to our information website, dedicated to discussing diarrhoea and other digestive health issues.
On this site you will find useful information on related health topics.
About diarrhoea, bad breath, bloating, Candida albicans, diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The colon...
Before looking at these health conditions in any detail, it is worth first considering the role of the colon. It is about 5 feet long and
connects the small intestine with the rectum and anus. The major function of the colon is to absorb water, nutrients and salts from
the partially-digested food that enters from the small intestine.
Two pints of liquid matter enter the colon from the small intestine each day. Stool volume is a third of a pint. The difference in
volume represents what the colon absorbs each day.
The colon is thought to respond strongly to external stimuli, such as different food types, stress and medication. For example, the
lining of the colon (the epithelium) is affected by the immune and nervous systems.
Inflamed colon...
In individuals affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the epithelium appears to work properly. However, fast progression of the
colon's contents can overcome the absorption capacity of the colon. The result can be too much fluid in the stool, and therefore
diarrhoea.
In other individuals, colonic movement can be too slow, in which case too much fluid is absorbed and constipation develops. The
motility of the colon can be spasmodic or can even stop temporarily. Spasms are sudden strong muscle contractions that come and
go.
IBS
Researchers are continuously studying gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity to find possible
treatments for IBS and related symptoms (such as chronic diarrhoea and constipation, bad breath,
bloating and Candida albicans). These studies include the structure and contraction of
gastrointestinal muscles, as well as the mechanics of fluid movement through the intestines.
Research suggests that people with IBS may have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than
usual to a variety of things, including stress and certain foods (e.g. wheat, rye, barley, chocolate,
sugar, milk products and alcohol). Some evidence indicates that the immune system, which fights
infection, also has a role.
Understanding the influence of the nerves, hormones, and inflammation in IBS and other digestive
health problems may lead to new treatments to better control the symptoms.
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Diarrhoea and other digestive health problems
