Published: 03/16/2016 - Updated: 04/13/2017
Author: MSc. Miriam Reyes
Intestine Disorders are very common. The large intestine which is also known as colon, is part of our digestive system. This is the section of our gut which is situation near the end of the digestive system and connects directly to the rectum, where stools are produced and stored until they are ready to be passed. There are several conditions that may affect its ability to function properly. Here we will mention some of these intestine disorders and the possible symptoms that may occur as a result.
Intestine Disorders
1. Colorectal Cancer
This disease of the large intestine occurs mostly in people over 50 years of age and occurs if you have had a diet rich in fat and have a family history of polyps or ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of this disease may be blood in the stool or stomach upset. A method for detecting this problem is a common test called a colonoscopy.
2. Colon polyps
A polyp is essentially extra tissue that grows inside the body. It may grow inside the colon or large intestine and many of them are dangerous. Anyone can get polyps , but some people are more liable to develop them than others, for example those who have previously developed polyps or those with a history of colon cancer.
Colon polyps cause little to no symptoms, but they sometimes present with blood in the stool or on toilet paper after a bowel movement. It can also show up as constipation or diarrhea that lasts for more than one week.
3. Ulcerative colitis
This is a disease that causes ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum, and normally forms sites of inflammation by killing the cells that normally protect the colon. It can happen at any age and certain common symptoms may occur such as bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain accompanied with anemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, skin sores, rectal bleeding and joint pains. When it occurs in children, one of its most common symptoms is growing problems.
-
MORE IN THE JOY OF WELLNESSFulfill Your New Years Resolutions and Gain Health
4. Diverticulitis / Diverticulosis
Diverticula is what can be described as bags bulking the large intestine or colon. The disease occurs mostly in people of 60 years or over and one of the most common causes is a lack of fibre in the diet. Most people suffering with diverticulosis have no symptoms, although mild cramping sometimes occurs, as well as bloating or constipation. In the event that the bags become infected or inflamed, it is known as diverticulitis, causing symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, constipation and colic. In severe cases bleeding, tears or blockages occur.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
This is the last intestine disorder we are going to explain. This is an irritable problem that affects the large intestine and causes abdominal cramping, changes in bowel habits and bloating. Some people with these problems have constipation or diarrhea. It is a common condition that occurs mostly in women and the exact causes are not known. However, certain tests can be carried out to ensure that you are not suffering from another, more serious condition. One of the most common tests is a colonoscopy. It is important to note that IBS can be controlled with a proper diet and healthy eating habits, as well as medicines and/or stress management.
-
MORE IN THE JOY OF WELLNESSThe Wonders Of Garlic: Healthy properties
Natural recommendations to relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
You must keep in mind that you should never self-medicate and should always seek the recommendations of a professional. Also remember that frequent use of a lot of medication has consequences in the long term.
If you have problems with your kidneys or liver, just go to the doctor and you can discuss potential strategies with natural remedies like the ones listed below. With these natural ingredients you will learn how to clean the colon, as well as debug and alleviate symptoms from this common disorder.
Natural remedies for intestine disorders
Mint and Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is useful for recovering from colds, but the combination with mint tastes great and also has very soothing digestive effects and helps in intestine disorders. In order to prepare a rich infusion with these ingredients, just add ½ a litre of water in a cup and add two heaped tablespoons of dried chamomile and peppermint to infuse. Leave to sit and cool down for 5 minutes and if you want to sweeten it, you can add a little honey to taste. This remedy should be drank before meals and in the morning at breakfast time.
Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are widely used in natural medicine as they have many soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Many naturopathic doctors use them. To prepare, you should boil 1 litre of water and then add 10 tablespoons of chopped dried guava leaves. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until it boils. This remedy should be taken three times a day for a week.
Hops, hawthorn and orange blossom
The combination of these three ingredients is ideal for rinsing out intestinal disturbances that are generated by the colon or large intestine. In addition, all can be easily found in any health food store. For the preparation, mix a tablespoon of hops, one of hawthorn and another orange blossom: Mix well until you have a uniform consistency. Add a couple of spoonfuls to a cup of boiling water and leave to infuse and cool down. Drink when it is lukewarm and try to take this remedy twice a day.
Mint juice with aloe vera
The mixture of these two elements will relieve inflammation of the large intestine or colon, as when it is ingested it activates its anti-inflammatory properties and regulates the passage of the stool to prevent constipation. It also eliminates harmful bacteria that leads to sickness. Mint will help relieve pain and discomfort and aloe vera will reduce inflammation.
To prepare, boil two cups of water in a pan. When it is boiling, add 40 grams of aloe vera gel then add peppermint leaves or even peppermint oil, but in the latter case this should be added later when the water is warm, not while boiling. Two glasses of this solution should be taken per day, the first while fasting and the other after dinner.
Of course, the ideal is not to have to seek any corrective medical treatment but to prevent these intestine disorders from occurring in the first place. It is therefore vital to eat well in order to care for your large intestine, as Hippocrates said “Let your medicine be your food, and food be your medicine”.
Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 04/13/2017
About the author