of poor colon hygiene. Some toxins are eliminated through the sweat pores in the skin. When excess toxins are being absorbed by the colon, the other elimination systems are overloaded and unsightly blemishes of the skin can be the result.

HEART DISEASE AND CANCER, though not colon problems, are related to the low fiber diet.

A recent medical study concluded that "If we could increase the per capita consumption of fiber by 13 grams, the risk of colorectal cancer in the U S would decrease by 31 %. "That translates to two lives saved every hour! Other forms of cancer, including breast cancer, have been shown to be related to a low intake of dietary fiber.

Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, of the Battle Creek Sanitarium maintains that 90 % of diseases of civilization are due to improper functioning of the colon.

Dr. Bernard Jensen, author of TISSUE CLEANING THROUGH BOWEL MANAGEMENT says,
(on page 3 of recommended reading).

"In the OVER 60 years I've spent helping people to overcome illness, disability and disease, it has become crystal clear that poor bowel management lies at the root of most people's health problems.

"To try to take care of any symptom in the body without a good elimination system is futile."

Many experts believe that with all the overcooked and over-processed foods and meals that we eat in the industrialized nations, it is impossible for us t get enough fiber for optimal colon functioning without daily fiber supplementation.

Consider this medical fact: The three most common causes of death in the United States are heart
disease, cancer, and adult-onset diabetes (in that order). Medical research has confirmed that insufficient dietary fiber is a major cause of all three diseases !

1 = FIBER -- Daily dietary supplementation with a fiber supplement such as
PSYLLIUM SEED HULLS, PSYLLIUM COMBINATION of LOCLO.

2 = PURE WATER - It is always important to drink plenty of pure clean water.

3 = PROPER DIET -A low fat / high fiber diet with plenty of frits, vegetables, and whole grains
and with little saturated fat.

4 = EXERCISE - Moderate regular exercise such as walking or bicycling is best.

5 = REDUCE STRESS - If possible reduce the stressors in your life, consider learning relaxation
techniques, and / or take a nutritional stress supplement.

6 = FRIENDLY BACTERIA - Avoid antibiotics and other drugs if possible. Supplement your diet
with friendly bacteria FLORA SOURCE.

TISSUE CLEANSING THROUGH BOWEL MANAGEMENT by Dr. Bernard Jensen, D. C. copyright 1981, Bernard Jensen Enterprises, Escondido, California. (This book is available in many health stores ... or try Amazon.com).
(Read chapters 1 thru 6).

Now that you've come this far, you deserve to get much more
HEALTH IMPROVING INFORMATION. Go then to the:

MBA HEATH IMPROVING CENTER

MBA COMPANY
2518 Wexford Bayne Road, Sewickley, PA. 15143
Phone = 724-935-1847 FAX = 724-935-0035
Email = amicos@aol.com